190 HOLDING THE TROLLING ROD. 



butt against the hip, thigh, stomach, or where - 

 ever a convenient support can be obtained (we 

 always use our hip for the purpose), by which 

 much exertion is saved, the bait can be cast much 

 wider, and when the angler is accustomed to the 

 habit, he may, by this means, direct it within a 

 few inches of the spot he aims at. The rod 

 placed, and the bait swinging on such a length 

 of line as can be managed, retain within the left 

 hand a yard of it loose, which, as the bait is cast, 

 gradually let run off the hand, directing it rather 

 slantingly : by such means it will shoot diagonally 

 forward, with a natural appearance, impelled by 

 the weight of the lead. When delivered, begin 

 to move it after the manner of the motion of a 

 fish about mid-water, observing always to avoid 

 removing it quickly from the water for a new 

 throw, for both pike and jack often follow the 

 bait and seize it at the moment it rises towards 

 the surface, fearful it is going to throw itself out 

 of the water to avoid the pursuit. 



" In the practice of trolling, a due degree of 

 caution must be observed throughout. Avoid 

 alarming the fish by unnecessary noise, and keep 

 as much concealed from view as possible; the 

 length of the rod will assist greatly in this par- 

 ticular, for by it the angler can reach over the 

 bank without approaching too near. The sides 

 of every water should be first tried to the right 



