68 FISHING TACKLE 



tapered line. Size F, the old favorite, is giving 

 way to E, and the D size is also much used. 



In these lines the taper is short, 12 feet or 

 less. Thus it will be understood that a g-foot 

 taper and a 7^-foot leader, propelled by a 

 fairly heavy line on a stiff rod, may be depend- 

 ed on in all sorts of weather for accurate casts 

 of fifteen to twenty-five feet. And for long 

 casts this equipment is ideal. 



While these rods are excellent for fishing on 

 large streams, on rocky and overgrown woods 

 brooks, three, two, and even i^ ounce rods 

 of 7 to 8 y 2 feet are favorites with many anglers. 

 Even with these little rods fairly heavy lines 

 are the rule, the short tapers being fine at the 

 ends, so that small 4^- and 6-foot leaders 

 can be handled accurately at short range. 



In working out with the dry-fly which 

 must be done without touching the water in 

 front it is much more difficult to handle rod 

 and line in places that are overhung with trees 

 than in wet-fly casting, hence the utility of the 

 heavy line, short taper, and short leader. 



It is good fun to make up your own leaders 

 on winter nights. But even if you do not do 

 this, it is economical to repair those that have 

 been used, and put them in good condition for 

 the coming season. Soak them well; it is a 



