SALMON FISHING 409 



SALMON FISHING. 



On reconsidering what I have written in the body of the work, I 

 perceive that I have written somewhat too rapidly, taking matters for 

 granted which are granted with a finished angler, and therefore passing 

 them over without comment, where, perhaps, they need to a novice 

 farther explanation. 



I shall therefore recapitulate, first, the implements, and then the 

 modus operandi. 



THE SALMON-ROD AND TACKLE. 



My description of the Salmon-rod, on page 240, is nearly unobjec- 

 tionable, so far as it goes. Experience makes the angler dread whale- 

 bone ; I think that it should never be used in any rod, particularly on 

 the tip of the top joint of a Salmon-rod ; it will curve, and by pressure 

 cease to be elastic, or spring. I have seen the worst effects from its 

 use. The stationary curve or bend of the extreme end of the tip will, 

 despite of every precaution, cause the line to coil round the top, and 

 then, " where are you ?" reel useless — tackle gone — fish gone ! Any- 

 thing but whalebone. Split bamboo, spliced, is preferable to any 

 other wood. Lance-wood is good — very good. All modern Salmon- 

 rods are made with ferrules and cappings, each of which is received 

 into a socket of metal, brass, or Gorman silver, let into the receiving- 

 joint. ' This is all very neat and convenient ; but I never would think 

 of throwing a fly for a Salmon, with a rod of this character, without 

 loop -ties, as security against the joints loosening or flying apart. 



The continued use and action of a powerful eighteen-feet rod, when 

 subjected to the constant tug and work of a Salmon, will loosen them, I 

 care not how well made, or how closely fitted ; and even with the loop- 

 ties, I have known the very best to shake, and make one also shako 

 •27 



