PLAYING A FISH FIRMLY HOOKED. 37 



weakness, wind up and make him show himself 

 on the top of the water. If he bear this languidly, 

 shorten your line to a convenient length, and 

 guide him, not against the water, but with it, to 

 some easy landing spot, if it can be found. Whilst 

 you play a fish, never show yourself to him if you 

 can help it, and request anyone who is with you, 

 or who may be looking on, to keep away from 

 the water until your fish is in the landing-net, or 

 landed by other means. 



When a fish, on being struck, darts to the bot- 

 tom and then away, you may be sure that the hook 

 is firmly fixed, and then you may play him more 

 confidently than when his first struggles are made 

 on the surface of the water. Still be cautious, and 

 do not play too roughly. Eough play is never 

 necessary. It is always dangerous. Checking 

 a fish rudely whilst he is strong, increases his 

 obstinacy and his strength at the very time when 

 they ought not to be exerted. If you strike gently, 

 he will not plunge desperately ; and as he will at 

 first scarcely feel the check, you may lead him by 

 manoeuvring delicately into some open portion of 

 the water, where you will have 4 a clear stage and 

 no favour.' Reduce then his vigour by degrees, 

 and as it wastes away by your repeated checks, 

 and your causing him to haul a long length of 

 wet line after him, hold more tightly ; and when 

 you see him turn upon his side, bring his opening 



