TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



used for tying the gut strands into a leader, except that one 

 strand is doubled over just as is done when making an end 

 loop. 



How to dry the new leader: 



After a leader is made, put it to soak for half an hour, 

 so that the entire leader may become equally pliable 

 throughout its length. 



Having selected some convenient place for drying the 

 leader, such as a side wall of a room or better yet a pine 

 board made for the purpose that is twelve inches wide and 

 ten feet long, planed on both sides, with small brass hooks 

 one inch apart, placed at one end of the board. 



Now pass one of the end loops of the leader over one 

 of the brass hooks, then gently pull the leader straight 

 with sufficient force so as to make a slight tension on the 

 leader from end to end. Now secure the free end of the 

 leader to the board by passing a large pin or small brad- 

 awl through the remaining end loop. 



Keep the leader in this position until thoroughly dry, 

 then take down and coil, being sure to keep the leader 

 straight while so doing. 



How to test the new leader: 



Leaders should be tested both when wet and dry, in 

 order to know their real durability and strength. Take 

 a dry leader and place one end loop over a brass hook, 

 then straighten out the leader, being sure that it is not 

 twisted. Through the other end loop place the hook of 



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