16 HINTS COLOUR OF LANDING-HANDLE. [PART I. 



stances when he could not otherwise do so ; as, for 

 instance, in a high wind, in long grass, or off a 

 weir, as well as to carry his line from one part of 

 the water to another in readiness for a cast, in- 

 stead of dragging it trailing behind him, at the 

 risk of it's getting hung up, and collecting all man- 

 ner of rubbish in it's course. 



With regard to the general management of the 

 rod and line, when spinning, I will only give two 

 hints, which may be useful. All the rest must be 

 learnt by practice. One is to avoid, as much as 

 possible, in the act of throwing, anything ap- 

 proaching to a jerk; the other, after throwing, to 

 let the point of the rod follow the bait until it 

 reaches the water. 



The Landing-handle, whether Gaff or Net be 

 used, should always be of a dark colour, if not 

 black. Should the net also be well tanned, it will 

 not only last longer, but be more serviceable while 

 it lasts. It is quite curious how much more rea- 

 dily fish are alarmed by a light-coloured landing- 

 stick (cane for instance) than a dark one. Many 

 minutes, which can be ill-spared when the fish are 

 in the humour for taking, are often saved by the 

 use of the latter. A Gaff affixed to a small dark- 

 coloured handle will, if skilfully applied, often 



