53 



THE SALMON. 



from sixteen to twenty feet long, with a gradual taper, and 

 uniform from the end of the first or butt joint to the end of 

 the top, which latter should be of the most elastic substance, 

 and brought almost to a point : in fact the proper form of a 

 fly rod, is a perfectly whip taper. The rings should be of the 

 tightest kind, and wound on with thread or silk, and the 

 whole apparatus as light as the necessary strength will allow. 

 In some instances they are provided with a spike or spear, 

 which screws into the butt, and which is found very useful 

 to the Angler on many occasions, for sticking the rod in an 

 upright position, for the purpose of altering or arranging 

 the line or other tackle. The same arrangement of tackle 

 is required for the fly rod as for the bait rod, with the 

 exception of substituting a swivel, instead of a swivel 

 sinker. 



Worm, fishing for Salmon. For worm bait, use a Salmon 

 Limerick hook, from No. to 4, as the size of the game may 

 indicate. Attach the worms according to the method de- 

 scribed in Chapter II. ; throw them gently in the current ; 

 let them flow easily down a few yards ; then draw them 

 back; then to the right and left; keeping up a continual 

 motion of the bait. By this method, if you are cautious, and 

 keep out of sight and if there be Jish, as Walton would say 

 you will be sure to have your share of good luck. In bright 

 clear weather, a hook of either No. 3, 4, or 5, will be large 

 enough. It will also be necessary, if the stream be clear, on 

 some occasions to use only one large worm. 



When the bait is taken, the premonitory symptoms are a 

 distended line, and sometimes a sudden jerk. In either case 

 keep a tight line : the former admonition generally promises 

 success, and when it is well understood, will give the most 

 pleasure. After allowing a short time for gorging, you should 

 give a sharp strike, and if done with precision, and not too 



