6 MODERN PRACTICAL .ANGLER. 



tJic Pike, how great is the difference in the penetrating 

 powers of different bends. Between the two extremes 

 it amounts to no less than cent, per cent. ; and yet even 

 the best of these fall below the point of efficiency which 

 ought to be attainable. Another obvious fault is over- 

 fineness in the wire, from which it results that when the 

 point comes sharply in contact with a bone or other 

 hard portion of a fish-s mouth, or even on the sudden 

 jerk occasioned by striking softer material, it "springs'* 

 — that is, yields by a widening of the bend outwards — 

 and so fails to penetrate. On the form of the shank 

 of the hook, again, depends to a considerable extent in 

 fly-fishing, the proper and even swim of the lure ; and 

 whilst the point and barb are the first portions of the 

 hook to be brought into requisition in practice, it would 

 seem that they are the last on which any theoretical 

 consideration has been bestowed. 



The theory of hooks, as based simply on mechanical 

 principles, should probably run somewhat as follows : — 



1. What are the objects to be aimed at in a perfect 



hook ? 



a. Penetration. 

 h. Holding power. 



c. Strength. 



d. Lightness and neatness. 



2. How are these to be attained and combined ? 



Penetration. — Cateris paribus, the penetrating power of any hook 

 will be greater in proportion as the angle of impact — the angle, that 



