PRESENTATION. :-J85 



Let the angling reader clearly understand that this picture is drawn 

 from everyday work, so to speak, and may be accepted as a fair specimen 

 of Salmon-angling and the system of procedure. The success of a 

 particular fly on some special occasions is of no uncommon occurrence. 

 As to how the captain hooked, played, and finally secured his fish we will 

 not inquire, for the reason that these matters will be practically treated 

 presently in accordance with my original plan of arrangement. Of course, 

 he waded, or left the bottom part of the pool " maiden " ; but this also is 

 a subject I defer. 



In reference to streams there is a general disagreement of authorities 

 as to the size of the fly. The little fly theory is, in places, much maligned, 

 whilst the most plausible reasons are advanced in support of the large one. 

 Veritable champions, few though they be, come and catch sulky fish 

 with large sized patterns on those particular occasions when other men 

 have failed ; and even then their success is invariably attributed to the 

 -humour of the fish. This old exculpatory plea will not do at all. Their 

 victory is entirely due to the principle adopted in presenting the large fly. 

 Let us take a case in point. 



The man fishing a small pattern in a stream, takes up a position in 

 close quarters with the fish, and I shall explain why very soon. If he be 

 inexperienced in approaching Salmon, his manner alone, as I have before 

 observed, may spoil his chance. It is certain that the untrained novice 

 had better stand back and use a large fly, than wade in and fish 

 with a small one. 



Success in either case necessitates a due obedience to the laws of 

 presentation. For instance, a small fly must dwell longer over the fish 

 than a large one. In order to ensure this, wading is imperative. On the 

 other hand, a large fly can often be played properly from the bank, the 

 expert being fully alive to the fact that such a lure in most streams must 

 be worked quickly and not allowed to dwell at all. 



It would be manifestly unfair towards brother Anglers who fish after 

 one, to wade in and thrash a stream with a large fly. The mere fact of 

 punishing a stream in this way prohibits the use of a small fly on it, put 

 by the hand of a novice. Fortunately, however, this practice, and 

 others that for instance of " skimming pools " is quite the exception 



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