276 THE GAFF 



which you are going to fish. If attended by a gillie 

 or a friend, the latter kind of gaff is always preferable. 

 In dangerous water it can be taken from your com- 

 panion and used not only to test the bottom, but to 

 steady yourself against a rapid stream. The bottom 

 end of such a gaff should be shod with a steel point. It 

 can also be suspended from the shoulders by a strap. 



When you are unattended, however, a telescopic 

 gaff is advisable. There are several varieties of this 

 gaff, but the most useful will be that one which hangs 

 securely within reach with the hook uppermost, and 

 which can be immediately detached and extended 

 ready for use. 



The fisherman who has to gaff his own fish will 

 probably have enough to do in playing his salmon with- 

 out having to trouble himself as to a refractory gaff. 



Hardy's " New Zealand " gaff is a very convenient 

 and safe form of telescopic gaff. 



Sir Hubert Maxwell's folding gaff, sold by Farlow, 

 is also very convenient and safe to carry. 



In handing the gaff to another person, for obvious 

 reasons it is always safer to hand it hook foremost. 



THE LANDING-NET 



The landing-net should be of such a description that 

 it can be unhooked, opened, and extended with one 

 hand, as it should be used whenever a fish is landed. 

 It should be carried, when not in use, well out of the 

 way, and yet in the most handy position, and the 



