102 SCIENCE OF FISHING. 



bait draws out the line, but not releasing it entirely. In 

 making a cast of any kind from the reel, the thumb pressure 

 must be increased as the bait gets farther away and the 

 spool must be stopped entirely just when the bait strikes 

 the water. The best casters do not turn the rod so that 

 the reel is exactly on top, but turned somewhat to the left, 

 as the reel runs more freely in that position and the line 

 does not cling to the rod but runs freely through the guides. 



It is not necessary to try this out on the stream you 

 can practice it out in the field or any clear space, using a 

 wooden plug without hooks instead of an artificial bait. 

 Practice to cast accurately rather than far and you will have 

 less trouble from back-lashes. Even in actual fishing ac- 

 curacy counts for more than distance and casts of more than 

 seventy-five feet are the exception, even with the expert. 



In fishing by this method the amateur angler should 

 use a surface bait, i. e., one that floats, as the frequent 

 back-lashes and loss of time in shifting the rod, etc., allow 

 an underwater bait to sink into the weeds and add to the 

 angler's troubles. When he becomes more expert he may 

 use the underwater bait, especially for running water, where 

 there is a current, but in still water, and where there is a 

 growth of grass or water lilies the surface bait is more 

 satisfactory. 



The end of the line near the bait gets the hardest wear, 

 and it should be examined and tested frequently. If it 

 shows signs of weakness cut off a few feet. 



The reel must be kept well oiled and should be oiled 

 every day, especially if a very light oil is used. The wearing 

 qualities of your reel ana the free and easy running of 

 the spool depend on its care. 



