122 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



sea-trout are not over-particular, being quite 

 uneducated, and finer gear would only too 

 probably lead to misfortune, as the fisherman 

 would quickly discover if trying conclusions with 

 a three-pound fish making for a snag in the dark. 



First for flies, and I shall confine myself to but 

 three patterns, which I have every reason to 

 believe are unbeatable. These are Silver Doctor, 

 Jock Scott and Dusty Miller, and a very nice- 

 sized hook for them is No. 6 ' Down-eyed Im- 

 proved Limerick ' (old scale). Only one fly should 

 be used at a time for obvious reasons. 



From previous scrutiny, the angler will know 

 his limits, and proceeds to cast in every available 

 direction within reach of a necessarily short line, 

 taking care to keep well back from the edge and 

 to preserve as motionless an attitude as possible. 

 The fly is worked in little jerks by undulating the 

 rod rather slowly, and when thrown downstream 

 is brought slowly up in similar manner. The 

 water above, before and below the fisherman's 

 position should be searched and researched most 

 thoroughly. At this time sea-trout do not 

 occupy fixed positions, but wander about, and it 

 is injudicious to shift ground which offers a fair 

 amount of casting because success is delayed. A 

 fly is usually taken in well, and a fish is practically 



