132 THE WET FLY CAST 



even when using a fairly large pattern of fly. In 

 selecting the tail fly, the one most likely to attract 

 the fish should be used, and the droppers, as the 

 other flies are called, should be attached to the cast 

 by a length of gut, not more than 3 inches from the 

 cast to the fly. Single-winged flies should be used, 

 with a fairly stiff heckle. I think one gold-ribbed 

 fly should always be used on a cast. Experience 

 acquired on any particular water, tempered by the size 

 of the fly and the condition of the water, will be the 

 best guide as to the arrangement of your wet fly cast. 



The smaller the fish you expect to meet, the finer 

 should be your line, your cast, and your flies. Each 

 day on which you fish should most certainly add to 

 your knowledge and experience, and maybe to your 

 skill. The weather may be unpleasant, the fish shy, 

 your luck villainous, but never be discouraged ; your 

 luck must turn, the fish must feed, the sun must shine, 

 and you must catch fish. Bad luck at the card-tables 

 may be ended by a no-trump hand and a big slam. 

 The poorest day's fishing may be concluded with the 

 capture of a record fish. As an instance of patience 

 and wrist play, I recall an experience of a connection 

 of mine, the late Rev. Daniel Hughes, of Ruthin 

 Grammar School, who, in April of 1872, while trout 

 fishing with an 11 -foot rod in Carnarvon, using a 

 silk-and-hair line, hooked a salmon of 32 pounds on 

 a medium-sized March Brown, and, after a most excit- 

 ing struggle lasting over six hours, finally secured his 

 fish! 



