To make a Casting -line. 49 



fingers together to prevent their slipping out while plait- 

 ing ; next take hold of the knot between your right fore- 

 finger and thumb and twist it round, pulling the twisted 

 part up as your work proceeds ; separate the loose hairs 

 at the back of your hand when they get entangled ; twist 

 again, again draw up the hairs, disentangle the loose 

 ones, and so proceed until the length or link is complete, 

 and then tie a knot in the end: After you have made a 

 couple of three, a couple of four, and a five length, you 

 must then proceed to tie them together with water-knots; 

 which is done in this way : First, be careful to select 

 your lengths so that they taper; next, lay an end of each of 

 the two three-plaits alongside of the other, and over- 

 lapping it just so far as to allow of your making a loop 

 with them over your left fore-finger, pass a short end and 

 a long one over and bring them through twice ; then take 

 hold of a short and long end between each finger and 

 thumb and draw them up, tightening each where it is 

 required, cut off the short ends and proceed with an end 

 of this and a four-plait ; then with the other four and 

 the five ; tie a loop at the thick end, putting it twice 

 through, as if making a knot, or wrap it with silk thread 

 as for the reel-line, and it is finished. 



Of course, your line must be of the proper length for your 

 rod, and must be regulated thereby. Remember that 

 your casting and stinting lines together should be only 

 about two yards longer than your rod, or you will not be 

 able to net a heavy fish on your point or end fly without 

 danger to your rod-top, from the loops of your casting and 

 reel line sticking at the point-ring. Also take care that 

 the top lengths of your casting-line are rather heavier 

 when there is a wind, which will enable you to cast better 

 against it. The knots of this line may also be wrapped 

 with silk, if you choose to take the trouble ; but, if neatly 

 tied, they look more sportsmanlike without, and the line 



