CO
in
o
m
BCKK E IE Y
OENERAL
THE
COMPLETE ANGLER'S
VADE-MECUM;
BEING
A PERFECT CODE OF INSTRUCTION
ON
THE ABOVE PLEASING SCIENCE:
WHEREIN ARE DETAILED,
A GREAT VARIETY OF ORIGINAL PRACTICES
AND INVENTIONS;
TOGETHER WITH
ALL THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE
SPORTSMAN'S AMUSEMENT AND SUCCESS.
ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS.
BY CAPT. T. WILLIAMSON,
AUTHOR OF THE WILD SPORTS OF INDIA,
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR PAYNE AND MACKINLAY, IN THB
STRAND j AND CUTHELL AND MARTIN,
MIDDLE ROW, HOLBORN,
1808.
printed by B. McMillan, ^
Bcw Strtei, Covent Garden. ^
W4'
TO ALL
TRUE LOVERS OF ANGLING,
THIS BOOK
It
DEDICATED,
BY
THEIR OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT,
AND BROTHER SPORTSMAN,
THE AUTHOR
a 2 PREFACE.
IVI842775
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2007 with funding. from
IVIicrosoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/completeanglersvOOwillrich
PREFACE.
THE great partiality I ever entertained for
the diversion of Angling, has caused me to pass
many a leisure hour in that agreeable pursuit,
and io make many observations on the habits ojf
Fishes in general.
These observations have been extremely useful
to me in my search for sport, and have often en-
abled me to carry home a dish of Fish, while
others, u) ore acquainted with the Waters, could
scarcely get a nibble ; or, at the utmost, had
taken only some Siuall fry, not worth the trouble
of ujihookmg.
I do not pretend to have gone over the whole
kingdom ; nor am I able to give " the character
and the course of e-cery Stream ^ "<^r can I
boast of having caught Fishes, '^ until I was
fairlj/ wearied out.^"* I have, indeed, very fre-
quenily been '' zeearied out'^ by the abstinence
of those Fishes I wished should fatigue me by
their vveigiit ; and many a day have 1 had a long
walk, under a very sultry atmosphere and the
biirtiien of my apparatus, as the reward of my
abbxduity.
a 3 Theso
Vi
These nve moriifications which the best of St.
Peter's followers (excepting those ever- fortunate
authors whose trumpeters have unhappily blown
their last) must eve.r compound for ; for those
an<]^lers who aiilicipate constant success, will be
grievously disappointed. The sanguine dispo-
sition, however, which gives birth to, and nou-
rishes, such confident eagerness, is of the utmost
avail to tl^e juvenile Angler ; provided it be ac-
companied with sufficient patience, wirerewith to
counterbalance a certain hasty petulance which is
Tery apt to p(^p forth after long speculation at a
motionless float.
The want oi universal cxperiejice may, in the
opinion of the class above alluded to^ subject me
to degradation ; but without justice. Several
counties contain every Fish worthy the Angler's
notice, and can boast of many inhabitants, whose
skill and general knowledge would fnlly warrant
their becoming authors on this topic. 1 have the
pleasure to know, that many such character's
have expressed their warm approbation of my
Treatise, before it was committed to the press ;
and, that they concur with me in opinion regard-
ing the gross errors, not to say wilful mis-state-
ments, made by some who have written on Ang-
ling, especially where local circumstances have
been misrepresented in the most impudent man-
ner.
This is, perbaps; rather bold in me io express ;
fur.
Vll
for, unhappily, it never has fallen to my lot to
^' present any Hooks (o any Noble Lord ; nor
have I ever been '^ pressed by strangers" — (no,
nor by friends either) — " to favour the public
^vith the result of nfy experience." But, to make
up for such deficiencies, I offer to my reader se-
veral original communications, and such a com-
plete arrangement of tlie subject, as cannot fail to
lead the Learner, and that too in a rational and
pleasing manner, towards the goal of Piscatorial
Science.
I have not servilely copied from any man ; but
Tvhere my experience has justified a concurrence
with the practices of others, I have adopted
them, and now, by insertion in my Volume, gi\e
them all due praise.
Although many versed in Ichthyology may
fully comprehend what is said of various Fishes,
and though the practised Angler may not stand
in want of the aid of illustration, yet 1 trust tlie
young Student in this Art, will not consider the
several Plates annexed to my Treatise as super-
fluous; for even this amusement is replete with
finesse^ and will always be followed with most
success by such as have a knowledge of Mathe-
matics, or at least a turn for Mechanisin.
My labours were not intended for the use of
those who, regardless both of law and of decency,
trespass on the rights and properties of others by
nefarious practices. Nor do I wish the price of
my
Till
my Volume to stand so low, as to render it acces-
sible to every such miscreant. It is exempt from
all practices unbecominfi^ the liberal sportsman ;
and being composed of respectable materials, I
could wish it never to fall into the hands of any
but respectabU' persons.
Such is the basis of this Work, in which I
may, without presumption, assert, that many
desiderata are furnished, and many intricacies, or
ambiguities, laid open. To say that my Volume
is complete, would be untrue; for I feel, that
much is still wanting which should enable the
Angler to command success.
T. W,
CONTENTS!
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Of the Hook, 1
Of Gut and Weed, 3
To stain Gut, or Weed, Brown, 4
To stain Gut, or Weed, of a Water Colour, 5
Of Gimp, 7
Of Horse-Hair, » 7
To make a Line of Horse^Hair, 8
How to wax your Silk, 11
Of fastening the Line to the Rod, .... 13
Of Floats, 14
Of Split Shot, and other Weights, 19
Of fixing Hooks to Lines, 21
Of baiting a Hook with Worms, 24
Of the Reel, 28
Of tlie Rod, and Reel-Line, 38
Of tlie Hidden, or Finishing Knot, 44
Of the Landing-Net, and of landing Fishes, 45
Of the Gaff, 48
Of the Clearing-Ring, 48
Of the Butt- Hook, 50
Of the Disgorger, 51
Of the Minnow-Net, 52
Of the Minnow-Kettle, 52
Of Baits, ; 53
Of
%
PAOR
Of Live-Baits, . .V. ......;.., 7 77.T7. • • 6g
Of Dead-Baits^ 76
Of the Bait-Box, 8/
Of Various Waters, gQ
Of Ground Baits, 1 19
Of Striking, and of playing a Fish when struck, . . 125
Of Pond- Fishing, 134
Of Bubbles in tlie Water, 140
Of Night- Fishing, 142
Of Night- Lines and Trimmers, 143
Of the Fish- Basket, 150
Of the Pocket-Book, 151
OJ Fishes in general^ 155
OftheSahnon, 160
Of the Salmon-Trout, 1 73
Of the White Trout, Whitling, or Sowin, 176
Of the Black Trout, 179
Of the Common Trout, 181
Of the Chedder, or Shedder, or Samson, or Gravling, 1 86
Oi the Jack, Pike, or Luce, 187
Of the Perch, 205
Of the Kel, 208
Of ihe Chub, Chevin, or Nob, 2l6
Of the Tench, 221
Of the Carp, 223
Of the Grayling, or Gray-Trout, or Umber, .... 227
Of the Bream, 229
Of the i:arbel, 230
Of tlie Roach, 234
Oft.eDace, or Dare, or Dart, 236
Of the Ruff, or Pope, 240
OftheRudd, orFinscale^ 243
Of
Xi
FACE
Of the Charr, or Torgoch, 244
Of the Gudgeon, 246
Of the I'lounder, 248
Of the Smelt, 250
Of tlie Lamprey, 25 1
Of the Mullet, 253
Of the Bleak, or Blear, or Blanc, 255
Of Salt-Water Fishing, 256
Of Sea-Baits, 26l
Of Sea Fishes, 262
Of the Cod, 263
Of the Turbot, 264
Of the Haddock, 264
Of the Plaise, 265
Of the Mackerel, 266
Of the Whiting, 266
Of tlie Herring, 26/
Of the Gar-Fish, 268
Of the Skate, 269
Of the Halibut, 27O
Of the Sand Eel, 2/0
Of the Congor Eel, 271
Of the Lobster, Cray- Fish, and Crab, 272
Of Fly-Fishivg, 273
Of Natural Flies, 284
Of Artificial Flies, 286
APPENDIX.
Generic Description of Various Fishes, 305
Brief Hints relative to the Laws regarding Angling, 1 o 15
' Netting, &c , .,,. J
TUB
THE
COMPLETE ANGLER\S
VADE-MECUM.
Of the Hook
^ I ^HE nt&t object that canies under notice is tlie hook.
Those generally used in angling are classed under
ten sizes: No. 1, being tlie largest, and No. 10, the
smallest (See Plate I. Fig. l). They should be of good
steelj, of an e\en thickness all tlieir length, f»-om the
butt, where the line fastens on, to the chip, where the
barb or beard is cut out.
The point sliould be perfecdy upright, and not stand
out, as eel hooks ought to do ; the beard ought to be
prominent, but not cvit so very deep as to weaken it at the
place where it joins under the point.
The back of the shank is sometimes grooved horizon*
tally, for tlie purpose oi' whipping on the line more firmly.
Such are to be preferred j though a carefid person will
fasten his line very sufficiendy widiout such aid.
Opinions are divided as to the best form of a hook ;
many prefer the Kirhy, which has its point bent a little
to one side, so as not to stand in an upright line, parallel
to the stem. The faults imputed to the Kirby are, that it
often fails in the striking'^ and that it makes too large a
I Ji cut>
2
cut, so as to allow the fish to get off, in case tlie liiie is at
any time slackened.
I confess myself to be of tliis opinion, and, from my
o\\Ti experience, should recommend tlie common, or old-
fashioned hook ; being thoroughly satisfied, tiiat I have
often missed of hooking fishes, which have absolutely
gorged my bait, in consequence of its being on a Kirhy ;
indeed, mathematical proof may be adduced in support
of its condemnation. Ho\\'ever, the majority of die
Kirly hooks are well made in one resi)ect, viz. in being
somewhat angular at the bottom of the beard, as ui
Fig. 2 ', whereby they fix tiiemselves more firmly ^\'hen
in the jaw, and do not shift about so much as semicir-
cular curves are apt to do.
A good hook for ivorm-Jishing ought to have rather a
long, than a short shank ) and tlie beard should be mo-
derately deep. It ought to be rather substantial, and to
be perfectly free fi-om rustj else it will not allow the
worm to glide on smoothly, but will subject it to break,
and to give way.
It may be proper to obser\'e in tliis place, that hooks of
every description are injured by being huddled together
in papers, boxes, &:c. \ tlie beards g^t intermixed, and
they either are broken, or blunted. Those esj^ecially
which are required for your pocket stock, ought to be
stuck into flannel, the same as needles are kept by ladies
in their house-ivives, &c. &c. 3 and if a Httle oiled, tliey
will be better preser\-ed from rust.
Regarding jack-hooks, eel- hooks, and such as relate
exclusively to any particular branch of angling, they will
be treated of under their respective heads, where tlia
modes of using them will be amply described,
Ik
In tins part of the work I shall confine myself to what
appertains to the more common practices of hottom-Jish^
ing ; by which I mean, such matters as apply to simple
angling, for whatever chance may present j reserving the
more knowing parts of my instructions, for tiie illustration
of tliose branches of the sport which require some expe-
rience and judgment, before they can be practised with
success.
The learner \v\l\ find the whole under tlieir proper
titles, besides a variety of information interspersed, by way
of comment, in otlier parts of the work.
Of Gut and med.
These are imported to us from abroad, chiefly from
China, and are invaluable to the angler. Tlie gut is
more transparent tlian the weed, is not so thick, nor is it,
in general, so round ; yet, on tlie whole, it is prefeiiible,
except in a tew particular instances.
Gut may be had of any degree of fineness 3 for the
same skein is formed of various sizes, as well as of diffe-
rent degrees of qualitj^j some threads being long and
round, while others are shorter and flatter. Ihe latter
are \'ery exceptionable, \\;here a clioioe can be made -, as
they are not only weaker, but streak the water, in moving
through it, and frighten the fishes.
Choose such gut as is round and smooth, of a clear
semi- pellucid appearance, and that is free from yellowish
spots, very much like iron-moulds. The best proof of
the strength of ^w^ is hardness : bite it, and if it resist the
teeth like wire, that is, does not easily give way, it is
good.
This should always be done when a thread of gut is
B 2 taken
taken from the skein ; for such parts at each end as are
quickly bitten tlirough, and make little resistance to tlie
teetli, will not hold a fisli in a proper mariner.
IVeed is much thicker, and is of a duller, though of a
whiter appearance. At first it is very strong, but does
not keep so well as gut. However, where you expect
to find jacks and eels, it answers almost as well as gimp
(which see in its proper place) : it will do for perch fish-
ing, as also where salmon do not nm to any great size.
Choose your weed as has been directed regarding gut,
and take especial care to keep them botli in situations free
from damp 3 for if once mildewed, they are never after
to be trusted, though tliey may bite tough.
Many prefer their gut and weed of a water, or of a
light brown colour, which may be given in various ways :
the following are perhaps the least exceptionable.
To Colour Gut, or Jfeed, Broivn,
Isi, There is in every cock- chaffer (in some counties
csiiled caterpillars, in others, dumm adores, &:c.)asmall
bag containing a liquid, of a beautiful brown. Tliis ap-
plied to your gut, or weed, and allowed to dry in die air,
wiU give it a fine transparent colour, which may be com^
pletely fixed, by dipping aftenvards into a weak solution
oi alam j using about the size of a hazel-nut to half a
pint of cold spring- water.
If you tliink the colour, in tlie first instance, too deep,
dilute the brown liquid with about an equal quantity of
alum -water, and apply it.
The great merit of tliis is, that it does not in the smallest .
degree tend to injure your hne.
2d, Coffee is an excellent colour^ and being always to
be
be had, is particularly convenient. In a cup of strong
coffee, when about milk-warm, steep your gut, or weed^,
and allow, it to remain until you tliink it suiEcient|y
stained.
You must however make some allowance for the colour
washing out a little, by tlie line being frequently expose J
to tlie alternate action of the water and of the air,
3d, Rub your gut, or weed, with walnut- peels, bark,
or leaves, until stained to yoiu* fancy, and fix the colour
in alum -water. This should be done cautiously, as the
walnut-juice is rather corrosive.
