58 ANGLER'S TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT. 



lessening the hazards which are frequently incurred by 

 an attempt to land or bank it. In using the gaff-hook, 

 the person employed should take care not to come into 

 contact with the line, and keep well out of sight, until 

 an opportunity occurs of stretching his weapon over the 

 fish. He should then jerk the point into its body, no 

 matter what part of it, and haul in rapidly. Some gaff- 

 hooks are furnished with a small scythe or pruning- 

 blade, which is intended for cutting through any weeds 

 or branches that may happen to interfere with the 

 tackle, in landing. This appendage will be found of 

 more service in pike than salmon-fishing. Instead of 

 the gaff, a small hoop-net is sometimes used to take in 

 exhausted fish. It is especially of advantage in angling 

 for trout from a boat, or even when wading in a broad 

 stream, where, without its assistance, one has to march 

 to shore with every half-pounder he hooks, or else to 

 incur the increased risk of its escape, should he attempt 

 to haul it up within grasp. 



I do not think it necessary to enter into further 

 details regarding tackle, &c. in this chapter. What 

 remains to be said is treated of more appropriately as 

 I proceed. 



ANGLER'S EQUIPMENT. There is no material that I 

 am acquainted with, more suitable, as respects colour, 

 warmth, and durability, for the general dress of the 

 angler, than properly manufactured Scotch plaiding. 

 It has this advantage, to boot, that it dries quickly, 

 after immersion in water or exposure to rain, and from 

 the varieties of pattern it embraces, there is always 

 sufficient scope for a display of taste on the part of the 

 selector. 



I would recommend that the coat and trousers be 

 usually fabricated of this article. In the spring season, 



