STRIKING AND PLAYING.
Considerable discussion has taken place in the angling papers from time
to time as to the proper time for striking a fish; and three or four
years since some extraordinary calculations were made with regard to the
period that should elapse before striking, and for the motion from the
arm to reach the hook. My opinion, as expressed in the "Angler's
Journal" at that time, and lately repeated in "Fishing," is as follows:
"As soon as you become aware, either by sight, sound, or feeling, that a
fish has risen, put the hook in him." But you must be careful not to
strike too hard, or you will either tear the hook out, or snap the gut,
and thus lose the fish. It should only be a slight twitch, given from
the wrist, as quick as thought, just enough to drive the hook in beyond
the barb, but not enough to tear the flesh out. I have often amused
myself by feeding trout, and have noticed that, after they have taken
several pieces, say of bread or paste, if I threw in something like it
in appearance, such, for instance, as a small white stone, they would
seize it, and, finding the substance different, instantly blow it out
again. It is reasonable to assume that they would do the same with an
artificial fly, particularly those having cork bodies; therefore you
cannot strike too quickly. But, as this is a branch of the subject on
which great differences of opinion exist, I will here quote some eminent
angling authorities in support of my views.
_Francis Francis_ says: "If a fish rises, a slight upward turn of the
wrist will be sufficient to fix the hook. As for giving any direct rules
when to strike, they would be of little avail, as sometimes fish rise
quickly, sometimes with more circumspection, and sometimes altogether
falsely." Next, _Cummins_: "When a trout takes your fly do not strike
too hard; more fish are lost by anglers striking when using small flies
than are secured by such means. The line tightened is sufficient in most
cases, particularly in fishing streams." In "Fishing" of March 31st last
I say: "I agree that in rapid stream fishing there is no necessity for
striking." _Ephemera_ also advises that, "The moment you see, and then
feel, a rise, strike gently from the wrist." _Blaine_ also writes to the
same effect. _Stewart_, in the "Practical Angler," has the following
passage: "A difference of opinion exists as to whether trout should be
struck on rising; but, in common with the majority of anglers, we
advocate immediate striking. When a trout takes a fly it shuts its
mouth, and if the angler strikes then he is almost sure to bring the
hook into contact with the closed jaws. We have frequently watched the
motions of trout on taking a fly, and when left to do with it as they
chose, they very quickly expelled it from their mouths with considerable
force; and we think that, if the angler strikes, even when the trout's
mouth is open, he will have a much better chance than by leaving it to
hook itself. A trout on seizing an artificial fly is almost
instantaneously aware that it is a counterfeit, and never attempts to
swallow it; very frequently letting it go before the angler has time to
strike, so that it is of the utmost importance to strike immediately,
and this is the reason why a quick eye and a ready hand are considered
the most necessary qualifications for a fly-fisher." _Foster_, in the
"Scientific Angler" says: "The action requisite is a short quick
wrist-motion, commenced sharply but ended almost instantly and abruptly,
like a quick movement of the hand in bringing a foil in fencing from
_tierce_ to _carte_." It is impossible to strike too quick, but it is
quite possible to strike too hard.
All the above opinions are based on the supposition that a fish _has
risen_. It is not very often that a trout is seen in the act of rising,
but should it be, of course sufficient time must be given for it to
reach the fly, then strike at once. When you find that you have hooked
your fish, be prepared for its rush, and then comes the time when all
your patience, experience, and lightness of hand, are called into
requisition. Let the fish have its head a little at first, taking care
to steer it clear of weeds, bushes, and sunken obstacles in the water,
and then give it a slight pressure from the rod, in addition to the
friction of the line which it is dragging through the water; and if you
can get it down stream, so as not to disturb the fish above, so much the
better. When you have got it down stream, and under command, do not be
in too great a hurry to land it, for sometimes when you think it is
spent it will make a sudden dart, and you lose it. Give it plenty of
time to tire itself out, then put the landing net quietly into the
water, slip it under the fish, and lift it out. Then put the thumb of
your right hand into its mouth, with the fingers at the back of its
head, and press the upper jaw back until its spine is broken. This is
far better than letting the fish flop about and discolour itself in the
creel.