REELS AND LINES 297 



up for any length of time, as is the case when a 

 fish takes to sulking, etc. 



A good salmon-reel, and none but the best 

 should ever be purchased, is nearly as expensive 

 as a salmon-rod. The ordinary check pattern 

 is the best ; it should always be made of metal, 

 and as light as is compatible with due strength ; 

 they are frequently far too heavy. Such a reel 

 will probably cost from 2 to 2 ics. A long 

 price doubtless, but, if it is as good as it should 

 be, it will be well worth the money. 



As for trout-fishing, so also for salmon : I 

 maintain that the line should be sufficiently 

 heavy to give due play to the rod. In heavy 

 wind, such a line will be found of the greatest 

 service. Needless to say, it should be thoroughly 

 waterproof, and as pliant as a kid glove. The 

 American abominations usually sold are detest- 

 able to use until they are nearly worn out. They 

 may be cheap, but they are nasty kinking things 

 covered with varnish, and drive one mad. To 

 an inexperienced eye they look very beautiful ; 

 I would advise the reader to shun them as he 

 would a plague. No salmon-line should be less 

 than 100 yards in length. A line of this length, 

 if a good one, cannot be procured for less than a 

 guinea. The longer a really good line is kept 

 before being used the better. When the dress- 

 ing of a line becomes worn, the application of a 



