flyfisherman. Over the years, zealous adherents have nearly come to blows over such things as whether using a strike indicator is truly flyfishing at all. In fact, just today, I learned of a debate that raged nearly a century ago, and I'd like to share it with you. The following is an excerpt the book Practical Dry-Fly Fishing, by Emlyn M. Gill:
"And still harmony does not always reign supreme among members of the English floating fly fraternity. The dry-fly "purist," as he is known, casts his fly usually only when he sees a trout rising; he "stalks" the fish; if he sees a rise, he goes within casting distance of the spot, carefully places his fly so that it falls exactly where the trout had risen, or just above it, that the fly may float down over the fish. If he finally gives up in his attempt to catch this particular trout, he looks for another rising fish, but does not make another cast until he again sees a rise. If no rises occur within his vision during the day, he does not wet his line.
"An American, with a mind capable of seeing humorous features in almost all things, and also at times not beyond the temptation of indulging in ridicule, may easily see an opening for poking fun at the disappointed purist, as he returns at evening without once having cast a fly during the day.
"The strict purist, in turn, has retorted to those who are inclined to make of him a ridiculous figure, by calling all who do not adopt his methods "poachers." It would not be fair, however, to convey an impression that ill-natured criticism is common among the British sportsmen. I have read much of their literature, bearing on all sides of the question, and have found a general inclination to be tolerant of each others opinions, and most courteous in their arguments. Their ideas of sportsmanship are high, a condition that I believe is very general among dry-fly anglers everywhere. The fascination of the game seems to be the attraction of this method of fishing, and not the "heavy creel" at the end of the day."
So there you have it. No matter what lengths to which you go, there are some folks who will never be satisfied. Can you imagine a fellow angler calling you a poacher because you cast a dry fly to a riffle where you saw no rise? That was the state of the art in 1912. So don't feel bad - the recent debates may be nothing more than passionate sportsmen carrying on a proud tradition. I mostly enjoy stories, photos, fishing tips, river reports, and good humor. But I also enjoy a healthy debate once in awhile.
db
"If I don't catch them today, I'll catch them another day." Art Flick
"And still harmony does not always reign supreme among members of the English floating fly fraternity. The dry-fly "purist," as he is known, casts his fly usually only when he sees a trout rising; he "stalks" the fish; if he sees a rise, he goes within casting distance of the spot, carefully places his fly so that it falls exactly where the trout had risen, or just above it, that the fly may float down over the fish. If he finally gives up in his attempt to catch this particular trout, he looks for another rising fish, but does not make another cast until he again sees a rise. If no rises occur within his vision during the day, he does not wet his line.
"An American, with a mind capable of seeing humorous features in almost all things, and also at times not beyond the temptation of indulging in ridicule, may easily see an opening for poking fun at the disappointed purist, as he returns at evening without once having cast a fly during the day.
"The strict purist, in turn, has retorted to those who are inclined to make of him a ridiculous figure, by calling all who do not adopt his methods "poachers." It would not be fair, however, to convey an impression that ill-natured criticism is common among the British sportsmen. I have read much of their literature, bearing on all sides of the question, and have found a general inclination to be tolerant of each others opinions, and most courteous in their arguments. Their ideas of sportsmanship are high, a condition that I believe is very general among dry-fly anglers everywhere. The fascination of the game seems to be the attraction of this method of fishing, and not the "heavy creel" at the end of the day."
So there you have it. No matter what lengths to which you go, there are some folks who will never be satisfied. Can you imagine a fellow angler calling you a poacher because you cast a dry fly to a riffle where you saw no rise? That was the state of the art in 1912. So don't feel bad - the recent debates may be nothing more than passionate sportsmen carrying on a proud tradition. I mostly enjoy stories, photos, fishing tips, river reports, and good humor. But I also enjoy a healthy debate once in awhile.
db
"If I don't catch them today, I'll catch them another day." Art Flick