SALMON FISHING 107 



but look out for squalls, as a rush down stream may drown 

 the line ; but never mind if it does, and laugh even if the 

 hold be broken, for anything is better than standing still, 

 pulling steadily at a fish for an hour or so ; it makes one 

 feel and look like a fool. Therefore, do not be afraid to 

 go even fifty or sixty yards below the sulker, all the while 

 paying out line step by step, while keeping up a heavy strain, 

 with the rod held low, and nearly parallel to the water. 

 As the strain begins to tell, the fisherman will get warning 

 of the impending move by feeling a tug or two as the captive 

 endeavours to keep his place ; as he gives way, then upright 

 the rod and get in every inch of line possible. Go up to 

 meet him, if he will let you, and try to get opposite him, 

 a position which once attained should soon end the combat. 

 At times a fish will sulk in such a position as renders 

 it impracticable to get below him, and then indeed he is 

 almost master of the situation. Costly messages may be 

 sent him down the line in the shape of a valuable bunch 

 of keys, which we once saw done, without producing the 

 least effect ; the gillie may throw any amount of stones, but 

 when sulking occurs in deep, sluggish water, and there is 

 no boat to be had so that the surly one can be poked out 

 of his lair by oar or sting, and unless the angler has seen 

 he is in an extraordinary large fish which it would be a 

 glorious matter to take, then it is best to put on a severe 

 strain for twenty minutes or so, gradually increasing it till 

 eitlier the fish moves or something breaks. 



We are of opinion that when a fish makes a furious dash 

 down stream in heavy, broken water, and if the going be 

 very bad, then it is wiser not to try to keep level with him, 

 but to pick one's way quietly with the rod bolt upright, 

 and so follow on behind him, even if the reel be nearly bare. 

 A time will come when even the wildest fish will be forced 

 to rest for a minute or so, in which short time one can get 

 in some line and be nearing him preparatory for a fresh start. 



