46 CATCHING THE WILY SEA-TROUT 



A small file is not always included by the angler in his 

 equipment, yet this tool is invaluable at times. A treble 

 frequently fouls boulders and stones, with the result 

 that the points are either blunted or slightly turned. 

 The hook of a fly also occasionally meets with a similar 

 fate. A few light rubs with the file will quickly remedy 

 these defects. 



Before making the first cast, a wise precaution is to 

 satisfy yourself that the hooks are true, as when you 

 tighten in a fish, you want to be sure that the hook goes 

 well home. If the hook is badly turned or the point is 

 weak, you should have no hesitation in scrapping it 

 immediately, for to use a doubtful hook is poor and 

 foolish economy. 



Be foresighted and carry a tin of " Lineflote " in your 

 fishing bag, as, if you visit outlandish places, you may be 

 unable to obtain a tin at the time that you require one. 

 Although waterproofed lines do not need dressing, the 

 application periodically of a little " Lineflote " or similar 

 preparation, will cause the line to be more buoyant. 

 When using the " Lineflote " the best way is to hang 

 the line between two posts and then, with a small 

 piece of rag, work the mixture, yard by yard, into 

 the line. The object of suspending the line is to 

 avoid picking up particles of dirt by letting the line fall 

 on the ground. 



In my fishing bag can always be found a small coil of 

 string, and that provision for times of emergency has 

 saved me many unpleasant experiences. In addition to 

 the repair of accidental breakages too numerous to men- 

 tion in detail, that string has come to my assistance 

 when, with a back cast, my fly has lodged in an overhead 

 branch. If all other attempts have been abortive, I 

 have obtained a suitable stone and, with the string 

 attached, have tossed the missile over the offending 



