42 THe Determined Angler 



the excitement or "trout fever" that always accom- 

 panies the trout's rise and strike, but experience will 

 gradually make him more calm and active at this 

 important moment. The tyro trout fisher is often 

 more frightened at the rise of the trout than he would 

 be at the flush of a noisy grouse or the springing of a 

 surprised deer. 



When you have hooked the fish, always handle 

 him as if he were but lightly secured. Do not attempt 

 to lift him out or yank him up to you. Keep the line 

 gently taut, and softly lead the prize out of rough 

 water or away from stones, grasses, logs, or tree 

 branches. Do not let him come to the surface until he 

 is pretty well exhausted and you are about to put him 

 in the landing-net. If he is a large fish, tow him ashore 

 if the water edge will permit. Where there are over- 

 hanging banks this cannot be done. Do not be in a 

 hurry to get him out of the water. Be calm and work 

 carefully. 



If the fish is large enough to overcome the reel 

 click and run off the line, let him do so, but check him 

 and guide him according to any obstruction there 

 may be. 



When he has rushed here and there for some little 

 time with his mouth open and with a constant check 

 the line should always be taut he will become tired, 

 and when he is tired he will not rush. Then softly 

 reel him in, being careful not to let him come in con- 

 tact with a stone or weed, which is sure to arouse him 

 again. Reel him up quickly, without making a 

 splashing swoop, and he will soon grace your creel. 



Several persons have expressed an objection to a 

 list of flies I once named, saying a good Angler might 

 kill just as many trout on quarter the number. 



