PUNT AND BANK FISHING. 75 



cane, which equalises the strength of the rod when 

 correctly proportioned throughout. Solid upright 

 rings are preferable to the ordinary loose ones ; the 

 most expensive rods are sometimes fitted up with 

 agate mounted rings and tips when intended for 

 trolling purposes, which prevents the rings from being 

 worn by the constant friction. Instead of the ordinary 

 circular-shaped rings, we advise the use of dome or 

 conical ones. These are not liable to entangle one's 

 line, no convenient foothold being presented by their 

 sloping sides. The limp loose line entwines around 

 any projecting substance presented, and any removal 

 of habitual fouling place must of necessity be a step 

 in the right direction. In boat or punt fishing, the 

 method of procedure varies somewhat upon different 

 waters, the custom in certain districts being to moor 

 across stream, in others in a slanting direction. All 

 we have to say upon this point is, that the great con- 

 sideration at all times should be how to disturb the 

 water as little as possible. A constant surging against 

 the stationary boat cannot fail to act detrimentally as 

 regards sport in most circumstances. 



In fishing from the bank, a tolerably stiff and 

 strong tool should be employed, so as to have power 

 over the quarry when it exhibits a strong and deter- 

 mined desire to retire into some thorny retreat in 

 the bank beneath your feet. The novice quickly 

 advances, upon a few experiences of this nature, in 

 the piscatorial path of knowledge. The first impulse 

 of the inexperienced is to extend the rod over the 

 shoulder, and move backwards, so as to end matters 



