How to Play and How to Land Them 



should always keep a little below where he ex- 

 pects the fish to be brought toward him, and 

 wherever he places himself he should remain 

 stationary, in a stooping position, with the gaff 

 ready for action. Should he move about the fish 

 will probably get sight of him, and if it does the 

 chances are it will make a run away 



d 

 Mascalonge brought within reach till exhausted. 



What the angler has to do is to wait 

 till the fish is quiet, then get its nose above water, 

 and run it to the gaffer, who will seize the oppor- 

 tunity, give one clip and all is over. On no ac- 

 count should he attempt to put the gaff in, should 

 the fish commence to struggle, but wait patiently 

 till it is quiet again. To gaff a fish, as it should 

 be done, requires great nerve and a great deal of 

 practice. An experienced gaffer will bide his 

 time and gaff the fish somewhere below the back 

 fin, which will balance it as nearly as possible 

 and prevent the flesh being torn in the struggle. 



To gaff a fish in deep, rapid water is a more 

 difficult thing than it appears. For the angler to 

 gaff his own fish requires great skill and dex- 



terity, as the risk incurred with the line 

 Water CP being wound up so short to enable him 



to reach the fish makes it very likely 

 that the rod will get smashed. To gaff a fish 

 while in a boat is the easiest. The only thing is 

 to take care the fish is quiet ; then drive it in the 

 right spot, always, if possible, near the middle of 

 the body, so that in lifting into the boat, its 

 281 



