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them whipping off behind in a very short time ; 

 allow the line always to stretch to its full 

 length behind, and keep them on the move, 

 with the backward sweep of the rod round the 

 head propel them forward to the place you 

 desire they should fall, and I do not doubt 

 that you will make neither splash nor ripple 

 on the surface. And when a fish makes a rise, 

 move the rod upwards with a gentle pull, which 

 is better than striking hard, as the small hook 

 is easily driven, and there is no occasion to 

 break the hold or line. Never hold too hard on 

 a large fish, but let him run if he will, a 

 small one may be landed immediately. By 

 no means attempt to go "an angling" without 

 a landing net, as there may be danger in 

 losing your fish, after having the trouble or 

 sport of playing him a long time, and the bank 

 high on your side. I have been always in the 

 habit of fishing down the stream, throwing my 

 flies slantingly to the opposite bank, and 

 letting them fall gradually with the current, 

 and walking slowly along lifting and throwing 

 them at my leisure — it is all fancy whether 

 up or down you go, so as it is well done — ^what 



§you have habituated yourself to in fly fishing 



