186 PISHING ON THE 



knows the fishing-ground is indispensable, as it is much 

 more difficult to find out than in the fresh water. Strong 

 eddies, formed by the tide, are often good places ; also 

 any bays, especially if mountain-burns run into them. 

 The largest size of sea-trout are caught in this way ; and 

 when hooked, from the depth and strength of the water, 

 make capital play. Large lythe also are frequently taken : 

 these are like passionate boxers fight furiously for a 

 short time, after which they are quite helpless. 



If there is a good pool at the mouth of any mountain 

 burn, by going with your fly-rod during a " spate," or 

 coming down of the water after heavy rain, and when the 

 tide is at the full, you may have excellent sport. The trout 

 are all floundering about, ready to take your fly the 

 moment it touches the water. This only lasts for a short 

 time, as they all leave the pool at the receding of the tide. 

 I say nothing of sea-trout or salmon flies, which vary so 

 much in the different lochs, rivers, and streams, that every 

 angler should be able to dress them for himself. Any 

 fishing-tackle maker will be happy to teach him for a con- 

 sideration. He has then only to learn from an approved 

 hand near what flies are best for the loch or stream he 

 intends to fish, and tie them accordingly. 



THE LONG-LINE 



The eel-line, already noticed, is precisely the long-line 

 in miniature, with the exception of the hooks, which are 

 such coarse blunt-looking weapons, that the wonder is how 



