TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



How to Hold and Grip a Fly -Rod: 



The first thing a beginner has to learn about a fly-rod 

 is how to hold and grip the handle, and so far as this fea- 

 ture is concerned, it does not permit of any deviation from 

 the set rule. 



The proper way to hold the rod is with the reel seat 

 and line guides on the under side of the rod and the rod 

 handle should be firmly grasped in the casting hand with 

 the thumb straight out and resting on the handle. 



The reason for this is because the angler is given the 

 greatest possible command over the rod under all condi- 

 tions, such as, in casting, in fishing the flies and in play- 

 ing the fish. 



With the thumb around the handle the ability of the 

 angler to control the rod is materially lessened because 

 the thumb then ceases to act as a brace. This fact is very 

 apparent when the forward or backward cast is made ; so 

 try it and find out for yourself whether or not the thumb 

 really acts as a brace and a very efficient one at all times. 



How to "Set Up" a Fly-Rod: 



After taking the rod from its form or case, carefully 

 wipe off, with a slightly oily rag, the metal end of the tip 

 and middle joint, being sure not to leave any visible oil. 



Then, by holding both the tip and middle joint so that 

 the line guides are on top, insert the metal end on the tip 

 joint in the ferrule of the middle joint, being careful to 

 see that the parts are well seated. 



Now go through the same operation with the middle 



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