130 



hook exposed j they will soon be satisfied of the impro- 

 priety of a want of perfect caution in that particular. No 

 fish will approach a bait, if the point of the hook can be 

 seen or felt ! 



It is really so easy to attend to this precaution, that 

 it is wonderful how those who call themselves anglers,, 

 and who think they have acquired a reputation in the art,, 

 can allow indolence to delay that which, after a lapse of 

 ineffectual procrastination, must be done at last ! 



But to return to the main point : so soon as a fish is 

 struck, that is, when you find it to be iairly hooked, if 

 its size should be such as not to warrant your drawing 

 instantly out of the water, your first object should be, to 

 give line in proportion to the pressure you feel from th& 

 fish's weight and resistance. 



But this must be done with great caution $. for it is- 

 often more prudent to run the risk attendant on a short 

 Kne, and little scope of play, thmi to allow such a range 

 as would enable the fish to dash among- weeds, boughs, 

 piles, or any thing likely to create difficulty. Giving 

 line is not always practicable, especially in foul waters, 

 overhung with wood ; and in such situations, the largest 

 f shes are usually found. 



Whatever may be your extent of line, remember never 

 to urge the fish to his utmost exertion in point of velo- 

 city 5 nor to provoke him to such struggles as, probably, 

 he never would resort to, unless roughly treated. En- 

 deavour, if possible, to withdraw him gently from the 

 baited hole, so as not to excite alarm among his compa- 

 nions ; and lead him tenderly into such part of the waters 

 as may be favourable to your manoeuvres. 



Always carry iivmind, that what with fear, rage, and 



pain, 



