104 THE SCIENCE OF DRY FLY FISHING. 



In wet fly fishing down stream a long cast of, say, 

 nine feet, should be employed, and more space can be allowed 

 between each fly than when using a short cast of six feet for 

 wet fly fishing up stream. 



If the flies which are being used are of a large pattern, 

 plenty of room should be allowed between each fly, but this 

 space can be reduced as the cast becomes finer and the flies 

 smaller. In discoloured water, again, a shorter distance 

 between each fly is advisable, 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 three inches from the cast to 

 the fly. Single winged flies should be used, with a fairly 

 stiff hackle. 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 may be, 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 



