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Book of the Black Bass. 



simple wooden-bowed net to the more elaborate and port- 

 able net-frames of whalebone, steel and brass. 



For boat fishing, the landing-net should have a long 

 handle, which is best when made in two pieces, with a 

 strong brass ferrule joint. It should be as light as possible, 

 and on this account bamboo cane is the very best material 

 for the handle. The rim or ring should be ten or twelve 

 inches in diameter, of brass, solid or collapsing; the latter 

 are the most portable and convenient, and are made with 

 one or more hinge joints. The net should be deep, and 

 of a tolerably coarse mesh; linen is the most durable 

 material, though cotton will answer. 



Por fishing from the bank, or for wading the stream, a 

 short-handled trout net is to be preferred, as it is more 

 easily carried and answers every purpose better than the 

 long-handled net. Those with oval, wooden rims are the 

 lightest, and are as good as any. The long-handled net 

 will answer here by using but one joint of the handle. 

 There should be a blunt hook, or ring, at the end of the 

 handle for attaching to the creel-strap, so as to leave both 

 hands free for casting, and playing the fish. 



The " Harrimac " brass collapsing net ring made by 

 A. F. Meisselbach & Brother is constructed on the same 



