126 SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



Why do manufacturers persist in affixing the triple hook, 

 or triangle, to trolling spoons, when a single hook is so 

 much more efficient, preferable and humane ? All triangles, 

 double hooks and gangs are English abominations invented 

 or devised by the devil, or his children, the pot-fishers, for 

 pike fishing. There is nothing so effective as the single 

 hook for any kind of fishing. The fish is more certain of 

 being hooked, more certain of being landed, and if he breaks 

 away does not have his mouth so torn and lacerated as by 

 the villainous triple hook or gang. I have found dead Bass 

 with the entire premaxillary bone (upper lip and jaw) torn 

 off by these murderous implements. I never see or hear 

 of an angler using or recommending a gang of three or 

 more hooks for trolling the live minnow without setting him 

 down as a pot-fisher ; and all humane and genuine anglers 

 those who love fair play and use light and elegant tackle, 

 should deprecate and discourage the cruel practice. 



TROLLING SPOONS. 



One of the most effective improvements in spoon-baits is 

 the so-called " hammered " spoon. It is simply the old 

 oval spoon with the convex surface " hammered " or pressed 

 into polygonal depressions and ridges, presenting numerous 

 facets for the play and sparkle of the light and sunshine 

 when revolving. As made by Conroy, and Abbey & Imbrie, 

 and Spalding Brothers, they can not be surpassed ; and if 

 a single hook was attached instead of the triple hook or 

 triangle, we could use them with a clear conscience. The 

 Spaldings make their spoon with a lower section hammered 

 and plain above. I have used the smallest size, No. 1, hav- 

 ing the hammered section nickled and the plain section gilt, 



