Fishing Lines. 311 



Those . veterans who have used the old-fashioned fly-lines, 

 are prepared to speak feelingly and appreciatively concern- 

 ing the great superiority and excellence of this line. 



They are made in several sizes for salmon, black bass 

 and trout fishing; are very strong and serviceable, and, 

 for black bass angling, can be purchased in lengths of from 

 twenty-five to thirty yards. They are usually fashioned 

 with a regular and gradual taper for several yards to the 

 fly-end, the fly-end being only about one-half the caliber 

 of the reel-end. Some lines, and which is the best way, 

 taper both ways from the middle. They are usually 

 stained of a greenish-olive hue, which harmonizes well 

 with the tints of the water, sky and foliage. Prom twenty- 

 five to thirty yards is the right length, and the size should 

 be either F or G, which corresponds with ISTos. 4 and 5, 

 some dealers designating the sizes by letters, others by 

 numerals. 



Next best to the tapered enameled silk line is the oiled, 

 braided silk line ; though this is not tapered, it is a good, 

 strong and useful line, and is used by many anglers in 

 preference to all others. It is tinted of a similar shade to 

 the enameled line, and altogether is a very satisfactory fly- 

 line, being heavy enough, and, withal, cheaper than the 

 tapered line. Letters E and F, or Nos. 3 and 4, are suit- 

 able sizes. 



Next in order is the braided linen line, either water- 

 proof or plain. Where economy in price is the necessary 

 object, this is the best line to select, though the angler 

 should bear in mind that the best is the cheapest, for he 

 knows full well that to no other class of goods does this 

 maxim apply with more force than to fishing-tackle. This 

 line is strongV firm and round, and is capable of long and 

 haTd^rvice,"if proper care is taken to dry it thoroughly 



