"Well over a century ago, the classic British chalk streams were fished
with live insects on gossamer silk, wind-carried "blow lines". So, the
trees were cut back from the riverbank a hundred feet or more to give
the wind full, even sweep. Today, the typical chalk stream bank has only
a low occasional bush behind which the angler must kneel for cover;
hence the kneepad. And since the angler may have to wait hours for a
rise to develop, and no tree handy against which to lean his rod, the
removable or collapsible butt- spear enables him to stand his rod
upright and safe on the turf. It is not intended, as some light-minded
American types insist, to repel the charge of an infuriated trout."
A note by Sparse Grey Hackle in "Great Fishing Catalogs of the Golden
Age" (1972)
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Jimmy D. Moore - Scout Exec. BSA (Ret.), TOWA, TF&G Contributor, GRTU Past VP.
Past Pres. McGregor Rotary. Freelance Outdoor writer, humorist, half-assed Texan
and collector of classic bamboo fly rods and classic golf clubs.
For all your Fly Tying needs contact Byard Miller at Line's End Online Fly
Shop. Byard gives a 5% discount to all dues paying VFB members. Top quality
fly tying stuff at great prices and super great service. I speak from
experience. Take a look at Byard's store by clicking http://linesend.com
Jimmy D's Fly Fishing site http://bigtroutman.tripod.com/
Jimmy D's Classic Golf Club Site
http://bigtroutman.tripod.com/jimmydsclassicgolfclubs
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"Being able to read trout streams is just as valuable to a fly fisherman as the
ability to read a defense is to an NFL Quarterback."
Jimmy D. Moore - © [2004]
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