THE LEADERS, OR CASTS 



HE leaders or casts, as they are 

 called by many should be nine feet 

 in length for early fishing, and made of 

 heavy, strong gut; for at this season of 

 the year, the river being high, the current is much 

 swifter, and greater force is required while playing 

 the fish : therefore the heavier leader is the best. 

 Later in the season, when the river falls and the 

 water is very clear, I should advise the use of 

 leaders twelve feet long and of a much smaller- 

 sized gut. They should lift when dry four pounds, 

 and it is always best to test one before fastening it 

 to the line. I consider the stained leaders prefer- 

 able, as they attract less attention One should 

 constantly examine them, for they frequently be- 

 come knotted when cast against the wind, and 

 should this occur they are apt to break at the 

 knots. This happened to a friend of mine when 

 he had the fish almost within reach of the gaff. 

 In attaching the fly to the leader, hold the fly be- 



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