Final answer:
A man's skill in cast-net fishing is indicated by his smooth handling of a fishing boat, his fishing experience, and a respectful understanding of marine life. These aspects imply mastery over the equipment and knowledge of the sea, both essential to cast-net fishing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples that show a man is skilled at cast-net fishing can be surmised from various activities, including his smooth handling of a boat geared toward fishing endeavors, his confidence near the water, and possibly by the reverence shown toward sea life in literature, suggesting skill and respect for the aquatic environment.
Firstly, a skilled fisherman would handle his fishing vessel with ease, as implied by the fisherman who moves smoothly in his blue skiff. This demonstrates familiarity and proficiency with watercraft, which is essential for successful cast-net fishing.
Second, a person who has spent time on boats fishing, such as the character McTeague who mentions sailing on the bay to catch codfish, indicates experience with fishing methods. Although it's not directly about cast-net fishing, the experience aboard a fishing boat can correlate with various fishing skills.
Lastly, an anecdote involving Pythagoras interacting with fishermen implies a certain level of understanding and perhaps mastery over the fishing process, whether it's through knowledge of fish behavior or the symbolism of releasing caught fish into the sea. This respect for sea life might hint at a seasoned fisherman's ethos, one who knows the waters and its inhabitants well.