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THE CHOICE OF A ELY. 



FREAKS. There are times when the fish are glutted, or 



during very unsettled atmospheric conditions, when 

 they persistently refuse the natural fly, and yet are 

 playing about on the surface. At such times a freak 

 is useful to meet the abnormal conditions, that is, a 

 fly of abnormal form, vivid colour, or one totally out 

 of season. 



But generally speaking, a careful imitation of 

 nature, if persistently used, pays best in the long run, 

 and freaks are to be avoided. 



In the early part of the season, larger flies may be 

 used than later on, when the fish are getting hook shy. 

 A medium-sized hook both hooks and holds better 

 than a very small one. 



Similarly, as the light fails in the evening, a fair- 

 sized hook may be used with advantage. 



Under ordinary conditions, the fly chosen should 

 be a careful imitation of the natural fly the fish appear 

 to be taking, or, if instead of boldly rising to the 

 natural, they are " bulging" or "tailing," a small 

 hackle, similar in colour to the natural fly on the water, 

 is successful when a winged imitation is refused. 

 SIZE. The size of the fly chosen is of the highest import- 



ance. It should, as a rule, be less than the natural 

 from which it is copied, this being particularly the case 

 under very fine conditions of weather and water, as 

 the season advances, and on waters which are over- 

 fished. Indeed, under the latter conditions, a fly many 

 sizes smaller than the natural (though of the same 

 form and colour) is often necessary, 



TIME OF 

 YEAR. 



EVENING. 



NATURAL. 



