F l y F i s h i n g T r i c k s . c o m

Preparations: Getting ready for the first cast

GOING TO THE WATER

IF the "getting-in place" is not far from the water so much the better. If the angler must travel some distance to the stream or lake it is best not to wear the waders. Carry them and wear a pair of moccasins or tennis slippers on the feet which, when the waders are donned, can either be cached or carried inside of the waders, by tying the strings together and suspending on the belt, or in the knapsack pocket of the "monkey jacket."

Be sure that some leaders are soaking when you leave for the fishing grounds.

The rod should not be jointed up until the waters are reached. The rod that is carried jointed in a wagon or motor car is subjected to injurious vibrations to say nothing of the increased danger of smashing it and the bother of carrying it through the brush.

Jointing the Rod

Take the tip joint and rub the male ferrule along the side of your nose, or in your hair, to lubricate it - boys who have grown bald obviously must use their noses. Join the tip to the middle joint, putting on the butt, or independent handle, last. Have all the guides in line. In taking the rod down this order is reversed and you start from the butt end and work up.

Be sure that the reel is fastened securely in the reel seat and that it is on the underside of the rod with the handle to the right. Reeve the line through the guides and pull enough line through the tip so you can work with it without putting a strain on the rod.

Tying Line To Leader

There are a number of good knots for tying line to leader. Perhaps the most popular is the simple jam knot. A small knot is first tied on the end of the line. Now, assuming that you are right handed, hold the leader loop in the left hand so that the end is pointing toward you. Insert the knotted end of the line up through and then around the loop, under the line, and pull tight. A modification of this knot, and one I prefer, is the tiller hitch. No knot is made in the line. A regular jam knot is tied but before tightening the end is returned so that a slight pull will release it - handy for changing leaders. The ordinary bow line and other knots are sometimes used.

TYING FLY TO LEADER

The jam knot may be used but the best knot I have seen for tying fly to leader is the turle knot. It is made by running the end of the leader through the eye, tying a noose or slip knot, inserting fly through the loop so made and tightening so the knot jams under the eye. An ordinary half hitch will do as well for the straight eyed or ringed hook or the loop of twisted gut. For the latter the jam and tiller hitch are sometimes used. Dropper flies may be attached to tied-on strands or tippets mentioned in the section on leader tying. Finally look over the rod, line, leader and fly to see if everything is in order. If so, you are ready for the first cast.

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