42 STRIKING, HOOKING, PLAYING, 



only is it more convenient that the winch should 

 be beneath the rod. Appearance and convenience 

 are the only advantages of that position. 



The following observations of Mr. Konalds 

 should be attended to : ' When a fish has just 

 risen at a natural object, it is well for the fisher- 

 man to try to throw into the curl occasioned by 

 the rise, and left as a mark for him ; but should 

 the undulations have nearly died away before he 

 can throw to the spot, then he should throw, as 

 nearly as he can judge, a yard or two above it, 

 and allow the flies to float down to the supposed 

 place of the fish : if a rise do not occur, it may 

 be concluded that the fish has removed without 

 seeing the flies ; he may then try a yard or two 

 on each side of the place where the curl appeared, 

 when he may probably have a rise, and may pos- 

 sibly hook the fish, provided he has the knack of 

 striking, which knack, like all others, is acquired 

 only by practice : it must be done by a very 

 sudden, but not a very strong stroke a twitch of 

 the wrist. Having hooked him, the rod should be 

 carefully retained in that position which will allow 

 its greatest pliability to be exerted. For beginners 

 to do this, it may be advisable that they should 

 get it up over the shoulder, and present the butt- 

 end towards the fish. A gentle pull must now be 

 kept upon the fish, and he should be led down the 

 stream rather than up, making use of the reel as 