4 th, Put about a large table- spoonful of white salt into
a pint of ale, or strong beer, if a little sharp the better ;
steep your line till coloured to your fancy. This is unex-
ceptionable, and makes a good brown.
To Stain Gut or JFeed, of a JFatcr Colour.
5th, Take about a tea-spoonful of common red ink j
add to it as much soot, and about tlie third of a tea-cupful
of water ; let them simmer for about ten minutes 5 when
cool, steep your line until it be stained to your fancy.
This is a very beautiful colour for the purpose, but should
be applied gradually, taking out your line, to examine the
depiii of tlie tint frequently, lest it should become too dark. '
6th, For a pale water tint, boil a handful of soot in a
large tea- cupful of alum- water ; steep the line for a few
minutes in tlie decoction, while milk- warm j then, if the
colour do not please, rub your line with walnut -peel^
bark, or leaf, until it answers to your wish.
7th, A weak solution of indigo in boiling water, gives
an excellent bluish tint -, but the line must be steeped
B 3 onl/
only in the cold liquid. When of the required tint, steep
the line in alum-wate?r for a few minutes.
Sth, The following is ah admirable recipe, but requires
the greatest caution. Ten drops of aqua-fortis should be
dropped on a piece of copper, and left in a cup, to corrode
f V long as it throws up any bubbles j to these add cold
vater sufficient to dilute the mixture to a fine pale bluish
£reen: in this steep your line for about half a minute, or
more, and you will have an excellent water colour, which
at the same time takes off the gloss from the gut. If your
line be steeped previously, for about five minutes, in alum-
water, it will in some measxure prevent the acid of tlic
mixture from penetrating so deeply, as to endanger its
being in any degree weakened.
p/A, I have found common walnut catsup to give a
good colour to gut, steeped in it for half an hour, or more ;
but tills tint is apt to fade : however, as it is so easily re-
newed, and b peculiarly excellent, I should recommend
it^ being adopted.
Obser\e> by a good colour, I mean that which, in the
common run of angling, corresponds with tlie colour of
the water, and renders tlie line less visible : for it should
l>e particularly noticed, tliat we often find the sides of a
stream of one colour, while the middle, or tlie current,
is quite of another hue j and where several waters join,
we rarely see tlieni all of the same transparency, or of
the same tint.
Some waters, owing to mineral impurities, will tinge
the line of their own colour, so as never after to change ;
a fortunate circumstance for those who continue to angle
in such streams. 1 have had a line so completely stained
. of
cJTa reddish brown, -owing to the water being Impregnated
with a ferruginous cast by the till eartli, as not to be dis-
tinguishable from tlie stream, when immersed tlierein : "
but for other waters that line was totally useless, since it
appeared perfectly distinct for a great deptli. Under tlie
head of Various JVaters, the learner will find more on this
object.
Of Gimp,
This is notliing more than yellow or white wire, wolded
round 3. $ilk line j tlie same as what are called covered, or
bass strings for the violin, &rc. are made of catgut, en-
veloped by wire. This is intended to presence that part of
the line which is nearest tlie hook, from being bit asunder
by jacksj eels, &c. It is made of various tliickness, ac-
cording to tlie purpose for which it is intended, and may be
had either yellow or white, according to the angler*s fancy.
I prefer the yellow gimp, being convinced from expe-
rience, tliat it is least discernible in tlie water, especially
in bright weather, when I have seen the white gimp
glisten so much, as to be distinguishable to a considerable
depth. About half a yard is enough for one line : where
the jacks ran small, less will do. It is excellent for eel"
hooks J set as night- lines, as will be shewn in due time.
Of Horse- Hair,
Tliis is not often to be had of a good quality. The best
is taken from those tails that have been frequently cut ,*
V hereby the hairs become much stouter, and far mora
elastic. Choose that which feels stiiF, free from inequalities,
and is ratlier smooth tlian rough. Some hair is angular,
and never works well into a line -, for which purpose it
cannot be too round.
8 4 The
8
The hair from the tails of mares, being commontj
u-etted by their iirine, is in a measure rotten j neither do I
consider it to be, naturally, and abstracted from that im-
perfection, so firm and so durable as horses' hair.
The manner of making lines of horses' hair, will be duly
aiKl amply described. They may be stained in any of the
modes already pointed out; but, to free them from grease
and oilier impurities, should be previously washed in a
very weak sohition of lime in w^ater, or a strong one of
whiting in stale beer.
To make a Line of Horses' Hair.
Take three or four hairs of nearly equal lengtli and sub-
stance (for there is great choice in that respect), and tie
tiiem in a common knot, observing tliarlialf the butts and
half tlie points be respectively together ; tlie butts being
the part w here they are pulled or cut from the animal, ara
tiie tliickest ^ the Imrs taper from tliem to their points.
The due inversion of one-half tlie cumber of hairs, or
as nearly so as odd numbers may admit, will cause tlie
length of a link thus made, to be equaUy tliick in every
part 5 whicli would Viot be tlie case, were all the butts
and all the points together; whence tlie line would be
weaker at the joints tlian elsewhere.
If, indeed, an additional hair is progressively given to
every link, tlien all the points shovild be together, and
should join to the next lower or thinner link ; but such a
line would soon acquire too much thickness.
Having knotted the hairs togetlier, take a quill, and after
cutting away both the featlier end, and the soft part which
was in the skin of tlie goose,, plug up one end with a piece
6f cork, having in itj¥ sides three or four very small nicks*
ft
or grooves} so that each hair may pass through the quill,
and by the side of the cor Is, with some httle resistance.
The knot, which will thus be on tiie outside, beyond
tlie cork, sliould be turned round between the finger and
thumb } by which means the hairs, coming like so mAny
rays from tlie edges of the cork, will begin to twist in the
most regular even manner, and will be gradually drawn
tlirough.
The person twisting the hah's should be careful to ob-
serve when tlie further ends of the hairs are about to come
through tlie grooves, which he may easily perceive, and
should then grasp what he has twisted close to tlie cork 5
then drawing out the residue, tie the ends, as in the first
instance : but, in order to keep tlie twists correct, he
should, as he proceeds, pass the Une round his hand^ so
as to coll it up in a small ring.
This being done, he should lay evpry length, so soon as
made into a coil, in a cup of water, to let it soak -, after
about half an hour, some of the hairs will probably snarl,
or appear to gatlier, or shrink, in tlie twists. The lengths
in which such snarls appear must be untied, and be twisted
3! second time, after the hair has been dried.
This process will all be seen in Plate T. where^ in
Fig. 3, A, is the quill, B, the cork plug, c, tlie knot, aiid
d, d, d, d. the several hairs which form the length, or link,
passing through tlie quill > being pressed tiiereto, at equal
distances, by the cork.
Any number of hairs may be tlius twisted far better tlian
in the common way, and as regularly as by any machine :
though some on a good plan, are sold at the tackle- shops.
As the grooves may be made so as to allow twists of two,
three, or four hairs each, to pass, Hnks may be made of
' b5 any
Iff
any thickness, by twisting together, either in twos, tlflrees,
or fours, any number of hairs of which they are respec-
tively to be composed j precisely as tlie best kinds of hard
roj^e are manufactured in strands, formed of smaller
strands, and each of tlie latter having an equal number
of threads, or yams.
The number of Unhs to be rrjade, must depend on the
intended lengtli of tlie line : in general, twehe feet will
be found an ample stretch ; especially if tlie foot-length,
tliat is, the tliree or four links nearest the hook, be mad^'
of gut J which is far preferable to horses* hair, in ever)'-
respect.
It will ordinarily be found, that four hairs are best for
the bottom hnk, it gitt be used below it; and that the
addition of one liair in the thickness of every, third link,
is full sti'ong enough for any purpose.
The links are to be joined by what is called a water'
knot ; this is \ery secure, and is easily made in the fol^
lowing manner : let the two ends tliat are to be joined,
Jap over about an inch and a half, without untying tlieir
end knots -, tlien, in the same way tliat you would make
an ordinary knot, so tie tiiese, taking care to pass tlie parts
of both lines together, and then draw tight at each of the
four ends. This forms the tvater-kjwi. See Fig, 4>
Plate I.
Before you cut away the t\vo little ends, on each of
which is a knot, whip tliem down well, for about a
quarter of an inch on each side tlie water-knot, finishing
on each side with a hidden tie, that runs under the whip-
ping for three rounds at least ; so that it never can fail but
from the decay or cutting of the silk.
Having done this, pass a piece of quill between the ends
and
11
and d.e lin?, and \% ith a sliarp pen-knife, cut down through
tiie ends, about the thickness of your thumb-nail distance
trom the whipping, so that the ends may come off clean :
tiie piece of quill ser\^es to prevent die knife from cut-
ting your line.
Scissars are bad on these occasions, unless, indeed,
tlieir points be very fine j in which case they are soon
spoiled} their thickness always raises the end, in some
measure, whereby either the cut is uneven, or tlie wliip-
ping is a little strained : the latter is a great fault ; for the
ends of the water- laiots cannot be tied down too firmly.
If you warm your cobler's wax, and rub it round once
or twice, taking care to do it with tlie direction of tlie
whipping, it will give a slight coating to your work, and
make it much neater ; it will sene to prevent little fibres
from rising out of the silk, which, by cutting the water,
scare the more cautious kind of fishes.
How to IVax your Silk,
Simple as this operation may appear, there is yet some
art in doing it completely and equally. The fine silk used
in whipping on very small hooks, and in making files,
will not, liov.'ever good of its kind, bear to be roughly
used ; nor will it, indeed, if taken singly, bear the ope-
ration of being passed with the requisite degree of force
between the wax and the thumb.
Take, therefore, several equal lengths of your silk, ob*
serv'ing to reject all that appear knotty or gouty, for they
always make clumsy work, and pass them, fk one iody^
between your thumb and the wax, v.hich should be pie-
viovisly spread thinly on a piece of strong ^Iioe-leatlier, as
stiff as CcUi be had.
' B () Pass
12
Pciss them several times, until yon fee!, by their re**
sistance, tliat their surfaces are completely coated with
the wax : separate tliem, and upset one- half tlie number,
so that what was at bottom before may come to tlie top -,
then pass tliem again several times, until they resist
strongly.
3y this means, eadi tliread will have received a good
portion of wax, which will require to be levelled, so as to
make the whole equally strong and durable.
Now fasten one end of each tliread, separately, to a
pin, nail, table-screw, cushion, or whatever may be at
hand, and rub it lightly, but quickly, with a piece of
white glove-leather, or any other such soft substance,
until the thread may appear to be uniformly coated j if
the wax does not seem to be tliick enough on tlie thready
rub on a little more in this position,' for it is by far the
safest in which a single thread can be waxed ; and finish,
again with the soft leather.
I have been more particular in the detail of this part
of the process than many may tliink requisite ; but all good
anglers know, that on the niceness of whippings, knots,
&:a their sport materially depends. • I cannot repeat too
often, that highly- finished tackle will always attract more
fish than such as is clumsy, or is carelessly used.
The loops which ought to be at each end of every line,
except; such ends as, for want of gut, weed or gimpy are
fastened to the hook, should be well whipped, so' as
to keep tlie ends close down ; thereby to prevent their
hitching with other parts of the tackle, and to render
the motion of the hne through the water less perceptible.
There is a kind of line made for catching small baits.
Usually called a minnow-Unv, ' This should cppsist of
13
about two feet of fine gut, at tlie bottom of which, a
very small hook, about No. g or 10, should be very
neatly affixed. At about six inches above tliat hook, set
on one or more shot, according to the strength and deptii
of your waters 5 tlien at equal distances, say four or five
inches, fasten the tliinnest, whitest, hog-bristles you can
obtain, tying them well on, at their middles, to your gut-
line. At each end of every bristle, have a small hook, as
at bottom.
Thus you may have three, five, seven, nine, &:c.
hooks on your line, none of which will interfere with the
others j the bristle always retaining a certain stiffness, and
never so far relaxing as to snarl or twist on your line.
With such tackle you may catch minnows, loaches, Lull-'
heads, gudgeons, bleaks, &"e. for the supply of your
dipping apparatus, and for your nig kt- lines.
Of fastening the Line to the Rod.
When a reel is used, you have only to make a fasten-
ing to the loop at the top of your line, by means of the
line which, coming from the reel through the rings affixed
to the rod, goes tlirough an eye made of wire^ or of -metal,
at its top.
Pass tlie reel-line through the loqp, and tie it with only
a single- loop draiv-knot. So that by pulhng at the end
of your reef-line, you disengage your hair-hne with the
utmost ease.
But, in case you do not use a reel, pass the loop at
the top of your line through the eye at the top of your
rod, so far as to aUow your putting the lower end of your
top- joint tlirough the loop -, then draw the line back again
through the eye, and all w^iU be secure and neat. .
If
If there be no eye at the tip of your rod, the best
mode is, to fasten at that part a strong piece of reel -line,
so as to leave about six inches wherewith to make tlie
draw-knot, the same as if it were the end of a reel-line.
Of Floats.
The principles on which oxoxy float should be made are,
first, tliat it should sustain the weight of tlie shot and
bait J second, tliat it should pass easily under water %^'hen a
fish bites ; third, tliat the part above the water sliould not
be t6p-hea\y.
The absence of any one of tliese requisites renders the
float useless. For, if it cannot sustain the appended
weights, it must sink, and cannot be a float ; if it does
not yield freely to tlie smallest effort of tlie fish to take
the bait down, it will not only fail to indicate tlie time
for striking, but it will so far oppose the fish as to cause
alarm, and consequent disappointment.
If your float does not stand erect, you never can judge
of the depth of water, nor can you draw youi- line tight
enough to be in readiness to strike, at tlie moment when
the fish may have taken tlie bait into liis mouth.
A float should always be suited to tlie \\'ater, and to
the Ivind of fish you are in pursuit of. Tlius in a
strong water, where many shots must be on your line so
as to sink it to a due depth, and to keep it upright, a cork^
float will be requisite 5 likewise in fishing with Hue I ait,
as will hei*eafter be shewn.
