FISHING TACKLE AND COMMENTS 



I always make a loop in the end of the leader and use noth- 

 ing but plain snaps of various sizes except on occasion for 6- 

 and 9-thread work when I employ a snap with a barrel swivel 

 of a very small size. In my opinion swivels are just one more 

 unnecessary link, particularly if your baits are well rigged 

 and swim properly. I don't think they help the line much if 

 at all, and they definitely cause bubbles, thus attracting other 

 fish. This has been proved true many times by the number of 

 lines that have been cut just behind the swivel. The only 

 reason that I still use a swivel with 6- and 9-thread is that I 

 haven't broken the habit. If there is even a bare possibility of 

 giving that little line the least bit of a break I always try to 

 do so. The only swivel I have ever used with heavy tackle is 

 the Apex. 



I have never had a knot (you are right, I am knocking on 

 wood as I write this) go wrong on me. The only knot I use 

 is the reef knot. I seize the ends protruding from the knot 

 with regulation dental tape which I also use to seize the other 

 end of the double line besides making a wrap about every 

 foot in a fifteen-foot double line and every two feet in a 

 twenty-five-foot double line with the tape. This dental tape 

 is a wonderfully useful addition to a fisherman's tackle box. 

 It was first introduced to me by Roy Bouche, one of the finest 

 guides on the Atlantic coast. Very easy to handle, clean and 

 inexpensive, it has it all over thread or light line for seizing 

 and wrapping— besides possessing the fragrance of pepper- 

 mint and being good to chew on if you get a bit hungry. 

 Don't fail to try it. I recommend it as highly for its purpose 

 as anything I have praised in this book. 



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