ISO MOOSE-HUNTING, SALMON-FISHING, ETC 



there was more fun and sport in the capturing 

 of that one than in all the others combined. 

 There was nothing out of the common with 

 the others, but with that fellow there was 

 something new cropping up all the time, 

 requiring the exercise of one's wits to 

 straighten out. I spoke of being fast to a 

 fifteen-pounder at the same time that S. was 

 having his fun. My fish took under water, 

 and, as soon as he found himself fast, began 

 racing. Sometimes he would come so close, 

 my gaff was in my hand to use, then he 

 would sail away 60 or 70 yards, with the 

 reel buzzing, and follow this by working 

 up stream above the boat, worrying me with 

 the prospect of shooting under the mooring. 

 Then down he would come, aiming right 

 for me, but fighting shy so soon as he 

 sighted the boat. However, I knew he could 

 not keep the racing up long with the tension 

 upon him, and must soon give in, which he 

 did, after running 20 yards or so across the 

 stream. For a person alone in the boat, 

 much the safest and easiest way is to work 

 the fish up the stream above yourself, then, 

 by throwing the rod behind your shoulder, 



