WET-FLY FISHING 45 



to strike a fish, in a rapid stream if a long line is used, 

 and in the majority of these cases the reason for 

 failure is to be found in the use of too long a Une. 



Therefore the novice who is bent on mastering 

 fly-fishing upstream can almost dismiss from his 

 mind the first part of the " far off and fine " theory. 

 In practice it will be found that, for fishing strong 

 flowing streams, a line (including the cast) but little 

 longer than the rod is ample ; while for fishing the more 

 gently flowing shallow water at the edges of such 

 streams, another yard or two of line will be necessary 

 to assist the angler in keeping out of sight. The angler 

 must be ruled by circumstances, always bearing in mind 

 the fact that the most practical length of line to use is 

 the shortest on which a trout may be killed. Once 

 this fact has been fully appreciated and carried into 

 practice, many of the supposed difiiculties of upstream 

 fishing will vanish entirely, leaving the novice free to 

 tackle other problems. 



Arriving at a likely stretch of water, and full of 

 excitement on noticing a fish rise at the tail of the 

 main stream, the beginner will often wade straight 

 out to a point below the fish and then cast over him. 

 There is always a temptation, even to the expert, to 

 go for a rising fish, but under such circumstances, if 

 the angler be wise, he will take a careful survey before 

 wading out, and will note the character of the water 

 within casting distance of the edge. 



