SUGGESTIONS. 225 



streams overhung with trees, or fringed with bushes. 

 Much vexatious catching of flies may be avoided by 

 not being too eager, and by not using too long a line. 

 Let me add — just before your flies touch the water, draw 

 back your rod slightly and gently; this will straighten the 

 line, and your flies will fall exactly where you want them. 



Cast your flies so that they fall as lightly as possible, 

 with your leader extended to its full length; then draw 

 your flies in the direction you wish, being careful not to 

 draw them too far, or you will have trouble in retriev- 

 ing your line for another cast. With your rod too 

 perpendicular you cannot lift your line quickly enough 

 to carry it back with sufficient force to straighten it 

 out, and your next cast will be a failure. There, is also 

 much danger of breaking your rod. Usually you will 

 get your rise just an instant after your flies touch the 

 water, or before you have drawn them more than a 

 little distance. It is better to cast often and draw your 

 flies back just far enough so that you can easily lift your 

 line for another cast. Moreover, with your rod too 

 perpendicular it is not easy to. hook your fish ; so cast 

 often and cover all parts of the pool. 



I think most skilful fly-fishers draw their flies with 

 a slightly tremulous motion, to make the flies imitate 

 the struggles of an insect, and I believe it to be a good 

 method. It certainly is not objectionable, and you will 

 find it can be done without thought ; the habit once 

 formed and it will be difficult for you to draw your 

 flies otherwise. 

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