162 WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW TO CATCH FISH 



leaders, which should be about 3 feet each. The dealers have them 

 of proper length. 



About 600 feet -^ w white cotton line for hand line trolling for 

 Kingfish, Barracuda, Amber Jack, large Groupers, etc. 



I have given the artificial bait to be used in trolling in my list of 

 baits. 



One each 4 and 5-inch Barrel-shaped Cork floats, and one each 2 

 and 2^ -inch Egg-shaped Cork floats. These are necessary when 

 fishing over oyster beds in Halifax and Indian rivers, and in places 

 amongst the Keys, when over jagged coral reef bottoms. I do not 

 use a landing net, as it tangles the hook, and is superfluous if your 

 guide knows his business. 



A tackle box, if you want one. Do not buy one made of or 

 lined with tin, as it will rust in " no time " and give you trouble ; 

 one made of wood, plush lined, is the only one fit for salt water. 



At the close of this chapter the reader will find illustrations of 

 nearly all the above tackle. 



The above list is calculated as ample to last one person through a 

 season of three or four months on the coast ; but each person will, of 

 course, judge for himself as to his prospective stay, and buy or leave 

 out accordingly. 



I give the list because it is an important and necessary factor in 

 the "how" to fish on the East Coast. 



I strongly advise you to buy no "Cheap Johnny " or "good as " 

 fishing tackle, as it will surely bring you to grief. Remember, that 

 salt-water fishes are two or three times (if not more) as strong, 

 weight for weight, as those of fresh water, and need the very best 

 tackle. I have none but a trading acquaintance with any makers of, 

 or dealers in, fishing tackle, and in mentioning brands, have been 

 governed entirely by my experience of sixty-four years as an angler, 

 which has taught me to buy the best tackle I can get. 



I do not know "Mr. Sproat," if there is, or ever was, such a 

 person, but must say I prefer the fbhhook bearing that name to any 

 other shape, for each and every species of fishes I have ever caught, 

 from Minnows and one-ounce Brook Trout up to Tarpon. 



And I have never found any make of hooks which suits me as 

 well as Harrison's. 



In advising the use of Virginia hooks for Sheepsheads I conform 

 to the usual custom, but the Harrison " Sproats " will do just as well. 



