I make no claim to the tip contained in the first part of this message, I picked it up on a UK fishing site some months ago. However, I have now put it to the test and all I can say is brilliant.

Take a length of the black foam rubber plumbers use to insulate water pipe. 10 centimetres is ideal for half a dozen traces. Now cut a straight slot along the tubing, not going past the hollow centre. Simple enough so far?

Poke the swivel or 'genie clip through the slot and wind the trace around the tubing, this doesn't have to be tight, the line pressure on the foam tube will lock the swivel into place in the slot. now when you reach the hook, simply push it into the foam and everything is snug and can't twist or become tangled or kink the nylon trace. This is ideal for most rigs, even those with more than one hook. The cost is virtually nothing, the weight is virtually nothing and it works like a dream. Anyone who hasn't had a mass tangle of traces in their bag is either a genius or someone who bends the truth a bit.



Whilst working on this trace holder another idea hit me for use with the same foam tube. If you like to carry your rods on the roof of your car with the reels attached, there is always a possibility of a rod turning in the holder and the reel handle scratching the roof of your vehicle.

Take a 10 centimetre piece of the foam tube cut a lengthwise slot about 30 to 35 millimetres long in the middle, leaving both ends intact.

If you squeeze the foam the centre slot will open allowing you to slip this over the reel's handle. Now if the rod should turn in the holders a nice piece of soft foam rubber will protect you vehicle's roof or the handle of your expensive reel. whichever you value the highest.

Both tips work for the cost of nothing if you know a plumber who will give you an off cut of insulating foam tubing. In the worse case scenario a metre length is available from Mitre 10 Mega for $8.00.