HAND LINES 327 



Lines. 



Hand lines may be used either with or without a rod. 

 Quite apart from its sporting aspects, a rod possesses 

 two advantages : (1) It holds the line clear of the boat, 

 pier, or rock from which it is used ; and (2) it enables 

 lighter tackle to be employed than if a hand line is used. 



For fuller information as to sea rods, reels, and lines, 

 reference should be made to such books as the Bad- 

 minton Library volume on sea-fishing ; but the follow- 

 ing brief notes may prove useful : 



The rod should be stiff and not too long, its metal 

 parts made of phosphor-bronze or some other rust- 

 proof metal. It must be remembered that the weight 

 required to keep a line on the bottom in a tideway is 

 considerable, and that a long rod is a nuisance in a 

 boat, and in no way more efficient than a short one. 



The reel should be large and of the ordinary Notting- 

 ham pattern, with an optional check. We do not 

 know that anything is really better than a strong 

 wooden reel with an easily fitting line drum, preferably 

 with a rust-proof metal flange and back plate ; the 

 working parts should be kept well greased and the line- 

 drum fit easily, unless backed with metal ; otherwise 

 the wood will swell when saturated with sea water, 

 and the drum jam in the flange. The cost should not 

 exceed 10s. or 12s. 



For lines plaited and barked hemp is quite satisfac- 

 tory and inexpensive, costing from 2s. 6d. to 4s. per 

 100 yards, according to weight ; a twisted line is apt 

 to kink, and should be avoided. 



Traces and snoods may be of plain or twisted gut, 

 horsehair, wire, hemp, or raw hide, according to the 

 probable weight and biting powers of the prospective 

 fish. 



