Chapter I: Preface

In the following humble effort I have endeavoured to communicate to the inexperienced lovers of artificial fly-fishing, as concisely as possible, and in a practical form, the result of my own experience of upwards of fifty years.

I treat only of fishing for trout with the artificial fly, adding a few observations on dibbing for trout with artificial flies and other baits.

I have no other ambition than that of initiating the tyro in the “gentle” and elegant art, with as little trouble and expense to him as may be. If he will do me the honour to become my disciple, and practise what I preach, I confidently promise him as much success as any artificial fly-fisher may reasonably expect.

GREY DRAKE.

1860.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER I.—The tackle—the rod—the reel—the line 5

CHAPTER II.—Artificial flies 6

CHAPTER III.—Throwing the fly 10

CHAPTER IV.—General directions, observations, &c. 11

CHAPTER V.—To make a tail line—to tie on a hook 17

CHAPTER VI.—Bob-flies 19

CHAPTER VII.—Dibbing 20

A PRACTICAL TREATISE,

ETC.