The Sunfish Family 21 



more attractive to him than others. One can 

 judge in this matter, however, only from experi- 

 ence. And even then the deduction of one angler 

 is often at variance with the inference of another. 



The most successful bass flies, like salmon flies, 

 are not made in imitation of natural insects. This 

 is true also of some of the " general " trout flies 

 that have proved particularly pleasing to the 

 black-bass, as the professor, grizzly king, king 

 of the waters, Montreal, coachman, etc. True, 

 the black, gray, red, and yellow hackles, which are 

 supposed to be imitations of caterpillars, are very 

 useful on nearly all waters ; but their resemblance 

 to any known larval forms is very slight. 



There is a well-known rule in regard to the size 

 and color of flies to be used at particular states 

 and stages of the water, and in accordance with 

 the time and character of the day. It is to use 

 small and dark flies on bright days, with low and 

 clear water ; and larger and brighter flies on dark 

 days with high or turbid water, and at dusk. 

 This rule is hoary with age. It has come down 

 to us through past centuries with the indorsement 

 of thousands of intelligent and observant anglers, 

 and should be respected accordingly. It is in 

 the main reliable and trustworthy. Of course 



