110 ANGLING. 



lowered, the weight of the line will cause him to descend. 

 You must, however, hold him well in hand. If he rushes 

 from you, keep going with him until you judge it is neces- 

 sary to check his career. At every pause turn the butt-end 

 of your rod to him, bringing the lower joints over your 

 right shoulder. The strain will then be equalised on your 

 tackle. If still vigorous, do not press upon him too hard ; 

 let your rod come more to the perpendicular, and indulge 

 him with another run or two. As he becomes weaker, 

 wind him up, so as to make him show himself. If his fins 

 beat languidly, and he is evidently weak, guide him with 

 the water, not against it, to some easy landing-place ; and 

 if the landing-net or gaff is not handy, take him in the left 

 hand, but do not attempt to lift him out of the water by 

 the line, or take the hook out of his mouth whilst in the 

 water if you should be wading, or you may lose your labour, 

 your temper, and the fish at the same time. 



If the fish is deeply hooked, he darts to the bottom, and 

 you may be certain you have him firm. Though this assur- 

 ance may give you more confidence, do not be rash. Re- 

 member that the success of the angler's craft depends quite 

 as much on suavitor in mode as the fortiter in re. Lead 

 him into the open water gently, and do not let him have 

 an unlimited quantity of line, which, though it may tire 

 the fish, gives you less command over him. As his vigour 

 becomes reduced, and he turns on his side, keep his mouth 

 open at the surface of the water, so as to suffocate him. 

 This apparent paradox is by no means difficult of accom- 

 plishment. Always play your fish with a light hand, and 

 never seize your line in either hand either to shorten or let 

 out more line. It is an awkward, bad practice, and should 

 be avoided. 



