The Compleat ^Angler 



are given by Mr. Thomas Barker, a gentleman that hath spent much 

 time in fishing ; but I shall do it with a little variation. 



First, let your rod be light, and very gentle ; I take the best to be 

 of two pieces : and let not your line exceed, (especially for three or 

 four links next to the hook,) I say, not exceed three or four hairs at 

 the most, though you may fish a little stronger above, in the upper 

 part of your line ; but if you can attain to angle with one hair, you 

 shall have more rises, and catch more fish. Now you must be sure 

 not to cumber yourself with too long a line, as most do. And 

 before you begin to angle, cast to have the wind on your back ; and 

 the sun, if it shines, to be before you ; and to fish down the stream ; 

 and carry the point or top of your rod downward, by which means, 

 the shadow of yourself and rod too will be least offensive to the fish ; 



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