290 TROUT FISHING 



position first starts, so it is obvious that if the intes- 

 tines be removed the fish will keep fresh considerably 

 longer. The trouble of course is that most anglers 

 do not like to spoil the look of their trophies so soon, 

 especially if they expect to have to display them to 

 admiring eyes later. Cleaning fish is rather a messy 

 job, which consorts but ill with the poetical side 

 of fly fishing though it enables the fisherman to 

 investigate the food which has been taken — a pro- 

 ceeding recommended by some experts. In any 

 case, however, the trout should be cleaned before 

 they are sent by post or rail to friends, and their 

 chances are improved if a little salt or vinegar be 

 sprinkled inside, especially along the backbone. 



Different anglers, of course, have different ideas as 

 to the receptacle which is most comfortable for 

 carrying fish. It is not easy to improve on the 

 ordinary wicker creel so far as efficiency goes. It 

 admits of ventilation, does not crush its contents, 

 and does not get unduly hot. The only things 

 against it are its size, shape, and weight. It is 

 certainly not the most comfortable thing in the 

 world to carry, though it is greatly improved by a 

 combined waist and shoulder strap which eases 

 the shoulder of a lot of weight. The ordinary 

 waterproof partitioned fishing bag is more com- 

 fortable than the creel, and it is very convenient 

 for carrying impedimenta as well as fish, but it is 



