ROOK TROUT 



Landing a I'rout. 



When you hook a good-sized trout in quick water, 

 never try to reel him up to you, but keep a taut line 

 and gradually work down below him, reeling in as you 

 move along; then lead him back of some rock or in 

 some part of the stream where the water seems less 

 swift ; then reel up all the line excepting about six or 

 eight feet; this you take up inch by inch in your fingers 

 until you judge the length of line and leader is such 

 that you can reach your net under him ; then take the 

 rod in your left hand and hold the line between your 

 fingers and thumb — you will thus be ready to give him 

 line in case he makes a rush ; then lead him toward 

 you from the side, not from above or below, or move 

 over to him, raise the tip of your rod until the trout is 

 near enough, and then slip the net under him. Kill 

 him at once by striking him a sharp blow between the 

 eyes — never let a trout die in your creel ; then, finally, 

 take the hook from his mouth, and if you have induced 

 him to take your fly on the surface you can feel that 

 you have done a good stroke and fairly earned your 

 trout. If the trout is a big fellow you may be obliged 

 to lead him down to the pool below, but it's always a 

 bit more sport to land your trout in a rift, if you can. 



Leaders. 



The leader is the most important part of the fly^ 

 caster's outfit ; the length must be guided by the length 



ii3 



