120 ANGLING FOR GAME FISH. 



the fish's nose, of which it lays hold ; this is too revolutionary- 

 altogether. On strong tackle, a big fish may sometimes be 

 played successfully with the hand when nothing can be done 

 with the rod. Major Traheme suggests this plan with salmon ; 

 I have often noted its advantages when sea-fishing. 



Landing Salmon. — The gaff should have a straight and 

 very sharp point. One of the best is that invented by Mr. 

 Basil Field. It has a point-protector, which comes into place 

 automatically when the handle is closed (see Fig. 77). For gillies' 



Fig. 77. Gaff with Point-protector, Telescopic Handle, and Sling. 



use, one lashed on to an ash handle is best. Gaff a fish at the 

 first opportunity, but never attempt it when he is struggling. 

 Just lay the hook over him, and snatch it in with a very sharp 

 pull.* If a very large fish, take him near the tail, for, once 

 hooked in the tail, he is helpless, and cannot break away; 

 however, do not lose a good chance at any part, and stand 

 on no ceremony. Keep clear of the line. For kelts, a landing- 

 net should be used, but I prefer a gaff for salmon. A large 

 fish can often be gaffed ten minutes or more before he could 

 be inveigled into a net. If a gillie holds the net, he should 

 get a little below the angler, and sink it well; and whether 

 he has a gaff or net, he should stand still as a statue while 

 the fish is being brought near him. Not one gillie or pro- 

 fessional fishennan in ten can use a gaff or a landing-net 

 properly. 



Spinning, or Trolling. — There are some rivers, or portions 

 of rivers, in which fly-fishing for salmon is regarded as being 

 next to useless, and spinning or bait-fishing has to be resorted 

 to. Oddly enough, there are also a few rivers in which a 



* Fish intended for the market are usually gaflfed in the belly, where the wound 



is not noticeable. 



