But after getting the stick almost out far enough, it became evident that the dead branch would not let me slip the wire into the water in front of the jack in the usual way.

So I had to draw it back again as gradually as it had been put forth.
With fish everything must be done gradually and without a jerk.

A sudden jerking movement immediately alarms them.

If you walk gently by they remain still, but start or lift the arm quickly and they dart for deep water.

The object of withdrawing the rod was to get at and enlarge the loop in order that it might be slipped over his tail, since the head was protected by the bough.