Where tlie water is quiet, a (jtiill float, proportioned to
ks depth, and to the weight of the hook, bait, and ap-
pended shot, will always prove superior.
Where the water is shallow, and tlie current^ triflings
your
15
your fioat cannot be too delicate. All tliat is required is^
that about three quarters of an inch should appear above
the surface, and tliat half an inch should be white, so
as to appear distinctly, towards the twilight especially,
when coloured objects are not so conspicuous.
I ha\'e always had most success when using a short, but
very thick, sivan-quill fioat, witli a white top and a
i*ed cap, made of about a quarter of an inch of krger
quill, or of very thin horn, dyed in red uik, or in a de-
coction of logwood and alum.
Douhle-^uill floats, that is, such as have no ivire
plugs, are made by joining two quills, of equal diameter,
on a wooden plug, which is first smeared with tar, and
passes about half an inch, or more, up each quill.
The two small ends of tlie quills thus form tlie two
ehds of the float ; and, in order to prevent the admission
of water, should be ranmied with a piece of the stem ctf
thQ same quills, which, going in at tlie larger ends before
they are affixed to the plug, by being pushed up to-
wards the points, will effectually prevent any water from
penetrating, if tlie quiUs be in otlier respects sound, and
free from cracks, as ought to be duly insured. See Fig. 5,
Plate!,
All douUe-quill floats are provided with two caps, one
for each end, to keep the line to tliem : they should
be well whipped in the middle, wliere the quills should
join very nicely, and should fit ver}' stiffly upon the plug.
Single- quill floats are made of one swan or goose
quill, in the bottom, or large end, of which, after the
,small end has been duly stopped, as above directed, a
plug made of beech^ lime^ or deal, should be neatly, but
tightly.
%f
16
tightlj, fitted; being first smeared with tar^ or heated
coblefs wax.
The other end of the plug, which should be about one-
third the length of the quill beyond its insertion, sJiould
taper to about the thickness of a very large knitting-
needle.
The plug should be well whipped at both ends, to pre-
vent its splitting or swelling ; and, in the small end, a
little brass tail-ring should be inserted. To make this
tail-ring, turn a piece of thin brass wire once roared the
small end of a goose -quill ; tlien twist the ends regularly
together with a pair of small plyers, or with your finger
and thumb ; cut away all tliat may exceed about half an
inch of twist, and liaving, with a very fine awl, or with
a large pin. made a hole up the small end of the plug,
insert tlie twisted end of tlie tail-ring, which will screw
into the hole, and remain perfectly tight.
The other, or upper end of the quill, must have a
cap, which will be found more firm and durable if
whipped round in its middle, about five or six times,
with some well-waxed silk. See Fig, 6, Plate I.
It is not amiss to have a douhle- plug float, when you
fish in places where you are very often under the neces-
sity of shifting the depth between your float and your
hook. These are made the same at loth ends as floats
are in general at the bottom ; so tliat you have no quill -
loop on the top part, but instead of it, your line runs
through a brass ring set in w^ood, whereby only the
centre of tlie float is of quill. This answers well when
fishing for gudgeons, roach, &e. ; but must be put
into the water gently, lest it should change its place.
See Fig. 7, Plate I.
17
Corhfloats are made, by boring a piece of perfectly ,
sound cork, widi a hot wire, through its middle. The
best kind is tliat called velvet- cork, and may be known by
its beautiful smoothness, and the absence of those rotten
vacancies to which the common kind is subject.
•Having perforated the cork, smeai* the inside, while
hot, with tar 3 then pass it down a well-finished double'
quill float, until the joint of the plug within, tlie quill x^
hidden : about an inch of the quill should remain un-
covered at the upper end.
After the tar has cooled, and fixed the cork to the
quill, witli a veiy sharp penknife, having rather a long
blade, pare away the lower two-thirds of the cork to a co-
nical form, so as to taper down nicely to the plug. Then
pare away the superior third part of the cork up towards
the quill, so as to be conical the other way.
When you have made the surface of the cork very
smooth, and rounded off the e^ge^ made by the junction
of the two cones, put the float into a bucket of water,
first hanging a small weight to the tail-ring', and if it
does not swim quite upright, trim away fi'om the under
part of the l^ighest side until you find it answer well^
After it is dry, varnish it over with a litdo kighly-drying
linseed' oil, or with a litde turpentine varnish, either of
which can be had at the oil warehouses in any quantity.
If you wish to p^nt your float, which is preferable if
the cork be faulty, it is easily done, by mixing a little
colour with either the oil ox the varnish. Hang the float,
when finished, by the tail-ring to dry in a current of air,
but not in the sunshine. See Fig. 8, Plate I.
Observe, that a cork- float will be more or less buoyant,
la proportion to th$ thickness of the cork at the junction
Of
18
of the c^e$ \ that is to say, at its greatest diameter. Jt
is proper to iiave them of various powers, so as to ans\^^er to
every occasion.
J have found excellent service from the use of a lamb's
bladder a» a float, especially ^^•here 1 had the wind in
my back, and ^yished to keep my bait far out in the water.
It is usually a good deal agitated by tlie breeze, arid plays
the bait to advantage j but can only be used where the
waters are clear from weeds, &c.
In the use of live baits, the bladder is of the greatest
utility; and even with a dead bait, especially a pater •
noster^ is far superior to a cork-float.
The inconvenience of carrying a Lirge jack-float is well
known to all anglers ; whereas, the bladder may be emp-
tied at pleasure, and can even be stowed away in a pocket-
book.
I have frequently, when the wind has been strong, let
out nearly my whole reel-line, and tlius sent my bait
into places I could not have reached by any other means.
Several gentlemen, eminent in the sporting world, have
used the bladder to great advantage, especially on large
lakes in which jacks abounded. The bait being fastened
to a proper length of line, and suspended to a large ox-
bladder, is set ott' from the windward side of the water;
whence, if no concealed impediment should obstruct its
progress, in due time it reaches tlie opposite shore.
Sometimes, however, different currents of air, or casu-
ally variable puffs, will retard its progress, and keep it
nearly centrical.
In this state it offers the bait to the largest fishes,
some of which usually attack it in its way, and, by
tugging sharply, soon hook Uiemselves : itis amusing to
sea
19
see the efforts of the fish thus caught 5 the bladder is
pulled under, and appears at intervals often at remote
parts, but gradually shews its powers over the self-
exhausting fish, and ultimately riding triumphant j the
,fish being unable to draw it under water, and often
coming to the surface so completely exliausted, as to be
lifted out without the power to escape.
Some call this kind of float, ihe fox- hound -j otliers, the
flying'Jloat : the former is, I believe, the most general
designation 3 but the latter is certainly the most applicable.
Of Split Shot, a?id other Weights.
The usual sizes of shot for fixing on lines are, from
swafi'Shot down to No. 4 of the patent mode of register-
ing. They should be split about tliree-fifths tlirough with
a chisel, which makes them gape sufficiently to admit
any line of ordinary tiiickness. When the line is put into
the slit, pinch tlie lips of it together with a pair of plyers,
if at hand, as you can then see what you do 3 other\vise,
press them between your teeth.
It is proper that tlie line should pass, as nearly as may
be practicable, down the middle- of each shot, and that the
slits be w^ell closed j else they will rip the w^ater, and
hitch the line, as well as weeds, ^c.
The depdi of still \^'ater may be easily ascertained by
yoiu" line, if one or two good sized shot are on it, with-
out any other weight. As your shot are generally about
nine inches from the bait 3 if you shift yQ\xc float until it
just reclines a little, you then may be sure that the shot
touch tlie bottom 3 consequently, the intermediate space
between them and the broadest part of your float, is tlie
measure of tlie water at tlie spot where you sounded it.
It
a)
It is very necessary to correct an eiTor which, to my
surprise, has crept into most books of instruction. They
generally state, tliat "when your float stands upright,
you are off the bottom." Now tliis is by no means the
case j for your Jloat may just have water enough under
it to keep the lowest shot touching tiie ground, while it
may be kept erect by tlie others above it.
While in tliis state, your bait, together with all the line
between it and the shot, ky on tlie ground! Hence
it is ob^-ious, tliat, after having found the deptli at which
your Jloat beguis to recline, it is necessary to draw it down
your line, just as far as tliere is distance between the upper-
most shot and the bottom of your hook.
By this means your bait will just tail upon tlie
ground, and be peculiarly acceptable to many fishes,
especially roach and gudgeons, and eventually to bar-
lei, &c.
Strong currents often require very powerful weights to
sound with. Many use round balls, perforated through
their centres ; but they do not pack well, are apt to roll
at the bottom, and, in many instances, ^e not sufficiently
ponderous to give a true perpendicular.
The ordinary plumb, sold in the turned cases, which |g
only a roll of tliin sheet-lead, is not amiss in weak cur-
rents, and applies aptly to the line, which it envelopes in
a sufficient degree ; but in some parts of rivers, where tlie
waters run impetuously under banks, and in bends where
there are deep holes formed by tlie rapidity of the
stream, they are inadequate to the purpose. Besides, in
my opinion, an angler should endeavour to divest him-
self of every thing superfluous, and, if possible, to make
one thing do two offices.
Accord*
SI
Accordingly, I always carry with me what in many
places is called a cffin. This is a piece of lead weighing
about two ounces, cast in -the form of a coffin, and bored
through lengthwise. Through tliis I pass a strong piece
of well waxed twine, so as to form a loop; which, being
carried twice round the bend of my hook, hangs per-
fectly secure, and enables me to sound in any .water
Now tiie reader will observe; tliat this kind of lead is
peculiarly suitable to fishing on the ground for barbel,
&c. as will be shewn under that head. In the absence
of a coffin lead, J have occasionally found my clearing*
ring an excellent substitute.
Of Jijcing Hooks to Lines,
Success in fishing, as has already been observed, dej^ends
greatly on tlie manner of preparing the necessary tackle 5
above all, it is most requisite, that the hook should be
j>o attached to the line, as to keep within tlie smallest
compass, in regard to tlie whipping or fastening tliat may
be practicable, with due regard to firmness. I do not
know any point relating to angling wherein greater neat-
ness is needful, than in the mode of fixing the hook to
the line.
The silk with which the whipping is to be made,
should be of the first quality, and for small tackle should
be equally fine. Black is often used, but very i^ipro-
perly, it being for the most part rotten : the very dye
with which the colour is produced will, of itself, destroy
the tenacity of silk. Indigo-blue silk is perhaps as good
as any; nor are the deep brow^i, the deep yellow, nor
the dark green, objectionable.
I 5hall^ by way of saving >troiible, and repetition of
words.
ss
words, always suppose the hook to be fixed to, or as it
is termed, mounted upon, gut j regarding the choice of
which I have before made mention.
Obser\-e, that every thread of gut is rather thinner at
one end than at the other 5 and, that such thin end should
always be appropriated to being attached to tlie hook : by
this means the line is made a little taper, especially if
the finer threads of gut be selected for this purpose ; and,
that tliose which are thicker be made, according to their
degrees of fineness, to form the second, tiiird, and fourtli
links. Beyond that number it is seldom needfid to have
tlie line composed of gut, at least for lottom -fishing, if
the gut runs to 16 or 18 inches in length.
The different lengths or links of gut are to be tied, as
already directed in treating of horses'-hair lines, witli
water 'knots, and the end of the knots are to be tied
do'wn in the manner tlierein detailed. This is of great
importance, on account of the thickness of the gut,
which cuts tlie water very much, especially as it is on a
part of the line so much under tlie fish's notice.
The first tiling to be done is, to whip the gut four or
five times round, at that part which will come into con-
tact witli die butt of tlie hook, by which, but for this
precaution, the gut would soon be cut through. Bring
the part of tlie gut thus guarded against the inside of the
but<t so that one or two laps of the whipping may remain
clear above the hook : take two more turns with your
silk, drawing it very tight, and taking care to keep the
gut on the inside 5 for in whipping, it is apt, unless held
firmly in its place, to pass round to the side, or perhaps
to the very back of tlie hook.
Now, take about half an inch of stiff hog' s-lristle and
lay
23
lay it at tlie back of your hook, leaving about the fourth
part out, pointing upwards, and a trifle higlier tlian the
top of tlie butt.
This done, proceed to whip on both tlie gitt and the
Iris tic ', tlie former within, the otlier at the back of the
hook, for about six or seven rounds more of tlie silk, and
then make a half- hitch knot, by which your work will be
kept iirmly in its place, while with your knife you pare
the Iris tie and the gut botli tliinner. towards their lower
points ; so that as you tvhip on towards the bend, they
may lay flatter, and render the wliipping less heavy in
appe^arance as you proceed.
When you come within about three rounds of the
quantity of whipping requisite to conceal the due quantity
of giitf which ought never to reach more tlian half
way down tlie shank of the hook, or, at least, not lower
than opposite to the point, make a change in your pro-
ceeding, by finishing with tlie hidden or inverted hnot,
hereafter explained -, taking especial care to draw the se-
veral rounds firmly into tlieir places, by compressing them
altogether between your finger and tliumb, turning the
hook at the same time w ith your other hand in the direc-
tion of your whipping, so that all is brought smootli and
close : next, draw your silk very tight, and cut it away
by means of your sharp pen- knife and quill, or on tlie
front edge of your thumb-nail.
If these directions are implicitly obeyed, the fastening
will be firm and neat: a little tar, lightly and evenly
applied over the whipping, and left to dry, is of great
use, as it effectually keeps the fibres of the silk down,
prevents corrosion^ and causes the worm to slide on much
easier
S4
easier than it would do if all tlie whipping were left
bare.
it is necessary to point out, tliat tlie liogs-lristle is put
on solely for the purpose of supporting tile worm, when
it has l;een drawn above tlie shank of the hookj down
which it woulci be apt to recede but for this precaution.
For very Iirge, heavy, loh tuorm tackle, sometimes two
Iris ties are necessary y in which case, one should be a
little above the otlier, and the upper one may be whipped
down to the gut, at about a quarter of an inch above
the butt of the hook ; not higher, as it would occasion
tlie worm to ride too high, so tliat the fish would be apt
to bite above the bend.
