120 CATCHING THE WILY SEA-TROUT 



be exercised when casting. If the trace is long, say of 

 five feet, there is an absence of control owing to the 

 swing. This fault is most marked when casting in 

 awkward and tree grown places. With this specially 

 constructed core and trace, the minnow spins sweetly, 

 and you can watch it spin as it travels through the air 

 when being cast. 



When I mentioned, at the commencement of this 

 description, that the lure would lead to better catches, 

 I did so designedly as, to my knowledge, this home-made 

 form of spinner has accounted for thousands of salmon 

 and sea-trout. In fact, it is used to-day by several of 

 our best exponents of the art of spinning, and I am 

 confident that, if you give it a fair trial, you will be as 

 satisfied with it as I am. 



During the war years the opportunity of obtaining a 

 tapered waterproof silk line quickly became more and 

 more remote, but, apart from the years of difficulty, an 

 excellent substitute has always been available and that 

 is an undressed plaited silk line. I have met numerous 

 anglers who would have liked to have used this type of 

 line, but they have not been sure what dressing to apply 

 or how to proceed. 



Here then is an efficient way of curing the line. If 

 possible, procure some deer fat as that constitutes a 

 perfect dressing. Failing that, use mutton fat, but this 

 must contain no salt. Liquefy the fat by making it hot. 

 Obtain a glass jam pot, size two pounds, and heat this 

 so as to keep the fat warm as long as required. Pour 

 sufficient fat into the jam pot until a level approximating 

 two thirds is reached. But' before heating the fat make 

 the following preparations : take the top joint of a rod, 

 and thread the end of the line through the end ring and 

 the next ring. Secure the end of the line to the reel 

 which you use when fishing. 



