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138 to which the flies are attached. The weight of the plummet is a matter of some nicety, as on it depends the depth at which the hooks run; the greater the speed the heavier must be the lead, to insure the same depth; a pound and a half is the average weight.

The snood is about twelve feet in length, to carry the hooks clear of the plummet's wake. It is ordinarily formed of fine hemp, but sometimes of silk; a length of gut or weed, such as is employed in Salmon-fishing, may, with advantage, be interposed between the snood and the hook, but this is generally omitted. The bait must be conspicuous; almost anything showy or glittering, a piece of light blue leather, or a strip of scarlet cloth, is frequently successful; but the best is a slice taken from the side of a Mackerel, about two inches in length, and half an inch in breadth at the free end, tapering to the end which is affixed to the hook. A waving, vibratory motion is imparted to this bait, very much resembling that of a small fish.

Some practice is required in order to determine with precision when a fish is hooked. The weight of the lead, and the constant but unequal action of the water upon it, keep up a tremulous motion, that to the inexperienced hand feels very much like the jerking of a fish. Some skill, moreover, is needful in order to strike the fish, even if he have actually touched the bait. The Mackerel is said almost invariably to dart at the hook in a direction across its course. It is, therefore, needful to strike forward when a bite is felt, and after hauling in about a fathom of line to sway it, a moment, gently in the hand. The jerking