The taper manner in which die lower part of die
whipping is done, tends gready to facilitate the threading
of the worm up to die top of the shank ; for by this
means, die orifice in die worm*s head is gradually dis-
tended, so that less force is required to pass it over the
Iristle, I sometimes grease the whipping.
When, from want of attention to this precaution, the
■whipping terrainates abrupdy, forming a kind of step at
the bottom, it is very c^fficult to thread the worm be-
yond it 3 and, at all events, subjects it to be much disfi-
gured, which renders the fish very shy.
Of Baiting a Hook with Worms,
The bait should always bear a certain proportion, in its
Mze, to the hook on w^hich it is to be affixed ; and, indeed,
we for the most part find, that fishes with small mouths
prefer baits of a more delicate description, than die
more bulky and the more voracious.
The
25
The roach, tlie dace, tlie gudgeon, and various others,
all delight in small, well-scoured, bright-coloured worms \
while the 5a /mo«, the ^row?, thej«c^, the perch, the eel.
See, are better enticed by a large bait, they not being so
remarkable for daintiness as the lesser classes.
The carp is peculiarly fond of a small clean bait ; and,
tiiough it grows to a good size, as does the chub, yet is
more easily caught with a moderate -si zed blood-worm,
tlian with one of a larger size, or of another kind.
Perhaps the barbel may be an excepfion to this obser-
vation J for it has by no means a large mouth, yet is it ex-
tremely greedy of a large bait, which it delights to suck at.
It is not very easy to fix a rule which should govern
in all instances ; but it may be tolerably correct to state,
that (witli the exception of those large worms called
lobs, of which mention will be made when treating of
baits) the worm should rarely exceed one length and a
half of the whole measurement of the hook, going round
•with die curv^e, or bend, from butt to point.
Very thin wiry worms do not answer well, as they
shew the hook, and do not allow fishes -^to take tlie bait
into their mouths, so as to compress tlieir tee^i, nor even
4heir lips, without feeling the metal.
Short, fat, elastic worms, which at times can stretck
otit to a great length, and which wridie much, are by far
tlie best.
Where fishes do not bite freely, or where, as is often
the case with carp, tench, and roach, they take hold only
of the pendant part of tlie worm, and seem to try how far
they may proceed in safety, it is best to have only one
worm, which should be little mcarc thaii long enough to
-cover the hook.
c la
In such cases, too, the hook should be carcfull}- pitt in
as near as possible at the mouth of tlie worm, so as to afford
210 means for making experiments, as fiiih are often apt to
do when shy, or daint}^, by pulling at any little hanging
point tliey can get at.
I have sometimes seen fishes amusing themselves, in
picking at the head and tail of my bait ; causing my float
to be incessantly in motion, though not one would take
the bait fakly into its mouth !
I'his shews with \^'hat care a hook must be baited ; for
if any part of it can be seen, or felt, especially die point,
no fish will approach it.
I have frequendy remarked tlie effects of doubt and of
apprehension, in lishes of various descriptions, when any
part of niy hook has been bare. They have come to it in
a balancing manner, and either shy'd off, or retreated tail
foremost, or they have appeared to be smelling to the
•bait, but throwing up bubbles of air to the surface.
lliis may be a thousand times witnessed in clear wa-
ters, where all their motions are perceptible : I have in
general found it to be a very bad omen. Fishes rarely
discharge air in tliis manner, except \^'hen in fear, or in '
difficulty, or when in the humour not to bite.
Ifthewormis properly threaded on the hook, so as
completely to envelope it, and to have die tail about an
inch pendant, lapping over into the bend, few hungry fish
will reject it. In this mode of putting on the bait, less
opportunity is given for tugging at any part, w hile it is
giicady in favour of hooking any fish diat may bite
fairly.
As a single worm is the more certain bait, so is a double
bait^ consiisting of two worms^ more alluring, especially
to -
4:0 all tlie ravenous tribe j therefore, for such it is parti*
•ciilarly eligible. It is applied thus :
Put the hook into tlie nioutli of tlie largest of two
worms, and tliread it for about a third its lengtli j then bring
out the pointof tire hook, and slide the w^rm up, so as
to be kept above tlie bend, and with its tail hanging down
in a line with tlie shank.
Then thread .tlie smaller w^orm, which should be parti-
cularly clear and high-coloured, until its head comes up
the shank a little above tlie tmn of tlie i>end, ^and is overr-
•iapped by the tail of tlie first worm, so^iat no part of tlie
hook can be seen : he sure to bring the second worm
M'ell on, and before you throw in (which should always
be done as gently as possible, letting your line down
-quietly into the water up to. the float), turn its tail in, so
as to hang down betw^een the point and the shank, as be-
fore directed, when speaking of a single bait. See Fig. g,
Plate I.
It is highly improper to let tlie iail project outwards
from the point of tlie hook j both because it is liable, by
its own weight, and by die motion inseparable from such
a position, to work the point through its upper side ; and
because it ofiers tlie opportunity, which iish in general are
cunning enough not to let slip, of ripping the bait away,
«o as to bare tlie hook down to tlie bottom of tlie bend.
Until I -found this to be frequently die case, I used to
protmde the tail in this objectionable manner, diinkingit
would teiTipt die fishes to bite; it certainly did so, hxit
die few I caught were, nine in ten, hooked in the eye,
. or i^i some exterior. part, and were tiie result of chai.ce,
- not of skill !
When v^orms are too small for the hook, ihey ^iwnk
- c 2 up
up to notliing in appearance, and do not lure tlie fishes
to bite J on the other hand, when tliey are too large, so
much of them hangs down, that it is a chance if the fishes
ever bite above the point of die hook 3 widiout which, wc
cannot reasonably expect the bait to be so far in tlieir
mouths as to ensure tlieir being struck,
A very little practice, under the foregoing directions,
will suffice to give tlie young angler a competent idea of
the due proportions, and render the practice of die pre-
cautions offered to his adoption perfectly habitual.
He may dien venture to promise his friends a dish of
fish ! provided he takes a suitable day, and proceeds to a
good water.
Of the Reel
The reel is a most important aid to the angler, enabling
him to suit the length of his line to the circumstances of
die moment, whedier arising from die depdi or breadth
of die waters, and to controul the exertions of powerfiil
fishes, by its serving out such an increase of range as
tends to burthen them, while the angler commands a
greater scope of elastic power.
This is deducible from raadiematical principles, which
prove, that the more remote the power is from diat on
which it acts, so does its force decrease in proportion as
the distance is augmented.
Hence, admitting that the tackle be iinn, and diat the
man holding the rod be, in the first instance, stronger .
than die fish which is hooked^?; die latter must be disad-
,vantageously situated, wlieit Obliged to move a great ex-
tent of elastic line, fastened to an elastic rod, and those
governed by one capable of giving to bodi the utmost
effect : for, by relaxing a litde during the moments of
exerted
^ 29
exerted strength on the part of the fish, he renders its
efforts of little avail, and, in the end, is sure to weary it
into a state of complete exhaustion !
But the line on the reel is not to be used indiscrimi-
nately 5 for there may be a great variety of situations,
such, for instance, as dipping for jacks with a dead bait,
in narrow waters, overhung with bushes, and replete with
strong spreading weeds, where the reel is more used for
the purpose of short eJiing than for lengthening tlie line.
If, indeed, a person sitting in a boat not at anchor, in
the midst of an extensive water, clear to the bottom, were
to hook a fish requiring some management, he might,
without much hazard, give out the ivhole line from his
reel (though even then it would be prudent to reser\ c a
few turns, in case of a sudden spring or jerk) 5 for there
would be no risk of getting entangled, or of having the
line cut, by means of friction against boughs, or other
incumbrances.
But, under the ordinary circumstances of locality,
whereby we consider the angler as situated on the bank of
a stream, and obliged to cq^^ f/2 among bushes, rushes,
weeds^ and dead wood, both above and in tlie water, tlie
management of a short line is assuredly less difficult tiian
tliat of one longer tlian the rod.
From tlie former, unless tlie fish be so powerful as to
negative all the skill of the angler, success will generally
reward his efforts. Whereas, when a fish is allowed to
run among docks, hay -weeds, piles, stakes, vessels attached
to wharfs (or even at liberty), and to entangle the line among
pendant boughs, or concealed sunken branches, his being
brought to land may, ninety- nine times in tlie hundred, be
more fj^rly attributed to chance tlian to good management !
c a Some
30
Some reels have sliding siops, which, if it were pos-
sible always to keep m their proper places, would be less
exceptionable : such, ho^vever, rs seldom the case 3 and>
for my own part, I have always fountl it less inconvenient
to have a reel without any stop, than to recur to that sup-
posed convenience on every occasion. Wlien I had reels"
with stops, I lost many iislies that couM not have got away
otherwise.
The multiplying reel is of particular advantage in some
situations 3 for when, as often occurs, a large fish, that
has ran out a great length of line, suddenly darts towards
the angler, or towards some point teeming witli embar-
rassments, it is an object to shorten tlie line vrkth all pos-
sible celerit}', so as to keep the fish under controul.
A slack line, exclusive of its subjecting the hook to re-
linquish its hold, like a slack rein in riding, rarely fails to
produce inconvenience j nay, it is well known to all ex-
perienced anglers, that nothing is more dangerous than
lo give up that afes<^.hite comnwnd, which causes a due
exertion on the part of tlie lisi), and urges htm to those
strnggics which terminate in his complete submission.
On ordinary occasions, a common reel is adequate to
every intention : it should be of a middling size, and should
carry about 30 or 35 yards of line, capable of suspending
a weight of 12 or 14 pounds. When we exceed such a
size of reel, and such a tliickncss of line, we begin to feel their
weight, which then becomes more tiresome tlian useful.
The reel should be put on so as to be under the rod,
with the winch, or handle, on tlie right side, as it pre-
sents itself fairly to tlie hand in that position.
All who carry the reel above the rod, have to bear up in
perpetual opposition to the eflect of its weight, it acting as a
lever i
31
htet \ for if a rod, having a reel on it, be left to balanee
itself, it will invariably, and with some quickness, be
carried round, so that the reel gets underneatli. Hence it
is obviously the easiest, as it is in many respects the most
convenient mode, to fasten the reel on below the rod.
The multiplying reel possesses eminent superiority iir
respect to the quickness with which it ser\^es out, or take;?
m, your reel-line. Of tliese there are two sorts, viz. one
with tlie crank, or winch, hi the centre of tlie box ; the
ctlier with it removed from the centre. The former ia
best, both because the multiplying powers may be consi-
derably increased by a double action, and because die
handle is much less susceptible of injury 3 besides, it is far
more commodioudy situated,
Eeels which fix on with springs and screws, made to
slide on the rod, and to grasp it firmly at any part where-
they may be required to become stationary, are very con-
venient, they being so easily affixed or removed. But
they are apt to scratch the butt, and should therefore be
lined. I have found it best to wold tlie flat ring all round
with half-twisted worsted ; which, being soft, both saves-
tlie butt from being defaced, and, by its great elasticity,,
easrly fits to any part. Your ring may tiius be made to
answer to almost any rod.
In many places, those who fish for sedmon, and other
large fishes, for want of a reel, nail a piece of stick, about
five inches long, across the rod, at about a foot above
where the lower hand grips it. On this they wind the line,
forming a figure of 8. It should, however, be understood-,
that such persons use verj^ strong tackle, and rarely think
of giving more line than happens to be out when the fish
takes the fcj, Ilie extra lengtli of line thus v/ound, 15
c 4 more
39
more for the purpose of accommodating the lengQi of the
line to the extent of the water. See Fig. 9, Piute VI.
Some drive in two tenterhooks, pointing outwards, at
about a foot -distance, on the butt of the rod^ this answers
very well for jack-Jishing j as the angler can, by thi^
simple contrivance, always give line enough for the fish
to run with the bait to liis haunt. For the same reason,
it answers well enough in dipp'mg j but where fine tackle
is used near tlie hook, it requires some expertness to clear
the line off from the tenters fast enough to prevent danger^
See Fig, 8, Plate VI.
The flat wheel, used in some parts of France, appears
to have many advantages ; but, from its size, is obviousl)?
inconvenient, when considered as part of a portable ap-
paratus. It is merely a wheel of turned wood, neatly cut
out in the middle, so as to render it as light as circum-
stances may admit (some are made of wicker-work on that
account), fixed by a fine pivot to the butt. The wheel is
deeply grooved around its circumference, like a pulley,
for the reception, of fciie line. Two tenters, .pointing
towards each other, are driven into die butt, just be-
yond tlie edges of the wheel, to keep it fiat in its place.
The wheel may be of any moderate size, but rarely
exceeds six inches in diameter, and is turned by means of
a neat peg screwed into the wheel, at about two-tliirds
distance from the pivot to the edge.
It is obvious, tliat a wheel of six inclies diameter will,
at one turn, give or take in a foot and an half of line,
which is more than any of our brass reels, even when
the barrel is nearly full, can do in three turns.
The reel should be opposite to that face, or side, of ih^
rtd^ which is furnished with rujgs from the reel up to ih^
tip.
S3
tip. These are intended to direct the'L'ne tlirongli the
ring at the summit, so as to make it keep close to the rod
all the way (\^^hereby it is not allowed to hang about in a
loose manner), and to give to every part s due bend.
I'he rings should be rather numerous than scanty, espe-
cially on the thinner parts ,' for, the closer tlie line is kept,
tlie greater are the angles it makes between any two con-
tiguous rings, and consequently, the more equable is die
bend tliroughout every part of the arch described by a
rod when in a state of exertion.
When the rings are too disfcmt, they frequently tear
out, or the rod snaps in the too long interval between
them, which is thuij obliged to bear more tlian its due
proportion of the stress.
The following scale will, perhaps, be found as good as
any that can be devised. Place your first ring at twQ
inches and a lialf from that on tlie tip of the rod. Now
the inches on most i*ulers being divided into eight equal
parts, in the above distance there will be twenty equal
spaces, each equal to the eightli of an inch.
Let every succeeding space be increased by the addition
of one-fiftli of the measure of its preceding interval.
Thus, tlie uppermost intei-val being twcnty-erghrh3>
one-fifth of that added to itself, will give twenty-four
eighths {i. <?. tliree inches) for the second interval.
