The Fishing of Waters with the Wet Fly 39 



charming is the variation of pool and 

 stream, of deep and shallow, and how 

 interesting the varied methods which are 

 called into play consequently. The learner 

 will now begin by wading gently into the 

 thin side of a pool ; making his flies search 

 the likely looking portion above him, where 

 pool and stream begin to shake hands. It 

 is morning ; but no rising trout are dimpling 

 the surface as yet. The day is mild, the 

 breeze gentle. It is blowing up stream ; 

 the sky is grey, and thus the indications are 

 favourable to a good day's sport. Having 

 put up your rod, your gut casting line 

 (with its two or three well-chosen flies, 

 meanwhile having been stretched), is left to 

 soak, in a shallow, with a stone placed over 

 it, to prevent accidents. The gut casting- 

 line being now pliant and soft, must always 

 be straightened before it is fixed to the reel 

 line. These minor details must be rigidly 

 observed. Your tactics must be those of 

 the wet fly, but must not be overdone. If 

 there is an eddy, search that, the one at your 

 own side for choice, first. Here, remember 

 that the fly is, at times, being actually 

 carried from you, not towards you. So, 

 humour your line accordingly, by allowing 

 the fly as much as possible, to float from 



