152 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



with a pertinacity which is very remarkable. In the Con- 

 way, for instance, I have often had pointed out to me a 

 stone, the little eddy behind which was almost invariably 

 tenanted by a Salmon. Such is also the Red Stone 

 below Makerston on the Tweed, and there are many 

 similar instances. 



Why Salmon should evince such strong predilections 

 for particular spots is a question which has never been 

 satisfactorily answered ; but that they do so evince them 

 is beyond a doubt ; and whilst such is the case, the 

 Salmon-fisher who does not want to waste his time will 

 never, if he can help it, try a new water without some 

 local guide who knows the casts, and what are and what 

 are not the spots most likely to hold Salmon. j 



A gaff is sometimes necessary for the safe and expe- 

 ditious landing of Salmon, but it requires to be used by 

 an experienced eye and hand, and in the early spring 

 months, when the kelts or spawned fish are dropping 

 down the river, a net, (which should not be less than two 

 feet in diameter,) will both save the fisherman's time and 

 probably the lives of at least some "doubtful" fish. In 

 fact, on many early Salmon rivers a net is almost a sine 

 qtid noit, and the use of the gaff should be discouraged 

 in every way. 



Another important point in Salmon angling is " fishing 

 for a second rise." If a Salmon through his own or the 

 angler's fault has missed the fly, he will, if properly 

 managed, frequently rise a second, and sometimes a 



