TACKLE AND FISHING GEAR. 79 



possessing a decided advantage in the case of heavier weights. 

 Turning, therefore, to the subject of nets adapted for the 

 purpose indicated, we find that the stimulus given to angling 

 inventions by the Fisheries Exhibition has not left us without 

 some distinct advance in this direction also. 



The portability of nets, as well as of gaffs, is of primary 

 importance to the trout fisher, who constantly does his work 

 without an attendant. This is one sort of portability. Another 

 is the portability of the net, not as considered with reference 

 to the fly fisher's shoulder or pocket, but in regard to his rod 

 case or portmanteau. A net that does not 'compress' or fold 

 up in some form or other is a most unmanageable and incon- 

 venient addition to a traveller's impedimenta, and numerous 

 inventions have accordingly been made to supply this demand. 

 Hoop- shaped nets, both of steel and whalebone, which stretch 

 out at full length and thus form, when not in use, an appendage 

 which can be readily strapped on to, or carried in the rod case, 

 are amongst the ingenious dodges which the inventive talent of 

 tackle-makers or their patrons have called into existence. A 

 less modern invention consisted of a steel hoop in three joints, 

 which, when out of work, could be folded up with the net 

 around it into a shape and compass not much unlike that of 

 the fish itself. This net, however, has the disadvantage of 

 being heavy, and unsuited to the second great requirement in 

 the matter of portability namely, that the fly fisher or worm 

 fisher should be able to carry his own net, and that in a form 

 and in a position where it would be most out of the way when 

 not required, and most ready at hand when wanted. 



This position is undoubtedly under the left arm or shoulder 

 of the fisherman. Here it would or should hang clear of all 

 embarrassments caused by the creel or fish carrier, and ready, 

 of course, to be taken hold of by the right hand of the fisher- 

 man, when, at the proper moment, his rod is transferred to the 

 left. 



Without occupying space by discussing the merits and 

 demerits of various nets, handles, and net carriers which do not 



