SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR. 169 



choice of flies is not necessary, but brilliant ones should 

 always be selected, for invariably they will be found the 

 most effective. If in a boat, the angler should gene- 

 rally confine himself to such portions of the coast 

 as receive the fresh water of a river or brook. The 

 flies that I should prefer using for this description of 

 sport would be at least several sizes smaller than those 

 commonly employed for the capture of the larger 

 species (Salmo salar). 



Having pulled up into the current as far as the 

 stream would permit, we landed upon a rock, behind 

 whose jutting sides the water formed many a miniature 

 whirlpool. As the captain raised his rod to take in 

 the surplus line, a fine sea-trout rose at the fly. 

 Judging from the splash, he was of more than usual size, 

 and worth making a second effort for. Again the cun- 

 ningly-disguised hook was passed over his retreat, but 

 with the same success ; a third trial was essayed, and 

 as the third time is said to be lucky, so it proved, for 

 the fish was hooked. The struggles and devices this fish 

 practised to escape were worthy of success ; three times 

 he ran out many a yard of line, and on each occasion 

 jumped several times clear of the water; but all was 

 futile, for after upwards of ten minutes' play, he was 

 obliged to surrender to skill and practice. My com- 

 panion called upon me to use the gaff, and with the first 



