272 ON SALMON-FISHING WITH THE FLY. 



salmon will then brave or stem the current and direct 

 its course upwards, whereas on tightening the reins 

 it will frequently do the reverse, and thus not only may 

 a portion of the water in prospect become disturbed, but 

 there is considerable chance, and in some places an 

 absolute certainty, of the fish, if a large one, making 

 its escape. 



Baggits and kelts have often a strong inclination to 

 descend, instead of pushing upwards ; but little danger, 

 on their doing so, accrues to the line, owing to the 

 nature of the places they frequent, their style of run- 

 ning, and other causes ; moreover, the loss in their case 

 is less felt or regretted than when good, wholesome 

 fish make off with the tackle. 



THE LANDING OF THE FISH. On Tweedside, a gaff- 

 hook or cleik is generally made use of by salmon- 

 fishers, in order to expedite the landing of the fish. 

 I have remarked, that in some parts of Scotland a 

 small hoop-net is also employed, for this purpose. In 

 respect that it is not liable to abuse or injure the 

 appearance of the salmon, the latter implement may 

 be considered the preferable one. The cleik, however, 

 is more convenient, and may be resorted to in places 

 and at distances where the hoop-net cannot be made 

 available. The employment of a landing appliance at 

 all certainly not its advantage may be considered, 

 in a sporting view, as questionable. I have heard it 

 insisted on, that the angler ought always to play his 

 fish to bank and secure him entirely by his own 

 management, and with his own hand. To this I do 

 not entirely assent, but I certainly think that there 

 are occasions when the gaff-hook is brought into play 

 quite inopportunely, when, in fact, it acts, along with 

 its wielder, a part in the capture of the fish that can 



