272 



MODERN SEA FISHING 



lines. While it is of just such tackles that I have to write in 

 this chapter, I would strongly urge every intending sea fisher, 

 whether yachtsman or not, to give the very short boat rod 

 and line described on pp. 28 and 231 a thorough trial. It will 

 carry a two- or three-pound lead, and a sinker of that weight 

 on a fine line is as effective as a much heavier sinker on a 

 coarse hand line. I have never worked the thing out with any 

 degree of accuracy, but I should say that a two-pound lead on 

 the fine Nottingham twisted line will hold the bottom in a tide- 

 way where four or even more pounds of lead would be required 

 on the ordinary hand line. Where this rod tackle can be em- 

 ployed the greatest objection to sea fishing is removed. If the 

 necessary weights at the end of the line will allow a rather 

 longer rod to be used from yacht or large fishing boat, so much 

 the better, for with the very short rod it is not always easy to keep 

 a lively fish from fouling the keel or sides of the vessel. With 

 hand lines one is at a still greater disadvantage. Eleven feet 

 is a convenient length for a rod if the weight does not exceed 

 about a pound or a pound and a quarter. With reference to 

 this point, it should be mentioned that, if the tackle is a pater- 

 noster in which the top hook is far above the lead, the rod 

 must be of corresponding length. Otherwise a fish on the 

 lowest hook could not be brought within reach of gaff or net. 

 A big rubber ball or button at end of rod to rest on the hip, 

 and the placing of the winch fittings some eight inches above 

 it, make the handling of long rods more pleasant when heavy 

 ends are used. 



In deep water, where at any time a large fish may be ex- 

 pected, it would be hardly wise to fish with the single gut 

 paternoster recommended for small-boat work, unless whiting 

 are the particular fish sought after, and then it is .a decided 

 advantage to use fine gut. Of course, the deeper the water, 

 the less light there is at the bottom ; and in the gloom of 



