A FEW MAXIMS 245 



open, gives a good idea of its extraordinary head, and 

 was modelled from the head of the salmon, which I 

 brought back to England in pickle (see Plate XL.)- 



A FEW ADDITIONAL MAXIMS FOB FISHERMEN 



1. If it be possible, always keep a taut line when a 

 fish is hooked. 



2. Always play your fish from the reel. 



3. Keep your rod well up when playing the fish. 



4. A constant and delicate wrist action secures 

 a lightly-hooked trout, which otherwise would be 

 lost. 



Look to the point of your trout and salmon hook 

 frequently, and always carry a small file in case the 

 point becomes blunted. 



The salmon fly which is most deadly is that which 

 is fished on the straightest line. 



A slack line leads to danger, and it also prevents 

 your bringing pressure at once to bear on a fish which 

 has taken the fly. 



Movement can most easily be given to the fly at 

 the end of a straight short line. With a long line 

 much of the impulse given to the rod will be lost 

 ere it reaches the fly. This is especially so when wet 

 fly fishing. 



When fishing the lower reaches of any salmon river, 

 and when the water is discoloured or the river full, 

 heavy rods, lines, and lures can be used, and with 

 advantage ; but when the water is small and as clear as 



