A MORNING'S FISHING. 25 



about lin. lower, so that the point is covered. Then 

 the tackle is dropped in quietly close to the wall 

 about two yards away from the mill-race. Enough 

 line should be pulled off the reel with the left hand 

 to make holding the rod without disturbing the float 

 a comfortable matter. A slight upward movement 

 of the rod makes it run through the rings easily 

 when the finger and thumb of the right hand relieve 

 their pressure. 



The novice will soon see that his float is travelling 

 along the wall with the eddy, and at first he should 

 let it travel ; but when it gets almost to the race he 

 should check it by holding the rod-point well behind 

 it, and he should keep it in this position for some 

 time. This is a very favourite spot for perch, just 

 between the two currents. Very soon, if the fates 

 are propitious, there will be a bite ; the float will 

 bob and seem to struggle against the rod ; very 

 likely a violent tug will be felt by the hand. This 

 is a critical moment. Instinct will tell the novice to 

 grasp his rod in both hands, put his back into it, 

 and heave. But he must not do so; he must ease 

 the strain on the line at once. Then the float will go 

 under and disappear, while its owner counts at least 

 ten, not too fast. Having counted, he must raise his 

 rod rapidly, but gently, till he thinks he can just feel 

 a strain at the end of the line ; then he must raise it 



