46 FLY-FISHING FOE SALMON. 



ately over a fish, give the rod a playful shake to give 

 apparent life to the fly ; and as you expect a rise, be 

 always on your guard as to steadiness not nervous^ 

 that you may raise the rod, or strike with a gentle, 

 long pull, just as the break of the fish closes on the 

 surface ; for sometimes a rise surprises you, and at that 

 moment, if you strike too hastily, you are apt to pull or 

 draw away the fly from the fish's mouth ; or, if you hook 

 him, probably snap either your hook or line. Do not let 

 the top of your rod touch the water in throwing, or your 

 reel-line will roll along the surface, which is injurious, as 

 it frightens the fish that may be lying between you and the 

 fly, and drives them away. On the contrary, when you 

 cast the line and fly, keep the heavy rod steadily in your 

 hands, and raise it gradually into the air, until you see the 

 fly appear on the top of the water, and to cast again, give 

 the rod a semicircular quick turn to the right far behind 

 you to the line's full extent, and then, with a smart jerk of 

 the wrist and muscles, convey the line right over the stream 

 straightly, as if shot from a bow, and the fly will fall first 

 on the water, and very softly too. Keep ytfur body up, so 

 as not to bend or fall forwards with the cast ; push forwards 

 your chest, and throw back your shoulders, as this position 

 will keep you steady on your feet. When a salmon is 

 rightly hooked, bend with the rod, and set yourself to 

 work, laying such a stress on the line as you think it will 

 bear. At this instant the fish may probably rise several 

 times out of the water, in his surprise and fright, and in 

 this case by no means let an inch of the line go with him ; 

 but when he begins to run fairly, do not prevent him, still, 

 however, keeping your line taut, and if he runs back 

 towards you or up the stream, wind up your line quickly, 

 and when he stops short, give him the butt of the rod well, 

 as he is now sulky, or about to lie down at the bottom, 



