120 AX ANGLER'S REMINISCENCES. 



To obviate his possible escape under any circumstances, anglers employ a land- 

 ing net. This is a scoop net with a handle. It must be slipped slyly under the fish, 

 so that he will not suspect, and then be deliberately lifted upward and forward. 

 This maneuver requires practice. Many an impetuous bungler loses a goodly fish 

 which the angkr has earned or brought to net or gaff by consummate skill and 

 dexterous toil. 



The gaff is a large hook, some three inches across the bend, fixed into a handle 

 from three to five feet long. It is used in the capture of salmon and muscalonge, 

 for striped bass on the sea coast, and, indeed, for any large fish whose weight the 

 line cannot lift. The fisherman is usually served by an assistant who gaffs or nets 

 his fish after they are played out and brought to hand. ("Played out" is supposed 

 to be a slang phrase, but this is the origin of it.) 



It is worthy of mention that a fish on a taut line always keeps his eyes fixed 

 on the angler, and watches his motions steadily, like a prize fighter; yet it is possible 

 to slip a gaff or net under him without his observing it. 



Referring to the instincts of fish, I have been very much in the migrations of 

 the fish in the tributary streams of the Red River of the North. They comprise 

 several distinct families of fish pike, perch, pickerel, sheepsheads, moon-eyes, cat- 

 fish and suckers and yet they all move out of the streams together on the advent 

 of frost, knowing full well that the streams freeze to the bottom, and that they 

 would be imprisoned all winter in an icy coffin, if indeed they did not actually perish. 



Many fish, however, enjoy a temporary suspension of vitality; and, after having 

 been frozen up solid in blocks of ice. are as active as ever when thawed out. 



Some kinds of fish possess the power of voluntary torpidity and remain appar- 

 ently lifeless all winter. A very large number of families hybernate just as bears, 

 coons and various animals do notably catfish, eels, etc. It is said that black bass 

 hybernate. 



Oppian, already quoted, also describes fishing from a boat, a very effective and 

 popular method, as well as a comfortable and exciting sport. It is almost the only 

 certain way of capturing large fish. He puts it thus : 



"The fisher, standing from the shallop's head, 

 Projects the lengthening line and plunging lead; 

 Gently retracts, then draws it in apace, 

 While flocking anthias follow and give chase. 



"As men their foe, so these pursue their fate, 

 And closely press the still receding bait. 

 Nor long in vain the tempting morsel pleads, 

 A hungry aiithia seizes, snaps and bleeds; 

 The fraud soon felt, he flies in wild dismay. 

 Whizz goes the line begins Piscator's play! 

 His muscles tense, each tendon on the rack 

 Of swelling limbs, broad loins, and sinewy back. 

 Mark yon proud form, erect with rigid brow, 

 Like stately statue sculptured at the prow; 

 From wavy hand who pays the loosening rein, 

 Maneuvering holds, or lets run again! 

 And see! the anthia not a moment flags; 

 Resists each pull, and 'gainst the dragger drags; 

 With lashing tail, to darkest depths below 

 Shoots headlong down, in hopes to evade the foe. 

 'Now ply your oars, my lads,' Piscator bawls: 

 The huge fish plunges down Piscator falls, 

 A second plunge, and lo! the ensangued twine 

 Flies through his fissured fingers to the brine. 



