128 A WINCH NECESSARY IN DIBBING. 



is not thought requisite by the North Country 

 Angler; but it is evident that in no fishing is 

 it more wanted than in this, where it is required 

 to lengthen and shorten the line according to 

 circumstances; as, for instance, where, from a 

 length of seven or eight yards, it must be reduced 

 to one, or even less, and sometimes even to be 

 wound up altogether, that it may be insinuated 

 through trees and bushes ; and in such cases how 

 can it be so well done as by a reel ? ' 



The above question the Northern Angler 

 answers thus : ' Your line should not be above 

 a yard long; and, where there is some difficulty 

 in getting your rod-top through the bushes, not 

 above half a yard, which, when baited, you may 

 wrap loosely seven or eight times about the rod- 

 top ; and when you have thrust it beyond the 

 bush, turn your rod round as many times, and 

 let your bait drop into the water. There is a 

 great deal of caution necessary in managing your 

 rod and line. Some pools are shaded only here 

 and there with a bush or two ; in such places you 

 may fish with a line a yard or more long; but 

 you must be sure to make your approach to such 

 open places cautiously, for the great fish lie very 

 near the top of the water watching the fall of 

 flies or other insects from the bushes where they 

 are bred or harboured ; and though you do not 

 see them, yet they will see you at your first 



