FLY FISHING 37 



top, not too whippy and not too stiff. Such a rod is 

 softer in the action and less tiring to the wrist than 

 one made of split cane. That is a matter well worth 

 consideration when one is whipping the stream for 

 long periods at a stretch. 



For dry-fly fishing however, and general use, and 

 for almost unending wear, a split-cane rod by one of 

 the first-class makers will probably best suit the 

 requirements of the average man ; only in selecting 

 the rod, of whatever pattern, great care should be 

 devoted to getting one which, with reel and line 

 attached, will make a harmonious whole. If the rod 

 be a spht cane, it should be rather more whippy than 

 the average type in use on Chalk streams. These 

 points should be carefully attended to, otherwise the 

 beginner, after working for an hour or so, will find 

 his wrist growing tired, and he will then get into a 

 slovenly way of casting, which is easier to learn than 

 to unlearn. 



Regarding the reel, line and cast, we should recom- 

 mend, if the reader is buying his rod from a man of 

 practical experience, that he leaves the first two to 

 the maker's discretion. He will then no doubt get 

 both reel and line of suitable weight for the rod. The 

 cast should be approximately three yards, tapered, 

 the last yard being of finest drawn gut for ordinary 

 waters, but a coarser cast may be used when fishing 

 a full or slightly coloured water. A good cast for 



