45o 



AMERICAN GAME FISHES. 



Another loop is seen in fig. 2, and it also is a very secure 

 one. It is easily made. The loop being formed, it is passed 

 in a figure-8 form and drawn tight. Of course, it need 

 scarcely be added that gut or hair should be well soaked 



before tying. Fig. 3 shows the famous bowline knot, and it 

 needs no special recommendation from me. It is secure, 

 and easily loosened; but on this latter account it is not, I 

 think, to be unqualifiedly recommended for gut leaders. 



The three loops above are all-sufficient for snells or lead- 

 ers. Before leaving this part of the subject, however, I 

 must draw attention to the best method of joining the reel- 



Fig. 4. 

 line to a gut or gimp snell or leader. Fig. 4 indicates it. 

 The tighter this is drawn the more secure it is, and yet it 

 can be instantly undone by pulling on the free end a con- 

 sideration sometimes of great value, when time is of impor- 

 tance. 



Junction knots serving to connect the parts of tackle for 

 example, leaders need to be especially secure, and as far as 

 possible, free from sharp and sudden angles and bearings. 

 Usually with the ordinarily tied leader the breaking strain 

 causes it to part at the knot. This need not be so, if figs. 



