148 TIPS. 



THE STANDARD LINES AND TRACES. 



It is, no doubt, familiar to all who take a genuine and intelligent 

 interest in arranging their gear, that uniformity in casting largely 

 depends upon the construction of the tackle. If the line is not 

 equally balanced at the fly end, complications set in and spoil sport. 

 Let the rod be what it may, the line cannot be properly extended, 

 and experience has proved that the fault lies with the trace. When, 

 in common parlance, the dissenting portion " persists in turning back 

 and looking at you," the trace, which is plaited, and infinitely better 

 than the twisted makeshift, is either too heavy or too long. The 

 effect of this disorder has been witnessed thousands of times, and 

 many must have realised their inability to satisfactorily account for 

 it. But if the iiccompanying instructions are definitely accepted, all 

 uncertainty in rigging the standard line must come to an end. 



The largest " Kelson " line wanted in these days of all round 

 progress is marked No. 3. For a well-balanced rod less than 17 feet 

 in length, a No. 4 should be used, and No. 5 reserved for low, clear 

 water in May, June, July, and August. 



The standard traces are kept in stock at igi. Strand. Their 

 respective sizes were selected and numbered, under my supervision, 

 to suit the size of the lines and to correspond with their numbers. 

 Instead of attaching them in the ordinary way by means of loops, they 

 should be married, and this is effectually accomplished at the above 

 establishment for those who like to have the work done for them. 

 But it must be remembered that some six inches at the thick end of 

 these traces are cut off for a line which has not been polished in the 

 manner recommended in this book, or for one which from long use 



