THE FISHERMAN'S TOOLS 



In the case of shrimps, this takes the form of the push- 

 net, with the sight of which we are all familiar a simple 

 net-bag, kept open by a wooden framework to which a 

 long pole is fastened. 



The ordinary vertebrate fish, whether of the sea or the 

 river, may also be caught from the land ; but, as every- 

 body knows, he is too timid or too wary to allow himself 

 to be beguiled by other than artificial means more or less 

 elaborate. From the banks of rivers and lakes, or from 

 jetties and pier-heads, opportunities for large catches are 

 rare; wherefore it is better to try patiently to secure the fish 

 singly. This is done by means of a hook, usually barbed, 

 fastened to a line long enough to reach that part of the 

 water surface, middle, or bottom where the fish angled 

 for is likely to be found. In fishing at any appreciable 

 distance from the bank, the line is suspended over the 

 water from the tip of a long rod which scarcely calls 

 for minute description. To entice the fish, some bait, 

 natural or artificial, living or dead, which will appeal 

 to his curiosity or greed, is fixed to the hook, generally 

 in such a manner as partially to conceal it. This bait 

 varies according to the fish sought and the depth at 

 which he swims : broadly speaking, for angling at or near 

 the surface, imitation flies are used; for mid- water 

 angling, real or sham fish ; for fishing near the bottom, 

 dough, worms, or gentles (the larvae obtained from fly- 

 blown meat). 



To these methods "land" fishing may be said to be 

 mainly confined ; and we pass on to the consideration of 

 the more important branch, which presses into its service 



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