CHAP, xviii. T/ie Begti. 251 



rather deep, as the fish does not always rush off after taking the bait, I 

 have not known that I had a fish on till I felt the check on drawing in 

 the line. I have known a Nair fish, after taking, move about at a quiet 

 pace as if nothing had happened, when it suddenly appeared to occur to 

 him that he was ' on,' and off he went for his run. It does not answer to 

 check this, or any other fish, while he is running, even if there be danger 

 ahead ; try and let him have his run out, for these strong and heavy fish 

 have a way of plunging violently when checked, which is fatal to tackle. 

 As soon as the first run is over reel up quickly till you are as close as you 

 can get, and then start him for another cruise. Continue in this way till 

 you can master him without fear of a break. In mentioning these pre- 

 cautions I allude again to the fish of large size, the smaller ones are easier 

 dealt with, but the large fish are so heavy, that caution is necessary in 

 handling them when they are inclined to plunge and be restive. 



" The best time for fishing for the Nair fish is, as I have said, for day- 

 work, during the monsoon, when the waters are thick. At other times when 

 the rivers and backwaters are clear, commence fishing soon after sundown 

 and go on as far into the night as the fish are on the feed, for you will 

 hear them splashing and feeding all about you. When they have stopped 

 doing so it is not much use trying for them any more. 



" The break of a Bahmeen you never can mistake for that of a Nair 

 fish : the former is a sharp and violent splash, the spray flies in every 

 direction, and the Bahmeen nearly always shows himself ; that of the Nair 

 fish is a deep-sounding plunge, the sound of which a practised ear can 

 recognise, even in the night, when you cannot see the break ; there is not 

 much spray and the water subsides with a peculiar swirl. 



" I have here noted all that I know at present about the Nair fish, 

 for, compared to the Bahmeen, he is, I may say, a new acquaintance of 

 mine. I will only add that, for this fish also, a small grey mullet is the 

 best bait that can be used. I have mentioned, also, as a peculiarity of this 

 fish, that he takes a bait rather slowly, and in a much quieter style, than 

 the Bahmeen does. This is what I have observed during a somewhat 

 limited experience of the habits of the Nair fish, a period not extending 

 over a full year. There are times, I believe, when the Nair fish takes a 

 bait greedily and goes at it with great eagerness. 



" The ways of fish differ so much under various conditions local and 

 atmospheric that it is impossible to find out all about them, or even to 

 arrive at a correct knowledge of a good many of their habits without close 

 observation, extending over several seasons. 



" These notes are simply the result of my own observation of the fish, 

 whose habits, and the method of whose capture, I have endeavoured to 

 describe. They are intended, not so much for the use of sportsmen, many 

 of whom are probably better informed on the subject than I am, but 

 for those to whom a few hints as to where and how to obtain sport may 

 be useful." 



