THE SALMON FISHER. 93 



awkward, to say the least. In gaffing a fish " posi- 

 tion is everything,', the same as in catching a base- 

 ball or handling a billiard cue. Indeed, a catcher 

 on the diamond field takes much the same position 

 as the experienced gaffer does, only his eyes are 

 turned upward and forward instead of downward 

 and obliquely. The body must be as flexible as an 

 acrobat's. It must have perfect poise. The footing 

 must be selected and assured in advance. A slip on 

 the river bottom may cost an hour's hard work with 

 the rod. The gaffer ought to choose the landing 

 place in advance if the fish is to be gaffed from the 

 shore, as is usually done, and wade well out, say to 

 the depth of his knees, so that by any chance the 

 fish may not flounder loose by striking the bottom 

 in too shallow water. Then the man with the rod 

 must lead his captive, as best he may, up to the 

 gaffer, so that he can strike it. However, the fact is, 

 no fixed tactics can be prescribed. A gaffer has to 

 use his judgement, and use it promptly, too. If he 

 gets " razzle-dazzled," as the phrase is, he will most 

 likely miss his fish altogether, and quite likely miss 

 his foot, too, and pitch headlong into the water 



