TROLLING. 437 



TROLLING WITH THE HAND-LINE. 



Trolling with the hand-line is a very tame and simple 

 mode of angling; in fact, is the most simple method prac- 

 ticed, there being no skill, whatever, requiied in luring or 

 in manipulating the Bass after he is hooked. It is a very 

 questionable style of sport, at best ; and, considered in this 

 light, is exceedingly flat, and savors strongly of pot-fishing. 

 It is indulged in on lakes, ponds and broad rivers, mostly 

 by boys, and those unfortunates who can not, or will not, 

 learn to handle the rod. 



With a good breeze and a fast-sailing boat, trolling for 

 Blue Fish, Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, and other marine 

 fishes, with hand-line and squid, is fine sport; but, on the 

 bosom of a quiet lake, trolling for Black Bass, with hand- 

 line and spoon, is a cruel pastime, and a wanton destruc- 

 tion of a noble fish. It is only excusable when in camp- 

 ing out, without suitable tackle, and when, like the boy 

 digging at the tenantless woodchuck hole, one is "out of 

 meat," which, in Southern parlance, constitutes "a ground- 

 hog case," in which event, perhaps, the end justifies the 

 means. 



The necessary tackle for this mode of angling consists 

 of a strong hand-line of linen or cotton, from fifty to 

 seventy-five yards long; braided lines are to be preferred, 

 as they do not kink. The line should be large enough to 

 prevent cutting the hands, and, at the same time, to with- 

 stand the dead strain of a lively fish. Sizes C, or No. 2, 

 and D, or No. 3, are the best and most suitable. 



Any of the numerous revolving spoon-baits, or spinners, 

 will answer with or without the so-called "fly," or tuft of 

 feathers, or braid; for the bright metal spoon is what lures 



