PLAYING THE FISH. 43 



down the line, and fastened in the ordinary way with a 

 quill float-cap. See that it is leaded properly, and stands 

 upright in the water free from all obstruction, and ready to 

 yield to the slightest nibble ; and if an ordinary made quill 

 float, examine it carefully to see if it is likely to admit 

 water into the quill, and so render it less buoyant. A 

 little white wax will at once stop any crevice or fissure. 

 One thing the young angler must learn quietly and by 

 experience : he must learn to strike his fish promptly with 

 a sharp but slight jerk of the wrist. He must not do it 

 violently, for if he does, he will disturb and alarm the fish ; 

 neither must he wait for the nibble until the bait is gone 

 or the fish hooks itself. The wrist must be turned towards 

 you slightly to the right, with just sufficient force to lift the 

 bait a few inches. Many a day's fishing has been spoiled, 

 good tackle destroyed, fish tormented or rendered shy, by 

 the violent exhibition of strength in this neat and essential 

 portion of the angler's art. 



The fish being hooked, my dear young angler, be merci- 

 ful in your strength. Do not be flurried, and jerk the fish 

 out of the water as if your life depended on your sending 

 it into the middle of the next meadow. If your tackle is 

 well chosen, you may lift your fish, of small size, out of the 

 water without any struggle, or a very short one. Some- 

 times you may alight on a shoal of small-sized fish, and then 

 it will be necessary to pull them at once to the surface of 

 the water, and allow them no play. This is particularly 

 the case with perch, for these bold gentlemen have strong 

 mouths, bite boldly, are not easily frightened by a bit of 

 gut or horsehair. Out with him at once, if possible, so 

 that he may not give the alarm to his companions. Chub 

 and barbel, and other large-sized fish, should be allowed a 



