TROUT. 13 



the hand is displaced about two inches only. This, when 

 done at the moment the fish has closed his mouth on the fly, 

 is certain to secure a hold for the hook in some portion of 

 the mouth. Having hooked your fish, he probably endeavours 

 at first, to shake out the hook by splashing on the surface ; 

 pointing your rod slightly to him, will cause him to quit it. 

 The moment he sinks, keep him well in hand, according to 

 his size, raising the point of the rod well up ; as he rushes 

 away, hold him gently and when possible, show him the butt, 

 by inclining the rod backwards over the shoulder. Do not 

 strain on him too much, but after checking him a few times, 

 and you find his struggles become weaker, wind up ; and 

 guiding him to the easiest landing place, bring him within 

 reach of the landing net. Be careful not to use this roughly 

 so as to frighten the Trout at the last moment, when you might 

 possibly be unprepared for a violent plunge ; but sink the 

 net and bringing him quietly over it, lift it up without jerking 

 and secure your prize. 



In some streams, dibbing for Trout with the natural fly 

 is very much practised. When the may-fly is on the water, 

 this method is extremely killing. Use the ordinary fly-rod 

 with a very fine gut casting-line attached to the winch-line ; 

 and a No. 9 or 10 hook. Catching one of the flies at which 

 you observe the Trout rising, place it carefully on the hook. 

 Standing as far back as* possible, allow the wind to carry it 

 on to the water ; if a fish does not rise, lift and drop it again. 

 Strike directly it is taken. 



For the best general list of trout rivers and the flies 

 peculiar to them, I w r ould advise the reader to consult Hof- 

 land's " British Angler's Manual." 



j PINNING for Trout is much practised in the Thames, 

 and occasionally with great success, especially at the 

 commencement of the season ; early in the morning 

 and towards sunset are generally the best times. In 

 my " Complete Guide to Spinning and Trolling," will be found 

 the following remarks, extremely characteristic of the Thames 

 Trout : " When dropping down the stream quietly in a punt, 

 on a fine summer's evening, while the setting sun tinges the 