I'hen, for tlie tliird interval, take twenty- four eighths,
and its fiftii, which is nearly five-eighths, and its measure-
ment will be about twenty- nine eightlis, or something;
more than three inches and a half.
The fourth inten^al will be twenty -nine, added to its-
fifth, say six-eighths, which gi^ e a total of three inches
gnd tliree-eightiiSa
' e 5 This:
This scale \\\\\ be about equal to tlie due resistance irk
every part of the rod. ObseiTe, that the lowest joint, or
btttt, of your rod, supposing it to consist of four parts^
each about three feet and an half long (which is an ex-
cellent lengtli), will require only one ring. If it be placed
very close to your reel, you may carry your line through
it from the under part of tlie reel j but in general it is best;
as your Ihie winds over the barrel of tJie reel, to carry
it over the bar that is on tiie side nearest to the first ring ;
•whereby it will run more freely, there being less friction.
The rings should all be moreable, so as to lay flat \^-heii
not in use, except that at the tip, which should be fbrmed
of a substantial piece of bra3s--uire, carried twice round*,
and then lashed firmly down, one end of tlie wire going
down each side of tlie whalebone top for about an inch
and an half: tlie parts of the wire under the whipping
should be previously flattened, either by a hammer, or by
a file, so as to lay close and neat.
' Observe, - that if tlie wire were doubled only once upon
any round form, such as a quill, or small pencil, it would
be nothing more than a staple y whereas, by carrj^ing itr
twice, it forms a perfect circle, and on every side pre*«
sents an even surface : a matter of great importance, on
account of the various directions the line is subject to take
after passing through tlie ring.
The unfitness of all barrel- reels for packing, and tlie
total impossibility of including" one in a pocket-book,
caused me to turn my mind to considering, how far some
expedient might be hit upon, answering in a more com-
pendious manner, without losing sight of tlie main object*
The fixture of a cross stick on tlie butt, or of tenter^
hooks into it, though obviously simple, were inadmis*-
grjbje.
B5
sTble on several accounts. However,, the principle of the
former gave me the hint, and led to my first invention
fFig. 10, Plate 1,), which consists merely of a flat plate
of brass, cut into tlie form there described.
The line winds round the centre part between the four
points a, b, c, d, where the plate may be less than a
quarter of an inch in tliickness ; but it grows gradually
tliicker as it approaches the ring, which may be half an incb
ip breadth : the circle should be equal to the part of tlie
rod you would apply it to, making allowance for the wold-
iiig, which is put on the rhig to prevent its chafing the rod.
The lengtli (i. c breadthwise) of such a reel,, may be
three inches and an half at the broadest part, and about
an inch and three quarters from the upper edge of die
ring to tlie top.
The increase of tliickness towards the riiig will not be
objectionable, when we consider that the line will give the
other, or flatter part of the reel, at least anequal.diameter.
I have since improved upon tiiis reel, by causing it to
move on a pivot rising from the ring,, which is thus inde-
pendent of the w'/«r/ ; the pivot, or spindle, goes through
the bottom^ and top of tlie frame, and is i^rs^ettedj at eaclfc
upper corner of the whirl is a stud, cased: with a move-
able cylinder moving round tlie stud, V/iiich ser>'es as a
handle, or v/inch, wherewith to turn the whirl, uheit
winding up. See Fig. 11, Plate h
It is worthy of remark rn tliis place, tliat the quantity
of line given or received by a harr el-reel y is very unequal;,
When tlie barrel is nearly fiill, it is at. its greatest power;
©f augmentation or of diminution;, but as it gradually
empties, it keeps losing in proportion, till it scarcely
winds, or supplies any eificient quantity of line.
c (5, ^is.
S6
This defect is by no means so considerable in ^flat-reel^
which cannot, in any one turn, eitlier receive or furnish
less than doul le the length of its own widtli, tliough it cer-
tainly augments in power as the line accumulates upon it.
The multiplier without doubt remedies the inconveni-
ence alluded to, so far j^s relates to bringing in a large?
portion of line 5 but the defect in the principle renjains
the same 5 it btkig obvious, that a revolution round tlie
bare axis, cannot draw in near so much as a revolution^
round tlie barrel, when nearly filled with line.
This evil' is incurable in any barrel-reel, but may be
palliated, by making such a reel as may be capable of
winding the line up much faster than the multiplying- reel
BOW in use 5 which, kowever, does some tiling, because
it gives nearly three turns of tjie barrel for one of the
■winch, the tooth- wheel turned by tlie latter having
twenty- eight teeth, whereas the barrel- wli eel which it
acts upon, has but ten. See Fig. I, Plate II.
The space allowed for tlie machinery in the case, at ths
end of a multiplying-reel, is capable of being put to better
purpose 3 but even if rather more than the space ordinarily
given were requisite, it would not be of any moment.
Nor is tliere any reasonable objection, in my mindy
against the force that may be reqtiisite to turn more com«
phcated machinery 5 for tlie pov^'er of a man over such a
trifling resistance as would thus be created, is by no
means worthy of calculation, especially when, as in my
plan, the winch is brought into the middle, so as to
aUow the erank greater depth,
Tjle 2d Fig, in Plate II. exhibits my improvement oa
ttie multiplier, by which the barrel is turned a trifle morj^
THAN KINB TIMES, BT OKA TURN OF THE WINCH I The
leading
37
leading wheel A, lias h\'enty-eight teeth, and the sma?^
counter- wheel B, has but nine •, consequently, tlie latter
v/Hl be carried round tliree times by one turn of A, which
is fixed to the winch : the extra, or twenty- eightli tooth,
on the leading wheel, is added merely to prevent the
teeth of the two wheels from always falling into the same
places in their revolutions, which would in time create 3
false movement, as is kno\\'Ti to all mill-wrights.
Now, the counter- wheel B, is fixed on tiie same square
arbor with C, anotlier wheel with twent)^- eight teeth >
which, being carried round with C, turns the small
wheel D, having only nine teeth, making it revolve three
times for every turn taken by C.
The wheel D is fixed on the square end of tlie barrel,
and consequently winds th« line j which, as the wiieels
A and D move tlie same way, must wind in the same
direction as the winch moves, i, e, with the sun wlieo
taking in, and against it when running off.
The wheel A being fixed to tlie winch, is supported
exteriorly by the end- plate 5 but, at the other side, is kept
in its proper situation by means of a gudgeon, moving ia
a round socket made in tlie centre of the little \\ heel D,
or, rather, in the centre of the barrel axis.
As both A and D move the same way, tliere is less
friction within the socket above described, than would be
the case were they to turn oppositely. This reduces the
friction from ten to eight, i. e. one-fiftli. For the sake
of strength, though the large wheels may be of brass, the
small ones should be of steel.
With regard to tlie ratchet and spring used in tlie
ordinary multiplier, it will be unnecessary in my com'
pound multiplier) because the work will steady itself
suifici-
38
sufficiently to prevent tlie winch from flying round
without controul.
I trust, that all who are in any degree conversant with
mathematics, or who understand tlie ordinary maehineiy
of clock-work (of which tliis is a branch), will at once
decide on the superiority of my invention, both on ac-
count of its increased action, and the motion being
brought from the side into tlie centre.
Of the Rod, and Reel' Line,
Although we see ver}' large fishes taken frequently, by
means of such wands as do not tlireaten much destruction
among tlie inhabitants of the water, yet, next to the line,
the rod is an object of particular consideration. It is tmly
surprising to see many, who rate tliemselves among tlie first
©rder of anglers, neglect the due appropriation of this
part of their apparatus, not only to their lines, but to the
jnode of fishhig, and to tlie extent of the stream, &c.
Thus we sometimes see a Jly-l'uie tlirown from a stiff
rod, perliaps a ponderous machine of l6 or 1,7 feet in
Jengtli, adequate to the strongest salmon, when probably
nothing but a few dace, or gudgeons, are to be found I
Yet the line att^hed to such a rod, is often found to ter-
minate in a single hair, which is a matter of gi'eat pride
among a certain class of anglers !
The distinction between a bottom-iod and a j^^-rod'is,
i^minally, known to all ; but many use them \ery indis-
criminately. Each, however, is appHcable only to tlial
Hiode of angling from which it derives its designation.
The bottom-rod' never can cast a fly-line v/ell^ that }:5>-
to any intended spot witli ease, and with such lightness^
that even the angler himself, who }vno^vs- his exact inten-f
tion«
S9
tion in point of locality, can scarcely perceive his fly alight
upon the surface.
On the other hand, the^^^r-rod is so extremely elastic
(being formed so, that, when lashed like a carman's whip,
the tip will nearly swing round to the butt), that it caa
scarcely drop a line into tlie water steadily, and cannot
possibly strike smart and true, as a good bottom-rod doey.
I have heard much of making rods by tlie aid of com-
mon country carpenters, and have had several so manu^
fictured ; but, thougli I certainly did once possess 2l jfly^
rod exquisitely true, and, indeed, all that could be wished
for, yet it was one of about seven or eight so obtained" 3
all the residue were very, very bad !
My rods were neitlier one thing nor the other, and had
a fair claim to tlie ludicrous title of " Captain- lieutenant,"*
given by butchers to calves when they are too old for veal;
and too young for beef t
None of the rods m qiiestion cost me less tlian five
shillings in money to the carpenter, for his wood and his
trouble. Then I had to purchase and to apply the rings,
with their staples ; to weld, and to varnish, and to pay for
brass sockets^ the spud, ferrols, screws, &e. &:c. before
my rod was complete ; so tliat on the whole, not one rod
cost me less than ten or eleven shillings.
Now, as I could purchase an excellent fly-rod for six-
teen, with brass sockets (wiiich never sweJl so as to be
difficult to separate, nor wear so as to become loose), I
liad not much reason to boast of my management in em-»
ploying a village artist,
A Lot torn-rod ahoxild be about fourteen feet in lengthy
divided into four equal pieces, joined by brass ferrols, and
with brass jsockets^ as above stated^
Thl3
This lengtli will not debar the rod's being kid along tlie
back of a coach-seat. But there are otlier rods made more
compact, being in j( ints, each about two feet in lengtli^
thus forming a tliick shoit bundle, which on occasion prove*
extremely convenient, especially for packing in a box.
The ordinaiy top of a botfom-rod should be moderately
supple, and strong enough to bear a weight of nearly
three pounds appended to the hook. But there should be,
besides, a spare top, of about two- thirds the length of that
described, which being intended for trolling for trout,
jacks, &:c. must be firm, and not veiy pliant 3 it should
bear a weight of four pounds.
In dipping and troltingy you will occasionally find the
wire loop at the Jtop of your rod rather weak : m.any use-
a metal ferril, M'hich*, being made very light, fits on to a
«pare top-joint, very short and stiff 3 it is ri vetted on, so as^
to remain firm. On its tip, a small metal plate is set on
at right angles, playing round tlie tip as on a pivot, or, if
you please, fixed hai'd down. This plate projects to the
side about half an inch, and is perforated to the size of a
small pea, serving as a fixed ring, and being very substantiaL
The 3d Fig. in Plate 11. will give a full idea of tliis
kind of tip. I used one for several years, and found it
ansv^ er every purpose ; besides that, it cut and chafed my
line far kss than die wire tip. On the other hand, it is
rather more likely to get a turn of the hne round it, there-
fore requires some additional caution in its use.
Such a rod will sel4om fail to strike true, and to bear
any fish that may be hooked, provided it be kept straight,
and that the rest of the tackle be appropriately strong.
It is necessary to point out in this place, that a rod
should always be put into the canvas bag after use,,
41
and be laid horizontally on tliree hooks, nails, &c. or on
a shelf, or be hung up.
Notliing hurts a rod more than leaving the joints all
separate and loose, or setting tliem up in a comer. Their
own weight will cause tliem to swag, and so change
them, that when the rod is put together, it will be crooked
in every joint : such will never strike true !
Some rods are kept together, when laid by, witli three
or four leather bands. When this is done, care should be
taken, before the bands are slipped on from the small end,
to turn all the line-rings inwards, else they will obstruct
the bands, and perhaps be themselves torn away.
A Jiy-xod is intended solely for throwing out a fine
line, \^ith one or more artificial flies at its end 5 while the
^'o//o?n-rod is exclusively appropriated to fishing with a
float, or fox trolling, roving, &:c. of which proper notice
wiU be taken hereafter.
The peculiar delicacy required to throw out a line, so
that the flies, if tliere be more than one upon it, should
fall into the water without appearing to disturb its surface,
and which can only be acquired by patient practice,
evinces how accurately every part of the rod used for this
purpose ought to be tapered, so tliat no one of its joints,
or parts, should, by its disproportionate strength or weak-
ness, affect the action of the whole, and cause it either
to throw with too much violence, or so feebly as to de-
mand additional exertion, whereby precision and deli-
cacy are generally over- ruled !
Fly -rods are much smaller, in all respects, ih:m ground^
rods. As tliey are used with one hand, lightness is of the
utmost importance. With regard to the manner of
tiirowing the line, it is bejst to reserve tliat for its proper
place^
i2
place, viz.iinder the head of ^3/-;^5Ai//^5 a copious sub-^
ject, if detailed in tliat ample manner some authors are
partial to, but ^v}lich I shall endeavour to bring into as
small a compass as due explanation may admit.
The lowest joint of a rod should be sufficiently heavy
to forma comfortable balance in tlie hand, when held at the
usual length from the T3utt. For this it is not \tvy easy
to establish any particular rule 5 but tliere is the less occa-
sion for so doing, when we consider that each person has,
for the most part, recourse to nearly the same position, and
that a very trifling remove of the hand will establish the
equipoise : or, as hereafter shewn, the butt may be leaded.
The common practice of hollowing out the inside of the
lowest jomt, is not admissible in light brittle wood ; though
in the heavier kinds it may be allowed^ for the convenience
of carrying a very short, stiff top, applicable to jack- fishing,
&c. where tlie waters are foul, or the fish run very large,
in either of which cases, an ordinary top might be endan-
gered.
This spare top is kept in by a brass screw, with a large
projecting head^ which should always be put in when the
spud is not in use.
