250 STRIKING AT, AND HOOKING SALMON. 



apt to encounter the upper or bony part ; or, if 

 the fish has not closed his jaws, and fairly turned 

 off, you may pull the fly away from him too soon, 

 to the disappointment of both parties. Some- 

 times, however, when a salmon is clean run, and 

 in high glee, you can scarcely miss him, strike 

 which way you will. In low water you must be 

 somewhat dilatory in striking : you often see the 

 heave of the water and a break before the fish 

 has actually seized your fly. Give him time to 

 turn his head in his way back to his seat, to 

 which a salmon always returns after rising at the 



fly-' 



Never strike sharply at a salmon-rise : a gentle 

 pull of your rod and line a little upwards and 

 towards you will do. You will then hook him 

 gently, and he will fasten the hook fast enough 

 himself as he moves away. In playing your 

 salmon, use him very gently at first, particularly 

 if he is inclined to adopt gentle conduct towards 

 you. By gentleness you may persuade him that 

 he is not hooked at all, and you may coax him 

 away from the shelters of rocks, &c., and lead him 

 into open water, where, when he Begins his strug-* 

 gles, you may have a clear stage on which to do 

 battle with him. When once his struggles have 

 begun, you must give and take line according to 

 the fish's strength, and that of your tackle. Butt 

 him whenever you think you can do so safely, 



