252 FISHING WITH THE FLY. 



The instant you see a rise at one of your flies, strike 

 quickly, but not too strongly, nor with a long pull, but 

 with a short, sharp motion, not too strong or long 

 enough to raise even a small fish from the water, but 

 just enough to drive the hook firmly in. This may be 

 done by an upward and inward motion, or a side motion, 

 as circumstances may dictate. A slight turn of the 

 wrist is often all that is required ; but if you have a 

 long line out, you will have to use your arm and more 

 force. Your fish hooked, keep him well in hand ; don't 

 give him any more line than is necessary. When he is 

 determined to run, let him do so ; but keep your fingers 

 on the line and put all the strain on him you safely can, 

 increasing the strain the further he goes. Turn him 

 as soon as possible, and the instant you have done so, 

 begin to reel him in. When he runs again, repeat the 

 dose and get his head out of the water a little as soon 

 as you dare. This exhausts him quickly. Don't raise 

 him too far out of the water, or in his struggles he will 

 break loose. 



Should a fish try to run under the boat, reel up until 

 your line is no longer than your rod, or nearly so, then 

 firmly guide him around the end remembering always 

 " it is skill against brute force." 



In stream-fishing, always wade if you can. When 

 fishing from a boat never stand up if you can help it, but 

 learn to cast sitting down. It is just as easy if you 

 once learn how. On streams it is better to wade, be- 

 cause your feet produce no jar for you cannot well raise 



