CHAP. XIV. 



Pike-gag and Disgorge?: 



209 



It is to Dr. Collis I believe that we owe the first idea of 

 wire traces for Mahseer fishing. Palmam qui meruit ferat. 



For the small fish of a forefinger in length the Richmond 

 or Coxon spinners may be used trout size, mounted on No. 4/0 

 wire gimp with No. 9 treble hooks. But if you prefer a bigger 

 bait you can use the same spinners as tied for Mahseer on 

 No. 2/0 wire gimp. 



For Wallago attu a gaff is specially useful. You have your 

 choice above at page 19. So is a rod rest when fishing with 

 live bait. See page 142 supra. 



However dead the fish may seem, never dream of attempting 

 to take out your hooks 

 without securing yourself 

 against his closing his awful 

 jaws on you, by firmly 

 wedging his mouth open 

 with a log, or stone, or 

 gag. And a disgorger will 

 be found useful. 



Season and Wea- 

 ther. As far as my own 

 experience goes Siluroids 

 and Murrel follow the 

 same habits In relation to 

 seasons and weather as do 

 other Indian fish, taking generally best in the warm season 

 and on warm days, and not as pike, in the winter. On this 

 head Yuba Bill's remarks under Goonch may be referred to. 



Bagarius Yarrellii. 



This fish has improperly got into " Tank Angling." He is 

 essentially a river fish, so I will bring him back again into this 

 volume. 



Bagarius Yarrellii is another predatory monster siluroid, big 

 enough surely to satisfy any one. The one shown in the 

 annexed woodcut scaled 136 Ibs., and was 5 feet 8 inches long 

 from the lip to the end of the tail, and 5 feet to the fork of the 



THE ROD IN INDIA. P 



