GAME-FISH THAT LEAP ABOVE THE SURFACE 107 



source of excitement to the angler, even if he be 

 a veteran at the game, because of a possible break 

 or escape by throwing off the hook and getting 

 away. Every fislierman looks on with admira- 

 tion, and, especially if he be a fair sportsman, will 

 often give them a chance to use their cunning 

 skill in getting away to fight again later on; for 

 every angler knows well that most fish which 

 escape are very likely to be taken later on in the 

 same spot. As the angler approaches a quiet pool 

 at sundown, his blood tingles at the sight of a 

 number of fish rising to surface insects. There is 

 nothing slow in getting together rod and tackle. 

 So impatient is he to cast his lure right among 

 them, being fully aware that the rise may last 

 but a few minutes, that he is often unduly care- 

 less of his fly attachments and runs the risk of 

 losing what he might get in a calmer mood. 



The fish may be browns or rainbows, both game 

 to the core. I am unable to conceive anything 

 more gamy than a rainbow of medium size, six- 

 teen inches or thereabout. The exceeding rapidity 

 of continuous leaps, sometimes wide apart; the 

 extraordinary fear, or perhaps anger, displaj^ed, 

 and the many devious, skilful devices they show 

 in efforts to get away, are one long wonder and 



