FLY FISHING FOR TROUT 23 



this fish? As has been suggested, he would have 

 probably begun with an unsafe reel line and half- 

 soaked gut, either or both of which might break 

 at any moment. He would very likely have forgot- 

 ten to approach the fish with the necessary caution, 

 and, by showing himself or his rod unduly, have 

 frightened him away before ever a cast was made. If 

 by chance our tiro did succeed in hooking the fish, 

 then the improperly prepared tackle would perhaps 

 have given way ; or if by some lucky chance it held, 

 he would not have calculated on the first fierce rush 

 of the trout, and would have allowed him to reach 

 his weed-surrounded home, when it is long odds 

 against any more having been seen of either fish or 

 fly. Then, instead of rejoicing over the first success 

 of the year, lamentation and woe would have been 

 that angler's portion. 



Probably it will be said, with perfect justice, how 

 in the world can anyone become a ' complete angler ' 

 all at once ? It is absurd to suggest it, and no one 

 is better aware of this than the writer. But it is by 

 showing, as best one may, how matters piscatorial 

 should be undertaken, that those who are desirous of 

 becoming skilled fishermen may attain their object ; 

 and for this reason the points of difference between 

 the methods of procedure, as practised by one who 



