THE GORGE HOOK. 177 



CHAP. II. 



The Gorge Hook, and how to bait it. 



The gorge hook consists of two, or what is called a 

 double Eel hook: to the shank of the hook is fastened 

 about two or three inches of brass wire twisted, the 

 end of which forms a loop ; to this loop about nine 

 inches of gimp is tied, the other end of the gimp be- 

 ing turned and tied into a loop, to be ready to loop on 

 the traces or trolling line, either to a swivel or by a 

 slip or loop knot ; but those Anglers who will take the 

 trouble to add a box- swivel to the gorge hook in the 

 following manner, will find it assist much in spinning 

 the bait, and enticing the Jacks to take it : First, take 

 a piece of gimp, about three inches long, and fasten it 

 to the wire of the hook ; and to the other end, fix a 

 box swivel ; then take another piece of gimp, about 

 six inches in length, and fasten one end of it to the 

 aforesaid swivel ; and make a loop at the other to fix 

 on the traces or trolling line. 



To make this hook sink, or of a sufficient weight 

 to be cast to any distance, the shank of the hook and 

 part of the brass wire is neatly covered with lead, some 

 of a long octagon shape, others of a round or barrel 

 form, (I prefer the latter,) and I also generally re- 

 move about a third of the lead from the brass of those 

 1 hooks which I find kept ready for sale at the fishing- 

 tackle shops ; because I have found, when the lead 

 lays nearly the whole length of the bait-fish, and 



