FISHING-LINES. 267 



maxim apply with more force than to fishing-tackle. This 

 line is strong, firm and round, and is capable of long and 

 hard service, if proper care is taken to dry it thoroughly 

 always after using. It is well adapted for making a nice, 

 straight cast, and will not curl or kink. It is usually 

 stained a light shade of slate, or a grayish drab. Letter 

 F, or No. 4, is about the right size. 



Some fly-fishers use the ordinary braided raw or boiled 

 silk-lines, which, while being the very best lines for bait- 

 fishing, are not so well adapted for fly-lines, on account of 

 their light weight; the medium sizes, however, answer 

 tolerably well. Letter E, or No. 3, is the correct size, 

 when used for Black Bass fly-fishing. 



All fishing-lines that are not absolutely waterproof 

 should be carefully dried after use ; and even waterproof 

 lines would be much benefited by an airing previous to 

 putting away. Even the best lines become weak and 

 worthless through want of proper and judicious treat- 

 ment. It is impossible to make a line that is indestruc- 

 tible, or proof against mildew or rot, though many anglers 

 seem to think to the contrary, judging from the shiftless 

 and reprehensible manner in which they use them; then, 

 when the line fails, they blame the manufacturer. 



HAND-LINES FOE TROLLING. 



There are many persons who can not, or will not, use a 

 fishing-rod, but who greatly enjoy trolling with the hand- 

 line and spoon-bait for Black Bass. For the benefit of 

 these unfortunates, I will describe the proper line to be 

 employed for this mode of fishing. 



The only line that is suitable for the purpose is a braided 