The joints of a rod should he marked in some manner,,
either by dots bored into the wood, or by notches filed
in the ferrils, serving to shew when the whole are in a
proper direction 3 so that the rings through which the
reel-line passes may always be straight, without which
precaution, the line could not run freely^ and would^
besides, be subjected to much friction.
The spud at the bottom of the rod is, in the absence of
more proper implements, a very passable make-shifi for
digging up worms, &c. \ but it should not be roughly
used^
*3
wsed, else the angler will lose the convenience it affords
of fixing his rod in banks, &c. so as to ease his hand^ or
to allow his attending to other tackle.
The KEEL-LINE ought to be very strong, yet not so
thick as to encumber the reel, or to be chimsy and heavy,
after passing the tip, when, if not very compact, it will
be subject to much agitation from the wind 5 and, if wet,
will prove extremely unpleasant, more especially when,
in ily-fishing, much of it should be let off from the reel.
Silk certainly makes a good line, that is, when twilled,
as in bobbins. Raiv silk is also remarkably strong, and,
in my opinion, more so than when -divested, by di"essing,
of its natural harshness, which being occasioned by a
resinous coat on every fibre of the material, seems to
render it less penetrable to the water, whereby it is
probable the line is better preserved.
The pleasantest line to throw, especially to any dis-
tance, is that made of hair, it being extremely light, and
far more elastic than silk. It is not, however, quite so
strong, even when new, and is much more liable to perish.
U wound wet, without the precaution of leaving it to dry
in the air, in a very few days it will get a kind of mildew,
which is a sure indication of approaching rottenness.
It is far better to leave your line out, even during a
heavy shower of rain, than to wind it while wet upon
your reel -, it will soon dry in the air, or in any mode-
rately warm place : but be careful never to put a hair line
to dry near a fire ; for though it may not be scorched, it
^vili dry unequally, and cause some of the hairs to con-
tract, whereby tlie stress will be unequally borne, and,
consequently, the strength diminished : further, a snarled
line never runs well through tlie rings on the rod.
I haiv<3
44
I have always made a rule of fixing my rod upright,
without the house, and of allowing as much line to hang
from my rod as would fioat in the wind, or that could
be freely exposed to the air, without the danger of being
entangled by persons walking about, &:c.
Whatever may be tiie material that composes the line,
it should be woven, and taper, so as to be light in action,
and of due strength. The smaller its diameter may be,
the more pleasant it m ill prove, both to carry and to
use : a smaller reel will be required, and the whole ap-
paratus will be more compact.
The line should be fastened to the reel, by passing it
tlirough the hole in the axle, and making a drawing loop
with the end, over that part which has not passed through
the hole. This will sit quite close, and cannot be forced
by any exertion on the part of the fish, when the whole
line may be run out. A knot might slip through the
hole, or give way at its neck.
Of the Endless, Hidden ^ or Finishing Knot,
The hiddcfi knot, which is so necessary to be known
to all anglers, is very easy to make, and is the only one
fit for the finishing of whippings, woldings, Sec. It is
done thus : when you come within about three or four
laps of your whippings termination, turn back the point
of your silk over what laps you have made, holding it
down witli your thumb 3 pass the silk round as you was
going on with it before 5 taking care, however, always
to keep the loop, or Fmht (made by the ends being turned
back), perfectly free from twists. When you have gone
round as far as you intended, pull the end that was
turned back, aiid it will draw all the loops, or slack part
©f
45
©f the silk, under the several laps made since it was turned
back, and become a very secure finishing.
But where you whip in the middle of any long stick,
&c. so that your loop cannot be kept clear, by passing
round its end, as tlie foregoing directions suppose to be
practicable, you may, instead of passing the end back,
lay a large needle, or a bodkin suitable to the thickness of
your silk, &c. close to the rod, &c. and lap it in, not very
tightly, for three or four turns. When your whipping
has reached as far as you intended, pass the silk through
the eye of the needle, and draw it under the laps which
you had made over the needle 5 you must, however,
afterwards draw every lap close in its turn^ before you
pull the end tight. See Fig. 5, Plate V.
Of ike Landing- Net, and of landing Fish.
This, in many situations, is next to indispensable >
Bincc it must often happen, that large fishes are caught
by means of such slender tackle, as could not possibly be
trusted to lift them out of the water.
But, even if the line \veYe tolerably strong, it would
be highly improper to put it to any great strain on such
an occasion ; for though the line itself might not snap
short, nor die rod be injured, yet the hook might pos-
sibly draw off, and thus liberate the fish 3 add to tliis^
tliat tile hold might give way.
The whole of these inconveniences are obviated, by
means of a moderate-sized net, fixed to a metal, or a
whalebone frame, and furnished with a pole about five
feet long, so as to enable the angler, while he keeps the
fish in play with the rod in his right hand, to slip the
frame obliquely under the fish's head^ crossing the
track
4fi
track in which he is tlien guided on die surface of tKc
water.
The fore part of the fish being tlius entered, the net
is briskly drawn forward, so as to receive the whole, or
as much as it can contain, of the fish's length ; when
tlie frame being dexterously turned up to an horizontal
position, and being at the same time lifted clear out of
the water, the prize may be landed in security, witho\it
incurring the smallest risk to any part of the tackle.
Observe, that when once a largQ fish, far beyond
what can be contained in the net, is so far received into
it as to overweigh the part which is left out, no appre-
hension need be entertained of its escape 3 for the pre-
ponderancy of the head and shoulders, added to the check
occasioned by the pliancy of the net, will completely
prevent any effectual spring.
Above all things, whether a fish be landed with or
witliout a net, be careful never to touch your line j let
it always be free, and never entangled in any thing, either
in or out of the water, that can possibly be avoided.
When you have not a net, and that the bank may be so
steep, as to prevent your reaching him in a proper man-
ner witli your hand, many methods may be adopted,
I have sometimes got a boy to aid me with his hat^ but tli|s
best mode I ever practised w^as, that of passing a wire snare
(such as is used iox jock, and large eels, and which is de-
scribed in treating of the former) over my line, and lower-
ing it diown until I could get it over the iish's head 3 when,
drawing the cord tight, I have thus lifted fish of eight
and ten pounds weight safely to the top of the bank, froi?i
places where no landing-net could have been used.
Landing-nets sho}jX^ ntxti screw on to the end of .a
pole.
at
pole, for such arc always getting out of order : tlie more
they are used, tlie more will tlie screw become loose,
and be tlie source of much inconvenience 3 and if tlic
frame be not often taken ofl^ the water will rust the
screws and fix them. I always use eitlier a fixed frame,
or any occasional pole I can pick, and to which it is
lashed by means of the ends being left like parallel straps
for that purpose j or I use a neat little net and frame,
made with a hinge in the middle, and fixing, by means
of springs, into a plug about six inches long, in tlie same
manner as bits are fitted into whimbles.
The plug is brass mounted, and is made taper, so as
to fit for about four inches into the top of my rod-butt.
Hence, when a fish is completely exhausted, I slip off
my lower joint, and fixing in the plug, am provided
with a capital landing-net.
When the borders of the water admit of large fish
being landed without the help of a net, it is proper to
exhaust the fish so completely, as to occasion his laying
on his side, and to allow you to draw him gently towards
the shore , where, taking advantage of some gradually
shelving part, if possible clear of weeds, or some little
inlet not deep enough to float him, you may slide him
along until you find he cannot flap about with his tail^
in such manner as to strike at your line, which many
kinds of fish will do, in a very forcible and artful manner.
Keep your rod rather tight in your right hand, and witli
your left finger and thumb, either take hold of the fish
at the eyes very firmly, or, if not too large to grasp, you
may take him up, by a firm gripe, close behind the gills.
I have occasionally taken very large fish out, by watch-
ing for their opening tlieir gills^ when^ quickly inserting
my
IS
my fore finger, they were perfectly secured. Tli6se
who angle for salmon, and other such large fish, fre-
quently use what is called
The Gaff,
which is a piece of good pole, properly ash or yew,
about five feet long, at one end of which is a ferrol with
a female screw, to receive the male screw of a strong,
well-tempered, steel hook, as represented in Fig^ 4,
?laU 11.
The fish, being brought under command, is dra\^Ti
within reach of the pole, when the hook being passed
tinder its belly, having the point of the bend uppermost,
with a smart pull the hook penetrates on the fish's oppo-
site side, and may tlius be lifted out of the water. Some
gaff-hooks are made plain, like the hooks in common use
among butchers, and which are fixed up for the purpose
of hanging meat : others are made with barbs, and are
much like shark-hooks, 'with a screw at the butt, as
above described.
Gaffs are, however, dangerous, and I have heard of
^accidents occasioned by them. I formerly used one, but
did not find it answer so well as a net j unless with \cry
Izrgc jacks, and such like, when, no doubt, they are
more certain and effectual than a landing-neU
The Clearing 'Ring,
This is made of brass, or occasionally of iron, and is
used when your line is foul among weeds, &c. for the
purpose of pulling up the impediment, if possible 3 or,
when that cannot be done, of breaking your line as near
to the hook as you can eflfect. The clearing-ring is no-
thing
49
tiling more than a strong hoop, having an eye on one
side to fasten a cord, by which Uie whole stress is borne,
Tlie side opposite to the eye should be considerably the
heaviest, to make it keep as low down as the im-
pediment may admit. The cord ought to be very hard,
well-made windaw-line, of the smallest sizej but may
be of whip-cord, if your apparatus be required to laycom-
pact. About live or six yards will prove a sufficient length,
' When your hook is entangled, slip the ring over the
butt of your rod, and let it go down your line, so as, if
possible, to hitch u[X)n wliatever the hook is fast to ;
then draw tight tlie cord, and if you cannot lift the in-
cumbrance out, pull till you can tear away the part tliat
detained your hook. As before obser\ed, when this is im-
practicable, your attention must be devoted to saving all
you can of your line, compounding for tlie Joss of your
hook.
In managing this, however, some little skill is need-
ful. Your line should, if possible, be kept at least at right
angles with llie direction of the cord, so as to give tlic
advantage of keeping tlie clearing-ring down close to the
* impediment 3 and if the line can be so directed as to give
an obtuse angle (see Fig. 7, Plate IL), it will afford a
greater certainty of success.
Observing that very often my hook got into such a
situation as rendered a denring-riiig, such as is generally
made, of no use ; or, at least, that I was, nine times in
ten, compelled to resign my hook, where it could have
been saved by a proper instrument, particularly in cases
where fishes had run among weeds, kc. and torn the
hook through their lips, I had several rings made, and
found that one, according tq Fig, 5, Plate II. \^'as, for
D suck
50
such purposes, the best ; it rarely failed to extricate mt*
from difficulty. The only objection to it is, that it ought
to be at least four inches diameter witliin the circle, and
that llie claws should be of such a length as to be effec-
tual aids. Hence this kind of clearing-ring (I call it
a ring'grapfph'J is rather cumbrous ; but fio blearing-ring
should be so small as not to pass over your reel.
There is, however, another important aid on such
occasions, and especially where the hook ib entangled
among boughs within a short distance, though not ac-
cessible to tlie hand, which every angler should possess^
viz.
A Butt-Hooli.
Every complete rod, fron-^ the hands of a regular
maker, has at its butt a brass ferrol, in which is a round-
headed screw that, when removed, is substituted by a
spud of about six inches long, intended to fix the rod
to the ground, in such direction as the angler may tind
convenient.
Besides this, there ought to be a lutl-hook of the
form laid down in Fig. 6, Plate II. 3 its lenglli need not
be more than four inches, exclusive of the screw^j but it
should be kept very sharp, both at its end, which is of
a chisel form, and in the bend of the hook.
We sometimes are entangled by branches that can-
not be cut away by the hook, which, on account of the
weakness, or of the direction, of the impediment, slips
off. When this happens, the chisel end should be ap-
plied underneath, so as to cat from the hand, and
thus liberate tlie hook and tlie whole twig together. The
experienced angler will readily understand the situations
to V. hich the chisel and hook are severally applicable.
While
51
While tills instrument is affixed, the butt joint must
be taken off, and be used separately, the line being kept
as tight as the situation may demand by the residue of
the rod. It is also a good plan, to have one of the same
form attached to a taper plug, made to fit into both the
first and the second joints of your rod. This is more
manageable 5 but, unless well fixed, there is some dan-
ger of tlie plug being drawn forth^ and eventually lost,
when the houk is used.
The Dlsgorger,
This is an extremely useful implement for liberating
the hook, when jour bait has been swallowed by a fish.
Jacks, perch, 2nd eels, and sometimes trouts, when
hungr}', are veiy apt to get you into this difficulty.
It is ti'UC;, that by means of a good stout knife, well
sharpened, you may cut down tlirough the junction of
the jaw bones, and tiius i^y open the whole ; but such
z\\ operation is not in itself vc-i^^ delicate, and creates,
besides, so much filth, as spoils every thing with which
it comes in contact.
Disgorgers are of various shapes > tiic most simple,
howe\-er, is that made on rather a long flat stem of
steel, not imlike the shape of the liandle of a spoon, and
having at the end, which is pointed, and ought to be
very sharp, an angle, made also very sharp, both within
and without 3 so that when die instrument is pushed
past the place where your }KX)k is fast, it may, in drawing
iip again, divide that part, and consequently allow your
hook liberty to come forth, witliout straining your line,
which, during this operation, should be kept over to the
opposite side of the fish's mouth.
D 2 A sketch
52
A sketch of this di^gorger, which need not be more
than six inches in length, and ought to have a smaH
sheath, or scabbard, to prevent accidents, is given in
Fig. 1/ Plate III.
The MmnotV'Net.
This is made with a very fine mesh, such as a min-
now c^innot escape through, and is stretched by means
of an iron wire, about the thickness of a large goose-
quili, to either a square or circular form, about three feet
in diameter. Four cords, of equal length, are attached
to the rim at equal distances, and meet at about three
feet perpendicular distance over the centre.
The net is lowered down into the water by means c{ a
light tough pole, about six feet longj as the iron rim will
gink it to the bottom, so soon as the minnows, &:c. are
perceived to be over the net, the pole is raised very
quickly, and with it tlie net 3 whereby, if the matter
be well managed, and the water not above a foot deep,
abundance of small fish, such as ijudgeons, miller ii-
thumbs, sticklebacks, minnows, pi/iks, will be easily taken.
