32 THE ART OF FISHING. 



often, prick himself when he bites, and leave the 

 bait, to be trusted no more. Avoid the unmerciful 

 plan of striking the fish when you think he has 

 swallowed the bait ; for if your hooks are well 

 formed, a little projecting from the mouth of the 

 bait, the hook when gorged will hold your fish, 

 and probably without any jerk whatever. Be 

 tender throughout the whole process of securing 

 him, and let him tire himself without your pull- 

 ing and lugging him about ; and, in trolling, never 

 land him, whether he be small or great, without 

 a landing net, or taking him carefully out of the 

 water with your hands but not by putting your 

 fingers in his eyes, a method recommended by 

 some barbarous anglers. 



Instantly kill him when taken, as recommended 

 for all captured fish. 



When you have a bite, slacken your line as 

 much as possible, and be careful that nothing ob- 

 structs its running freely. When, the line stops, 

 wait at least five minutes before you disturb your 

 fish : in all probability, if he shall have swallowed 

 the bait, he will move off again before that time 

 shall have expired, and perhaps he will rise to the 

 surface, spring out of the water, and shake him- 

 self, endeavouring to disgorge the bait, which he 

 will do nine times out of ten ; but not the hook or 



