FISHING-LINES. 265 



On the score of economy, twisted flax and cotton lines 

 are sometimes used for rod-lines; but they are beneath the 

 notice of the Black Bass angler, as the sizes are too large 

 to be used for this purpose. 



REEL-LINES FOB FLY-FISHING. 



The reel-line for fly-fishing must necessarily be heavier 

 than the line used in bait-fishing, the greater weight of 

 the former being required to cast objects so light and deli- 

 cate as artificial flies ; while in the case of the small and 

 light bait-line, the minnow, swivel and sinker give the 

 required weight for casting. Increased weight is ob- 

 tained by increase of the caliber of the line, so a fly-line 

 is consequently of a larger size than a bait-line. 



Formerly the twisted or plaited hair, and hair and silk- 

 lines were employed altogether by the best anglers for fly- 

 lines, but they have been almost entirely superseded by 

 the really elegant tapered and enameled waterproof braided 

 silk-line. The latter is the line par excellence for all kinds 

 of fly-fishing, being smooth, round, polished and perfectly 

 waterproof, and is just stiff and heavy enough to favor a 

 perfectly straight cast, without looping or kinking, quali- 

 ties that are peculiarly essential to this mode of angling. 

 Those who have used the old-fashioned fly-lines, are pre- 

 pared to speak feelingly and appreciatively concerning the 

 great superiority and excellence of this line. 



They are made in several sizes for Salmon, Black Bass 

 and Trout fishing; are very strong and serviceable, and, 

 for Black Bass angling, can be purchased in lengths of 

 from twenty-five to thirty yards. They are usually fash- 

 ioned with a regular and gradual taper for several yards to 

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