The best may be selected for tlie table 3 and such as
are suitable for live or dead baits may be reserved, by
putting them into
The Minnow- Kettle,
which is a tin pot, with a lid and swing handle, tlie
former pierced with many small holes, to give air to such
fish as may be in the water contained in the pot, and
which should be frequently changed.
I have found it best to hav;e a strainer in my minnow^
kettle, much the same as in Jish-boilers } so that without
putting
53
putting my hand into the water, I can draw the whole
up to the surface, and there select such as may appear
best suited to the occasion.
The strainer ought to have but little space left around
it, and should almost fit the interior of tlie kettle, so
that no fish may be jammed in the lifting. One handle,
made of bent tin, in the middle, is better than two at tlie
ends, as it leaves one hand at liberty.
Of Baits,
We now come to an important and an extensive
subject, requiring the especial notice of the angler, since
his sport must greatly depend on the excellence of the
lure he holds out to die fishes. It is necessary, for the
•ake of perspicuity, to divide this topic into two distinct
heads, viz. bottom-baits, and tkolling-baits ^ re-
serving ail that relates to fly-fishing for that particuLai-
braiKhj which must be treated of separately.
Bottom-Bait— Includes whatever is used in angling
for such fish as either feed at the bottom, or tliat are not
to be taken by any but what may be called stiU-angling,
in contradistinction to roving, and trolling, both of which
require the bait to be kept in perpetual motion.
The several kinds of bottom-bait are as follow :
Salmon's Roe. — ^This should be parboiled, so as not
entirely to divest the grains of their redness 3 one or two
grains being put, as a finish, on the point of the hook, are
very enticing to many fishes 5 and, as it attracts them
to the desired part, generally, under good management,
proves what is called ^^ a very killing bait,'*
US To
54
To presence roe foT winter fishing, after parboiling,
stt:tp it in 3 strong brine for a day or two 5 then take it
^ut, and shaking orT tlie drippings, lay it thinly among
liyers of clean soft wool akernately, and tie down the
nnoutii of the jar, or vessel, Vvith a bladder. Keep it in
a moderately cool place.
If you observe it getting rrbouldy, or tainted, scald it in
boiling water for a minute, or less, and place it again, as
before, in alternate layers with clean wool. Many fishes
will take this bait well. When it covers the hook, though
they will not touch any otlier kind.
Paste. — This should be made to imitate salmon*s roe,
for which it is sometimes a tolerable substitute, when
fishing for roach in paiticular. Knead your flour and
water well together, then wash it in a large quantity of
water, snch as a pailful, working it well in a mas» with«ii
out dividing it, until all the fine parts of the flour aro
completely washed away : tliis may be known by its
ceasing to whiten the \\'ater.
\Vhat remarns' will be the pure gluten of the wheat,
?^nd so viscous as to resemble bird-lime. Take a little
Vermillion m fine powder, and mb the whole well to-
gether on a slab with a muller, if such a convenience be
at hand, otherwise with a spatula, or broad flat knife,
on a plate, \xi\U\ they be Uio roughly incorporated. Ob-
serve, that a very little vermillion, say about the size pf
a large marrow- fat pea, will give a proper colour to
a tea-cupful of the gluten.
This paste will not be affected by the water, ?.v^.(^. may
be preserved for a considerable time (many weeks), if
kept immersed in cold water. If left exposed to tiie
55
air, it dries rapidly. When taken out for iise^ it sho\ild be
put into a wet rag, and may be kept in your ivorm-hag.
As to all other pastes made with oils, essences, &c.
they are useless ; and the re'cipes for making them are
mere catchpennies, inserted in various mean publications
to swell the volume, and to give that air of ni}'stery and
©t science, which mislead, and occasion disappointment.
Greav^es — Are the refuse of the fat used by tallow-
chandlers, and consist of the fibrous fleshy parts, inter-
mixed witli tiie suet furnished them by the butchers, &c.
These, after the melted tallow has been pressed from
them, become heavy masses, i>xtensive in proportion to
tiie si'4es of the presses used, and about two inches in
thickness.
Greaves are sold for feeding dogs, especially on ship-
board^ for which purpose they answer admirably. They
acquire a strong rank smell, and considerable hardness,
such, indeed, as to require a good stroke of the hatchet
to break them up.
To bring these into use, soak the pieces well in cold
water until perfectly pliant, and tliat tlie whiter parts be
somewhat bleaclied 5 then take them out, and keep dry
for use : if wrapped in green leaves, to keep out fiies,
Sec. so much the better} else they w^ill soon get fly-
blown.
This bait is used- chiefly for larlels, eels, and other
ground fish, which are very fond of it ; indeed, I have
seen great numbers of very fine irauts caught therewith,
in holes where barbels abounded, and for which the bait
was intended.
Observe, not to soak more greaves than will answer for
D 4 about
56
about" a week, or ten days^ it being apt -ti^bccomc very
offensive after being softened.
The best mode of putting greaves on is, first to cut h
into small pieces, about half an inch square; let them be
loosely run upon your hook, in the same manner that
papers are slipt on to a wire file, until the whole is com-
pletely covered j observTng to put on the worst pieces first,
so that they may occupy the shank, while the prime and
whitest pieces may be on the point and in the bend.
This prevents fishes from dragging your hook about,
and from nibbling your bait off, and in the end will prove
kast troublesome. See Fig. 5,- Plate VI,
Chickbws' Guts, — Or those of any poultry, vised
fresh, are excellent for eels, and sometimes prove accept-
able to barleb : jacks may be taken with them, if used
as directed when treating of tha fish.
Cadrates, or Caddies.— These are very fine baits
;or almost every kind of fish. 'Ihe angler must have seen
in shallow places, chiefly on stony or sHmy bottoms,
sliort pieces of stick, or of straw, &:c. which, if observed
attentively, will all appear to be animated. Generally,
tliey consist of a short piece of straw, coated over with a
trown crust, and fixed to a small piece of twig. Witliin
the tube of straw is a maggot, of a dun colour, with a
dark head, which it protrudes from under its little dwel-
ling, and, by means of four short stiff legs, fixed close
under its neck, is enabled to crawl about the bottom,
carrying, hke the snail, its house on its back.
Where the water is too deep to reach the caddies with
th« hand, recourse should be had to a tin basting-ladle,
wliich
57
^'hich will scoop them out admirably, allowing the water
to strain through the holes in its half cover.
In some places, caddies are prodigiously numerous,
often covering the bottoms of the shallows, either in
pools, or at the edges of greater waters, and clinging to
growing or dead rushes, reeds, twigs, &c.
Although they may be used quite fresh, it is not, how-
ever, advisable to employ them until they may have
been kept about ten days, or even a fortnight, in an old
worsted stocking, or in a woollen bag, which should be
dipt daily, once or twice, into water. At the expiration
of such a period, the generality of the caddies will have
quitted their tubes, and liave become tough, having
changed also to a rich yellow colour, in whicii state they
are a very alluring bait. If kept too long, they all turn
to various kinds of water-flies.
In applying this bait, the point of the hook should
enter close under the head of the cadbaie, and be brought
out at its other end. When a veiy small hook is used^
one caddu may answer ; but, in general, two will be
found best j it being indispensably necessary to cover
every part of the hook. In the latter case, the first caddi/
should be carried round, so as to conceal all the shai:ik,
while the other fills the bend, and conceals the point.
Caddies are in season only during the summer months j
they make their first appearance in the month of Alay,
but by the end of June are in greatest abundance.
This animal, which is the Eruca nquatlca of naturalist s^,
afterwards goes through the regular changes of that tribe,
becoming a chrysaliSy and ultimately taking w iiig. I am
induced to believe, that the ova require to be deposited
during the preceding autunin, as we do not perctive any
^ 5 water-
58
water-ffies, that is, such as are usually found on the
margins of rivers, and on whidi fishes delight to prey,
so early as the caddy may be occasionally seen, not only
alive, but in full size, and provided with his house.
I have also reirrarked caddies to- be most numerous
where there were fewest fishes.
The Maggot, or Gentle, or Flesh-worm, or
Frll-worm — Is an excellent bait, and answers well at
all times of the year, though it is difficult to procure or
to breed them, except during tlie warm months. It is
worthy of observation, that gentles may be obtained from
almost any animal substance, by exposing it to be blown
by flies.
The tallow- cliandlers ase, m many places, greatly an-
noyed by them 3 smd at tlie fell-raongcrs they may, in tlie
summer time, be obtained in great numbers, and of a
lemarkable growth, by searching into tlie joints of the
heels, near the butts of the horns^ and in tliose parts
where maggots can burrow.
The best way is, to provide for yourself ^ which muiy
be easily done thus : hang a piece of CMt-liver on a hook
in a shady place, cut it deeply across and across in various
j^ees, on both sides 3 tlien cover it over lightly with
small boughs, cabbage -leaves, or any thing that will
slielter the flies, while they visit k to feed, and to lay
their eggs.
in a few days, innumerable j'^y-Z'/oi^^ will be seea
among the scarifications, when the Uver should be taken
down, and laid in an earthen pan, about half filled witlt
saad and bran^ in equal quantities, somewhat moistened.
As the gentles acquire strength, they will quit the liver,
and
59
and bury themselves In the sand, from which they may
be taken as occasion requires, when they will have
scoured themselves, and be lit to handle.
The same liver will produce several stocks, or succes-
sions of gentles, if properly managed. The largest will
proceed from the blue-bottle and gad-flies, which attack
livers with great eagerness. I have, from a dead cat^
and indeed from a rat, had such quantities of large gentles,
as kept me in stock for full six weeks.
It will be seen from this, that gentles are very easy
to obtain; but tiiey speedily change to the chrysalis
fttatCj, if subjected to much heat. I have several times
found my gentles, of but two or three days' growth|
changed by being only one day exposed to the warmth of
the. sun in my basket, to that form ] in which, however,
they are by no means an unwelcome bait, but tliey thea
are so brittle, as to be used witli gi*eat difficulty.
When tliis happens, they ought to be placed only on
the point of tlie hook, which should enter at one end^
but not pass through tlie other, thus concealing the point.
l{ the latter part of autumn proves warm, gentles
may be raised to a very late date, sometimes up to the
middle of October, or even later; but the situation must
be favourable.
They do not readily cliange from the eru/:a or mag-
got state, after that time, until tlie genial warm tli of spring
carries them on 5 and, if supplied with a sufficiently
temperate situation, in a box of good mould, they will
remain serviceable all the winter.
This kind of bait will be found very enticing, if two,
or even three, be put upon a small-sized hook.. For this
purpose the wire ought to be tliin^ as a thick hook is apt
60
to burst, or to tear them. In fly-fishing, the gentle, as
also the cadbate, are particularly useful^ as will be shewa
in due time.
• The Wasp-maggot— Is another choice bait, at which
many fish are extremely eager. To prevent them from
coming too fast forward, keep the 7vasp-comb in a very
cold place 3 or hang it down a well, near to the water's
surfoce, whereby the maggots will make a very slow pro-
cess.
I have found smoking them with sulphur to be a good
method, when the broo^l could not be kept down : in
that way they are easily destroyed, and keep in good pre-
servation. You may also bake them a little^ in a half-
cooled oven.
The Me4l-worm— Is found in the crevices of flour-
nulls, where it is generally seen in abundance among the
meal-dust laying in the windows, and other places, if
tiot kept perfectly clean. Often among meal that has
lain long undisturbed, they accumulate rapidly. As they
often exceed an inch in length, oiie is a sufficient bait
for a small hook.
If a second meal-worm is put on, it should be so ma-
'Haged as to leave a little surplus beyond the point of tlie
hook, over which it will stand nearly erect, its coat being
rather husky and stiff -, or you may make one ride a little
onOhe back of the other.
Grues— Are a kmd of ^rt, tough, thick maggot,
commonly found among the roots of cabbages, potatoes,
&c. They are of various colours > some being dun,^
ethers
61
others cream, others grey, brown, or pale green. They
nre all good baits^ and may be preserved in a pot, with a
little fine mould, in which some half-dried cow-dung, of
horse- dung, may be mixed.
Caterpillars — Of all kinds are excellent ; but they
are extremely tender, and difficult to preserve on the
hook. They may be found on cabbage-plants, lettuces,
currant-bushes^ and, indeed, on almost every thing that
grows.
They should be preserved in chip or tin boxes, with
small holes pierced in the lid to give them air ; and they
should be supplied with abundance of fresh leaves, such
as they were found among. ' It is necessary to observe,
that the Cock-chafer, is in many places called a ca/er-
pillar j it is also known, in some districts, by the desig-
nation of the dummadore, or dor.
This is an admirable bait, for chuls in particular^ as
will be seen under that fish's description 3 but their sea-
son is very short, rarely extending to more than five
weeks in the summer time, during which they may be
taken in millions : a few, indeed, may be occasionally
found down to the middle of autumn.
Beetles — Are not applicable to iottom-Jishing any
more than the cock-chafer j nor are they eligible where
otlier baits can be had> though many large fish, especially
treats, have been caught with them.
The mode of using both these baits will be found
under the description of dipping for chubs. I shall now
speak of that very common and excellent bait, the
Wo.ft|«.— Of this there are various sorts^ each appro-
priate^
63
priate, eitlier to some particular classes of fish^ or to
some mode of angling.
The Loc, or Dew-worm^ or SauiRREL-TAiL— »
Grows to an immense size, often weighing six drachms,
or nearly an ounce. It is remarkably thick about the
head, witli a long and conical termination forwards,
^vhile the hind part tapers but little, ending somewhat
flat ; whence the latter designation.
Lois are of a deep brownish red, or purple, gradually
becoming more transparent towards the tail, which is of
a lighter and brighter colour. They are admirable baits
for salmon, trouts, large perch, eels, larhd, and others
of a gi^eedy or ravenous nature : and where small lishes,
or frogs, or mice, cannot be had, are not a bad lure for
jacks, when managed as directed in the instructions re-
lating tliereto.
The loh may be seen during the night, laying in damp
places, especially after evening showers in summer time -,
by means of a lanthorn and candle, one may often pick
vip a peck in a very short time.
