422 THE SALMON FLY. 



folded, and sewn to the sheath in a way that allows it to have free 

 play in the fold. The straight side of the metal "dee" which I use 

 measures f inch. The leather sheath is stitched not at the back part of 

 the socket but in front, facing the cork, and in continuation of the stitching 

 between the socket and cork. The gaff and sheath may be obtained at 

 Winchester, by applying to G. Holland. But after a long bout of fishing, 

 in summer when every ounce weighs- a pound, when days are long and 

 rivers low, it is a treat to carry a gaff that weighs no more than your 

 watch or, perhaps, even your purse. And so I use the " Summer Gaff," 

 which is made on the same principle and is also supplied to Anglers by 

 Hancock & Co. ; and by Farlow & Co. 



For convenience in gaffing from high banks, I have two short 

 extra joints which, when screwed together, measure in all 5 feet. 

 But in wading, these are quite unnecessary ; and once only, in several 

 years of office, has the third joint been put into requisition. 



I really fail to understand why " so much practice," to quote from 

 many well-known authorities" is essential to the making of a good 

 gaffer." I found it as easy to gaff my first Salmon when a boy as I did 

 my last towards the close of the past year. 



I do not deny that a little skill is needed, first to bring the Salmon to 

 the. gaff, and then for the Fisherman himself to fix him and take him 

 ashore in dignified fashion. He should be careful not to wind in too 

 much line. The rod should not be bending down over the fish, but held 

 well up above it, so that the point can be lowered with effect if the struggle 

 be resumed. After such experience with two or perhaps three fish, what 

 is there to learn ? I really do not know. 



The Angler will soon find the advantage of not standing in very 

 shallow Water to secure his fish,* and of dropping the point of the rod 

 when the gaff takes hold. He will, moreover, soon learn to feel as much 

 at home with the fish in gaffing it as in playing it. 



It would be ridiculous to assert than a man can gaff his own fish in 

 as short a time^as his gillie for him ; but being stationed well in the 



* N.B. So short a length of line is obviously needed to hold the fish under the rod, and 

 so often will the fish make from there a little detour before it is all over with him, that unless 

 the "treble' 1 is married to", the line (as described elsewhere), so that the jointure runs freely 

 through the rod rings, the fish will often reap the benefit. 



