THE ANGLER'S GUIDE 



79 



stant the leader is lifted for a new cast, and many hook 

 themselves without the slightest effort on the part of the 

 angler. 



When the fish is hooked he should not be flaunted in the 

 air, as the boy fisher yanks his pond perch. The prize 

 should be handled as if he were but slightly secured, his 

 head should be kept under water, the line kept gently taut 

 and the fish softly led out of noisy water and away from 

 stones, long grass, submerged tree branches or logs. 

 r If the catch is heavy enough to draw the line from the 

 reel it is allowed to do so, but the line should be kept taut 

 and reeled in the second he hesitates. There need be no 

 hurry. 



After a little while the game's rushes will cease; then it 

 should be reeled in, care being taken not to arouse it again 

 by the contact of a weed or stone. 



The tip of the rod is now raised over the head and back of 

 the angler until the butt points downward; then, if the fish 

 has been reeled in near enough, it is secured in the landing 

 net, tail first, and carefully slid into the creel through the 

 little square opening for this purpose in the lid. 

 " If you, reader mine, should some day get as far as this 

 glorious part of the play, and the fish should be a small one, 

 bejsatisfied; the true angler is ever of a contented heart; 

 if the fish should be too small, set it free; the true angler is 

 always humane and generous ; if it should prove fit to feed 

 upon, do not subject it to unnecessary suffering skilfully 

 kill it outright at once; the true angler is manly and merci- 

 ful. 



And, and good luck to you, brother. 



