4 88 PRACTICAL LESSONS IN THE GENTLE CRAFT 



pools ; the lead upon reaching the bottom communicates a 

 distinct jar through the silk, which is easily distinguished. 

 The line, held in the left hand, is then slowly worked in 

 towards the bank or punt, from whichever stand-point the 

 piscator is throwing, the lead being clearly felt as it scrapes 

 along the bottom. I have found it much the better plan, 

 instead of coiling the line at one's feet, to gather it back- 

 wards and forwards in the palm of the left hand, and with 

 a good line, free from knots and kinks, this, after a little 

 practice, is easily done. Those proficient in the use of 

 the Nottingham winch throw from the winch itself, thus 

 have no slack, and work in with the handle, a method, for 

 those who care to overcome its no slight difficulties, far in 

 advance of the other style. Much diversity of opinion 

 exists among anglers adopting the paternoster in jack-fishing 

 as to the correct moment at which to strike when the bite is 

 felt. As a matter of course fish feed differently, and hardly 

 ever two days alike. One day they are ravenous, and 

 prepared to gulp down everything, the next dainty, and 

 wonderfully hard to please ; but I have always found that 

 if small baits are used and these are more killing than 

 large ones, although the latter are possibly more attractive 

 few mistakes will be made in striking if one feels a good 

 fair pull, and particularly if momentarily afterwards the 

 fish begins to move off. It should be recollected that 

 supposing a small dace, say of three or four inches long, is 

 on the hook, a jack has a rare width of jaws, and an 

 enormous power of expansion, and with such a cherry, will 

 scarcely make two bites, but gulp it in at once. Thus the 

 hook is very likely to nick him, and once hooked, show no 

 mercy, but reel up at once. Always avoid having more 

 loose line than is really required, and kill your fish, when- 

 ever practicable, with the reel, and not with the hand. If a 



