The line is flung into the water and the rod laid down on deck.

You keep an eye on it.

Barbel-fishing, in fact, reminds one of the independent sort of man who is quite willing to play host to you, but wishes you clearly to understand at the same time that he can do without you.

"Glad to see you with us if you have nothing better to do; but please yourself," is what he says to his friends.

This is also the form of invitation to barbel.