[ Her smile draws an answering one, and he shakes his head. ]

No need. We can wait a few minutes here, and then recast. The moving water might help - it means the bait will keep moving, in the eyes of the fish. Otherwise, I'd say once in a while give it a twitch, move it a little. Just not so fast that they can't keep up.

[ This might be the most words he's strung together since getting on the Barge. And he doesn't mind it, at all; passing on the things he knows is one of the simplest ways there is to make the future a little better. He likes teaching, and he likes people who have the patience for learning. ]

The reason it didn't go as far as you wanted was the wrist. You're used to strength from the shoulder - rifles, right? There, the shoulder gives you a solid anchor. [ He pats his own shoulder, in demonstration. ] So your elbow and your wrist were a little stiff. Next time, try taking the strength from them. The pole's light, and it'll make your arm into sort of a spring, an unfolding force. [ He demonstrates the motion, again, this time a little exaggerated with elbow and wrist.

He's intent, with this. Not lit up with enthusiasm, but taking his time to explain, thoroughly - to guide. ]