GETTING TIED UP 69 



attempt to jerk or forcibly pull it clear. Drag it very 

 gently and steadily toward you. There, that's right ; 

 it is clear again. In most cases a fly will come clear 

 by a gentle pull, but if it catches while thus pulling it, 

 try first a gentle jerk, for it may be only in a leaf, and 

 then a harder one. If it still refuses to budge, and 

 you can reach the twig with the point of the rod, reel 

 right up until the point of the rod touches the fly, and 

 then gently twist the rod round to the right or left. 

 This very frequently liberates the fly. If you cannot 

 reach the fly or break the bough, point your rod at the 

 spot and pull gently. You may probably lose your fly, 

 but you have no alternative. It is inadvisable to 

 climb a tree in waders. They surfer at times, and a 

 particularly cold and unpleasant reminder of this fact 

 will follow your re-entering the water. 



Start again at the bottom of the run. Ah, I thought 

 so ! You are into a big one this time. Reel up ! reel 

 up ! Walk back, man ! Keep your point up and line 

 taut, or you will lose him. Keep him out of the dark 

 corner " an you love me." Steady ! drop your point 

 if he leaves the water as he goes up-stream again. 

 There ! you have him at last, after a splendid fight. 

 Why, you have beaten my fish. Let us see ! One 

 pound nine ounces, and in every respect a beauty. If 

 you take my advice you will send him up to London by 

 this night's train to your taxidermist. Your first big 

 fish is always remembered with the greatest pleasure, 

 and, if set up, is a trophy of which you will always be 

 proud. 



