THE SALMON. 105 
him off the gaiF. To prevent this, where you anticipate 
finding only awkward aids, it is well to carry a gaff with 
a small barb, like an ordinary hook. ■ I have had the 
indescribable pleasm'e of seeing my fish flung across 
the boat, aud dropped in the water on the other side. 
The moment the fish is struck, the handle should be held 
perpendicular, so that he cannot flounce ofi*. 
The best size for this implement is a length of nine 
inches from the end of the shank to the middle of the 
bend, from the latter four inches in a straight line to the 
point, which should be delicate and sharp, and at least 
two inches and three-eighths from the inner edge of the 
shank opposite ; the bend should swell out so as to be 
three inches across at its wildest, and the end of the 
shank must be bent back and sharpened ; the steel tapers 
gradually from the point to a thickness of one quartei' 
of an inch. Being nothing more than a large hook, it 
is easily carried, and when wanted for use, fastened to 
any suitable stick by driving in the projection on the 
shank, and winding the whole with stout cord. For very 
large salmon, a stronger and larger gafl" would be desir- 
able, and for grilse a smaller one. 
When fish run, and throw themselves out of water, 
some writers direct you to taughten your line ; but I say, 
heed them not. Your line is well out and sunk to some 
distance, the very jump of the fish will consequently 
bring a great strain on the hook, without your aid, and 
many a fish is lost by such usage. On the contrary, if 
you give to him as he leaps, you diminish the tension, 
and then the quicker you mke up the line after he has 
fallen back, the better. If, on the contrary, when he 
5* 
