Abstract: The applicator is provided in the form of a hinged box-like shell of somewhat flexible inert plastic material having opposite end walls which are slotted in an off-center manner. The body and lid of the shell each removably receive applicator pads, e.g. of absorbent material such as wool felt on which the user may apply a fishing line dressing composition. In use, the applicator is closed about a fishing line so that the line is in contact with both body and lid pads, and the segment of the line that is to be dressed is moved longitudinally relative to the applicator as compressive finger pressure on the opposite face walls of the shell is used for modulating squeezing of the line. The non-hinged sidewall of either the body or the lid is provided with a catch-equipped flange which overlaps the comparable wall of the other of the lid or the body. And the two end walls of the other of the lid and the body, are provided with slotted flanges which overlap the comparable walls of the body or the lid.