HOW TO USE NATURE LURES 159 



much more so than a flat Hne of even thickness. 

 For the larger lures and bottom fishing, casting, 

 or trolling, I use a fine linen line, called the "Avia- 

 tor," made by the Ashaway Co., Rhode Island. 



Reels, like rods, are also personal — ^what you 

 will. They should, however, fit the rod in weight 

 and size, and should be free running, with a good 

 click, and the barrel of ample size to hold the line. 

 I use a take-apart bass reel for aviator line, and 

 a Mills "Neversink" trout reel for the dry-fly 

 line. If more expensive reels are required, the 

 tackle dealer with a smiling face can furnish them. 



The only gut leader worthy to fish with is one 

 that is tapered, and snell attachments must be 

 the same thickness of guts as that of the leader 

 where tied, and all ties must be knots instead of 

 loops. 



Nevertheless, a true fact remains: the fish you 

 desire to get are attracted, absolutely alone, by 

 the lure you offer. The rest of the rig is incidental, 

 and of less importance. You are absolutely cer- 

 tain to get fish with a good lure and gut leader, 

 even if you use a pole cut from the forest and a 

 ball of twine, though the sport may not be great, 

 but you cannot get fish with a poor lure on the 

 finest rod, reel, and line ever bought. Therefore, 



