LINES. 17 



combination reels sold by Slater, of Newark-on-Trent, are 

 somewhat similar in their working, and are admirable for 

 all kinds of fishing. There are other combination reels sold 

 which are far from satisfactory. For the small rod already 

 described, a reel Sin. in diameter will be found suitable. A 

 2iin., or even a 2in., reel will do to bold 50yds. or so 

 of fine line for roach-fishing ; but I prefer the larger size, 

 because it winds the line in much faster than the smaller 

 size, gives ample room for the line, and belps to balance 

 the rod. For the heavier rod I should use a 3^in. reel. It is 

 a good plan (especially when the line is fine) to put a little 

 wadding round the barrel of the reel before the line is wound 

 on. 



Running Lines.— ?The only lines for bottom fishing worthy 

 of mention are those made of silk, either plaited or twisted. The 

 twisted lines kink if any quantity of line is left loose; but 

 those anglers who acquire the art of Nottingham fishing 

 (see Chap. III.) never do leave any loose folds to kink, and prefer 

 these lines on account of their strength, which is greater than 

 that of a plaited line of the same size. Persons who cannot 

 or do not wish to fish after the Nottingham method had 

 better use plaited lines. For roach and gudgeon-fishing the 

 line should be of pure silk, plaited or twisted, and as fine 

 as it can be obtained; but more generally useful is the 

 Nottingham line used for chub-fishing. It is strong enough 

 for chub or perch, and is fine enough for roach-fishing. It is 

 also very cheap; I get 100yds. of this size line from Carter 

 and Peek, of Islington, for 2s. On the large reel a plaited 

 line, about double the thickness of the roach-line, and dressed 

 with an oil dressing, will be found useful for the larger 

 varieties of fish. If, however, a Nottingham line is preferred, 

 it should be just a trifle thicker than the one used for chub. 

 These lines being very fine, soon get worn out, and after a 

 long day's fishing it is always as well to break off 4yds. or 

 5yds. of line, which is no great loss. A really well-dressed 

 waterproof line is a most difficult thing to procure from a 

 tackle-shop, as the makers use too much driers in their 

 mixtures, and the lines dry quickly and hard. A well-dressed 



D 



