PLATINa A FISH. 75 



There is generally not mucli wait about it, as the fish 

 probably makes a rush so soon as he feels himself 

 under control ; if so, so much the better, as the more he 

 runs the quicker he will tire, and as increased pressure 

 is brought to bear he soon gives way to the inevitable. 



After hooking a fish, unless obstacles such as trees 

 exist, it is advisable to gain the bank as quickly as 

 possible, the fish being better commanded therefrom ; 

 and during this manoeuvre the hold on the fish should 

 be light, so as not to incite him to immediate exer- 

 tion ; when the bank is once gained the angler can 

 proceed with usual discretion. 



Fish after their first run will often return to the 

 holding from which they were first lured — may be, 

 thinking there is no place like home, or perhaps the 

 line which is naturally slack at the end of the run 

 gives them the idea that they are free once more ; so if, 

 as is often the case, their chosen resting-place be at the 

 back of some large stone or ledge of rock it is advisable 

 to thwart them in their designs if possible, to avoid a 

 cut line. 



Should a fish persevere in a long run where he 

 cannot be followed there are two courses open — either 

 to make it a case of pull-devil-pull-baker and chance 

 to luck, or while there is still a fair amount of line on 

 the reel to pull it off" as fast as possible with the hand, 

 thereby creating a slack line, and giving the fish the 

 impression that he is free, when he is as likely as not 

 to head up stream again, then the bagging line pulls 



