1 12 SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



with the stretcher and dropper flies attached to the end 

 loops of the lower three-feet length, it will readily be seen 

 how easy it would be to change the cast by simply 

 " unlooping " the leader in the middle, and looping on 

 another three-feet length — with flies already attached — 

 as before. It will also be seen how easily a leader can 

 be repaired in the same manner, by discarding the broken 

 or frayed portion and replacing it with another three-feet 

 length. 



In testing the strength of leaders for Black Bass fishino;, 

 the angler should be very careful not to apply a force or 

 weight of more than two or three pounds, which is really 

 more than it will require in actual fishing, and is all the 

 strain a leader can be put to without injury. Silk-worm 

 gut is always Aveakened when tested to the breaking point, 

 or one of six or more pounds ; thus, a leader that breaks at 

 eight pounds at the first trial, will not be likely to sustain 

 more than six pounds at the next, and still less at the third 

 trial. But if a low test is applied, as suggested, a good 

 leader will last until worn out, in actual fishing. There is 

 really no necessity for testing a first-class leader, for Black 

 Bass or trout fishing, when bought from a reputable maker. 



Snells, or Snoods. 

 Most Black Bass flies are now made with a short loop, 

 or eye, of double gut, instead of being tied on snells of 

 several inches in length. This is much the best way. 

 They can be as easily looped on for stretchers, and by 

 using separate snells looped at each end, they can be as 

 readily attached for droppers. These separate snells should 

 not be more than three or four inches long ; and when the 



