A Snag on the Reeds

I noticed the thin string on my plush fish had tangled around a stiff dry reed near the dock's edge. Instead of yanking it loose, I set down my rod flat against the splintered planks and knelt down. The knot had doubled over itself against the stalk. With careful fingertips, I eased the loop back through the dried joint until the cord slipped free without fraying. Holding the fish again, I tested the line with a light tug. Clean and straight.