228 SCIENCE OF FISHING. 



rule there would be more large fish to catch and better sport 

 for all. 



There is always much talk among fishermen about "the 

 big one that got away," so much indeed that the man who 

 tells of losing a big fish is invariably put down as a pre- 

 varicator. But it is true nevertheless that it is the big fish 

 that are lost, if I may use the word that way, for, as "Father" 

 Izaak^ said, we can't lost what we haven't got. The big 

 fish is harder to hold simply because he is big and strong 

 and the tackle that will easily bring to hand a dozen smaller 

 fish, may give way to the lunges of the big fellow. So 

 you see it really is the big fish that gets away. But if 

 anglers in general would realize that it is the successful land- 

 ing of the fish rather than luring it into taking the hook, 

 that is the real test of a good angler, there would be fewer 

 of these tales. It is possible to land a very large fish with 

 very light tackle, if it is rightly handled. 



Before you start fishing look carefully over your tackle 

 and see that you have not forgotten something. Be sure you 

 take your lunch, but none of the "bottled stuff". If you 

 smoke, don't forget your pipe and tobacco, as well as matches, 

 for you will not enjoy your fishing so much if you forget 

 these. If you have time look over your clothing and see 

 that there are no buttons missing, and no holes in your 

 pockets. Take your pocket knife, also some string, and 

 examine your boots if you are going to wade, to see that 

 they don't leak. These may seem like unimportant details, 

 but really they count a great deal. 



The nice appearance of your fish when you reach home 

 and display your catch proudly to the members of the family 

 will depend on the way you care for them after catching. 

 The fish should be kept cool and moist, but you should 

 not wet them after they are taken from the water and 

 placed in the creel. The secret of it all is in so fixing the 

 fish that they will retain the moisture on their bodies, and 



