CHAPTER VI. 

 THE WET-FLY EQUIPMENT. 



The call of spring Fly-rods and their cost A suitable rod 

 " Medium action " Reel and line Backing Casts, 

 fly-book, and damper Wading stockings Flies A 

 first list "Points" Number of flies required Uses of 

 a small creel Staining a creel How to make up a 

 collar Knots Combination of flies. 



THE angler need not be very old in the sport to 

 experience the call of spring. One day in mid- 

 April, or possibly even earlier in the year, he will 

 suddenly awaken to the fact that his city abode is 

 become intolerable, that rocks, heather, and rip- 

 pling streams are necessary to his well-being. In 

 other words, he will take thought for a holiday. 

 When he feels like this it is an excellent oppor- 

 tunity for him to begin fly-fishing; a fortnight of 

 continuous practice, with all the zest born of free- 

 dom and novelty, will teach him more than w r ould a 

 whole summer of odd days picked at random, and 

 spent in feverish consciousness of the value of 

 each hour. With a fortnight before one it is 

 possible to be leisurely in spirit, and so better able 



