THE MIDDAY CATCH 73 



Do you see that deep hole, right up-stream, where 

 the water glides smoothly by that sun-smitten rock ? 

 Well, I am certain that there is at least one trout in 

 its shade, and, therefore, I am going to throw my fly 

 on the rock, and then slowly pull it until it drops off 

 into the deep water. Watch ! There, I made no 

 splash with my line, and my fly has alighted just on 

 the edge of the rock, and well in sight of any fish 

 which may be lurking in the cool and delightful depths 

 below. See, I pull it gently, it slides down the rock, 

 tumbles into the water, and floats beautifully down- 

 stream. A little ring spreads out, and dies away. Ah, 

 what a rise ! but I have him. See how he bores down ; 

 he has some retreat, possibly a hole at the base of the 

 rock, but out he has to come, and, finally, after a stub- 

 born fight, he, too, goes into my creel. Now take the 

 rod, as I must be getting home. Shorten up the line. 

 No, you are winding the line up too carelessly. Always 

 wind a line firmly on the reel, or you will perhaps at a 

 critical moment be in difficulties owing to the line over- 

 running itself. That's better ! The next two or three 

 hours' fishing will be poor ; therefore fish the rise if 

 you see one, but also all the places in which you think 

 it is possible fish may be lying. Keep well out of sight, 

 and go gently with my rod, and " Good luck and a taut 

 line to you !" 



