LINES AND HOOKS. 1 } 



Angler will find a line of about four yards in length the 

 most useful, either to fish with or without a winch j as 

 he must note that the line is unmanageable if longer 

 than the rod. In shotting the line to sink the float, 

 place them close together, within three inches of the 

 bottom loop of the line ; to which loop fix the loop of 

 the hair or gut that the hook is tied to, and always put 

 one or two shot on them above the middle, which will 

 keep your bait down, and cause the whole to swim 

 steady. However, when you make a line, either of 

 silk, gut, or hair, it always must be finest at bottom 

 where the hook is fastened, and very gradually increas- 

 ing in bulk or thickness to the top.— Note, when you 

 place shot on the line, do it with a pair of pliers, which 

 is the best and easiest method ; some fasten them with 

 their teeth, but it is a bad practice, for they often bite 

 the hair or gut through, which causes much delay and 

 vexation, particularly if it happens while you are fish- 

 ing. 



Many good fish are lost after they have been fairly 

 hooked, by the hook breaking or straightening ; there- 

 fore make it a rule to try the strength of your hooks 

 before you tie them on or use them, in the following 

 manner : — hold the hook by the shank, and place the 

 other end over a nail or staple that may be driven in a 

 bonrd, wall, or any other place, then pull strong with 

 jirkjng : if the hook breaks there is an end of the trial ; 

 if it bends a little and again recovers its shape, it may 

 be used ; but if it bends or nearly draws straight, it 

 should be rejected, for you are as likely to lose a fish 



