CHAP. xx. Artificial Otter. 313 



knot all three cords together in one simple knot, such as is usually tied 

 at the end of the lash of a whip by non-whipmakers, so that they may 

 not slip ; and leave a loop over to which to attach your towing line with 

 the hooks on it. This adjusting of the stern line of the otter is rather 

 a nice operation, but, once done, it lasts for ever. 



The towing line can be used with flies or spinning bait, just as you 

 like. To lead the otter so as to sink it to the desired depth, drive in 

 small screws all along the bottom edge of the plank, one every inch, 

 say, so as to stand out a little in continuation of the plank and give the 

 lead something to hold by. Then paste brown paper on both sides of 

 the plank, near the bottom edge, and let it dry and stiffen. Stand the 

 plank bottom edge upwards and pour molten lead into the trough thus 

 made all round the line of jutting-out screw-heads along the bottom 

 edge of the plank. You will need at least half an inch of lead, and it 

 is better to pour too much than too little, for it is easy to plane off what 

 is extra with a common jack plane, whereas it is not so easy to add 

 lead with a second molting, for it does not make a good joint with the 

 previous cold lead; there is always a crack left with a want of firm 

 hold. Remove the paper wall, and trying the otter in the water, plane 

 down the lea'd till the plank sits evenly in the water, with just about an 

 inch or an inch and a half above the water level. 



The usual way is to attach the tow line to the loop, where the three 

 otter plank cords are knotted together, which three cords we will call 

 the bridle ; but another plan, as suggested by Mr. Wilcocks, in his " Sea 

 Fisherman," is to tie the tow line primarily to the staple at the stern of 

 the otter plank and connect it with the bridle by a piece of fine twine. 

 When a fish is hooked you will then, by the act of striking the fish, 

 break the thin connecting twine, and the strain coming on the stern of 

 the otter, you will easily haul it on shore end-on ; whereas it is not so 

 easy when the otter remains broadside-on, and more or less interfering 

 with the playing of your fish. The better way when it remains broad- 

 side-on is to stand still, or retrace your steps, so as to get the otter in, 

 and keep on pulling in the line till the otter describes a semicircle and 

 runs in to shore. 



But against Mr. Wilcocks' plan it is argued, again, that the otter 

 does not interfere with the playing of your fish, but more or less aids it 

 by yielding to violent tugs, and coming up and going on again as you 

 proceed, and thus helping you in the drowning of your fish. Moreover, 



