CASTING THE MINNOW. 413 



Next in order is the braided linen line ; the smallest size, 

 G, or No, 5, is the only size to be used, and that is rather 

 large. 



The last, though ^Yith some not the least, in point of 

 merit, is the relaid Japanese sea-grass (so-called) line, 

 which is made of raw silk, and in some respects is a better 

 line than any mentioned, being of smaller caliber, very 

 hard twisted, and absorbing less water when new. But 

 being a twisted line, it is apt to kink where much casting 

 is practiced ; were it not for this detestable quality it would 

 rank all other lines for bait fishing, as the smallest size, 

 No. 1, is just the right caliber. I am trying to induce the 

 manufacturers to braid a line of this same size, especially 

 for Black Bass angling, and shall probably succeed. 



Twisted silk, linen, or cotton lines should never be used 

 in this mode of angling, as their kinking propensities will 

 ruffle the temper of the mildest-mannered angler. 



Hooks. — The hook beyond comparison, for Black Bass 

 fishing, is the Sproat. It is a true, central-draught hook, 

 and tempered just right. It has a short barb, with cutting 

 edges, which will go right through any part of a fish's 

 mouth. The next best, in the order named, are the 

 O'Shaughnessy, Dublin Bend, Cork Shape, and round 

 bend Carlisle (Aberdeen). These hooks are all numbered 

 about alike, and the most suitable sizes are Nos. 1, 1-0, 

 2-0, and 3-0. Hooks should be tied on gut-snells, single 

 or double, good single gut being best. Where pickerel 

 abound, the gimp-snell may be used. 



Swivels. — A brass box swivel of the smallest size should 

 always be used, and often it will be heavy enough without 

 an additional sinker. 



Sinkers. — Ringed sinkers, or what is still better, the 



