FLY-FISHING. 399 



etc., under ordinary circumstances ; for the angler must 

 remember that the most commanding situation for seeing 

 the fish also furnishes the best facilities for being seen in 

 return, and vice versa. In fishing from a boat, it must be 

 kept in deep water, while long casts are made in-shore, 

 toward the feeding grounds. We should never fish with 

 the sun at our back, or in such a position as to throw the 

 shadow of our rod or person upon the water. 



From what has been said in the chapter on the " condi- 

 tions governing the biting of fish/ 7 it will be apparent that 

 it is absolutely necessary that there be a breeze sufficient 

 to ruffle the surface of the water. It is perfect folly for the 

 angler to cast his flies upon a smooth surface, if the water 

 is clear enough for fishing. A gale is better than no wind 

 at all, and it does not matter from what direction the wind 

 blows, if the condition and temperature of water are right. 

 A good breeze is the angler's best ally, for by rippling the 

 water it breaks the line of sight, to a great extent, between 

 him and the fish. 



The angler should endeavor to cast his flies as lightly 

 as possible, causing them to settle as quietly as thistle- 

 down, and without a splash. After casting, the flies should 

 be skipped or trailed along the surface in slightly curving 

 lines, or by zigzag and tremulous movements, occasionally 

 allowing them to become submerged for several inches 

 near likely-looking spots. If the current is swift, allow 

 the flies to float naturally with it, at times, when they can 

 be skittered back again, or withdrawn for a new cast. 

 Two or three times are enough to cast over any one spot, 

 when a rise is not induced. 



When Bass are biting eagerly and quickly, whipping the 

 stream is to be practiced, that is, the casts are to be often 



