CHAPTER VI. 



ON TROUTING WITH THE FLY. 



AVING in the preceding chapters ex- 

 pressed our opinion, that fly-fishing 

 should be practised up stream, and 

 having mentioned the flies and tackle 

 most suitable for the purpose, we now 

 request the reader's particular attention 

 to the remainder of the subject, as being 

 the most important part of it. 

 The first point which falls under consideration 

 is the casting of the line. After having put up 

 your rod, drawn off a sufficient quantity of line from 

 your reel, and fastened on your flies ; before com- 

 mencing, soak the line and flies in the water for a 

 few minutes, as it is no use fishing when the gut is 

 dry, and lying in rebellious curls upon the surface ; 

 and when, should a trout take any of the flies, there 

 is a great risk of its carrying them all away dry 

 gut being very brittle and apt to break at the knots. 

 When the line is thoroughly soaked, take the rod in 

 your right hand, raise it with sufficient force to 

 make the line go to its full length behind, and then 



