36 ANGLING FOR GAME FISH. 



leaves the water, and rolls out down stream in front of us. 

 The progress of the rod-point from A to D must be steady, 

 and rather quick than slow ; but from D to E it can hardly be 

 too quick. 



An extra long cast can be made in the following manner: 

 Get out as much line as you can by making the steeple cast, 

 then pull about 2yds. of line off the reel, hold the rod in 

 the right hand, and the loose line about a yard from the first 

 ring in the left hand. Then cast, and just before you check 

 the rod at the end of the forward cast, let go the line which 

 you hold in your left hand. The spare line will then, if you 

 manage well, shoot out through the rings. Before making the 

 second cast, this extra line must be gathered in. This method 

 is one which I frequently practise myself, not only because it 

 enables me to get out a long line, but because the fly never 

 falls lighter than when the line is shot out in the manner de- 

 scribed. It cannot be practised with a very light line, or one 

 of silk and hair. 



The angler, having acquired some proficiency in casting from 

 his right side, should next practise casting from his left side, 

 still holding his rod in his right hand; and if he can bring 

 himself to cast well with the left hand, he will find his accom- 

 plishment most useful. 



Flasrlng and Landing the Fish. — Immediately you have 

 struck a trout, if he goes off with a burst, let him make his 

 first run unhampered by anything more than the check on the 

 reel, and see that everything runs clear, for any sudden stoppage 

 would cause a break. If the trout makes for the opposite bank, 

 stand still ; if he swims up stream, walk up stream ; if down, 

 walk down stream ; nay, run, if he is going very fast, and seems 

 likely to take out much line. If he is a big fish and leaps, lower 

 the point of your rod a little, but otherwise keep the point well 

 up — almost perpendicular. Immediately that first run ceases, 

 walk quickly down stream, and reel up as fast as the fish will 

 let you. Play him carefully according to circumstances, keeping 

 an even pressure on his head — never so hard as to pull him, 

 kicking, to the surface, nor so slight that the line slackens. 

 As soon as the trout seems exhausted, coax him over the landing- 



