8o MODERN SEA FISHING 



running line to casts for fly fishing, and to traces or to snoods 

 for whiffing &c., is the figure of eight, which is sufficiently 

 explained in the illustration. Its advantage lies in the end of 

 the reel line lying snugly alongside the cast and pointing 

 downwards, so that it cannot catch in floating weeds nor 

 cause any stir in the water when drawn through it. It is 

 practically the same kind as that used on the eyed hook. 

 It is absolutely safe. In A it is loose, in B pulled nearly 

 tight. 



Twisting gut or hemp yarn is a simple matter. The little 

 secret for there is one is to take two ends (the other ends 

 being fixed on a nail or otherwise), twist each separately in one 

 direction, then lay the ends together and twist both together 

 in the opposite direction. This process is very simple. Little 

 twisting machines are sold for anglers' use, but everything that 

 is necessary can be done with the fingers. To make a double 

 twisted gut snood, take two gut casts of the requisite length, 

 and after soaking twist together in the manner directed. The 

 second twist, when the two are laid together, will work of itself 

 if a weight of a pound or more is attached to one end of the 

 casts and allowed to revolve. This gives a more regular twist 

 than if the second twist is done with the fingers. Gut is easily 

 plaited. In that case begin with three strands, and when about 

 an inch and a half from the end, plait in the ends of three other 

 strands, repeating this operation until the snood is sufficiently 

 long. 



Reel lines frequently require joining together, and there is 

 no possible knot with which this can be done, as any projection 

 of that kind on the line may catch in the rings during the run 

 of a big fish and bring about a smash. Splicing, as sailors 

 use the word, while not quite out of question, would be a very 

 long, tedious process with a fine line such as is used on reels. 

 But with a little care the two ends can be satisfactorily joined 



