86 FLY-FISHING AT SEA. 



bend of the larger one, which is essential, for were the body to 

 follow the bend of the hook, it would not only have an un- 

 natural appearance, but also would revolve in the water, and 

 cause the tackle to twist. Such little matters as the above, 

 although they may not seem of importance at first sight, I can 

 assure the reader are not to be neglected with impunity. This 

 observation applies to all the baits. Lugs are not usually con- 

 sidered whining baits, yet although not equal to Rag- Worms, 

 they will do good service when baited as the Earth-Worm, but 

 being a much shorter bait, the small hook must be tied on to 

 the hook link close to the head of the larger, and a shorter 

 shank hook used than for other baits. The slips of Long-Nose, 

 Mackerel, pork or fish skin, are to be hooked merely once 

 through one end. A strip of Squid or Cuttle-fish is also used, 

 and a horn or arm of the same, or of a sucker or octopus, may 

 be baited like the Eels. The artificial baits may also be often 

 used with success, attached to the whiffing lines, and over rocky 

 ground and shallow water, flies are very killing, particularly 

 after sunset. In moderate weather a rod may be used. In 

 consequence of the success obtained by the previously 

 mentioned indiarubber baits in whining, the natural baits are 

 not so much used where they are troublesome or difficult to 

 procure. 



FLY-FISHING AT SEA. 



Fly-fishing at sea was formerly confined to the few, but is 

 now very generally practised. In favourable positions it may 

 be followed from the shore, where steep rocks with deep water, 

 or a pier-head, or shingle beach at the mouth of a bar-harbour 

 offer points of vantage, whence the fly may be cast without the 

 embarrassment of a steep wall of cliff ; but such are few and 

 far between, and as a rule it is much more successfully carried 

 on from a boat. 



The Rod. For general sea-fishing with a rod, 16 to 18 feet 

 of ash and hickory is a good length, top lancewood, which will 

 answer well in bottom-fishing or angling from the shore, but 

 for boat fly-fishing or throwing off the rocks &c. the long butt 

 should give place to one of 18 inches, which will reduce your 



