152 THE TROLLING-KOD. 



have introduced the gorge, which we consider as 

 not very material : the lips certainly conceal the 

 bends of the hook rather better when sewn up 

 than when left open, which is all the advantage 

 gained.' The gorge-hooks should be of different 

 sizes, according to the baits you use, and the size 

 of the baits should be regulated according to the 

 size of the fish likely to frequent the waters you 

 angle in. 



A rod twelve feet long is considered sufficiently 

 lengthy for trolling with the gorge-hook. It should 

 be strong, yet light, and made of mottled cane, or 

 of ash for butt, hickory for middle pieces, and 

 bamboo for top. 1 he rings should not be made 

 of wire, but of strong brass or steel. They should 

 be wide, far apart on the rod, and their base should 

 be polished so as to let the line run most freely 

 through them. Trolling-rods are made to per- 

 fection by all the chief tackle-manufacturers in 

 London. The trolling-line should be of strong- 

 prepared platted silk, but the line itself should not 

 be too thick. Those of hair, or silk and hair, or 

 mere hemp, are bad, liable to kink, and there- 

 fore to run heavily out in casting. Hemp-lines, 

 though oiled or varnished, will imbibe moisture, 

 run out clumsily, and soon rot. A large London- 

 made check -winch is the best to troll with. 



To cast your gorge-bait, you must unroll off 

 your winch as much line as you want to reach the 



