THE ART OF PLY FISHING. i^'J'J 



the longest. There is always some spare room in the house where 

 this case could be laid along the surbase and not be in the way or 

 ?eem unsightly. As regards tackle, all lines should be reeled off 

 and stretched from one end of the garden to' another on some 

 bright and sunny morning, and left an hour in the air to dry. They 

 should then be overrun lightly with a bit of woolen cloth or cham- 

 ois, to remove any taint of mildew, sand, sea salt, or other extrane- 

 ous matter, and then be wound upon the reel not too tightly and 

 put away with the reel nicely cleaned. If frayed portions are dis- 

 covered they should be condemned, and the good parts kept for 

 miscellaneous uses, which will be found frequent enough. With 

 respect to leaders, flies, ground tackle, etc., it is admissible to de- 

 fer immediate attention until some fine evening when a cheerful 

 blaze and indoor comforts are heightened by the blustering weath- 

 er without, and then with his stock spread out upon the sitting- 

 room table, one can summon the aid of the little folks to assort the 

 several varieties. As in the case of lines, all worn and imperfect 

 flies, all frayed leaders, and half-broken gut lengths, should be re- 

 jected as past service, for the great desideratum with a careful 

 angler is to keep his gear in as perfect condition as possible, that 

 at no time he may be aggravated through negligence by an unto- 

 ward loss. Bait boxes and creels should be thoroughly cleansed 

 with warm soda water, and when dried it is well to sprinkle them 

 with a little carbolic acid, or a wash of carbolic soap can be used. 

 Never keep your Sshing and shooting gear in the same drawer or 

 chest. Above all else, guard against the ravages of moths. 



When the spring comes round, look again to your tackle with 

 careful inspection, and see that all are in perfect order. Test your 

 line foot by foot for frays and weak spots. See that the ferrules, 

 rings and eyes of your rods are tight, and no fractures in the joints. 

 Above all, look well to your flies ; reject all specimens that have 

 been injured by use, and all frayed gut lengths. It is better to 

 ihrow away a handful now, than to lose flies and heavy fish to- 

 gether the first time you fasten to a rise. If your outfit is not 

 complete, nor your assortment of flies" full, replenish at the tackle 

 shops. 



The angler being now prepared with rod, line, reel, etc., we 

 will presume, is ready to experiment in fly casting. The methods 



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