210 THE BRITISH ANGLER'S LEXICON. 



rise, for if the fly is too close, the line slack, and the rod 

 behind the shoulder, it would be almost impossible to make 

 a successful hooking of the fish in this position. In striking 

 a salmon, a good stiff long draw is sufficient. As a rule 

 the touch is felt as he closes his mouth on the fly, and the 

 hooking is generally pretty safe. Watch carefully when 

 the fly, after first alighting on the water, is being brought 

 round, as this is a very likely time for a fish to make a dart 

 at it, being enticingly offered and moving in a natural 

 manner, neither too fast nor too slow, the water close to 

 the bank running as a rule more sluggish than in the centre 

 of the current. Bear in mind when a salmon is hooked to 

 be tender with him at first. He will soon find out that his 

 liberty is threatened without this fact being brought too 

 forcibly before him, by pulling or hauling. Allow him time ; 

 if he wants line let him have it, but always reel up when 

 he slacks his speed of running, and keep abreast of him by 

 walking either up or down the bank. If he springs out of 

 the water, as he may do several times, lower the rod when 

 he is falling back ; this will prevent him hitting the line 

 with his tail, which he is trying to do. There are several 

 modes of casting, such as " scotching" or " cutting." These 

 will be learnt in due time by the angler, when he gets into 

 positions where the ordinary style of casting will not suit ; 

 but he will require to see them done no description will 

 be of use. Many anglers invent styles of casting for them- 

 selves. As a rule, when a man goes salmon fishing he is 

 generally attended by some one who understands all about 

 the sport, and from whom he may get information and 

 instruction if he takes the right way of asking for it. 

 When the fish is well played and begins to show signs of 

 giving up, the butt may then be given pretty heavy, and 



