64 AMERICAN FISHES. 



cut the casting-line in use close up to the knot which secures the 

 tail-fly, and tie on another the loss of gut is trifling and when, by 

 constant cutting, the link becomes short, he ties on a new one. 



" There is one other remark worth mentioning. The tail-fly should 

 be the heaviest, the first dropper should be less in size, and the hand- 

 fly, or second dropper, less than the first ; and let the angler be as- 

 sured, that attention to these apparently minor matters tend to fill his 

 creel and save his fly. This is the true idea of a casting-line. A man 

 should be particular in his tackle, and he is as much entitled to credit 

 for its neatness as for dexterity in its use. 



ON THE USE OF THE ROD. 



" EVERY angler should learn to use the rod with either hand ; and 

 no man is a finished, safe, expert, or self-saving angler who cannot use 

 the left as well as the right hand. To say nothing about a sprained 

 wrist, and consequent loss of sport during the season, or being obliged 

 to cease fishing from the fatigue and weakness of one hand, there are 

 certain winds, in some situations, when and where a cast cannot be 

 made with the right hand. 



" Again, it is important to be able to throw a fly in the teeth of the 

 wind, which, when done properly, often lifts the very best fish. It is 

 not difficult, but it is a little laborious, and needs practice. It is not 

 accomplished either by the double or single turn ; it is done by bring- 

 ing the rod right up in front, avoiding, if possible, the wind taking the 

 rod to the right or left. Now when the rod is almost straight, press the 

 butt strong towards the body with the wrist, keeping the arm as close 

 to the side as possible, until the tip comes about three-quarters 

 straight against, or in the eye of the wind ; and then run the arm out 

 directly forward, turning the wrist, during the forward action, outside, 

 or towards the right side. By this mode, which is more easily done 

 than described, the line, which should be only of manageable length, 

 will unfold, and display a pretty fair cast ; at all events, the waves, or 

 turbulent state of the water, will conceal the defective fall of the flies. 



" Every angler should tie his own casting-line ; no dependance can 

 be placed on those purchased, for the reason that very few tackle-sel- 



