392 Book of the BL.i.cK Bass. 



line than any mentioned, being of smaller caliber, very 

 hard twisted, and absorbing less water when new. But 

 being a twisted line, it is apt to kink where much easting 

 is practiced. 



Twisted sillv, linen, or cotton lines should never be used 

 in this mode of angling, as their kinking propensities will 

 rufiBe the temper of the mildest-mannered angler. 



Hooks. — The hook bej'ond comparison, for black bass 

 fishing, is the Sproat. It is a true, central-draught hook, 

 and tempered just right. It has a short barb, with cutting 

 edges, which will go right through any part of a fish's 

 mouth. The next best, in the order named, are the 

 O'Shaughnessy and round bend Carlisle (Aberdeen). 

 These hooks are all numbered about alike, and the most 

 suitable sizes are Xos. 1 and 2. Hooks should be tied on 

 gut-snells, single or double, good single gut being best. 

 AVhere pickerel abound, the gimp-snell may be used. 



Swivels. — A brass box-swivel of the smallest size should 

 always be used, and often it will be heavy enough without 

 an additional sinker. 



Sinkers. — Einged or swivel sinkers, or what is still 

 lietter. the patent adjustable sinkers of various kinds, are 

 the best to use, when they are found necessary. 



Floats. — The float should never be used in casting the 

 minnow if it can possibly te dispensed with. It is always 

 in the way. and long casts can not be made when it is em- 

 ployed. To overcome this difiiculty and objection, several 

 patent floats have been devised, which are mentioned in 

 chapter xvii. .In still fishing, the float may be used and 

 with advantage, especially where helgramites or crawfish 

 are used as bait. 



