THE REEL, LINE AND FLIES 43 



edly fish downstream and use the level line; 

 when dry fly-fishing, however, it is imperative 

 that the angler fish or cast upstream and by all 

 odds the better plan to employ the tapered line. 



For ordinary work select a double-tapered 

 line, both ends graduated, of thirty yards' 

 length. The length of the taper varies from 

 fifteen (occasionally less) to eighteen feet. As 

 to the proper length of taper, that again, other 

 things being equal, depends somewhat upon the 

 nature of the fishing for which the line will be 

 used. If rather short casts are to be a rule, a 

 short taper will work best for the reason that 

 more of the " swell " of the line will be in use 

 and not merely wound upon the reel. A short 

 taper also works best against the wind for the 

 same reason. 



It should be obvious, although the fact has 

 not been adequately emphasized by angling 

 writers, that if the caster can as a rule (owing 

 to the restricted nature of the stream, which 

 may be small and with banks thickly wooded) 

 use only the light tapered end of his line on a 

 rod really adapted to the size of the swell of 

 the line, he is working at a great disadvantage. 

 For average small-stream fly casting it is best 

 to select a line having a " quick " taper, fifteen 

 feet or less. 



