266 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



the fly-end, the fly-end being only about one-half the cali- 

 ber of the reel-end. Hall & Son's lines, which is the best 

 way, taper both ways from the middle. They are usually 

 stained of a greenish-olive hue, which harmonizes well 

 with the tints of the water, sky and foliage. From 

 twenty-five to thirty yards is the right length, and the 

 size should be either E or F, which corresponds with Nos. 

 3 and 4, some dealers designating the sizes by letters, 

 others by numerals. 



The silk and hair-line is still used to some extent, but 

 it is open to many objections. At best, it is a weak line, 

 and soon rots and becomes worthless by use, even with 

 good care. The ends of the hairs become frayed, and 

 separate after a time, and are a constant source of annoy- 

 ance, by sticking out at various places on the line, pre- 

 venting it from working smoothly and freely through the 

 rings of the rod. When used for Black Bass angling, the 

 size suitable for Trout fishing will answer, and the length 

 should be about thirty yards. 



Next best to the tapered enameled silk-line is the oiled 

 braided silk-line ; though this is not tapered, it is a good, 

 strong and useful line, and is used by many anglers in 

 preference to all others. It is tinted of a similar shade to 

 the enameled line, and altogether is a very satisfactory fly- 

 line, being heavy enough, and, withal, cheaper than the 

 tapered line. Letters E and F, or Nos. 3 and 4, are suit- 

 able sizes. 



Next in order is the braided linen-line, either water- 

 proof or plain. Where economy in price is the necessary 

 object, this is the best line to select, though the angler 

 should bear in mind that the best is the cheapest, for he 

 knows full well that to no other class of goods does this 



