' 145 



guards, so as to wrench them at the hinges, and allow- 

 ing of escape with the hook, would astonish those who 

 are not conversant on the subject. 



The strength of the line, though not to be overlooked, 

 is nevertheless quite a secondary consideration, when 

 speaking of trimmers. The first attention is due to the 

 hook, which ought to be very well tempered, and strong ; 

 as has been already shewn when treating of hooks j for^ 

 if it be at all faulty, it is totally unfit for this purpose. 



Experience has fully convinced me, that wire-guards 

 are very exceptionable ; and that the expence of gimp, as 

 a substitute, is soon repaid by the superior success atten- 

 dant on its use. I have for some years used nothing else j 

 and I have also found that two eel-hooks with eyes, are 

 better than either a single hook or a double fixed trim- 

 mer. My manner of preparing this kind of tackle is this : 



Place die two hooks positing different ways, so thaf 

 their two eyes should cover, or stand over, each other j 

 pass your gimp through them, and bring it back so as to 

 form a lap of about one inch. 



Whip the gimp well down with three threads of good 

 silk, well waxed and slightly twisted together, in such 

 manner that the hooks may have very little play on the 

 gimp; as you "whip on towards the upper end of the 

 gimp, carry the small end, or lap, round the longest part j 

 so that the greatest exertion could never draw the lap 

 out 3 as might perhaps be done, if the lap were merely 

 parallel to the line. 



When you come to its tip, make all fast, and finish 

 with the concealed knot ; that every part may be neat 

 and substantial. 



This being done, at the other end of your gimp, which 

 ought in the whole to be about a foot in length, make a 



H loop 



