82 SALMON FISHING 



runs far out and goes through a strong stream, 

 the slack gets drowned and is likely to catch 

 round a rock. Should this occur, get on the 

 bank as high as you can, and lift the rod up 

 above your head with as much strain on as 

 you dare, in the hope that the position may be 

 rectified. 



Gaffing or netting a fish, is generally per- 

 formed by the ghillie, who requires no incentive 

 to do his best, and may generally be trusted. 



If fishing single-handed, gaffing is a matter 

 requiring some caution in the handling of the 

 rod. When bringing the fish close in, the rod 

 should be held away from the body, to make 

 the bend in the top as little acute as possible; 

 see Plate 17, correct position. Don't forget in 

 the excitement of the moment, that in this 

 situation a rod is more likely to be broken than 

 in any other ; see Plate 16, which is a dangerous 

 position. The fish should if possible be gaffed 

 through the belly or near the tail for preference, 

 as a deep gaff mark in the shoulder is an ugly 

 sight on the table. Where the edge of the 

 stream is shallow, it is unnecessary to use the 

 gaff, as by keeping a firm strain on, the struggles 

 of the fish will generally permit his being worked 

 into shoal water, where he may be tailed. 



