DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 213 



appointed fish came again and took the whole of it, 

 and the answering swish hooked it firmly. 



No son of TvAne was likely to reach Harry's age 

 (twenty-five) without experience with a rod, and it 

 is more than possible I was feeling a little vain while 

 watching the rowers who, with arms upon their oars 

 and heads at accommodating angles, strained their 

 eyes to see where the fine blue line was pointing. When 

 an eleven-pound fish resulted I was pleased, but the 

 man most excited was our host, and Harry added to 

 his excitement by handing him the rod for the next 

 effort. Mr M'Cabe had never used a rod; he had been 

 accustomed to catch his fish with a cord line strong 

 enough to take a pig to market, so no wonder he made 

 a muddle by taking from the winch the two fingers 

 which he had been told were necessary to help the skid 

 when a big fish came on, as the ordinary brake might 

 prove insufficient, and lost his lure. By the time 

 I had repaired the damage Harry was ready with 

 the second rod, so both were started, Harry sajing, 

 as he let his out, 'Now, Mr M'Cabe, let's see which 

 will have the first fish on board.' The novice proved 

 a most apt pupil, and not only made the first capture, 

 but during the hour the rising wind permitted them 

 to fish got eight to Harry's seven, the only aid he 

 had from me being advice as to the length of line, 

 which meant the depth the lure would reach. I 

 mention this as it may occur to some that, given such 

 tackle as we were using, Mr M'Cabe or any other man 

 would be successful. 



Before the sun has risen, and after it has set, pollack 

 rise from aimongst the weeds to roam in search of 

 food, and, if you get amongst them then, you will 

 find them the boldest biters and catch them with 

 most indifferent tackle ; but, how to catch them when 

 the sun is h^gh, the sea calm, the water bright, and it 

 is pleasant to the faintest heart to be in a boat, is worth 

 some study. It may be that you have solved the 



