40 SALMON FLIES 



In addition to the foregoing considerations, 

 common sense will point to the desirability of 

 the existence of a reasonably large interval 

 between barb and bend, so as to insure a good 

 hold after the point has penetrated. 



As to shape, I do not think that there is 

 much to choose between the old round bend 

 and the Limerick. The latter is usually re- 

 garded as being somewhat stronger, though 

 I am unable to see on what grounds. Per- 

 sonally, I use Limericks, because they are 

 more suited to the shape of the conventional 

 salmon fly than is the round bend. 



The Sproat is by some still regarded as the 

 best form of hook in existence, but it seems 

 to me that the advantage claimed for it is 

 based on a totally erroneous premise viz., 

 that ease of penetration is the most important 

 feature in a hook. It is not an elegant shape. 



As for snecked hooks, you would be well 

 advised in giving them a w r ide berth. 



A word now as to thickness of iron and 

 general proportion. 



It may be said, as a general rule, that the 

 heavier the iron, within reason, the better, 

 because, in the first place, it implies strength ; 



