100 THE SMALL-MOUTHED BASS 



days of his youth, and use, in his old age, a simple bamboo 

 rod and a still simpler reel, he will at least have the satis- 

 faction of knowing that he has been a patron of industry, 

 and has encouraged the manufacture of everything that 

 pertains to the pleasant art of angling. 



5. The landing-net is an indispensable aid to the angler. 

 A solid brass ring with a jointed handle is the best. The 

 ring may be circular or slightly pear-shaped, the latter being 

 perhaps preferable. 



Wooden rings are lighter, and therefore more easily 

 manipulated. The meshes should be about one inch on 

 the diagonal. 



Gaff Hook 



(One-half Natural Size) 



6. For large fish such as pike or maskinonge, which weigh 

 ten pounds or over, a gaff hook is a useful auxiliary. 



7. For removing hooks that have been swallowed, a 

 disgorger should be used; in its absence, a long lead pencil 



