ARTIFICIAL BAITS 91 



perience get more strikes because of their smaller size, 

 than do the super-dread-naught type. Nine hooks is 

 all we would recommend, and we have learned that 

 one belly-gang will do the work of two side-gangs. 



With underwater baits with two belly-gangs, you 

 can usually remove the tail hooks without danger of los- 

 ing any fish. In short, regardless of the ethics of the case 

 the better the placement of the hooks, the fewer hooks 

 that are necessary, and the consequent fewer snags and 

 other inconveniences of multi-hooked plugs. 



In studying the placement of hook, the bait should 

 be held in the hand with the head pointing almost 

 straight up, which will put the hooks in about the po- 

 sition they will be when the bait is traveling in the 

 water. 



In weight, casting plugs run from a quarter of an 

 ounce to nearly a full ounce. The smaller plugs are 

 usually the most effective and, of course, when the 

 heavier ones are used, it requires a sturdy rod and a 

 heavy line. 



Casting plugs range in price from 10 cents to $1.00 

 or more, with an average of about 60 or 75 cents. To 

 the uninitiated, the only difference between the cheaper 

 plug and the higher grades, is the price, but a well 

 made plug is usually worth its cost. Cheap plugs are 

 made of inferior wood, painted instead of enameled, 

 the spinners are usually spinners in name only, the 

 hooks are poor and stuck on with no regard to killing 

 angle, and the whole contraption often goes to pieces 



