And for the first and principal point in angling, always keep away from the water, from the sight of the fish: either keep back on the land or else behind a bush, so that the fish can't see you. For if they do, they will not bite.

Also take care that your shadow does not fall on the water any more than it might, for that is a thing which will soon frighten the fish. And if a fish is frightened, he will not bite for a long time after.

For all kinds of fish that feed at the bottom, you must angle for them at the bottom, so that your hooks will run or lie on the bottom. And for all other fish that feed above, you must angle for them in the middle of the water, or somewhat beneath or somewhat above.

For the bigger the fish, the nearer he lies to the bottom of the water; and the smaller the fish, the more he swims above.

The third good point is when the fish bites, that you be not too quick to strike, nor too slow. For you must wait till you suppose that the bait is fairly in the mouth of the fish, and then wait no longer. And this is for the bottom. And for the float, when you see it pulled softly under the water or else carried softly upon the water, then strike.

And see that you never strike too hard for the strength of your line, for fear of breaking it. And if you have the fortune to hook a great fish with a small tackle, then you must lead him in the water and labour with him there until he is drowned and overcome.

Then take him as well as you can or may, and always beware that you do not pull beyond the strength of your line.

And as much as you can, do not let him come out of the end of your line straight from you, but keep him ever under the rod and always hold him there, so that your line can sustain and bear his leaps and his plunges with the help of your rod and of your hand.