144 MOSTLY ABOUT TROUT 



I believe in the theory that chalk- stream trout, 

 when hooked, sometimes seize hold of weeds 

 in their mouths in order to gain a purchase 

 and prevent their heads being turned down- 

 stream by the rod-pressure. I put all the 

 strain on the tackle that I dared, without result. 

 There was still a dead pull. Then I bethought 

 me of the dodge of hand-lining. I stepped 

 back, pointed the rod at the weed-bed, took 

 the line between finger and thumb, and gave 

 a series of little tugs. After three or four of 

 them, the strain again showed life, brought 

 about, as I believe, by the little tugs having 

 compelled the fish to open his mouth and let 

 go the weed he was holding. 



Down-stream again, as before, and across 

 gradually to my bank. Another attempt with 

 the landing-net, and another failure. This time 

 no weed-bed available. Then the down-stream 

 course again, followed by another try with 

 the landing-net ; but it was too small and 

 shallow to lift out the great trout, and away 

 he went, thoroughly scared this time, and boring 

 up-stream for several yards before I could turn 

 his head down again. Then steady downward 

 progress towards the big willow-tree growing 

 on my bank over a deep pool. He was making 

 downwards of his own accord then, perhaps 



