582 OCEAN, LAKE, AND RIVER. 



jerk is liable to break the rod either at the first or second ferrule, or 

 to throw the line out of its natural parabolic orbit ; while a too 

 sudden or premature projection of the rod forward will snap off 

 the flies, tangle the line, or catch the seat of one's corduroys with 

 the hook, insufficient time having been given for the line to 

 straighten itself behind. Inexperienced anglers are annoyed by 

 the snoods chafing and breaking off at the heads of the flies ; the 

 cause is imperfect casting. The fly being heavier than the deli- 

 cate line, moves faster through the air by the impetus given it, 

 and when a quick jerky motion is made in casting, or a too much 

 up-and-down motion is given to the rod, the fly has to drag the 

 line along like a shot taking a life-line to a wreck, and lights on the 

 water with a thud that sends it back at right angles with the link 

 or loop. The friction is more than the strongest gut can stand. 



In lifting very long fines from the water, it is desirable to start 

 them first, and then withdraw them wholly, otherwise the weight 

 and sag is liable to part the tackle, and break or strain the rod ; 

 also before making the forward cast, count the time it has taken 

 to withdraw the line from the water and bring the rod to its posi- 

 tion over the shoulder. The flies will then have time to traverse 

 the entire arc which a well-made cast requires. 



When about to change position on the stream, reel up and 

 take your line out of the water, unless you are wading, when it 

 may sometimes be preferable to let the line drift down ahead of 

 the angler, if the current be swift. Wading possesses several 

 advantages over fishing from the bank, for it enables the angler to 

 fish every part of the stream which the other method does not, 

 and gives him more casting room ; the fish are not so easily 

 frightened, and when hooked are more easily landed. Fish can 

 see in clear water with great acuteness, but the refraction seems 

 to impair their vision. Fish have a habit of backing slowly down 

 stream as the angler advances, not seeming greatly disturbed ; 

 but the moment they do take fright they scoot up stream like 

 lightning. Streams may be fished up or down at option, though 

 down stream is the best. The chief advantage of fishing up 

 stream is that while you are playing your fish, you do not alarm 

 others above you, as you are supposed always to lead your captive 

 down stream. 



