40 THE ART OF FISHING. 



CHAPTER IX. 



OF THE COMMON ANGLER HIS ROD AND LINE BEST METHOD OF 



KILLING "WORMS BEFORE YOU PUT THEM ON TOUR HOOK. 



THE common angler should provide himself with 

 a rod of the description given, page 18. The line 

 should be longer than the rod not quite half so 

 long again, as a general rule;* for if it be longer 

 it will be difficult to cast, and the hook will be 

 every now and then catching the ground or rushes 

 on the bank, while you are endeavouring to throw 

 it out. The line, as in snapping or trolling, 

 should not be all of silk, but some hair should be 

 mixed with it, or else, as in the above style of 

 fishing, it will be apt to stick to the rod in rainy 

 weather. Have about a yard or so of gut attached 

 to your hook, with about three or four, or more, 

 split shot on it, according to the size of your 



* It is a very good plan to angle with your trolling line, as 

 you can then let out, and draw in, as much of your line as you 

 please. Besides, with the help of the reel, if you carry a float 

 in your pocket, you can at any time change your style of fishing 

 from pike to perch. 



