Page 65 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

343. The WATER KNOT (~14IZ) utilized for this purpose is a bit

343 bulkier than the two that follow, and the ends depart from the knot

at such an angle that they are liable to snag on twigs or reeds, but the

knot is both secure and strong.

344. The ENGLISHMAN'S KNOT (~1414) is the bend usually recom-

mended for the purpose, but it is apt to loosen around the snell and is

also liable to snag.

345. The BARREL KNOT (~141 3) is the most secure of the three;

the ends have a better lead, and they may be trimmed quite close. In

the illustration a FIGURE-EIGHT KNOT (~524) is shown at the end

of the dropper, instead of the OVERHAND (~515). But the OVERHAND

is preferable, being smaller and, when used in this way, is sufficiently

strong.

346. A double snell may be clove hitched (~1773) above an OVER'

HAND KNOT (~515) in the end of the leader. This is a salt-water prac·

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tlce.

347. The familiar float or bob of the "pole" fisherman is secured

to the line with a RING HITCH (~I 859).

348. A codfish sinker or lead is fitted with beckets at either end to

which the line is made fast.

Sinkers are made in an endless variety of shapes and are almost

always attached with RING HITCHES (~1859). A narrow strip of thin

sheet lead makes a good sinker. It is wrapped tightly around the line

and pinched with pliers to hold it in place. An old favorite with

anglers is a split bullet, which is tapped with a hammer to make it

pinch the line. These bullets are procurable in different sizes, and if

needed a number may be attached in a row.

349. A bottom sinker may have a leather bridle or strap to which

the line is attached.

350. A line may be tied directly to a lead plummet. A heavy lead

adds tremendously to the scope when casting.

346 351. A swivel-shaped lead. Excellent for both hand-line and rod

fishing.

"Fishing tackle" is an angler's term not used by the professional

fisherman, who calls the appurtenances of his fishing gear. The only

tackle used at sea is an arrangement of blocks and rope required for

hoisting. The name is always pronounced taykle.

Gear and tackle alike have to be suited to the fish, and the diversity

of size and shape, appetite, and temperament of fish is amazing. There

is no need for a fisherman or an angler ever to become bored.

,.., A number of years ago R. R. M. Carpenter, author of Game Trails,
,
- from Alaska to Africa (Scribner's, 1939), said to me: "I hate to take

- ...
....
.. a chance on sailfish and tarpon. I'm afraid they'll spoil me for trout

-

and salmon." Fortunately, I was in a position to reassure him. "You

don't need to worry about that. I find that I enjoy swordfishing now

just as much as I did before I went whaling."