| Fig. 3 | A | The Method of Thumbingthe Line is Shown in Figure1, and the Correct form inRetrieving the Line, inFigure 2. The OverheadCast is Illustratedin Figures 3and 4, and theUnderhand orSide Cast inFigures 5 and 6 | ||
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| C | ||||
| D | ||||
| Fig. 4 | Fig. 1 | |||
| E | Fig. 2 | Fig. 5 | ||
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| Typical Baits: A, Under-Water Minnow; B, Wabbler Spoon; C, Bass; D, Fluted Wabbler; E, Weedless; F, Diving; G, Combination Color, Taste, and Smell; H, Spoon and Minnow Bass; I, Surface | G | Fig. 6 | ||
| H | ||||
| I | ||||
The underhand or side cast is somewhat easier to master, and is made much in the same way as the overhead cast, only the rod is swung horizontally to the rear, the tip on a level with the angler’s chest, as shown in [Fig. 5]. Bring the rod forward smartly in the direction it is desired to shoot the bait, check the rod when about horizontal, partly releasing the pressure of the thumb, just enough to allow the spool to revolve freely, and check the line as the bait hits the water. [Figure 5] shows the beginning of the side cast and [Fig. 6] the cast completed. This cast is useful when fishing from a shore overhung with trees, and with practice the bait may be projected a long distance.
The chief factor of skill in bait casting from the reel lies in controlling the line, and the thumb must be trained to do this through practice. Some casters turn the reel sideways with the handle downward while making the cast, but the majority keep the reel level and cast with it in the same position as when reeling in. Thumbing the line is easiest done when the spool is well filled, and if the casting line is not long enough to do this, sufficient common line should be first wound on to fill it.
The successful bait caster is one who possesses an intimate knowledge of the fish he casts for, and while a lengthy exposition is not to form a part of this article, reference to the fish commonly sought by the caster will not be amiss. The fish generally of interest to the bait caster are small and large-mouth black bass, pike, muskellunge, and pickerel. The small-mouth black bass is classed as the finest game fish, ounce for ounce, by many casters. The muskellunge, often confused with the Great Lakes or English pike, is more limited in range than the pike, being found in the Great Lakes region and the waters of the St. Lawrence River.
Since the habits and general characteristics of the large-mouth bass are much the same as its near relative, the small-mouth, the following hints apply to both. When wading, it is well to cast downstream. Cast in the shallows, near the weeds and snags, and close to stumps. As little noise should be made as possible.
For early-spring casting, bass are likely to be found in the shallows and sheltered places during the day, because the water is cool at this season. The pickerel will also be found in the warmer and shallower waters. The most successful baits at this time are the diving minnows, and other under-water lures. As the warmer days of late spring and early summer appear, the bass swim out into deeper and cooler water, while the pickerel remain close to the lily pads. The wooden minnows are excellent baits to use at this season. When the weeds are very thick, one of the several kinds of weedless baits may be used.
The early-morning and late-afternoon hours are the best for midsummer casting, and the shallow places are the good spots to work over. If there are any brooks or streams emptying into the lake or pond, do not neglect to work this stretch well at the mouth. When the sun is low, the white or light-colored surface baits may be substituted for the medium-dark colored diving varieties, and for casting after dark, a luminous or moonlight bait will often give good results. During the fall months fishing conditions are similar to casting in the spring, but the deep water is then the warmest, and the under-water or diving baits are usually the best.
To catch bass, the angler must cast his bait where the fish are feeding, and he will find it an advantage to match natural conditions, so far as possible, in selecting his baits. For casting on bright days in clear waters, the red, white and red, white, or green minnows are good lures, as are also the silverplated spoon baits. Cast well ahead of the boat, and reel in very slowly to keep the plug spinning well below the surface. On cloudy days and in muddy waters, after a heavy rain, for example, use red and yellow baits and goldplated or burnished-copper spoons. The best all-around bait—equally good for bass and pickerel—is one of the green-backed minnows, but no one bait can be expected to meet all conditions, hence the caster should have a fair assortment of baits.
A stiff casting rod with plenty of backbone is essential for muskellunge. The angler is out after big game and must be prepared for the sport. A hard, braided silk line, size E, and 3-0 or 4-0 hooks, snelled and swiveled, are the best. Any of the wooden baits suitable for pickerel—the minnows especially—are good for muskellunge. A man to handle the oars is a handy companion, and after casting the bait just outside the weed bed, make for deep water as soon as a fish is hooked. The fish will be seen and felt quickly enough, and when it breaks water and leaps in the air, give it a little slack line quickly, otherwise the strain will snap the leader. A twisted, bronzed trace is the best to use between line and bait, and this need not be longer than a foot—6 in. is enough. When the fish is brought alongside, shoot him through the head with a revolver which is probably the most satisfactory manner of making an easy landing.