'242 NOBBS'S ART OF TROLLING. 



hath usually more joints. The lines for these need not 

 be so long as the trolling-line ; they are thrown into 

 the water, and so gaged with a stick ; for a Pike will 

 not so soon take a bait off the ground, as if it swings 

 about a foot or more from the bottom. The way of 

 fishing with ledger bails is too destructive to be made a 

 common practice, and far below the diversions of a fair 

 fisherman. 



The best hooks are those that break and snap rather 

 than stand bent, or the least moved from their first 

 shape ; there is a variety in hooks, good and bad ; it 

 requires caution to choose the best. 



When you fasten the wire to the line, be sure to tie 

 it with a right knot ; if your tackle is new and sound, 

 you need not fear to venture among fog or weeds, or 

 any thing but roots and stumps of trees ; which may 

 hold play with a cart- rope. 



The safest and most secure way of fastening, is first 

 to tie one single knot, and then one that will slip, or 

 else only the slipping knot, allowing it an inch or two' 

 of line, then drawing it close, first try it with all your 

 strength before you put it into the water. It is a neat 

 ivay to fasten it with a swivel, tying it close with a bit 

 of thread ; this plays the bait better, giving it a turn 

 when you stir it, which makes it glisten and swim like 

 a lire fish. 



CHAP. IX, 



TAe Trolling Line. 



THE line is one of the most necessary members that 

 is required, for an ordinary and indiilerent hook may 

 be dispensed with, as also the rod ; but if your line is 

 not strong and of a considerable length, you can have 

 but little hopes of success. The best materials for a 

 line is green or blue silk ? which cerulean colour i's 



