364 SALMON AND TROUT. 



A few words will suffice to indicate the rod and tackle 

 which will be found most serviceable for this class of fishing. 

 A moderately stiff single-handed glued cane rod of eleven feet, 

 in two or three joints, will be a far more comfortable weapon 

 to wield than any double-handed one, although if there are 

 any conditions under which a double-handed rod could be 

 preferred, it would be when fishing the floating May-fly ; yet 

 it is not so handy to use, cannot throw any longer distance, 

 and is powerless against the wind when com]:)ared with the 

 single-handed rod. If the built cane be deemed too expen- 

 sive, a greenheart rod of the same length and character can be 

 substituted. A good bronze or ebonite revolving-plate reel, 

 large enough to hold at least forty yards of line. A pure silk 

 solid plaited line, moderately stout and parallel through the 

 central portion, but tapered for the last five yards at each end ; 

 this dressed in pure boiled oil, according to Mr. Hawksley's 

 improved plan, and occasionally rubbed well over from end to 

 end with red deer fat to make it float. Gut cast not too fine — 

 in fact, moderately fine undrawn for the point, tapered gradually 

 to quite stout trout gut at the loop by which it is attached to 

 the reel line. With a landing net and basket, the gear is com- 

 plete. 



As to hooks, the argument that is applicable to show the 

 advantage of the eyed hook for small flies is strengthened ten- 

 fold in regard to the larger sizes. I would, however, offer one 

 word of counsel : do not be persuaded to buy May- flies dressed 

 on hooks any larger than those specified for the patterns given, 

 nor, in fact, for any May-flies. Nos. 2, 3, and for the outside 

 limit 3 long, are quite large enough. A small May-fly will often 

 hook and kill a fish which will only splash at and refuse one of 

 the monstrosities frequently foisted on the unwary by the tackle- 

 makers. 



Having rod, line, cast, and fly together, the next point to 

 consider is how to use them. I would premise that, without 

 wishing in any way to be dogmatic, all the experience gained 

 during many years has tended more and more to convince me 



