EQUIPMENT.
This will be a short chapter, as tastes differ so very much, that many
things we might say would most probably be disregarded. But as to some
matters, there can only be one opinion. Do not fish in _light-coloured_
clothes; and, should the weather be wet, do not wear a white macintosh
coat. We believe that the eyesight of a fish is the keenest sense which
it possesses; and, more especially should the day be clear and fine,
there is no doubt that an unusual white object within range of its
vision will make a fish, which might otherwise have taken the fly, turn
tail and flee. A good deal of what we hear spoken of as fish "rising
short," proceeds from this cause. No doubt they rise short sometimes on
seeing the angler himself, but he is much less likely to attract notice
if clad in dark-hued clothing. We know of nothing better for a fishing
rig-out than a suit made from dark Harris tweed--it will almost last a
lifetime, and is a warm and comfortable wear. Thus you will need a dark
macintosh and leggings; and a common sou'wester is, when needed, a very
useful head-gear. A pair of cloth-lined india-rubber gloves will be
found desirable in early spring, when it is quite possible that the
temperature may be low enough for snow. A pair of stout lacing boots,
made with uppers reaching well up the leg, will be found best, as they
protect the feet from getting damp when going into or leaving a boat,
even though one should need to step into the water; and if your
waterproof coat is long, as it should be, the necessity of wearing
leggings on a wet day is obviated. Lastly, _by all means keep the body
warm_, and remember that the more careful you are of yourself, even at
the risk of being thought "old wifish," you will, humanly speaking, be
enabled to enjoy the sport to a greater age than you might otherwise
do.