246 FISHING WITH THE FLY. 



I believe in a very narrow reel, and use one that is 

 only one-half inch between outside plates. As both 

 outside and spool plates are perforated, my line never 

 mildews or gets tender. Hence, it is unnecessary to 

 take the line off to dry it, as should be done when solid 

 reel plates are used. 



With such a reel my line never tangles. If your reel 

 be narrow between plates, and large in circumference, it 

 will take up line rapidly, and obviate the use of a mul- 

 tiplier, which is objectionable for fly-fishing. A light 

 click is desirable, just strong enough to hold the handle 

 and keep the line from over-running. More friction is 

 of no use, and may cause you the loss of many fish. 



Experience satisfies me that you should use your 

 reel on the under side of your rod, with handle to- 

 wards the right because the weight of the reel so 

 placed holds the rod in proper position without your 

 giving it a thought, and your right hand finds the reel 

 handle without trouble ; because your reel is thus en- 

 tirely out of the way of your arm ; because with the 

 rod always in proper position, your left hand finds the 

 line every time, to draw it from the reel when wanted 

 for a longer cast ; because with the reel on the under 

 side the rod is always exactly balanced, and you will 

 not have to grasp it with anywhere near the force re- 

 quired with the reel on the upper side. And you can 

 make your casts with ease and lay out your flies gently 

 and more accurately than you could with the firmer 

 grip needful to be kept on the rod with the reel in the 



