896 THE SALMON FLY. 



what it may, the question of following fish should hardly ever be at all 

 in doubt.'* 



What is the precise method to adopt in a case of foul-hooking ? 



There is one golden rule worth noting, and if the fish, hooked in the 

 back or in the belly, can be followed in the water or on the bank it will 

 seldom be lost, provided the Fisherman has a companion. A fairly firm 

 hold should be kept on it till it rises to the surface and lies across the 

 water to be carried down stream by the force of the current. This 

 always occurs when exhaustion sets in. Then, with the rod upright, 

 stand perfectly still and allow the winch to uncoil sufficient line a 

 hundred yards if necessary to ensure your being so far above the fish, 

 that in walking on you do not alter its course. 



Advance step by step afterwards, never losing the bend of the 

 rod. On arriving at the head of a shallow (frequently found in Salmon 

 rivers) suddenly loosen line, by dropping the point of the rod, when the 

 fish will soon disappear, .and as usual face up stream. Should your 

 assistant be without waders, give him the rod and walk into the water 

 well below the fish. Carefully and quietly station yourself, avoiding all 

 dangerous stumbling blocks in the way of big stones coated with muck 

 and moss. As soon as the fish is shown the butt again, its course will 

 direct you to the left or right, and you will be able to use the gaff 

 effectually upon your prize in its floating descent. 



If you are alone, in getting in below the fish, you must of course 

 take the rod yourself; but put no pressure on until you are ready 

 with the gaff in hand ; then show him the butt in good earnest. 



The misfortune of hooking fish in this way is quickly detected by the 

 strange antics they pursue. The fight is usually short, sharp, and severe, 

 the airy somersaults,which would make Blondin sick with envy, are soon ex- 

 changed for feeble plunges. In any case, always drop the point of the rod 

 when the Salmon leaps from the water, and bring it back in one movement. 



Among other "awkward customers" to deal with in Flats, though 

 less frequently met with, is the " dancer." 



, * N.B. Everybody, including proprietors, feels the pinch of hard times, but considering 

 the exorbitant rents, and the small outlay for making a pathway along a wood, or a platform 

 past a deep corner, it is astonishing how tenants bear with easily removed obstructions. 

 Knough is not always done in the interest of Anglers in clearing and making riverside 

 paths, &c. 



