232 COARSE FISH. 



the rod above the winch with the right hand when 

 throwing from right to left; and when throwing from 

 left to right, the left hand should be uppermost. By 

 a change of position, however, I can nearly always, 

 save in a few situations, throw with the right hand 

 above the winch, which gives me more power. At the 

 commencement of the throw, bring the point of the 

 rod well back, seeing that the bait swings steadily, and 

 clear of the ground. When the bait has reached its 

 most backward point, throw it forwards with a long, 

 steady sweep, not allowing the winch to revolve until the 

 impetus is given. The first or second finger of the left 

 hand which grasps the rod below the winch, should gently 

 touch the revolving edge of the winch as the bait flies out, 

 quite enough to prevent any entanglement of the line 

 without interfering with the run of it. When the bait 

 has reached its destination, the pressure of the finger is 

 increased, and, with this increased pressure, I lower the 

 rod-top slightly. The winch is then stopped entirely ; 

 the whole tackle is ready for an instant strike, or for 

 winding in ; and a spinning-bait can be made to revolve 

 directly it is in the water. The pressure of the finger 

 should be continuous, but only the very gentlest touch is 

 required (in light throwing) until the completion of the 

 throw, when the winch has to be more decisively stopped, 

 particularly if the line is running too far, or towards a dan- 

 gerous spot. The winch can be controlled by the first or 

 second finger of the left hand, or by the little finger of the 

 right hand when the latter is above the winch, the stopping 

 action being altered accordingly when the position of the 

 hands is changed. On paper all this seems complicated, 

 but it is not so ; after practice, the action becomes al- 

 most instinctive. Do not use too much force in the 

 throw when learning ; longer distances will be reached 

 when practice has made perfect. Practise for an hour 

 on a lawn, or in a field, choosing a spot that is unob- 

 structed in any way. Very likely, at first, you will find the 

 bait fly in the most unexpected directions, or the line 

 will hardly run at all ; do not be discouraged, but per- 

 severe ; after a time, you will throw with comfort and with 

 your whole strength. The handles of the winch will rap 

 your finger-nails smartly if you do not keep your grip on 

 the rod steady, especially when using a heavy lead and 



