PRECAUTIONS AGAINST LOSS. 1 87 



for lugging out instanter a hooked fish. In these 

 circumstances a short line and a sturdy pliant rod 

 will avert endless disaster, and by holding on like 

 grim death at one end of the line, whilst the terrified 

 fish holds on in a similar style at the other, the very 

 largest and heaviest fish are to be generally exhausted, 

 and that with small risk of failure. 



Amongst the precepts to be impressed upon the 

 mind of the novice are the following : Never play a 

 fish against a stream, as by that means an additional 

 weight is thrown upon the line and tackle, which in all 

 cases is particularly undesirable, as in the event of the 

 tackle holding to its tether, there is danger of the fish 

 being forcibly torn away from the hook. A small 

 fish drawn against the stream, strains the tackle 

 inconceivably. Whenever a fish makes for weeds, 

 roots, or submerged timber at the rodster's side of the 

 river, do not potter with the reel, but haul in the line 

 by the left hand, allowing it to fall at the feet. The 

 height of absurdity to the mind of the writer is the 

 sight of a stalwart fisherman comfortably winding 

 away at the miniature windlass, in an endeavour to 

 hoist a hooked fish that has secreted himself amongst 

 roots, sunken sticks, piles, or other mischief, as though, 

 seeing he had been observed to go in, there was not 

 the least ground for doubts as to his being speedily 

 got out again. Wherever weeds are most prevalent 

 in a trout stream, there the best fish congregate. 

 Like pike, they love to secrete themselves in the green 

 shades of aquatic vegetation, from whence they can 

 dart upon their unexpecting prey. Whenever surface 



