58 
WILD NORWAY. 
There is danger in striking too hard, especially in 
heavy water, the double force thus applied simultaneously 
by angler and fish respectively putting a severe strain 
on the tackle. It has occurred to me to lose a large 
fish through this mistake, the hook (having probably 
struck a bone) breaking off short at the barb. The 
hold seemed all right till the captive turned to run 
down stream, when the injured fly at once flew free. 
On the other hand, in slack water, should the stroke not 
be smart and well-timed, there is great risk that only 
a slight and insecure hold will be obtained, which in 
the event of a prolonged fight, will very likely give 
way. 
As to striking from the hand (that is, with the line 
included in one’s grasp of the rod), or from the reel, 
I prefer the former. Striking from the reel no doubt 
provides a safety-valve against the use of excessive 
force. But if an angler exerts a force to drive home 
a half-inch barb that would suffice to uproot a sapling, 
he deserves the smash that will ensue. 
The loss of two or three fish thus will prove a valu¬ 
able object-lesson, and serve to inculcate the virtues of 
coolness and control of the nerves. 
Some men say they neither “ work ” their flies nor 
strike their fish; the former may be right; but on 
watching the latter, when a fish takes, the upward 
movement of the rod on feeling the pull will be seen 
to be analogous to what others call striking, though 
perhaps not hitting a fish. As above remarked, 
though a fish may hook himself, it is workmanlike to 
leave nothing to chance, but to make sure of a good 
hold and a buried barb. 
