LANDING NETS, ETC. 11 



the fish may not come in contact with bank or boat and 

 so be knocked off or induced to struggle in mid-air, which 

 is almost certain loss ; and when the fish is for the mo- 

 ment supine, lift him steadily, but quickly and without 

 any jerking, over the bank or boat side into a place of 

 safety. 



Handling a fish in is more often resorted to when the 

 net or gaff happens to be left at home by accident, and 

 is usually employed on large fish, as large trout, big pike, 

 or salmon ; for example : Bring the fish up to the side, 

 and when he is quiet slip the hand behind the gills and 

 grip the fish firmly, lifting him out at the same time. 

 Some persons put the finger and thumb into the eyeholes 

 of the pike, and lift him out thus ; but they should 

 remember the pike's sensations. Tailing a fish out is more 

 often employed on salmon. The fish is brought to a shelv- 

 ing bank of gravel, gripped suddenly, but cautiously and 

 firmly, by the root of the tail, and run up over the gravel 

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

 nets. 



Eings for landing-nets which either fold up or com- 

 press may be had at the tackle-makers', and can be 

 packed up and carried about with the rods or in cases. 

 In punt-fishing, however, a fixed ring is all that is re- 

 quired. 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 



