BROOK TROUT AND FLY-CASTER 13 



The six-foot leader is best for three flies; when using 

 two flies, the preferable number, a five- 

 Other Trout foot leader j s sufficiently long. Select the 



Duffle s * ze known as "medium trout." The 

 choice of leaders, however, is intimately 

 connected, both as to length and caliber, with the stage 

 of water and weather conditions. Longer and finer 

 leaders must be used over low, clear water than when 

 fishing the stream under normal conditions. Leaders 

 must never be used when dry and brittle and must 

 first be soaked in water to render them pliable ; for this 

 purpose the angler should carry two or three leaders in 

 a nickel leader box between layers of wet felt. 



A nine-pound creel, with "new style" shoulder sling 

 leaving the casting arm free, is most suited to average 

 trout fishing in streams. In the matter of waders it 

 may be said that for general purposes light-weight hip- 

 boots are about as good as any. Late in the season it 

 is the best plan to do without waders and wear regular 

 wading shoes, with canvas leggings, or any pair of shoes 

 with small slits cut in them to let out the water. Light- 

 weight knee-high hunting boots are very satisfactory 

 for this purpose ; they should be well oiled. Hob-nails 

 not too many, too hard, or too large, are advantageous 

 when wading very rocky streams. 



A small landing net which may be slung over the 

 shoulder by an elastic cord, or fitted with a catch so 

 that it may be hung on a button or ring on the front of 

 the coat, should always be carried; the angler who 

 religiously packs a landing net will far less frequently 

 tell the familiar story of the "whale" that "got away." 



