cal on the point, he has only to try conclusions, when he gets the
chance, with some old troller, and he will be convinced before
supper-time.

CHAPTER X.

CAPTURE OF FISH.

Scotch loch-fishing, as usually practised, only embraces the capture of
the _salmo_ species--that is, the _salmo fario_, or common yellow trout;
the _salmo trutta_, or sea-trout; and _salmo salar_, the "fish," as most
boatmen call it, and the noblest game of the finny creation. Besides
these there is, of course, the _salmo ferox_; but it is comparatively
scarce, and only worth trolling for in some particular lochs, where they
are known to be more easily come across than in others. And sometimes
when worthier game is not to be had, we have a spin for pike, but Mr
Jack is as difficult to catch at times as his more aristocratic
comrades. In most Scotch lochs where any supervision is exercised at the
instance of our local clubs, the extermination of pike is most
vigorously carried on by means of fixed and splash nets. This, as
regards our large lochs, where there is room for all, we have no
hesitation in saying is a mistake, as it shuts up one means of enjoying
a day's fishing when nothing else in the way of fish is to be had; and
it must be borne in mind that there are some older anglers, to whom a
whole day's fly-fishing is a labour, who never object, when trolling, to
come across a pike: and no wonder, for a pike of 10 lb. and upwards
gives some fair play, though by no means to compare with what a fish of
the _salmo_ tribe of that weight would give. Then we have perch in
abundance, and splendid eels; but as these need a float and bait to
catch them, we dismiss them as quite _infra dig_. True a perch will come
at a minnow, and we have sometimes seen them take a fly; but they are
generally voted a nuisance, and expelled the boat.

As regards the capture of fish, we shall proceed to deal with each in
order; and at the outset we remark, that when you have hooked a fish, it
is a safe general rule to waste no unnecessary time in bringing him to
the landing-net or gaff, and thence into the boat. When playing a fish,
never allow the line to get slack, unless, indeed, when he leaps into
the air,--then you must give him rope; but so soon as he gets into his
native element, feel his mouth instantly. Always play your fish to
_windward_ of the boat if there is some one sharing it with you, as this
allows him to go on casting to leeward. Of course, if