88 PRACTICAL BAIT CASTING 



On the other hand, some fishermen object to the 

 artificial, claiming that it is unsportsmanlike, that ow- 

 ing to its weight it does not give the fish a fair fight- 

 ing chance, and that one might as well use a net as 

 the gangs of treble hooks that grace (or disgrace, de- 

 pending on your viewpoint), the average casting plug. 

 Also they say that the treble hooks frequently snag 

 fish and that this fact makes the plug inhumane. The 

 fact that some of our most expert casters take this 

 stand on casting plugs gives weight to these conten- 

 tions. 



Whatever the facts may be, it is interesting to note 

 that both sides of the controversy raise the question 

 of humaneness, which shows that their hearts are in 

 the right place, even if their reasoning powers are 

 not. Personally we believe that there is truth in 

 both sides of the question. 



We believe further that the questionable sports- 

 manship or ethics of the artificial will eventually be 

 adjusted. Some states, New Jersey and Michigan, 

 for example, have passed laws limiting the number of 

 hooks to a bait, or putting a limit on the bait's size, 

 and the tendency with each passing year is toward 

 smaller, lighter lures and fewer hooks. Besides there 

 is nothing to prevent the conscientious fisherman re- 

 placing treble hooks with single or double ones. 



That treble hooks are unmitigated nuisances is be- 

 yond doubt. They tangle themselves up when two or 

 more baits are carried together, and they have a habit 

 of catching on weeds, logs, and other snags while in 



