82 ANGLING FOR GAME FISH. 



ripple. When a fisb. rises, misses the fly, and the ' boat passes 

 over him, cast behind the boat, where you think he rose, and 

 you may get him. Lake trout are not usually shy. When a 

 fish is hooked, see that he does not bolt under the boat. If 

 the lake is small, and the wind light, you may have your mooring- 

 stone nearly on the bottom, so that, when a fish is hooked, the 

 boat may be quickly stopped (by letting out additional rope), 

 and held in position until the fish is landed. 



Dapping with the Green Drake or May-fly (see page 

 39) is practised on many Irish lakes, particularly those of 

 West Meath.* The fishing lasts for about three weeks, or 

 less ; but as the flies rise earlier on some lakes than others, the 

 angler may, by shifting his quarters from one lake to another, 

 prolong his fishing considerably. 



The necessary tackle consists of a long, light, bamboo rod, 

 14ft. to I8ft. in length (a grilse rod will do) ; a light, undressed 

 silk line,t a trifle stouter than the Nottingham lines used for 

 chub-fishing; 1yd. of the finest undrawn gut, and a No. 10 

 (Kendal scale) round-bend hook. Some anglers use Stone-fly 

 tackle with two hooks (see page QQ). A basket with a lid is 

 useful to hold the flies, or a box about 9in. square, covered 

 with a piece of fine netting, one corner of which can be lifted 

 up to take out the flies. The flies are found on the water, 

 on the windward shore, among the rocks, and particularly on 

 the leeward sides of hedges which are on the windward side 

 of the lake. The hook should be put in and out of the 

 back of the fly, between the wings, so that the fly floats 

 feet downward on the water. The boat should drift with 

 the wind, and not he checked hy a stone; and the fly should be 

 blown along the water in front of the boat, and not be either 

 checked or dapped on the surface. It should, in fact, imitate 

 the movements of the natural insects, which drift across the 

 water. On getting a rise, wait two seconds before striking. 



* As to the fishing on the "West Meath and other Irish lakes, I strongly advise 

 "How and Where to Fish in Ireland," by " Hi Regan" (Sampson Low & Co.), to 

 be consulted ; it is a most necessary work for anglers who visit Ireland. 



t The Irish May-fly fishermen introduce a length of floss silk of considerable 

 thickness into their lines. This catches the wind, and assists in carrying out the 

 fly ; but if the line I have mentioned is used, the floss silk is not necessary. 



I 



