SO FLOATING FLIES 



line and the constantly repeated process of dry- 

 ing the fly, is very necessary. 



The ten-foot fly-rod, other things being 

 equal, is probably the most efficient tool for the 

 dry fly fisherman. However, a nine-and-a- 

 half-foot rod is a sweeter rod to handle, is 

 suited to a greater diversity of trout waters, 

 and, granting good material and action, is suffi- 

 ciently powerful for average work the fore- 

 going, by the way, with the understanding that 

 increased length spells increased capacity for 

 handling the line, which certainly does not fol- 

 low unless the rods are "built on the same pro- 

 portional dimensions and in proportionate 

 weights. The five-ounce rod of the tourna- 

 ment fly-caster is a very different matter from 

 the five-ounce rod of the average practical 

 stream fisherman. 



The rod for dry fly casting must not be too 

 light in the butt; otherwise the rod will lack 

 line-driving power; the tip, also, must not be too 

 light and pliant, or it will result in the practi- 

 cal impossibility of lifting the heavy tapered 

 line quickly and neatly from the water when a 

 fair length of line is out. However, while a 

 strong, speedy, and resilient rod is manifestly 

 indicated, its action must not be too harsh 

 if possible the golden mean should be the final 



