38 CATCHING THE WILY SEA-TROUT 



with the words " I already know all about that." There- 

 fore, for obvious reasons, the book has to be guided 

 along the middle course with the object of endeavouring 

 to satisfy alike the unsophisticated and the blase. 



While to accumulate any and every item of gear is 

 very alluring, there is much to be said for the man who 

 prefers to travel light. He who, when going fishing, clutters 

 himself with every imaginable gadget is not always to be 

 envied. On the other hand, the angler who cuts his 

 paraphernalia too fine may, on occasion, be placed in the 

 unhappy position of finding that he is minus something 

 which at that fateful moment is of primary value. 



A landing net is very necessary and the one customarily 

 used for brown trout is adequate for sea-trout up to a 

 weight of three or four pounds. Beyond that limit a 

 larger net is usually required. 



Some anglers, hoping to connect with a specimen of 

 eight or ten pounds, arm themselves with a gaff. For 

 outsize fish a gaff is decidedly convenient, but care should 

 be exercised when employing this weapon. If possible, 

 force the point of the gaff through the root of the dorsal 

 fin which is exceedingly tough. If you unluckily puncture 

 the back of the fish, blood will flow profusely and to such 

 an extent that the fish will quickly deteriorate. Should 

 you be faced with this misfortune, lose no time in plugging 

 the hole with grass. By resorting to this act of first 

 aid you will stop the bleeding. 



Numerous fishers have a strong partiality for the tailer. 

 This implement is most effective if properly employed. 

 Further, it is light and easy tp carry. 



A fishing bag of ample proportions is another item of 

 utility, for in it you can pack a not inconsiderable quantity 

 of tackle, together with your spoil. These bags, con- 

 structed of various materials, are made to suit the eco- 

 nomical as well as the wealthy man. The superior patterns, 



