131 



pain, the fish is sufficiently disposed to remain in a con- 

 stant state of action, by which his powers must speedily 

 be subdued. Keep him under command, but with tem- 

 per : when you lose that, you will probably lose your 

 'pri%e also ! 



As the elasticity of your rod and of your line afford 

 you considerable advantages, your study should be, always 

 to keep the former in such a position, as may effectually 

 combine the powers of both. This is done simply by 

 keeping the point of your rod raised, so that it may bend, 

 and by its spring gently yield to the efforts of 'the fish, 

 Mild draw him back to his proper degree of pressure on 

 the line, when his effort has ceased. Plate IV. Fig. 2, 

 will give the learner an adequate idea of what is in- 

 > tended : it shews the greatest angle that should be 

 allowed. 



It must be self-evident, that when the rod and line are 

 both in one direction, the whole of the strain lays on the 

 latter j the former being deprived of all its elastic powers, 

 and proving far worse than the same length of line would 

 be, if substituted in its place. Every approach to such a 

 direction towards the fish is bad ; for the rod is always 

 at its greatest and safest point of resistance, when the line 

 forms an acute angle with the stiff part held by the angler, 

 as shewn by Fig. 3, Plate IV. 



There may certainly be situations in which the rod 

 cannot be held to the best advantage j in such, the angler 

 must use his discretion, adopting the best action the spot 

 may afford, and never despairing of success, however un- 

 favourable circumstances may appear. If he is cool, he 

 will be considerate, and often will get a fish from a hole, 

 '\vhere the ordinary angler would not venture to cast his 

 G 6 line. 



