HOW TO HOLD THE FLY-ROD. 13 



your rod be on the under side of it when you 

 practise casting.* 



You are now ready to begin. Grasp your rod, 

 in your right hand, a little above the winch, but 

 not tightly. Your hand must not close firmly 

 with the thumb turned over your knuckles, as if 

 you were about to strike a blow. Your fingers 

 must simply entwine the rod, not squeeze it, and 

 your thumb must lie straight with your arm on 

 the upper part of the butt, the first joint being 

 very slightly bent, and the fleshy or flat fore-part 

 pressing on the rod. Hold your rod up almost 

 perpendicularly, and pointing rather to the left 

 side. Take the tip of the line between the fore- 

 finger and thumb of your left hand. Poise your 

 rod loosely and easily, and see that it balances 

 freely in your right hand. Be devoid of that fear 

 which begets awkwardness. What injury can you 

 do ? You are not going to explode a mine. You 



* This is the English, and more convenient method The 

 winch, being underneath the butt, does not come in contact with 

 your fore-arm as you throw, and therein lies the greater conve- 

 nience, but it is counterbalanced by having the rings also on the 

 under part of the rod, whereby the line runs and works upon 

 them rather than upon the rod. The Irish generally, and pro- 

 perly, affix the winch with the handle towards he right, and 

 fish with the rings upwards. In this way the line grates less 

 upon the ring- wires, and running upon and along the rod, instead 

 of beneath it on the rings, it is more influenced by the qualities 

 of the rod, and can be thoroughly managed by them. In most 

 cases, play your fish with the winch upwards. 



