108 CATCHING THE WILY SEA-TROUT 



Take my advice and do not be a foot-beagle, nor go 

 to the expense of buying a stop-watch, but persuade 

 your fish to come to your net as speedily as possible. 



When hooked, a sea-trout does not behave in conformity 

 with any set regulations. It is a law unto itself. It 

 may jump once, then squirm and bolt ; it may jump 

 two or three times before dashing away in the hopes of 

 gaining liberty, or, without giving you a sight of its 

 sheen, it may dive into deep water. There really is no 

 knowing what to expect, and you have to be ready for 

 any emergency. Therefore try to keep a tight line and 

 endeavour to tire the fish. If it decides on a long run 

 you must, out of consideration for your tackle, humour 

 the contestant to some degree, but apply the brake as 

 soon as you can, not forgetting throughout the fight 

 that, from your standpoint, the decisive moment will 

 arrive only when the fish is securely netted. 



During the past season I was concerned in a somewhat 

 unique incident. I was covering a pool which usually 

 contains a nice fish or two, and I was not surprised 

 when I turned a beauty. I saw enough of it in that short 

 time to judge its weight to be anything from eight to 

 ten pounds. Although I put over several more casts, 

 the fish did not reappear, and for further attention I 

 made a mental note of the spot. 



On the following afternoon a friend and I were working 

 the river, and on coming to the pool I mentioned to my 

 friend the previous day's happening. I suggested to 

 him that he should have a throw, but he demurred, as 

 he said that the fish was mine. Eventually I prevailed 

 upon him to see whether his fly was more to the liking 

 of the fish than mine had been. By means of some 

 vegetation on the far bank I indicated where the fish had 

 been lying, and my friend placed his fly correctly. Im- 

 mediately there was a beautiful swirl, and my friend 



