Il8 THE BRITISH ANGLER'S LEXICON 



landed over a fringe of weeds, or perhaps from a high, 

 overhanging bank. The gaff handle should be about three 

 feet long, as a greater length than this does away with the 

 command the angler has over it when gaffing a fish. For 

 boat work the handle may be shorter. All handles should 

 be stained of a darkish colour and well varnished, and 

 when not in use should either lie flat or be suspended by 

 one end from a nail ; resting them in a corner gives them 

 an awkward bend. Many of these handles have an 

 arrangement whereby they can be attached to the pannier, 

 leaving both hands free. 



Hat. This portion of an angler's outfit should be made 

 of some light material broad in the brim to protect the 

 eyes from the glare of the sun. It should be soft and well 

 ventilated, as the head is apt to get heated in angling, 

 especially in warm weather. A nice drab soft felt hat is 

 about the best style. It may have a flannel band round it 

 of the same colour, on which the spare casting lines and 

 flies may be wound. It is objectionable, however, to keep 

 casting lines, especially fine ones, exposed to the air and 

 sun, as it tends to make them brittle. A hard hat is an 

 abomination to the angler. 



Haunt is the particular spot or portion of a river 

 where a good fish, especially a trout, is known to frequent 

 and to be seen feeding. The denizens of a haunt are not 

 easily enticed, and a great deal of ingenuity and patience is 

 required very often on the part of the angler before he can 

 circumvent the wary fish. 



Hemp Lines. These are made both twisted and 

 plaited, and used principally for sea fishing, eel fishing, and 

 for pike reel lines. 



