Angling
the art of catching fish ongel), baited with worms, small fish, flies, etc. We find occasional allusions to this pursuit among the Greek and Latin classical writers. The oldest work tyse of Fysshinge with an Angle," on the subject in English is the "Treawas first printed in 1653. Walton's inimitable discourse on angling printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1496. was first printed in 1653. angler are a rod, line, hooks, and baits.
The chief appliances required by an Rods are made of various materials, split-bamboo being preferred by experts.
In length they may vary from 10 feet to difference in strength-a rod for salmon more than double, with a corresponding being necessarily much stronger than trout. The reel, an apparatus for winding up the lower end, where the hand grasps it line, is attached to the rod near the while fishing. made of brass, are of simple construc- while fishing. The best are usually tion and so made as to wind or unwind freely and rapidly.
That part of the line which passes along the rod and is is called the reel line, and may vary from 20 to 100 yards in length, according to the size of the water and the habits of the fish angled for; it. is usually made of twisted horse hair silk alone. The casting line, which is attached to this, is made of the same materials, but lighter and finer. To the end of this is tied a on which the hook, or hooks, are fixed.
The casting or gut lines should decrease in thickness from the hooks.
ANGLO-JAPANESE TREATY 178 The hook, of finely tempered steel, should readily bend without breaking, and yet retain a sharp point. It should be long in the shank and deep in the bend; the point straight and true to the level of the shank; and the barb long.
Floats formed of cork, goose and swan quills, etc., are often used to buoy up the hook so that it may float clear of the bottom. For heavy fish or strong streams a cork float is used; in slow water and for lighter fish quill floats.
Baits may consist of a great variety of materials, natural or artificial. The artificial flies so much used in angling for trout and salmon are composed of hairs, furs and wools, of every variety, mingled with pieces of feathers, and secured together by plated wire, or gold and silver thread, marking silk, wax, etc.
Artificial minnows, or other small fish, are also used by way of bait, and are so contrived as to spin rapidly when drawn through the water in order to attract the notice of the fish angled for.