GAFFS, ETC. 117 



and in addition to its many compartments for the 

 stowage of floats, hooks, spinning-baits, flights, &c., 

 has receptacles for reels and lines. There is- a 

 hasp for a secret padlock, and a handle to carry it 

 by on the lid or false back, which falls down and 

 supports the case when opened, as is shown in the 

 very accurate illustrations. A waterproof bag with 

 a sling is also made, in which to pack the case 

 when closed. Baskets and bags to hold the cap- 

 tured fish are very necessary addenda, and are also 

 useful to contain the angler's wading boots and 

 macintosh when journeying to a river or fishery. 

 Convenient carriers of any capacity can be ob- 

 tained at most tackle-shops. The next requisite 



(About one-third size.) 



I must mention are gaffs. Of these some are made 

 with the last inch or so of the point turning some- 

 what outwards, and not parallel with the shank ; 

 these are faulty in shape. When properly con- 

 structed and mechanically correct, they should be 

 as depicted in my sketch. The staff to which they 

 are screwed should be about four feet long, and if 

 of bamboo, it will carry a spare top-joint. There 

 are various gaff staves sold ; some of them have 

 folding hinges ; others are telescopic, but all are 

 more or less convenient, and on the whole more so 

 than landing-nets. 



