TROUT OF THE DEAD-WATER 85 



patience plus will shall return at nightfall with a 

 few fish that will render him the most envied of 

 all the envied. 



Naturally a large fish in such an environment 

 will put up a tremendous fight : the odds are all 

 in his favor. The prime need of the angler here, 

 as in casting, is patience. As you value your 

 tackle, as you hope to land the trout, do not 

 hurry. Again, take plenty of time. There is 

 such a vast difference between the trout of the 

 average brooklet and the great, lusty dead-water 

 fish that the angler is tempted to exert too much 

 strength, to cut the battle short. To attempt 

 either is to tear the hook away or, if it be well 

 fastened, to break the leader. Give the fish 

 time, granting that you keep him away from 

 snags, and he will play himself. A good land- 

 ing net is a prime necessity, for without it you 

 may not hope to land your capture. I use a 

 certain net with a folding handle, one that can 

 be extended with a single motion of the left hand, 

 and is absolutely rigid and dependable. Never 

 attempt to use the net unless the fish is tired out. 

 More than once I have lost the record fish of 

 the day because I could not wait until it was ex- 

 hausted. 



