80 SALMON FISHING 



stream, while the line is tightly held. Should a 

 fish rise when in this position, the point may 

 suddenly be pulled down, and a break occur 

 before you realise that you have had a rise. 

 This, of course, does not apply if striking be 

 done direct from the reel. 



Playing a fish requires judgment, coolness, and 

 a firm hand. It is this quality of coolness, which 

 enables a good angler to do his work so well. 

 Steady is his hand; with his eye on the fish, he 

 carefully notes all the surroundings ; sees that his 

 reel is clear ; where the dangerous rocks and snags 

 are ; and with this in his mind, he gives his fish 

 law when he dare, and no quarter when he dare 

 not. It is bad form to be too lenient with a 

 fish; be firm and force him to fight if you can, 

 provided you have room. Keep a firm strain on, 

 and as soon as he shows the white feather, try 

 conclusions with him. A sulky fish is always 

 difficult to deal with. A handful of gravel thrown 

 in, or tapping the butt of the rod, will often cause 

 him to move. Other expedients, such as putting 

 something on the line which will run down to 

 him, are often useful. We have heard of a roll of 

 twist tobacco being so used after other efforts had 

 failed, and it was said to have moved the fish at 

 once. In playing a fish which makes down a long 

 pool where he cannot be followed, slacken line by 

 switching forward some yards, in the hope that it 



