REELS, LINES AND LEADERS 67 



level and taper. The level line is the same size 

 throughout its length. The taper line is tapered to- 

 ward the end for a certain distance, the length of the 

 taper varying with the make. Tapered lines are 

 either single or double tapered. The single taper line 

 grows finer toward one end only. The double tapered 

 line is fined down at both ends. The taper line will be 

 more particularly discussed in a later paragraph. 



For average trout fly-fishing an enameled line size E 

 or F, level, is most used. It should be borne in mind 

 that a fly-line should be selected rather with its casting 

 qualities in view than with reference to its capacity 

 for holding fish. A very fine line, in expert hands, 

 will hold a very large trout; but a line that is too 

 fine does not cast well. The line must have a certain 

 weight in order to carry well through the air. The 

 careless or uninformed angler frequently makes the 

 mistake of using a light line on a heavy rod, or, possibly, 

 a heavy line on a light rod ; and in either case the re- 

 sult is absolute inability to cast with any sort of ef- 

 ficiency. Even by expert casters good casting cannot 

 be done with a rod and line mutually unfit; and that 

 the beginner can do better is doubtful. With care- 

 fully and well-selected tackle the beginner is sure to 

 have his troubles; but with hastily and poorly selected 

 tackle the agony is soon over the tentative fly-fish- 

 erman simply quits the game. 



For a ten-foot rod having plenty of backbone select 

 size E. 



