THE TROUT 



india-rubber in the fisherman's pocket is a good thing, 

 for by rubbing it down the casting line all ' kinks ' 

 and bends are removed, the gut hangs straight, and 

 becomes more easy to manipulate. To recapitulate. 

 First, it is unwise to rely too much, if at all, on old 

 casting lines ; secondly, it is unnecessary to have 

 them of too great a length, as this is not essential, 

 and adds to the difficulty of accurate casting ; thirdly, 

 always soak gut thoroughly before using it ; fourthly, 

 take care to test every cast before beginning to fish, 

 and see that it has neither kink, bend nor unintentional 

 knot in it. If these precautions are observed and the 

 fisherman has by experience learnt what thickness of 

 gut he requires, nothing more need be suggested on 

 the subject. 



Turning to the question of reels, the main points 

 to be considered when purchasing one of these 

 articles, are : 



i st. Its suitability for the rod on which it is to be 

 used. 



2nd. Its line-holding capacity. 



3rd. Its durability. 



As regards the first of these, a reel should be 

 chosen of a weight which properly adjusts the balance 

 of the rod. As to how much line it should hold, one 

 large enough to contain sufficient for the general use 



