DRY FLY TACKLE-THE LINE 



There is no part of dry fly tackle so necessary to be per- 

 fect as the line; you depend entirely upon its perfect work 

 to force the fly through the air and alight on the water 

 like thistledown. Your line must be extremely flexible, yet 

 of a weight in the thicker part that will carry well in the 

 cast, though light enough at the taper to float and not drag 

 the leader under water. The best lines are soft dressed, 

 waterproof, that run freely through the guides. It must 

 be tapered at both ends, from four to ten feet. A really 

 beautiful line feels like velvet; it should never crease or 

 get sticky; whatever the atmospheric conditions may be, it 

 must not twist or kink and should be an olive or light brown 

 tint, with a smooth dull polish. These requirements are 

 necessary, because in dry fly casting the line is continually 

 running back or forth through the guides much more than 

 in wet fishing. 



American experts and some writers advise the exclusive 

 use of English made lines, the best of which are sold in this 

 country by any good tackle dealer. The price runs from 

 eight to twelve dollars, and even higher. 



A very high-grade soft finish dry fly line is 

 Mills' double tapered "Intrinsic," prices from 

 $7.00 to $8.50. Sizes are G, F, E, D, the heaviest 

 being D. The English lines are designated by 

 letters D, E, F, the latter being heavier and larger 

 in size. It is therefore essential to 

 have line weight fit to weight of rod 



_^ a light rod to a light weight line 



E heavy rod heavy line. The heavy 

 line is the best suited for short cast- 

 ing. It will be best for the beginner 

 to understand the choice of both line 

 and rod is personal to the angler's 

 build and strength of arm. The 

 tapered dry fly line can be used for 



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