LANDING NET, ETC. 9 



before he knows where he is.* And now a word on landing 

 nets. 



In Plate I, Figs. I and 2, page 9, I have given cuts of two 

 nets or frames, which by folding or compressing can be packed 

 up and carried about with the rods or in cases. In punt-fishing, 

 however, a circular fixed frame is all that is required. There 

 are various methods of attaching landing-nets to the person, so 

 that they may be ready to the angler's hand when walking 

 along the banks of a stream, and yet not in his way when 

 fishing. I find a spring hook fixed on the handle, and hung 

 over the basket strap on the left-hand side, as good as any ; 

 but anglers can see various plans at the tackle-makers and 

 select for themselves. In handling a landing-net, some little 

 skill is requisite : the netsman should never dash at the fish, 

 but sinking it in the water, and keeping out of sight as well as 

 he can, wait till the fish is brought round, and then moving the 

 net softly, till the fish is within the ring, he should lift him 

 smartly out. 



The gaff is a sharp-pointed steel hook used chiefly for 

 landing salmon. In very sharp and shallow streams, the 

 landing net is often rather unwieldy, and the gaff is preferable. 

 The great thing in using the gaff is to keep as much out of sight 

 as possible : wait till you are sure of your mark, extend the 

 gaff beyond the fish, and then strike it suddenly in drawing at 

 the fish and weighing him up at the same time.f But to 

 return. 



In bank-fishing, the angler should never be without a 

 clearing ring (see Plate I, Fig. 4, p. 9), or his remissness may 

 result in his straining his line or losing it. He will do well, too, 

 to have in his pocket one of those curved hook knives which are 

 made for screwing into the landing-handle. He may thus upon 

 occasion cut a weed or twig to which his tackle may be hooked, 

 and which otherwise might be out of reach and might necessi- 

 tate a breakage. A drag with a coil of string is also serviceable 

 (see Plate I, Fig. 5, p. 9). These things are often useful and 

 take up very little room in carriage. A small triangular fold-up 

 camp-stool is a very good thing too, and saves many an angler 

 from incipient rheumatism ; for though a scrap of waterproof 



* If possible wear a glove for this delicate operation. It gives one a far 

 firmer grip. ED. 



f In gaffing a salmon from the shore, the gaff should invariably be laid 

 over the fish, and drawn firmly home without jerk or violence. In landing a 

 salmon from a boat, the gaff may be laid under the fish without risk of 

 fouling the line. ED. 



