1 86 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 



the tackle is light and fine, and the quarry large, we 

 commonly resort to this expedient, which seldom 

 indeed fails. We suddenly stay all show of opposition 

 and head the fish rather than otherwise a little in the 

 direction he makes for so desperately. In open water, 

 where this is more practicable, ninety-nine times out 

 of a hundred he becomes utterly confounded at the 

 sudden change, and will make a faint effort at a new 

 departure in a side direction and widely different 

 angle, but quickly shows broadside, and yields. This 

 may appear incredible in theory, we are, however, 

 speaking from our own experience, and can vouch for 

 its practical result. Whenever a fish is safely hooked 

 it is, as a rule, the fisher's own fault if he be ultimately 

 lost. Personally, we never pass a feeding fish because 

 of his locating in what is usually deemed an 

 " awkward spot." " Where's the use of trying for 

 that fish ?" queries a passing rodster. " It would be 

 impossible to land him were you to get hold." 



It has always been our policy to get hold first, 

 as a preliminary ceremony, which done, the landing 

 question is an after consideration. The notion of 

 the main mass of anglers would appear to be, that 

 if an unusually cunning fish takes up an impregnable 

 looking position he is to be religiously left unassailed. 

 " Breakers ahead " seem to be scented by the over- 

 cautious pliers of the rod, when the chances of 

 conquest are really " as even " as in less dangerous 

 localities ; and even supposing this were not so, the 

 greater the difficulty the more exciting the sport, 

 and the keener the pleasure. There is no necessity 



