54 SALMON AND TROUT. 



The line that seems to command the greatest number of 

 suffrages is that referred to as the * double taper,' which for a 

 salmon rod should have a medium length of from 30 to 40 

 yards, consisting of 7 or 8 yards of taper at each end, and the 

 rest (the centre part) level. 



This line is equally good for a trouting rod, the proportions 

 being of course adjusted. The quantity of line, clear of the 

 rod-point, that can be continuously used with the maximum of 

 effect in lake trout fishing with a ten-foot rod is, I find, about 

 1 8 or 20 feet or nearly twice the length of the rod -plus the 

 casting line : i.e. 9 or 10 yards altogether. Deducting 3 yards 

 for the casting line, this would leave 6 or 7 yards as the point 

 in the reel-line at which the thickest point of the taper should 

 be reached ; but I think I should say that, as a fact (pace the 

 vendors of reel-lines), the most recent * fashion ' for the length 

 of the taper at each end in a 3o-yard trouting line is from 5 to 6 

 yards. For a double-handed trout-rod, something between the 

 proportions of a salmon line and those last-named are applicable. 

 If a level (untapered) line be used, the interjection of 2 or 3 

 feet of twisted gut point an advantage in almost all cases 

 will be found highly desirable, breaking as it does the otherwise 

 abrupt transition from reel-line to gut. 



Dry-fly fishers, who generally use stiffer rods than common, 

 have canons of their own on these questions, and the latest 

 science of reel-lines for the floating fly will be found in Mr, 

 F. M. Halford's able article. 



Let me, in quitting the subject, emphasize a parting 

 caution : The thickness (and swell) of the line must absolutely 

 be proportioned to the capacities of the rod if the most artistic 

 results are to be obtained. A heavy line demands a stiff 

 rod (and top), and, conversely, a light whippy rod with a 

 fine top a line of corresponding lightness. A transposition of 

 these conditions either way will produce failure. 



One other hint if a reel-line is not absolutely smooth, 

 reject it unhesitatingly, no matter what its other qualifications 

 may be. I know of lines admirably strong, capitally tapered, 



