FLIES AND FLY FISHING. 69 



The hackles on these flies should be rather longer than 

 the hook, and with rather thick fibres. Always attach 

 your drop flies to the cast with a loop, as described else- 

 where. 



A light double-handed rod should be used ; about 

 fourteen feet is long enough ; it is poor sport killing a 

 three or four pound fish on a salmon rod, or even on a 

 sixteen foot grilse rod. For lake fishing, a single-handed 

 rod does very well, and it should be made entirely of 

 greenheart. 



The cast should be from four to five yards long, of 

 good round gut. In clear water it ought to be as fine as 

 the fisherman thinks he can use with safety, on which 

 point he must be guided by the nature of the water and 

 by the estimation in which he holds his own skill. 



It is better to work the flies something like a salmon 

 fly, but in a shorter quicker manner ; but in this as well 

 as in all other kinds of fly fishing, fish as deep as possible. 



Always make a point of fishing any flat silently gliding 

 w&terjust above a fall or rapid stream which is a likely 

 find. 



In rivers, it is hardly ever necessary or desirable to 

 strike at white trout, raising the rod's point simultaneously 

 with the rise being sufficient. It is better not to play 



