NETTING A TROUT. 53 



has put down the fish here for a time. There, you saw 

 it! A rising fish just ahead and close in to our bank! Get 

 well down the bank and use a shorter line, and you must 

 get him. That's low enough. Remember the grass and 

 bushes behind you, and make certain to get well above the 

 fish, and don't lift your fly too soon in your next cast ; let 

 it float well down behind the fish before you make your 

 back cast. Yes, that's right, you threw your fly well. 

 Try again, and look out ! Now ! ! You have him ! Reel up 

 and bring him down, and keep him well away from the 

 bank at your feet ; don't let him come in under you if you 

 can help it. He's a small fish, but plucky. Well done ! 

 Here's the landing net, now net him yourself. No, your 

 line is too long to do so yet ; reel up a little more line 

 first. Bring your rod and arm backward over your shoulder 

 and draw the fish toward the net. Now lift your net and 

 you have him. Well done again, but I think we will put 

 him back, as he is only just over the limit, and it is always 

 better to err on the right side than on the wrong ; now 

 he will have a chance to grow into a bigger fish. 



Just here, let me impress upon you that you should have 

 due consideration for the rights of the owners, your fellow 

 fishermen, the trout, and the stream. Give them all a chance. 

 Never take undersized trout, never make a boast about big 

 takes of trout. Never be discouraged ; if the fish are small, 

 put on the finest tackle. Every day you fish will most 

 certainly add to your knowledge and skill. The fish may be 



