Treatment of the Line in passing Obstacles. 109 



his cast ; but in such a river as the Clyde, where 

 it is the exception and not the rule to meet with 

 trout or grayling over two or three pounds in 

 weight, the loop - line and rod have immense 

 advantages over the other. I have often killed 

 trout upwards of five pounds with it, and gener- 

 ally I have no difficulty with fish of two or three 

 pounds ; but, unfortunately, it is not every day that 

 it is subjected to such severe tests as these. 



When the angler desires to pass over any reach 

 of the stream where from barren or deep water, 

 adverse wind, thick wood, or other obstruction, 

 casting would be inconvenient or unadvisable, the 

 rod is raised perpendicularly, and that part of the 

 line which falls below the butt is wound round the 

 left hand till the trail-fly is reached; and thus 

 secured, the rod and line can be carried about with 

 ease and without risk. When fishing is resumed 

 the process is reversed the line, as it is unwound 

 from the trail-fly, sailing down-stream till all is 

 liberated for another venture. It may also, of 

 course, be unwound on the bank; and in either 

 case the process is accomplished, with a little 

 practice, in a few seconds. 



Some anglers evince great preference for a thread- 

 like line, in the belief that it enables them to cast 

 with greater lightness and nicety. This is a mis- 

 take, if it is their intention to throw a long line ; 



