238 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



blinds my eyes to their real merit. I have already 

 confessed my faith in and love for, the old reliable 

 fluted. I own a pair of Skinner's fluted spoons 

 which I have used for a number of years, one of 

 which is sans paint, almost sans feathers, and yet it 

 still takes fish. There is something about the cor- 

 rugations of the spoon which adds a glittering bril- 

 liancy to its appearance as well as steadiness to its 

 revolutions, making it peculiarly attractive to bass. 



The angler should examine the spoon he contem- 

 plates purchasing with care, see that it is well made, 

 properly fitted, and altogether worth while. I am 

 not inclined to regard the glass bead one sometimes 

 sees below the loop of the spoon with favor, if the 

 smoothness of play depends upon the bit of glass, 

 what will happen when the glass breaks, for break 

 it will under ordinary service. I think a metal disk 

 or washer altogether more satisfactory. The wire 

 should be stiff, possessed of sufficient spring to in- 

 sure that there will be no unhooking under provoca- 

 tion. Always the spoon should be supplied with a 

 wire leader or gimp and one or two swivels. 



As to colors and ornamentations, I do not think 

 them of supreme importance. Undoubtedly there 

 is an added advantage in having the under surface 

 of the blade a bright red, but that will have to be 

 replaced from time to time, for it wears away with 

 continuous service. I am not sure that the feathers 

 ordinarily attached to the hooks for the purpose of 



