1 82 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 



Second : The action and amount of force required 

 to hook the fish, is an intricate matter to deal with 

 definitely, as so much depends upon the bearings of 

 the situation. That small fish require gentle usage, 

 whilst comparatively large ones necessarily require 

 more impulsive treatment, is an aphorism well known 

 to all ; but that the rodster should be cognisant to a 

 nicety of the weight-sustaining power of the fine 

 tackle, and should also be able to calculate accurately 

 the probable result of a sanguine stroke of the hook 

 upon the hard and bony part ; or, upon the other 

 hand, on the soft and impressible portion of the fish's 

 body, is altogether another thing. Beyond this an 

 accurate estimate of the elasticity of the line, etc., 

 should be possessed, and the striking motion accele- 

 rated or modified accordingly. The action requisite 

 is a short, quick, wrist-motion, commenced sharply, 

 but ended almost instantly and abruptly, like a quick 

 movement of the hand in bringing a foil in fencing 

 from tierce to carte. The hand holding the rod is 

 turned upwards and backwards, whilst the arm is 

 stationary when a short line is out, the movement 

 being lengthened when the intervening line is either 

 long or loose. One of the greatest charms of fly- 

 fishing lies undoubtedly in the comparative absence 

 of routine and sameness. The plier of the rod must 

 adapt himself to ever-changing circumstances. It is a 

 curious thing, and one that we have often been puzzled 

 to account for satisfactorily, that it so frequently 

 happens that precisely as the first trout is hooked, 

 so are all subsequent captures throughout the day. 



