FLY FISHING IN THE SEA 165 



made unless the fly is fished down stream. At any rate, the 

 beginner should keep the boat placed at one side and rather 

 above the shoal offish. When I say 'above,' I mean regarding 

 the tidal current as if it were a river. Cast across the current 

 at an angle of about 45, letting the fly fall a yard or two in front 

 of the fish ; then work it in rapid jerks with the point of the 

 rod, allowing the tide to carry it among the shoal. Be particu- 

 larly careful not to cast beyond the fish, for if you are using a 

 thick line the fish will see the line before they see the fly, 

 which is obviously undesirable. 



Bass very often take the fly under water ; so, especially 

 when there is much ripple, it is better to watch the line rather 

 than the fly. From the point of the rod to where it touches 

 the water, the line takes a gentle curve. Watch that curve, and 

 immediately you see it straighten, strike ; and then look out 

 for squalls. In playing the fish, keep the bend of the rod well 

 up ; hold the rod at an angle of about 45. If the fish makes 

 a determined run let him have line, checking it, if needs be, a 

 little with one of your fingers on the rim of the reel ; but never 

 allow the rod to be pulled down towards the water. Always 

 keep the rod up at an angle of about 45. If the bass is pulled 

 kicking and plunging up stream among the shoal, his struggles 

 will be so evident to his brothers that he alone of the shoal 

 will be landed. The wiser plan, which, however, involves a 

 considerable amount of labour, is, immediately a fish is hooked, 

 to draw it across the current towards the boat away from the 

 shoal, and then drop down with the tide below the other fish, 

 who, having their tails pointing that way, see nothing of what 

 takes place. It is a comparatively easy thing to pull a bass or 

 trout or salmon down stream. It should always be done 

 when possible. After the fish is landed the men should again 

 row the boat by the side of, but not too near, the shoal, 

 until they place one within casting distance, when with 



