TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



one-half to one ounce from actual weight, the greatest 

 variation being with the larger fish. 



There is one exception, however, that must be made 

 to which these figures do not apply, namely, to "Racers." 



**Racers'* are trout that are very thin (shad-like) and 

 long, and this condition in most cases is due to old age; 

 but such trout are not often caught on the fly. 



I once caught a "Racer" (September, 1907) that meas- 

 ured 28j4 inches in length and 8 inches in depth, and 

 weighed, one hour after landing, 5J4 pounds. 



It took one hour and ten minutes to net this trout, 

 which was hooked in the pool at the head of Dodge Pond, 

 and landed in the middle of the pond over one mile away 

 from the pool. Dodge Pond empties into Rangeley Lake 

 at Hunter's Cove, which is about one-quarter mile away. 



Had the "Racer" been a trout in good condition it 

 would have weighed at least ten pounds. 



The Strength of Fly-Rods: 



In the chapter on "The Rod" you will find that I have 

 stated, when referring to the maximum strain of a rod, as 

 follows: "By maximum strain in Pounds-Pull is meant 

 the dead weight which rods will stand without injury in 

 an emergency." 



For some reason the average beginner, as well as many 

 semi-experienced and not a few experienced fly-fishermen, 

 have little real knowledge about the strength of fly-rods. 



On this account it may be of interest for them to know 

 some facts in relation to their strength. 



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