26 THE TROUT 



hooked, and so spoiling the water there. On the 

 other hand, when fishing down-stream, it is almost 

 impossible to pull a fair-sized trout up against the 

 current. All that can be done is to get down level 

 with it as quickly as may be, and endeavour to check, 

 with all the strain one dares to put on the tackle, 

 any down-stream rushes which the victim may attempt 

 to make. 



While we have been considering these various 

 matters our fisherman has been steadily working his 

 way down-stream, trying, with untiring perseverance, 

 every likely nook, and the edge of every weed- 

 bed which he fancies may be the haunt of a lusty 

 trout. 



Nor are his efforts uncrowned with success ; for 

 see ! he has even now risen and hooked a fish which 

 came at him boldly and fastened well. Notice how 

 not allowing the trout an inch more line than is im- 

 perative he hurries down, reeling up for dear life 

 while he goes, so as to get abreast of the fish and 

 prevent his going further down the river, thus disturbing 

 water as yet untried. There is not much doubt as to 

 the result, so soon as the angler has got level with 

 the fish. There are not many weeds in mid-stream 

 in this part of the river, and the trout is well hooked. 

 Thus the end comes soon, and owing to the skill and 



