TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



"The manner in which the flies are fished distinguishes the fly 

 fisherman from the mere fly-caster, whether or no the fly-caster, as 

 such, be expert or otherwise." 



Every beginner, first of all, should have the proper 

 tools with which to work, then he should learn how to use 

 them, and he should constantly observe and study the re- 

 quirements and conditions incident to their use, as well 

 as the habits of the fish. 



That the art of fly-fishing cannot be learned from any 

 book is indeed true, but the scientific principles involved 

 can be, provided they are clearly set forth, and they will 

 be of exceptionable advantage to any beginner or even 

 an old-timer, if fully understood. 



Every person who understands the scientific reasons 

 for doing a given thing will, as a general rule, become 

 more proficient in less time with less practice than one 

 who does not understand them, and the results desired 

 will be necessarily more quickly attained. 



Every successful fly fisherman is individual in his 

 methods of fishing, yet the principles involved always re- 

 main the same, irrespective of all methods. 



The principle is one thing, the results looked for by 

 applying a principle are quite another thing, and the most 

 important thing of all is the development of a method that 

 will best apply the principle and at the same time be pro- 

 ductive of good results. 



This, then, is where the individuality of the angler 

 comes into play, and it is this feature which cannot be 

 learned from books, because it is only by long or seem- 



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