508 AMERICAN GAME FISHES. 



radius. Sometimes a couple, or even three, Bass are on 

 the hooks at one time, and then, look out for fun ! 



Here endeth mid-water fishing, so far as the actual hook- 

 tackle is concerned. A few remarks on other parts of the 

 outfit may be in order, and they need be only very few. 



First, as to the leaders, or "traces," as they are termed, 

 "over the water": In order to avoid "kinking," it is necessary 

 that to all trolling baits swivels should be used. I prefer at 

 least three one at each end and if a sinker is needed, one 

 just before it on the line. The traces are best of stout gut, 

 or fine gimp, or twisted gut. The latter make elegant and 

 very strong lines. 



I mentioned the sinker, just now. Of course, in the case 

 of fig. 44, no sinker is needed on the line to sink the bait, 

 but one is to be preferred with all the others. This sinker 

 should be heavy or light, according to the depth of the water, 

 or the rapidity of the stream if there is a current. If possible 

 it should be adjustable, and it should always lie under not 



fig- 54- 



on the line. Fig. 54 shows an adjustable sinker of the 

 shape I prefer. It is rendered adjustable by means of the 

 spiral terminations into which is forced a piece of soft India- 

 rubber cord. As can be seen, it is possible to alter the posi- 

 tion to far or near the bait, at will, and if this be used as 

 well as three swivels, there need never be any "kinking." 



The reel should be of either of the good makes. Do not 

 purchase a cheap imitation of a good make; and let the one 

 you get be large enough to hold at least 300 feet of line. 



