106 FAMILIAR FISH, THEIR HABITS AND CAPTURE 



is about to strike. This causes just enough drawing 

 back of the line to straighten it out to its full length. 

 The flies are then drawn through the water until the 

 rod is upright, whereupon the cast is repeated. 



If a fish strikes a fly when the leader is loosely 

 coiled upon the water, it is not liable to get hooked, 

 in which event it is not probable that it will strike 

 again. When the leader is dropped straight, there is 

 every chance of hooking the fish. It is well to know 

 also that in casting up stream, the line must be drawn 

 back and re-cast very quickly. If this is not done, 

 the current slackens the line, preventing a strike if a 

 fish rises, and preventing another cast, unless by reel- 

 ing in and starting anew. 



It should always be remembered that if a fish 

 should rise to the flies within six or eight feet of 

 one's boat, one must never strike it, as it will almost 

 invariably break a rod. Avoid the temptation by 

 never having the flies so near. In drawing the flies 

 upon the water every effort should be made to imi- 

 tate a natural movement. If a short line is being 

 cast, a slight shaking of the rod in drawing will 

 cause them to flutter. In the case of a long cast, 

 short jerks will bring about the same result. As 

 the natural action of a fly is being imitated, it will 

 be seen at once how necessary it is to drop the leader 

 and flies delicately upon the water. If they are 



