SIZE OF LINES. 75 



It shows how much we owe to the elasticity of 

 the rod, aided by the temperate yielding to all 

 the fish's movements, which, if properly applied, 

 prevents a dead pull ; and it should satisfy us 

 that we may safely use much finer tackle than 

 is the custom, and methinks it justifies me in pro- 

 nouncing that which is said in " Salmonia" about 

 triple gat, to be questionable instruction ;* en 

 passant, let me give you a hint, that, in general, 

 it does not turn so much on what weight the 

 line will bear, as on what the hold which the 

 hook has in the fish's mouth, will retain. If the 

 hold in the mouth of the fish will not bear two 

 or three pounds, there is no use in having tackle 

 above calculated for fifteen or twenty pounds 

 weight. 



Herb. — No one will dispute that. 



Theoph. — Rather say, few have ever thought 

 about it ; but to return to gut-lines, — if it were 

 not for the purpose of casting, for a foot-line, 

 single gut would be always strong enough ; triple 

 or twisted, in very thick water, and very rocky 

 situations, may be excuseable, but not elsewhere. 

 For all ordinary occasions, therefore, use as much 



* Salmonia, p. 107, "But I see there is a large fish which has just 

 risen at the tail of the pool." " My fly and tackle are almost too fine for 

 so large a fish, and I will put on my first fly" (i. e. the dropper), " with a 

 very strong single gut link, and a stretcher of triple gut !" " a powerful 

 fish; he must be between ten and fifteen pounds !" (p. 109.) " I dare 

 say his weight is not less than fourteen pounds." 



