496 



MODERN SEA FISHING 



One of the most important parts of the tarpon equipment 

 is the snell (anglice snood), or trace, to which the hook is 



attached. Piano wire 

 and circular lamp- 

 wick bound with wire 

 are seen here and 

 there. There are 

 several other kinds 

 of snells in use, but, 

 though it is unwise 

 to prophesy, I ima- 

 gine that all of them 

 will give way to those 

 made of thin raw 

 hide. The strength 

 of this material is 

 undeniable ; and it 

 has this advantage, 

 that the shark, whose 

 teeth are extremely 

 sharp, can cut through 

 it easily. 



Sharks are one of 

 the nuisances of tar- 

 pon fishing. They 

 are for ever stealing 

 one's bait and giving 

 false runs. Having 

 hooked a shark, one 

 RAW HIDE TRACE AND HOOK has either to play 



him and kill him, 



or cut him loose. Playing him may mean vast loss of time 

 and temper. He may tow one a mile from one's position. 



