42 RULES FOR TROUT-FISHING. 



stoop, or throw from behind bushes or stumps, &c. : 

 in short, avail yourself of every advantage to effect 

 the grand point of keeping out of sight. Charles 

 Cotton, the companion of Walton, justly charac- 

 terises, ^ fishing fine, and far off," as the perfection 

 of angling. 



When you have struck a fish, keep a strong pull 

 on him, and don't let the reel run but from abso- 

 lute necessity ; for, with the least slack line, he will 

 be apt to get off. In playing a trout, endeavour to 

 keep your rod directly over him, and be careful in 

 leading him forwards, as, should the hold be slight, the 

 least violence will tear the hook out of his mouth. 

 If the shore be shallow and free from bushes, retire 

 backwards in a stooping position, and he will come 

 to land very easily ; but if the bank be steep, drown 

 him well first, and as you weigh him up, be careful 

 he touch neither bush nor grass, as these will cause 

 your prey to struggle excessively, and probably 

 break his hold. On this, and on the judgment ne- 

 cessary in playing a large trout, Francks has the 

 following judicious remarks : 



" And now, Theophilus, I must reprove your pre- 

 cipitancy, because a great error in young anglers. 

 Be mindful, therefore, to observe directions in 

 handling and managing your rod and line, and cau- 

 tiously keeping yourself out of sight : all which 

 precautions are requisite accomplishments, which, 

 of necessity, ought to be understood by every in- 

 genious angler : and so is that secret of striking, 

 which should never be used with violence ; be- 



