Fishing Lines. 215 



Hand-Lines foe Trolling. 



There are many persons who can not, or will not, use a 

 fishing-rod, but who greatly enjoy trolling with the hand- 

 line and spoon-bait .for black bass. For the benefit of 

 these unfortunates, I will say that the only line suitable 

 for the purpose is a braided or plaited linen or cotton line, 

 size C or D ( 1 or 3 ) . Such lines are large enough to pre- 

 vent cutting the hands, and they will not kink or twist, 

 qualities that are peculiarly essential for this kind of fish- 

 ing. A twisted line, of any material, is inadmissible here, 

 for the revolving of the spoon, if a swivel is not used, will 

 cause even a braided line to twist on itself and kinlf ; there- 

 fore, one, or even two, swivels should always be attached 

 to, and near, the spinning-bait. A trolling hand-line should 

 be from twenty-five to fifty yards long. 



