DISGORGEB AND BAIT-BOX. 



Failing these, a finely- woven basket may be tried; but the 

 courge is specially shaped for towing after the boat. 



Charts showing the depths of the sea, position of rocks, 

 set of tides, &c., are very useful additions to the sea angler's 

 outfit. 



A reel of silk, a reel of thread, and a piece of cobblers* wax 

 in a square patch of leather, should be owned by everyone 

 calling himself an angler. The varnish for bindings is composed 

 of six parts shellac, eight parts spirits of wine, and two parts 

 gum Benjamin. 



The disgorger, for getting hooks out of fish, is very useful. I 

 once had one made with a corkscrew- 

 handle (Fig. 36), which was very effec- 

 tive with big fish. The handle was 

 leaded, and served to knock them on 

 the head. The little things sold in the 

 shops only answer for small fry. A 

 needle or watch maker's file is useful to 

 sharpen up hooks and the gaff. 



The bait -box for rag and other worms 

 may be simply a large gentle-box ; but 

 for boat work, where something larger 

 can be carried, it should be of wood, 

 half covered, so that the worms have 

 a dark corner to lie in. It should be 

 made watertight by means of pitch, and 

 be kept very clean. A piece of board 

 about 2ft. by 1ft. is handy to cut fish- 

 baits on. 



The plummet illustrated in section 

 in Fig. 37 is used for taking the depth and one other pur- 

 pose. On its lower surface a hole (b) is scooped, in 

 which tallow may be placed. The nature of the bottom is 

 then easily discovered. The hook is put through the ring, 

 and into a piece of cork (a) let into the lead. Such a 

 plummet should weigh about half a pound. For use with 

 light float tackle, smaller plummets are necessary. They 

 are sold in all the tackle shops of the shape shown in 



D 



Fig. 36. Disgorger. 



