NOTES. 229 



right hand in preference to the left, and that hand (the 

 right) generally does all the throwing or casting, thus 

 instinctively knowing the weight of the rod and appre- 

 ciating what strain is being exerted on the tackle and 

 fish. Why, then, when playing a fish, from salmon to roach, 

 is the rod so frequently shifted to the left hand ? I cannot 

 but think many good fish are lost in this way ; to begin 

 with, there is the change of hand at the very commence- 

 ment of the struggle in the first rush, which may cause a 

 hitch or undue slackness of line ; whereas if the rod has 

 not changed hands, winding in begins, or you are per- 

 fectly ready for action the instant the fish is struck. The 

 right hand feels the action of the rod beautifully ; being 

 right-handed, I do not pick up a new rod with the left 

 hand to try it, but appreciate its action by the natural 

 touch of the more powerful hand. Friends with whom 

 I have discussed the matter say they have wound the 

 winch so long with the right hand that they do not like to 

 change to a new method, and that it would take so long 

 to learn. I found it took a very short time, and advise 

 all anglers who wind with the right hand to practise the 

 other way with just a winch and rod-butt ; this can be 

 done in a room, and it is astonishing how soon the habit 

 is acquired. Sheffield roach-fishers use the left hand for 

 the winch to a very great extent ; I have only met one 

 Thames angler who does so, but he is one of the most 

 skilled fishermen I know, and always speaks well of the 

 method. A friend, to please me, gave the left hand 

 a trial on the winch; he now declares he would not 

 return to the old habit on any account ; and I am pleased 

 to have made one, if not more, thoroughly satisfied con- 

 vert. Others, who do not care to alter, agree that the 

 left hand on the winch is theoretically correct, and I can 

 assure them it is practically so as well. An alteration of 

 the line-guard is necessary in some winches, as turning 

 the winch handles from the right side of the rod to the 

 left presents the winch lower side uppermost. I use the 

 left hand for the winch in all styles of angling, spinning, 

 fly-fishing, floating, &c., and unhesitatingly say it is the 

 right thing to do, and that the angler derives benefit and 

 comfort from it when he has mastered the very slight 

 difficulty that is sometimes experienced at first. Half an 

 hour's practice of winding with the left hand will do 



