206 BY HOOK AND BY CBOOK. 



creasing force, he swings the rod, at the same time lifting 

 his finger clear from the reel. The length and force of 

 the swing, combined with the timing of release of the reel, 

 i. e. the line, determine the spot at which the bait falls, 

 so in these respects considerable accuracy is required. 



The bait flies out, taking the line from the reel, and 

 here the difiiculties commence, for although some 

 weight is required to start the drum of the reel in the 

 first instance, it soon gains velocity, the result being 

 that when the bait falls, and ceases to take up the line 

 as released from the reel, the latter winds up the line 

 the reverse way until it brings the bait up with a sharp 

 jerk, and throws the line into extreme confusion. 



To avoid this serious catastrophe, which may mean 

 loss of tackle, the reel must be gradually checked by 

 the finger or thumb when the bait is in mid-air, the 

 friction being increased until it is brought to a standstill 

 simultaneously with the bait's fall upon the surface. 



This manoeuvre will take a deal of practice to achieve, 

 more especially when a long distance has to be covered 

 by a light bait. Nottingham reels, like most other 

 kinds, are generally much too weak in the check, so if 

 not altered by the makers they must be assisted by the 

 fingers on the drum when playing a fish. 



The Angkl. 



