THE ART OF FLY FISHING. 585 



himself never to raise the arm, but simply to use the wrist, lifting 

 the thumb slightly when a fish rises, his lesson will be nearly 

 learned. He must remember that his wrist is the fulcrum of a 

 long lever, and that a slight movement there will produce an as- 

 tounding demonstration at the other end. It is apparent that the 

 offer of an undesirable fish can often be declined. If fish in a 

 pool be frightened, give the pool a half hour's rest. 



Having hooked the fish the next thing is to handle him. If 

 well hooked, he will go to the bottom, and if slightly hooked he 

 will flounder about on the surface. Upon this showing the angler 

 determines his mode of procedure. In any case put him into the 

 basket as soon as possible. Do not work him against the current 

 more than can be helped. If you see the strength of your rod 

 tested too much, give him line ; when he yields, reel up. The 

 point is always to keep him well in hand, as you would a horse — 

 always to feel him. When necessary to lead him out of weeds or 

 dangerous places, advance the but of the rod. It will stand an 

 enormous strain. Keep the line always under your thumb, with 

 the thumb on the rod. If the fish leaps, lower the tip of the rod 

 so as to give the line slack, otherwise he will tear the hook loose. 

 Having at last taken the mettle from him, reel in short, throw the 

 rod back over your shoulder, and slip the landing net under him. 

 If you have no net, lead him to the bank and draw him out, if he 

 be a large one. Small ones can be lifted by the line. 



When you unjoint your rod take hold of the ferrules with your 

 hands as nearly together as possible, and when you draw upon 

 them give the parts a slight turn in opposite directions, and the 

 rod will usually separate without difficulty. Many good rods are 

 wrenched or broken through ignorance in this single particular. 

 Should the ferrules resist all ordinary efforts, heat them gently. 

 [For instructions relating especially to Salmon fishing, see Eastern 

 Coast Fishes, pages 263-5.] 



Table of Approximate Weights of Fish according to their 

 Lengths.— In the absence of a spring balance, the following table 

 will be found useful : 

 25* 



