274 ON SALMON-FISHING WITH THE FLY. 



matter, achieved betwixt both parties, and claimed 

 accordingly.* 



In absence of an assistant, the salmon-fisher should 

 always be careful to select the best landing-place 

 within view one to which he can readily lead his fish 

 when exhausted, and where he has no occasion to exert 

 further strength than he has all along been using, in 

 order to draw it ashore. Gravel banks partly covered with 

 shoal-water, flat rocks similarly circumstanced, or any 

 level spot where the salmon may naturally turn over at 

 once, without power of recovery, on his broad side, are 

 well adapted for the purpose in question. In case of no 

 such convenient landing-place being at hand, I would, 

 rather than risk the loss of a good fish, guide him to 

 some distance down the river, until, in fact, I fall in 

 with a desirable port. Do not, however, be induced to 

 haul a salmon up against the stream, with the view of 

 landing it on some jut of sward, sand, or rock, that en- 

 gages your fancy at the moment. Should the fish press or 

 incline to be guided towards it, good and well ; but on 

 no occasion resort to force, when force may be avoided. 

 The fish being grounded, shorten line to the extreme, 

 and, holding back your rod with one hand, step forward, 

 and with the other grasp the salmon tightly above the 

 tail. You may then toss or carry it to the bank above, 

 and, by a blow or two on the head, immediately de- 

 spatch it. In case of your line being too long to permit 

 you to seize the fish without quitting hold of the rod, 

 then do so, only act with rapidity when you approach to 

 make your seizure. 



I would recommend all anglers who are in the habit 

 of fishing salmon unattended, to carry along with them 



* For directions how to employ the gaff-hook, see Chapter II, on 

 Tackle, &c. 



