14 SEA FISH; 



dependent on the locality in which it is used, as the 

 artificial fly, and even in particular localities numbers 

 of peculiar patterns will be found in use, some 

 succeeding where others utterly fail. I shall not 

 therefore enter into a description of the endless 

 varieties made and sold, but confine myself to giving 

 a few leading patterns, which, by adapting the size 

 of the hooks and " make up " to the fishing ground 

 visited, will be found generally useful ; but I strongly 

 advise my readers, on visiting a fishing station, to 

 ascertain from some old hand the description of fly 

 in general use, and if possible obtain one or more as 

 a guide. The manufacture of both trout and salmon 

 flies has become quite an ornamental art, and one in 

 which ladies often excel. Considerable practice is 

 required before the novice can expect to turn out a 

 fly which will bear close inspection ; but still, with a 

 moderate share of ingenuity, perseverance, and a 

 few lessons from an experienced maker, he will be 

 enabled in a short time to tie a fly which, when 

 well thrown, will prove as tempting and destructive 

 as more highly finished and elaborate productions. 

 Hooks of the Limerick bend are in my opinion far 

 superior to all others for either sea trout or salmon 

 fly manufacturer. Where large sized salmon flies 

 are used, as they often will be at the mouths of rivers 

 and estuaries, one in the majority of instances will be 

 found better than two, but for sea and bull trout two 

 may be used with advantage, looping the dropper 



