AND HOW I HAVE CAUGHT MY FISH 157 



In the excitement it took some time to discover 

 that all the fish came from the outer side that faced 

 the tide. After this discovery we paid attention to 

 that part only where the fish were gathered waiting 

 for what the flow might bring. 



When the first fish is fairly large and the 

 captures get less and less in size leave that spot, 

 no matter how fast they bite. Move on for fish 

 worth taking. 



Just in front of us were the cliffs which lead 

 round to Bellachreesh Bay, so we kept our baits 

 out as we should, in a stroke or two, have them 

 where fish might be expected. Innumerable little 

 tugs told that the fish were small, so we kept slowly 

 on our course, which brought us to deeper and 

 rougher water. 



The motion of the Atlantic roll, as it took the 

 island sideways, caused the boat to swing first 

 inwards and upwards as if to mount the cliff, then 

 outwards and downwards, in most disconcerting 

 fashion, but two big fish one a very big one- 

 made us sit tight, fight, and forget all else. It is 

 at times like these that you get full advantage of 

 your short give-and-take rod. Anything more 

 cumbersome, stiff, or lengthy would be in the way, 

 and you would be in danger of a break ; at any rate, 

 the fish would have far too great an advantage 

 for you to often get the mastery. 



A Qlb. fish in the slightest roll will test your 

 skill and tackle, but the 13-pounder, shapely and 



