86 TIPS. 



changed. Instead of having to mend the- cast so as to defeat the 

 action of the water and reduce the speed of tlie ily, advantage is taken 

 of tlie current to hasten it. 



hi doing this, allow enough of that part of the line nearest the fly 

 to have free access to the current. Take care that tlie rod is held at 

 such an angle that only a due proportion of line catches the current, 

 when the small fly will " play " with unerring accuracy, and in the 

 most alluring manner possible. In the absence of spasmodic efforts 

 with the rod, it will come steadily across without a jump or even a 

 twitch. 



Latter-day e.xperiences have shown that no early attempt should 

 be made to play a sombre fly in this sort of water by any method 

 whatever. And it is as well to bear in mind that a short, sudden 

 movement of the fly, at times imperative, is a mode of presentation 

 always kept in reserve. 



Sometimes, no doubt, the average angler, while giving his 

 warmest wishes for success to some prominent brother of the rod, has 

 felt a touch of envious regret because, through no fault save 

 inexperience, he is doomed to miss many chances which the more 

 experienced fisherman will bring off. As aforesaid, the success of a 

 really flrst-class man is usually of a decided character, but with 

 his small fly on dull days — the fly scantily clothed in the most 

 unpretentious style — it is simply wonderful. On bright days his 

 modus operandi differs altogether, not only in so far as the choice of 

 fly is concerned, but also in the manipulation of the rod. His fly, 

 gaudy to a degree, is in keeping with the smartest pattern of the river, 

 and being large, it is made to travel unusually fast. Should it be 

 composed of seal's fur adorned with short hackles and a change 



