106 TROLLING. 



into the spot you aim at. Now let it sink until it 

 nearly touches the bottom, then draw it gradually up 

 till near the surface; and so let it sink and rise alter- 

 nately, drawing it also a little to the right and left, and 

 each time bringing it nearer to the bank. When the 

 bait is taken, lower the point of your rod, and with 

 your left hand draw the line gradually from your 

 winch, so that it may run free when necessary, which 

 will be almost directly, for the fish will run off with 

 the bait. Give him five or six minutes to gorge it, 

 and then strike, but not violently, and raise the point 

 of your rod a little, endeavouring to guide the fish 

 towards you. If he make off in another direction, 

 humour him, so as not to have too much stress on your 

 line, but gradually, by turning him, first this way, then 

 that, to get him under your control. If a large fish, 

 he will keep near the bottom, and you must not be in 

 too great a hurry to land him, or you may either lose 

 him by pulling the bait out of his throat, or break your 

 line. As you find the fish yield, wind up your line, 

 and keep it tighter upon him, until at last you bring 

 him to the surface, and observe his size and condition. 

 Now the thing is to land him safely; in order to do 

 which, you must be quite cool and collected, and en- 

 deavour to draw him towards a shallow in shore, 

 taking especial care that he does not get your line 

 entangled in heavy weeds &c., which he will do if he 

 can. As he is brought in shore, he will make some 

 desperate efforts to free himself, and great caution 

 must be used in dealing with him. Raise his head out 

 of the water as you can, and let him sniff the fresh air. 

 He will probably shake himself violently, and throw 

 himself over, as if determined by some means to free 



