438 MANUAL FOE YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



face, perfectly smooth, and sufficiently large to allow the 

 line to run without the slightest obstruction or friction. 



Let me give one hint before I take leave of the rod. 

 I recommend that all trolling-rods should have guides on 

 both sides — that is, a guide on the opposite side of the 

 other : not on the butt, but on all joints from the butt to 

 the end ; and why ? In this kind of fishing there is 

 powerful pressure on the rod ; and the very best will, from 

 hard work, become bent, and remain bent, and thus lose 

 its elasticity. To obviate this, turn round the joints, slip 

 the line through the spare guides, and in a few hours the 

 rod is '' all straight." 



2d. The Reel. — To give an explanation of this 

 would be absurd. I will simply say, that No. 3 is 

 about the proper size for a trolling-rod, without stop, click, 

 or multiplier. The line cannot run off too free. According 

 to my opinion, John Conroy can make the best reel in the 

 world. 



3d. The Line. — One hundred yards is abundant. 

 Twisted silk is the best line for trolling. I know they 

 kink, when new ; but very little use will put an end to 

 it — id est, knock the kink out of it. 



Plaited lines are very good and cheap, and do not 

 kink ; but they absorb the water, and do not run free 

 from the rod. 



A mixture of hair in lines is my abomination. It is 

 the most dangerous and uncertain stuff a man can use. 

 You can never depend on it ; the hairs will give way with 

 but little strain ; and when you hook the heaviest fish, the 

 greater danger is to be apprehended. I hate them. 



