Fish and Fishing 



struggles are merely side to side. Never try to 



gaff a fish before it is completely tired and do- 



„ , cile; let it run time and again till it is 

 In a Boat , , ,, • i , <. .1 , tp 1 



used to the sight 01 the angler. It the 



strike is short and only makes a Avound in the side 

 with insufficient hold, let it go, keeping a firm grip 

 on the handle. When brought back again, take 

 true aim and strike hard. 



The gaff handle should be at least three feet 

 long and the point perfectly straight and very 

 sharp. The strike should be made in one single 

 drive home, sufficient, if possible, to stun the fish 

 for the time being. With the same action of the 

 drive the fish should be lifted right into the boat 

 or on shore; it should not remain in the 

 water an instant after the gaff pierces the 

 flesh. If it does, the fish kicks so vigorously that 

 some difficulty ensues in getting it out, especially if 

 it sinks a little, giving an opportunity to take ad- 

 vantage of the water force, and to struggle till it 

 wriggles off the hook; slack the line so soon as 

 the gaff is securely placed. 



282 



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