GAFFING THE FISH. 273 



scarcely be esteemed secondary to that engaged in by 

 the rodsman himself. The credit of taking the salmon 

 is thus divided betwixt two parties ; and really, on 

 many of the Tweed rod-fishings, this is the case : nay, 

 I have already, at the outset of the present chapter, had 

 occasion to state, besides his assistance with the land- 

 ing-hook, the attendant fisherman contributes largely, 

 in other respects, towards the sport of the angler, and 

 is as fully entitled as the latter to claim the palm after 

 success. 



In expert hands, the gaff-hook is unquestionably of 

 great advantage as an implement for securing partially- 

 exhausted fish. At the same time, it curtails what many 

 consider a portion of the sport : and I have seen it put 

 into requisition at a stage altogether premature : the 

 fish, on being hooked, and before its strength was 

 nearly worn out, having waywardly edged in, so as to 

 give the opportunity referred to. I am well aware that 

 there are some salmon-fishers who hold the playing and 

 landing of the fish as very inferior considerations, and 

 who reckon the whole art and amusement to consist in 

 the raising and hooking. With one gentleman I am 

 acquainted, an able and eager sportsman, who, after the 

 first burst, was accustomed to resign the rod into the 

 hands of his attendant, in order to rid himself of what 

 he considered a slavish or supplementary task. To such 

 individuals, the employment of the gaff-hook is a matter 

 of perfect indifference : but I cannot reconcile myself to 

 their cramped and petted notions on the subject of what 

 forms a most essential constituent of the amusement. 

 The playing and landing of the fish are unquestionably 

 act and part with the raising and hooking, and when 

 separated, all interest on the part of either performer is 

 diminished; the capture of the fish becomes a disputed 



N3 



