TACKLE 63 



CARE OF THE LINE 



Whether one uses a hard or soft enameled, level or 

 tapered line it should be given proper care as a well- 

 treated line improves with use and a good one should 

 last several seasons of hard fishing. 



The best and simplest treatment for a hard enameled 

 line is an occasional rubbing with the line dressing the 

 line manufacturers make for the purpose. 



Vacuum lines should be frequently dressed with deer 

 fat or mutton tallow. This is sold in flat tin boxes and 

 the best way to apply it is to run the line through it, 

 taking care that the line does not rub against the 

 sharp edge of the box. Then rub it dow r n thoroughly 

 with a pigskin line greaser or an old leather glove. 

 This treatment is used primarily to make the line float 

 for dry fly fishing but it also serves to keep the line 

 supple and in good condition. After being long in use 

 a vacuum dressed line can be returned to the factory 

 for re-enameling at a nominal charge, which is one of 

 the advantages of having an American-made line. 



Tournament casters add to the fat treatment a coat- 

 ing of powdered graphite which they polish until it 

 shines like the proverbial " nigger's heel." This en- 

 ables the caster to make long " shoots " but is " mussy " 

 and makes the line unduly conspicuous in the water and 

 is of no value in fishing. 



Sand is bad for an enameled line. The line should 

 be dried after being used and all sand removed. A line 

 should not be kept on the reel any longer than neces- 



