FL Y- FISHING A T SEA. 91 



the handle only about a foot long is more convenient than a 

 gaff, where the fish are of a moderate size. 



As good a gaff as can be used is a Hake or Bonita hook, 

 2 inches in width, from point to shank, lashed on to a stick 

 2 feet in length, as a Salmon gaff is too good for the purpose, 

 and soon gets rusty and spoiled. File off nearly all the barb 

 of the hook. 



When employing an assistant from amongst sailors or fisher- 

 men, it is very necessary to caution him against catching the 

 line without orders to that effect, as in the excitement caused 

 by seeing a large fish circling round the boat, he is almost 

 certain to do, not reflecting that the elasticity of the rod 

 favours your tackle, and will enable you to kill a much larger 

 fish than if the line were held in the hand. 



Boat, The best boat for this fishing is a yacht's punt, or 

 dinghy, or boat of similar build, not less than twelve, nor more 

 than fifteen feet in length, as these boats are light, steady on 

 the water, and row sufficiently fast for the purpose ; but if 

 unacquainted with boating at sea, leave the selection to your 

 assistant. 



You may fish under sail in larger boats, but the rod is 

 better dispensed with, and whining lines should then alone be 

 used with the fly-trace. 



If you prefer a short-handled net for getting your fish on 

 board, procure a forked branch of a tree, of any tough or 

 flexible wood, and bending the ends round, lash them to- 

 gether with waxed twine, leaving the handle about a foot in 

 length ; this is much preferable to an iron ring, on account of 

 rust, but if for the sake of portability in travelling you prefer 

 a metal hoop, folding or not, it should be galvanised, unless 

 made of brass, which breaks frequently in the joints and is 

 more expensive. When you see a shoal of fish break the 

 surface of the water, row to windward and cast as for Salmon 

 or Trout. If you wish to trail entirely you may venture on 

 four flies on the trace, but for casting two are quite sufficient, 

 more being difficult to manage. Any artificial baits, such as 

 Spinners, Sand-Eels, or Herring-fry (locally called Brit), may 

 be used in the same manner. 



