TROUT AND GRAYLING. 45 



away, before he can throw to the spot, then he 

 should throw, as nearly as he can judge, a yard 

 or two above it, and allow the flies to float down 

 to the supposed place of the fish ; if a rise does 

 not occur, it may be concluded that the fish has 

 removed without seeing the flies ; he may then try 

 a yard or two on each side of the place where the 

 curl appeared, when he may probably have a rise, 

 and may possibly hook the fish, provided he has 

 the knack of striking, which knack, like all others, 

 is acquired only by practice ; it must be done by a 

 very sudden but not a very strong stroke, a twitch 

 of the wrist. Having hooked him, the rod should 

 be carefully retained in that position which will 

 allow its greatest pliability to be exerted. (For 

 beginners to do this, it may be advisable that they 

 should get it up over the shoulder, and present 

 the but end towards the fish.) A gentle pull 

 must now be kept upon the fish, and he should be 

 led down the stream rather than up, (making use 

 of the reel as occasion may require to shorten the 

 line.) But if he runs in towards the bank upon 

 which the fisherman stands, it will be necessary for 

 him to approach the edge of the water as nearly as 

 possible, holding the rod with an outstretched arm 

 in almost an horizontal position, and if the reel is of 

 the usual bad construction, it will be also neces- 

 sary to pull in the line as quickly as possible with 



