lo Fly Fishing for Salmon, 



salmon fishers who, when salmon were plentiful, 

 made it a habit to resign the rod into the hands of an 

 assistant after checking the first rush or two ; not 

 that I blame the salmon fisher." 



Few salmon fishers will agree with these remarks, 

 on the contrary, many will say such a proceeding 

 is very unsportsmanlike, and illustrative of the utter 

 absence of that proper spirit which should exist in 

 all who handle the rod or throw the fly. Besides, 

 it shows such ignorance ! Why, any Tyro can 

 raise a salmon and hook him, because, in ninety- 

 nine times out of a hundred, the fish, from his mode 

 of taking the fly, hooks himself, and fine casting, 

 although it may be necessary in some cases, is as a 

 rule not so very important ; but it requires con- 

 siderable skill with a proper accompaniment of 

 patience and perseverance to kill a salmon. The 

 cream of the sport is the excitement of playing and 

 killing a fish — not in the rise. 



I know of no greater excitement when, after 

 casting the fly, a sudden swirl of the water tells 

 you that a salmon has risen, and the tightening of 

 your line that he is hooked. Then the mighty 

 rush of a fresh-run fish ; the rapid whirl (sweet 

 music !) of the reel as the line is carried out ; the 

 tremendous leaps and tugs and efforts as the fish 

 tries to free himself. Good fisherman as you may 

 be, the chances are against you. You at one end 



