292 Book of the Black Bass. 



Sinkers. 



Generally, in black bass angling, no sinker, in addition 

 to the swivel, is necessary, the latter being heavy enough 

 to keep the live bait beneath the surface. But there are 

 cases and times when the sinker is brought into requisition; 

 for example, where the minnows used for bait are large 

 and strong and keep on the surface, or when the stream 

 is quite rapid or current swift. 



When the ordinary ringed-sinker is used without a 

 swivel, the line should be tied in one ring, and the snell 

 of the hook looped in the other. The smallest-sized 

 sinker is usually heavy enough, though sometimes a larger 

 size is necessary. Buckshot or small bullets should not be 

 used when the oval sinker can be had, as they offer too 

 much resistance to the water, and often cause the line to 

 twist or kink. 



The adjustable sinkers are the best sinkers to use, and 

 should take the place of the old-fashioned ringed leads. 

 The simplicity and effectiveness of the various device? by 

 which they can be put on and taken off the line, without 

 disturbing hook or bait, should receive the approval of all 

 anglers, and render their adoption universal. They insure 

 neatness and dispatch, qualities not to be despised in 

 angling. 



Most of the sinkers produced in this country are made 

 by Edward Pitcher, Brooklyn, N. Y. They are ringed, 

 the rings fast at each end, or with swivels, which turn 

 freely. Then there is the adjustable sinker with spiral 

 wire at each end. The Eangeley sinker is also adjustable. 

 It is grooved through the middle, and has an ear at each 

 end, which is to be bent over on the line, forming an oblong 

 sinker. 



