160 PRACTICAL FLY FISHING 



fly is hard to cast in a high wind but a windy day has 

 one compensating feature: the wind ruffles the water, 

 making long casts unnecessary. 



Now, young Venator, I have imparted all I can to 

 you and I regret that you haven't a more competent 

 teacher. I am going to sit on yonder log and smoke 

 while you go on down stream a ways. Be careful 

 you don't hang up your flies, for fishes do not roost in 

 trees and good luck ! 



FLOATING A STREAM 



Streams too deep to wade or with soft bottom or 

 treacherous holes are fished from a boat which is a 

 method having many attractions a lazy man's and 

 restful system. 



While I have had many a pleasant day fishing from 

 a canoe the ideal river boat, from the comfort stand- 

 point at least, is a flat bottomed one of shallow draft 

 and generous width and stability. Such a craft per- 

 mits one to move about and allows what base ball fans 

 call " the 7th inning stretch." However, unless one 

 owns a boat he takes what the boat man has to offer 

 and makes the best of it. 



The ideal way to float a bass stream is with a com- 

 panion and a hired boatsman who guides the craft and 

 who otherwise makes himself useful. He should 

 " know the river " if you don't and engineers the trip 

 so you reach your destination on time and so as to be 

 near a spring when it is time to " bile the coffee pot " 

 at noon. A good river man is a priceless jewel and 



