I consider this is the better plan of attaching a bob-fly, as it stands out better from the tail line, and is less likely to be entangled by it, and the knots of the tail line may be separated, and the bob-fly taken out. But, as I before observed, I do not recommend bob-flies. Those who like them may use them. Mrs. Glasse, after giving her admirable recipe for making a plum-pudding, adds, “those who like it may add an anchovy.”
CHAPTER VII.
DIBBING.
Dibbing is another mode of fly-fishing, or rather of fishing on the surface; for other baits, besides the fly, may be used. It is more especially applicable to narrow streams that are embarrassed with trees and bushes, and is a most killing method.
In my fishing excursions, I always take with me a stiff little pocket-rod, of four pieces, each about two feet and a half in length, with a small reel attached, and about twenty yards of strong silk line, so that I may have a fair chance of successful sport, when I happen to be fishing on a stream where trees and bushes prevent my throwing the artificial fly, and where the large trout take refuge for the purpose of concealment, and the generally better supply of flies, insects, and other food. Your tackle must be very strong, for the larger trout only are generally taken in this way, and the trees and bushes give them a good chance, after being hooked, of escaping, by breaking your tackle.
In dibbing you can only use one fly. There should not be more than a couple of lengths of gut on the line. The gut must be strong, and so must that to which the fly is attached. Keep a few flies, tied to thicker gut than you use when throwing the fly.
Whenever you see a place between trees and bushes where a trout is likely to lie, drop the fly gently, communicating to it a dancing movement. The fly must only just touch the surface, the greatest care being taken that not the smallest morsel of the gut touch the water. This is most essential to success, for rarely indeed will you rise a trout by dibbing if he sees the least bit of gut in the stream.
It very frequently happens that you see a trout lying close to the edge of the stream, or under the shade of a bush. That fish, with care, you may be certain to rise. Never place yourself before the fish; but, standing behind him, drop the fly as directed, two or three inches on one side of his head, and not immediately before him. If you attempt to drop the fly before him, he will often see the gut, and vanish; whereas, by dropping it rather on one side, he is not aware of its approach until it touches the water. Thus he has no time to scrutinise too closely, for he will rise instantly, lest the fly pass away with the stream.
I have heard it asserted by very good fishermen, that dibbing ought not to be performed with the artificial fly, the deception being too obvious. I have however caught and seen caught many and fine fish by dibbing with the artificial fly.