FLY FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 165 



endless disaster, and by holding on like grim death at 

 one end of the line, whilst the terrified fish holds on in a 

 similar style at the other, the very largest and heaviest 

 fish are to be generally exhausted, and that with small 

 risk of failure. 



Amongst the precepts to be impressed upon the mind 

 of the novice are the following: Never play a fish 

 against a stream,* as by that means an additional weight 

 is thrown upon the line and tackle, which in all cases is 

 particularly undesirable, as in the event of the tackle 

 holding to its tether, there is danger of the fish being 

 forcibly torn away from the hook. A small fish drawn 

 against the stream, strains the tackle inconceivably. 

 Whenever a fish makes for weeds, roots, or submerged 

 timber at the rodster's side of the river, do not potter 

 with the reel, but haul in the line by the left hand, 

 allowing it to fall at the feet, f The height of absurdity 

 to the mind of the writer is the sight of a stalwart fisher- 

 man comfortably winding away at the miniature wind- 

 lass, in an endeavor to hoist a hooked fish that has 

 secreted himself amongst roots, sunken sticks, piles, or 

 other mischief, as though, seeing he had been observed 

 to go in, there was not the least ground for doubts as to 

 his being speedily got out again. Wherever weeds are most 

 prevalent in a trout stream, there the best fish congre- 

 gate. Like pike, they love to secrete themselves in the 

 green shades of aquatic vegetation, from whence they 

 can dart upon their unexpecting prey. Whenever sur- 

 face food is sufficiently tempting, they leave their cover, 

 generally rising upon the less frequented side of the 

 water, where they have still the full benefit of the weed 

 beds which intervene between them and their would-be 



*Most excellent advice, but difficult to follow, when fishing down 

 stream. 



tThe author refers to bank fishing with stalwart tackle. 



