64 



THE FLY FISHER'S GUIDE. 



of the utility of this precaution occurred to the 

 author. In one morning's fishing, five salmon 

 rose at his trout flies, two of which he succeeded 

 in taking : the largest weighed sixteen pounds 

 + f and three quarters, and measured two feet nine 

 inches in length. It is true, the gut of which the 

 line was composed was choice; but it was single, 

 and not of that description which, from its ex- 

 treme thickness, is called salmon gut. The time 

 occupied in playing this fish was about an hour 



and three quarters; and never did a general derive 



% 

 greater satisfaction from a victory, than was felt 



on that occasion. 



If the multiplying reel be reprehensible in trout 

 fishing, it is absolutely useless where salmon is 

 the object, as the exertions and activity of this 

 fish will try the strength of the tackle in all its 

 points. When hooked, the salmon generally darts 

 with violence up the stream, and with extreme 

 velocity. At this time it is not advisable to let 

 much of the reel line out, but if possible, by 

 forcing the rod well back, to keep with the fish, 



