It seemed as if every move that he made was anticipated by the fish. Try as he would, he could not get that fish closer to shore. It was about twenty feet from him when he snagged it, and it was still twenty feet away. The fish started to run and Bill gave a yank on the line. The rod bent almost double and then the tip broke with a snap.
“Bring him in,” yelled Earl between peals of laughter.
“Don’t let him get away,” yelled Sam.
“I thought that you said he was a she,” said Bill.
“We must have made a mistake,” said Earl. “You have snagged the largest buck salmon in the stream. You have to bring him in now or you will lose your rod and line.”
It was all clear to Bill now. They had picked out the largest buck that they could see and had him cast the hook to catch it. They knew that the chances were ten to one against his landing it. Bill made up his mind that he would bring that fish into shore even if he broke every section of his rod.
It was not such an easy job, but little by little he worked that buck salmon into shore. The closer it came, the more astonished he was that he could move it in the water. Finally he had it in close enough for Bob to catch in his hands. Bob picked up the struggling fish and was covered with a shower of water.
“What shall I do with it?” asked Bob.
“Take out the hook and throw it back,” said Earl. “We can’t get any eggs from him.”
Bob released the fish and it went scurrying through the water to join the numerous others which were moving upstream.