STREAMCRAFT 



This is all right for open water. Again, hav- 

 ing hooked a goodly fish close to cover in a deep 

 hole, or in heavy rapids from whence he cannot 

 be led into quieter water, or when on a long 

 line, it may be imperative for any chance of 

 saving the prize to "snub" him, to "give him 

 the butt" at once, that is to raise the rod quickly, 

 causing it to arch strongly, and to net him soon 

 as possible without yielding an inch, even at 

 the risk of a smash-up. 



When without a net the only alternative is 

 to lead your captive to the nearest accessible 

 sufficiently shallow spot and to beach him. 

 Fish are never lifted clear of the water on a 

 light rod and line such as is correct for fly- 

 fishing, so that the unsupported direct weight 

 of the fish falls on the tackle. 



No trout under full seven inches long or bass 

 under ten inches should be creeled (these min- 

 imum legal lengths should be marked on your 

 rod butt or net handle); and all fish that you 

 decide to keep should be killed at once, either 

 by hitting them over the head, by severing the 

 vertebrae with a thrust of your knife-blade just 

 back of the head, or by putting your thumb in 

 the mouth and bending the head back and 

 breaking the neck. This not only is merciful 

 to the fish but preserves its flesh in better con- 

 dition. 



Not the least of the beauties of fishing with 

 124 



