134 Fishcraft 



that a fisher with no previous experi- 

 ence could do so. The same applies 

 to the use of barbless hooks, advo- 

 cated to avoid injuring small fish of 

 size below the legal limit, to be re- 

 turned to the water. The best advice 

 to the beginner is to shun either ex- 

 treme, as to tackle, and take into con- 

 sideration the kind of fishing he in- 

 tends to do, then consult a thoroughly 

 skilled angler, whose suggestions will 

 be of the worth-while order. Inspect 

 the points of hooks to see that they 

 are sharp ; if dulled, file to a perfect 

 point, carrying a fine file for this pur- 

 pose. It is far safer to buy your fish- 

 ing tackle at a regular tackle store, 

 where there is not only variety, but 

 better quality than at hardware or 

 notion stores, and in addition to this, 

 knowledge of the wants of anglers, 

 and how to supply in order to retain 

 trade. Have your own tackle; do 

 not borrow, and never lend unless you 

 are willing to lose. Test your line be- 

 fore fishing ; better break it if imper- 

 fect, than have the first big fish break 

 it for you. For fly-casting, leaders 



