78 JBT ROOK AND BY CEOOK. 



After gaffing a fish, especially when the angler has 

 to do it for himself, line should be at once pulled off 

 the reel by the rod hand (the rod being supported over 

 the wrist) so as to allow the top joint to straighten. 

 The observance of this will save a top now and again, as 

 the angler while walking with his fish on the gaff is 

 apt to forget that the rod-top has not been released 

 from strain. 



The line should, while playing a fish, be controlled in 

 such a manner that at any moment it can be allowed to 

 run free, and consequently should not be passed round 

 or in and out of fingers, as anyone will find out to his 

 cost should a fish run when the line is thus impeded ; 

 and no slack line should be allowed between the lowest 

 ring and the reel, or it is certain to get caught in 

 something. 



At the finish of a run, immediately reel the line up 

 and follow the fish until opposite him, keeping him, if 

 possible, in good running water, thus making him work 

 to maintain his position against the stream and the rod ; 

 whereas, should the angler take up his position much 

 in advance of the fish, he will supply the requisite 

 power to keep the latter in position against the stream. 



"When a fish persistently remains motionless at the 

 bottom, or, as it is called, " sulks,^' the best plan is to 

 reel up close right over him, and if that does not shift 

 him, throw in a few stones behind the line, which 

 probably will have the desired effect. 



Should the fish stay some distance out from the 



