420 THE SALMON FLY. 



fish showing signs of taking down a fall or a weir, or making for a 

 snag. 



Although gaffing an exhausted fish is an extremely simple business, 

 in this, as in all other matters, there are many ways, of which one is 

 undeniably the best. 



The motto I adopt is that of the poacher, for, short and simple as it 

 is, it contains the whole philosophy of the matter " Gaff him and get 

 him." From that man of metal and determination I learnt nearly all 

 that can be learnt. He makes opportunity rather than takes it, and not 

 without immediate advantage to himself. As a gillie he is slow to act 

 when haste is not imperative, but swift and prompt en emergency. 



Of the many ways advocated, the usual one directs you to " wait and 

 put the gaff in the shoulder of the fish," but exception must be taken to 

 this notion, if only by reason of the frequent disappointments it inflicts 

 upon Anglers. No good purpose can be served by invariably waiting for 

 such a favourable opportunity. Such advice seems to me to be an 

 elaborate practical joke. As soon as the hook has lost its hold and the 

 fish wriggles away from sight and danger, there shall you behold the man 

 who waits, and a pretty object he is truly when he has had his chance and 

 lost it, and stands contemplating vacancy with a philosophic gaze ! 



Nevertheless, Prudence must be the watch-word of the gaffer in 

 attendance. For instance, he must be most careful to avoid too close 

 acquaintanceship between the gaff and the fishing line. He must keep out 

 of sight of the fighting fish. He must finally plant himself on a favourable 

 spot where the deed may be most safely accomplished, and, without 

 delay stoop or sit down, holding the gaff deep down in the water, for 

 it matters not one jot whether the gaff be used from below or above 

 the fish. 



The preliminaries over, the duty of the Angler is not to haul the tired 

 fish directly towards the gillie, but to bring it broadside on, and to gently 

 lower the point of the rod at the very moment " that bold stroke, which 

 should never fail," is given. 



At that very moment, the expert gillie will reveal to spectators the 

 one great secret of ultimate success, which is this. The instant the gaff 

 is inserted, the wrist must be turned to prevent the fish taking undue 



