68 FISHING TACKLE 



two or three flies are attached to the cast, the extra 

 ones being attached on lo-inch gut points hanging 

 from the cast. By this means two or three fish can be 

 landed on a single cast. 



Perhaps a word here in reference to cast dampers 

 would be appropriate. Casts are best carried in a 

 round aluminium or gun-metal box between felts 

 which are usually kept moist ; but it is a great mistake 

 to leave casts in the damper, as they will quickly 

 become rotten if left damp. The better plan is, as 

 already suggested, to soak in warm Servator, and 

 then to place in the cast box with Servator on the 

 felts, which will keep them pliable and ready for 

 knotting without any deterioration. 



It is wrong to speak of " gut substitutes." In reality 

 there is but one substitute for gut of practical utility, 

 and that is the commonly called gut fibre, sold under 

 various names. A reliable brand can be employed 

 with economy in various branches of fishing. It is 

 enormously strong, and has the advantage of being 

 sold in lengths of from 5 yards up to 40 yards 

 without a single knot. It is absolutely necessary to 

 soak it thoroughly before knotting, and among its 

 other disadvantages are that it is not so transparent 

 as gut, is apt to fray, and lacks elasticity. The frayed 

 bits can be burnt off by passing the gut through the 

 flame of a gas burner or a candle. 



The angler will be wise always to buy the best gut, 

 for it will prove to be most economical in the long 

 run. The strength of his gut tackles will not rest 

 in the breaking strain of the gut itself but in the 

 strength or weakness of the knots. Therefore always 

 soak gut well and pull knots up gently but firmly. 



