HOW TO CATCH THE BLACK BASS 35 



along the bank of a stream, or wades in the water, a long 

 rod is not very convenient. The only advantage jointed 

 rods have is that they are portable; in other respects they 

 are not as convenient and certainly not as serviceable as the 

 unjointed rods. 



Of the multitudes of reels which one finds in the stores, 

 the simplest is the best. 



An ordinary multiplying reel with a friction brake is all 

 that the expert angler really requires. Various forms of 

 automatic reels are advantageous at times, especially in 

 calm water; but, in the long run, they are sure to get out 

 of order just at the critical moment. 



Best Frog for Bait 



(Natural Size) 



Elaborate and complicated reels and rods possess, how- 

 ever, the great advantage of giving much pleasure and oc- 

 cupation to the majority of fireside anglers and harbour 

 sailors, who have formed, during the long winter evenings, 

 the life-prolonging habit of building castles in the air. 



Regarding lines, I have found that, for continuous fishing, 

 the fine braided linen line is the best; and, although it is not 

 as durable as the braided silk line, it is cheap and may there- 

 fore be easily renewed. Oiled lines of any material, unless 

 they are very carefully made, and thoroughly examined 

 and dried out each time they are used, soon rot and become 

 unreliable. 



Of the various kinds of bait, artificial and natural flies, 

 and insects, and deadly-looking trolling-spoons, the best is 



