248 COARSE FISH. 



a warm cloth after a wet day's fishing, and must- not be 

 placed before a fire to dry. Split-cane rods should have 

 , a rag greased with fat, not vaseline, lightly run 

 rods o^S"" them. Rods should be tied lightly in 

 their bags when put away ; if tied up tightly 

 for any length of time the finer joints may warp. All 

 rod-bags should have a loop of tape stitched on one 

 end, and the rod should be hung by this loop on a nail 

 or peg, and not be put away resting at an angle against 

 a wall. Whippings that are frayed or rubbed should be 

 renewed, and the rings should be examined to see if any 

 grooves have been cut in them by the running line. 

 Rod-rings made of soft metal are soon cut into by a silk 

 line ; when this happens, the line will not run so well. 

 Spinning-rods, in particular, require attention in this 

 respect. When putting tackle together, the rod-top 

 should be the first joint taken from the bag, the other 

 joint or joints keep the bag straight ; and if the stronger 

 joints are removed first, the drag of the bag may possibly 

 snap a fine top. The top joint should first be fixed in 

 the next joint and the butt last of all ; this reduces the 

 chance of breakage, the process being reversed when the 

 rod is taken to pieces. Grasp the rod close to the joints 

 when separating them ; do not twist the joints with the 

 hands far apart. Take great care to keep the ends free 

 from grit or dirt. A joint that sticks hard should be 

 allowed to dry thoroughly, or the metal socket may be 

 gently heated over a spirit lamp if the pieces still refuse 

 to separate ; white paper tightly pressed on the metal will 

 save much discolouration. 



Wind from the south or west, or from intermediate 

 Weather points, is the best for sport ; it is only on rare 

 favour- occasions that I have done much good when the 

 able to -wind is easterly, excepting with that puzzling 

 ^P"*^ fish, a Thames trout. I like blustery weather 

 for pike-fishing, and still, quiet weather for roaching, though 

 I have had excellent sport with roach in howling gales of 

 wind, choosing the most sheltered spots, and fishing ■^^•ith 

 heavy tackle and a short rod. A good heavy push of water 

 often produces good sport in the Thames, particularly 

 when the stream has been low for some time. For 

 chubbing, I like the water as clear and low as possible. 



