60 DOUBTS AND DIFFICULTIES. 



out of the jaws of a pounder whose intention 

 it was to turn down with it first. 



AFTER THE STRIKE. 



Before touching on the subject of playing and 

 netting, it will be as well to mention the 

 different methods adopted of managing the cast 

 and line just after the strike has been made 

 and has fastened. Many anglers always strike 

 from the reel : that is to say they have their 

 line taut between the lower ring and the winch ; 

 which, having an adjustable check, prevents 

 that break so inevitable to the beginner who 

 keeps his ringers pressed tightly upon the line. 

 Personally I have almost given up this plan of 

 striking from the reel, and prefer to hold a 

 loop of line in my other hand, taking care to 

 keep it well vaselined so that it slips quite 

 lightly between thumb and first finger when 

 striking. 



Several advantages can be cited in support of 

 this method, one being that in making the cast 

 the release of the loop causes the line to extend 

 itself better, and thus places the fly more lightly 

 upon the water. Another distinct advantage is 

 that after making a cast upstream you can, by 

 taking hold of the line between the lower ring 

 and the reel, gradually draw it into a loop, and 

 so counteract the action of the stream and keep 

 the line from sinking as the fly travels towards 

 you. This of course enables the strike to be 

 made on a line fairly straight, or assists in 

 picking it off the water far more cleanly after 



