FOREST, LJKE, AND RIVER 



him naturally ; but, as a rule, a gaffer is not born 

 but made by practice. The important act in the 

 capture of a salmon requires good judgment of the 

 water and the activity of the fish, and patience. 

 More losses are caused by haste than by lack of 

 skill. 



When the tired fish is drawn towards the man 

 with the gaff, he should wait for a side position, 

 and never strike at hazard. A salmon that is cut 

 and not held, recovers strength through madness, 

 and in his wild struggles frequently gets his freedom. 

 When shy, let him move away. At each return 

 within reach, he will come nearer and be more 

 quiet. Take your time until a good chance comes 

 to gaff him through the back, close behind the 

 first dorsal fin. This brings out first the tail, in 

 which lies the salmon's chief strength. Then 

 with a quick and strong pull the prize is thrown 

 struggling on the beach. When a salmon is 

 thoroughly and artistically played, he is easily 

 brought to gaff. 



The salmon of the St. Croix River are conceded 

 to be superlative for beauty, game qualities, and the 

 table. They weigh from eight to twenty-five and 

 even thirty pounds. 



What is here written covers but little ground, and 

 full points of practical value must be given by 



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