Lohs likewise may be obtained by digging in rich
mould, under shady places, and in the banks or bottoms
of ditches lately containing water.
With respect to the treatment of lohs, it is much the
«ame as that of other worms, namely, to be kept in
moist moss, changed every three or four days, and set
by in ungiaxed earthen pans, in a cool place, during hot
weather.
That kind of mQss. is best which is found on commons,
and v/hich.is crisp^ and oi a greenish white colour. It
cannot
63
cannot be too soft and elastic j but should be carefully
searched while washing, before it is put to the worms,
so that all thorns and rough substances may be removed ;
else the worms will not thrive so well.
Those who can supply a little cream every day, to be
mixed in, or thrown upon, the surface of tlie moss-pans,
will obtain a decided superiority in the condition of their
baits, which will purge from all impurity, and become
beautifiilly bright and pellucid.
The pan should be large, or the lohs will not live :
whereas, when they have good room, clean moss, cream,
and delicate handling, they will go on from year to
year.
The Brandling — Is, with most fish, the object of
choice. These are to be found in various places, more
or less, but in greatest abundance among rotten tan, or
in heaps of manure composed chiefly of sweepings from
cow-houses, and swine's muck.
Tliey rarely exceed three inches in length, when at
rest, and may be readily distinguished by their annular
appearance, they being marked in very narrow rings of
strong red and yellow, alternately, for their whole
length. They, besides, seem to be of a distinct class,
as they do not, when pressed, void any earthy substance 5
and, when wounded, exude a very strongly scented^
yellowish liquor. i
Nor does the circumstance of keeping them in moss
create any change, except that of rendering them beau-
tifully transparent, and, if any thing, more lively. They
are an admirable bait, and may be used without any pre-
paraUon^ or scouring. ;
If
61
If kept in any quantity, they should be in a pan, with
a mixture of tanners' rotten bark, and rotten cow- dung.
These ought to be changed every fifteen' or twenty days,
taking care not to injure tlie worms.
The pan should not be dug into with any instrument ;
but should be emptied by being turned upside down,
when the crumbling of tlie contents will allow the worms
to be safely picked out.
The Marsh-worm — So called from its being partial
to low, swampy places, is a tolerably good, but a very
brittle, bait j however, it generally becomes more tough
after a few days' scourhig among the moss, and may
then be considered as fit for use j but if not then tough.
It may be scalded in milk. It is not so much relished by
any hsh, especially carp and perch, as tlie brandling,
which, as I have before observed, is peculiarly enticing.
1 hese worms do not answer well to keep during the
winter 3 they become torpid to an extreme, and often rot,
without seeming to have made the smallest exertion.
Their colour is a dirty, but rather pale, red about die
head, changing to a greyish blue towards tlie tail.
The Common Red-worm — Is a fine bait, when
taken from good, dry, loamy soil, as it will then be
sufficiently tough 5 but when taken from heavy clayey
lands, or from low wet bottoms, is, like the marsh*
worm, very brittle, and must be well scoured before it
can be used to advantage.
It is generally from two to five inches in length, and is
of a strong red colour throughout : some are more yellow
towards their tails, and are in general to be preferred.
The
65
The Blood-worm — So called from its bright, san-
guinary appearance, does not seem to be of any distinct
tflass, but is, in all probability, the yonng of the red"
worms, described under the preceding head. These are
chiefly found in dunghills, more especially where rather
moist, and between the lower part of the dung and tlie
surface of the soil.
Their appearance is veiy tempting, and we accordingly
find, that various of the more crafty and delicate fish>
such as the carp, wiD take this, when they reject every
other kind of bait. As this worm very rarely exceeds
two inches in length, and often is much less, the hook
ought to be small and delicate.
With fine tackle, it will not be the fault of the lure if
the angler be not successful. Gudgeons, in particular, are
extremely fond of the blood-worm, and even perch will
sometimes eagerly take it, when they shew indifference
to a larger bait.
We must not deceive ourselves into the opinion, that
the worm is so designated on account of any quality or
abundance of blood, but merely from its flesh being thus
richly coloured : the blood of all worms is white.
Turn IP-WORMS — Are of a peculiar appearance, hav-
ing greenish blue heads, and cream-coloured bodies.
They are commonly found under large wide turnips, and
under large potatoes, in both of which tl^ey make holes,
and occasionally seem to nestle in the cavities occasioned
by their own depredations.
When first exposed to view, they generally curl them-
selves up into a ring, in which state tliey wiD often re-
main a long time, without making any effort to get
away.
ea
away. They are about two inches and an half long, and
rarely stretch themselves, out like other worms.
These are not the best of baits -, but, when put into a
pot with moist rotten dung, improve a little, and may
answer when more shewy worms are not at hand.
Tlie Dock- WORM, or Grub — Is found among coarse
weeds, and especially about the roots of the aquatic dock,
or ivaterjiag • they are hugky, and are to be preserved
in moss in a woollen bag, in which they acquire a degree
of toughness, and make tolerable baits.
The Sand-bob — Is found only in moist sandy soils^
These seem to be only a variety of the turnip- u- or m, for
they have nearly tlie same appearance, excepting in cO'
louTi they being rather redder about the head, and of a
yellowish cast towards the tail.
Some boil them for a minute Or two in milk, to make
them tough. They are best in winter, when the water
is muddy after a thaw ; but are difficult to keep in good
plight. They should be preser\'ed in some of the soil
from which they wej^e taken, having some cream, or
greasy cold \^'ater, to moisten it before they are put in )
and the surface of tlie pot, which should be kept in a
warm> place, ought to be covered with a good piece of
grass turf, made to fit w^ell.
Cow-dung Bobs — ^^Have brownish heads, with fiat
clear- coloured tails -, they do not grow to any gteat length,
but are tliick and lively, and prove excellent baits after
due scouring. They are foKud under crusted cow-dungs^
but UQt after tliey have become completely dry.
The
67
The Water- woiM. — ^Ihis is an admirable bait, and
is ready for use so soon as taken, being beautifully clear,
lively, and of an excellent medium size for most kinds
of* fishes. It is of a clear biue*'"li white, or, occasionally,
of a very light purple, growing more red about the head.
By turning up tlie long slimy moss which grows on
weirs, &c. over which the water does not always run,
especially w^hen the mill is going, and which is rarely
covered more than one or two inches deep of the passing
water, this kind of worm may often be found in great
numbers.
The fishes seize it with avidity ; no doubt, from being
more habituated to it, by the quantity which, when the
rivers are much raised by rains, &c. are washed out of
the moss into the falls below, where generally the largest
and boldest ^sh are to be found.
I have often kept them for a while in some of their
own moss, constantly wetted; but I had reason to think,
such were very inferior to those recently taken from the
weir. It is tme they lived, as did such as I preserved in
moss from the common j but they w^ere less lively, and I
thought, altliough the fish did not refuse them altogether,
that they were deterforated by confinement.
Be particularly careful to lay in a sufficient stock of
worms before the frosts set in ; for, although you w^ill be
able to find abundance wherewitli to recruit your stock,
those taken after the above period will not prove so good
as what you had before. The reason is, that, as all sub-
stances are rendered brittle by severe cold (a circum-
stance from which even the bones in our bodies are not
exempt), so does the worm become very liable to snap,
and to give way.
It
18
It is true, that, by great attention in keeping fern'
worms very warm, and well fed, yon will be able, in a
certain degree, to overcome such a defect ; but it takes
more time and assiduity than is supposed, or than many
persons can bestow on that part of their apparatus.
It is far more difficult to collect a quantity of worms in
hot weather, than when the ground is moistened by rain 5
but those taken under tlie latter circumstance are more
foul, and more difficult to cleanse, than such worms as
you dig for to some depth. From this, however, the lob is
entitled to some exception ; for it is the cleanliest of all its
tribe, and seems to absorb much of its nourishment from
the atmosphere -, whereas, the smaller kinds rarely lay
out, and expose tliemselves to tlie dew at nights, as the
lob constantly does^ whenever the opportunity offers.
Slugs.— I have, at times, been so put to for a bait,
that I was compelled to take any thing that offered. I
made a trial of slugs, which I cannot say gave a very
favourable result ; though I could not pronounce my ex-
periment to have been completely unsuccessful.
I caught a barbel, of about seven pounds weight, with
a zvhite slug ; and I have put slugs on night-lines with,
what I may call, symptoms of success, having had seve-
ral taken off, though I never could find that any fish
had been fairly hooked on such occasions.
I have rather a good opinion of this bait, which, as
well as the preceding, viz. tlie water- worm, has not
to my knowledge, been spoken ©f by any respectable
author on this subject -, and I recommend to those who
find other baits scarce, or who have spare rods and lines*
to lay one down occasionally with a white slug for tlie
baitu
69
bait, especially for barbels and eels, which seem, by
their habits, most likely to reward the angler's deviation
witli success.
Thus much for such baits as may be applied to the
common practices of bo t torn -Jis king. 1 shall now pro-
ceed to what we may term the more fiohle parts of the
amusement, viz. trolling, roving, and dipping, in all
which the baits and tackle differ from what have been
already described as appertaining to tlie first division of
this branch.
I shall commence with instructing tlie learner in the
mode of angling for fishes of prey, such as the salmon,
iliQ trout, the jack, mid the perch, witli
Live Baits, u.
Under this head we may comprise all those small
fishes, of whatever kind, which have a glittering side >
or which, from their being usually preyed on by tlic
larger classes, are adapted to this purpose.
Ihus the 'niin?iow, the bull- head, the loach, the pin kf
the stickleback, and the gudgeon, are ail excellent as live
baits J obsendng, that the stickleback must be divested
of his prickles by means of a pair of scissarsj and that
the size of the bait ought to correspond with tliat of tlie
fi^ intended to be taken therewith.
The lesser baits are best calculated for perch, or for
eels, while the middle sized are proper for irouts, where
diey run to a good size, such as four or five pounds; and
the gudgeons, or even small dace, roach, chub, kc, not
exceeding six or seven inches in length, are appropriate
to
to those waters where Jac^j reach to a middling gro^\'th ^
say from four to ten pounds weight.
Live halts may be used witliout floats 5 but it requires
great skill and patience in this mode. The ordinary way
is, to pass the hook through the lip, or the back fin of
tlie bait, and to have such a float, either a cork one, or
a bladder, as may sufHce to keep it from going beyond
a certain depth, as well as to indicate when a fish has
taken it.
As a large bait is veiy allaring, to ^jack especially, tlie
float for this pui*pose should be about eight inches in
lengtli, covered almost its whole length witli cork, so as
to make up a diameter of about an inch and an half : at
about six inches from the bait, there should be one or
two shots on your liue, to keep the fish from rising.
Vox perch y trout, or eels, a good stout piece of gut, or
of weed, will answer 3 but for jacks, you must have
gimp 3 else they will bite off your hook with the utmost
ease.
The gimp is made of a silk line, on which wire is
wound very tight : this resists the bile of the Jack effec-
tually, and is surprisingly strong. Unless you fish
expressly for jacks, your gimp should be of the
smallest size, or the perch will not take your bait so
readily.
It is very rare to find trout s take a live bait well 3 tliey
*lo in some wateis, but then you cannot use gimp. For
eels, you should have tolerably stout gimp; for they
sometimes run very large, often weighing from two to
five pounds 5 and, as tliey are extremely powerful in the
water, and writhe about the line in many folds, care
must
must be taken to be prepared against tbeir' ecerttons.
'For jacks, your gimp cannot well be too stout.
Frogs are excellent baits for perck and jacks ; for the
former they ought to be vety small. The yellowest are
tliQ best, and, next to tlicm, such as are striped, or
speckled in a shewy manner. They shoidd be hooked
through the back muscle of die hind leg, tying up tlint
iimb so as to conceal tlie hook a little ; or you may pass
the hook through the skin of tlie back.
It will require a good weight of shot on your line to
keep the fj-og down ; but he should be brought up now
and then, for air, or you may keep him chiefly on tlie
fiirface. In many places, especially among broad dock-
leaves, &c. where tlie jacks lay, with their noses often
out of the water, and are ready to seize whatever offers
(for in this manner they catch many moor-hens), it is
best to let your Jrog be on the surtace. Of tliis, mo5c
will be said, as also of the reason for using bladders as
tloats, when we come to treat oi jack-fishing.
When you catch any fif^hes with the intention to pre-
serve them for live hails, be careful to handle them as
fittle as possible, for they cannot bear it. Put them, a^
soon as possible. Into your minnotu kettle, which should
be of an oblong shape, about ten inches long, live deep,
and seven broad : it should have a cover, pierced with
small holes to admit air, and a hasp to fasten down se-
curely. A wire handle should be mad?, so large as to
let the top lift up without touching it.
Your kettle should be fihed with the same water as the
fish were in, which should be often changed. Indeed,
the best mode is, to immerse your kettle altogedier in
gome shallow paf t^ \\ hereby the fish will be kept quite in
spirits.
72
spirits, witli little or no trouble. If you uish to keep
fish for any time in this manner, that is, during a night,
give them good room in a large tub, free from soapy, or
other obnoxious matter, and by no means put. any well-
water to tliem, as it certainly will kill every fish before
the morning.
To take fish out of the minnow ^liettle, if you have not
a strainer, you should use a very small net, aboitt the size
of a tea-cup ; but on no account should your hand be
put in for this purpose, as it sickens the fish amazingly J
Be careful to have every tiling in readiness, so that,
after your bait-fish is fixed on the hook, no time may be
lost in putting your line into the water ; else your bait
will be inactive, and not alhire the perch, kc. hnlf so
well as one that struggles much, and tlius rouses their
attention.
4 Live lails generally answer best in mid- water, that is
to say, they ought to swim half-way to the bottom,
whereby they will be deep enough to be seen by the
great fish that are on tiie feed. Sometimes your baits
must be sUnk lower, especially in very turbulent waters,
or in boisterous weather ; for in tlie former they are svib-
ject to be occasionally thrown near the surface -, and in
the latter, most of tl)e great fishes, of prey especially, get
into the deeps among ihe smaller timid fry, which, on
such occasions, go dowti for warmth and quiet.
Live halts are more appropriate to deep than to shallow
waters -, for even the more ra^ enous fish do not so much
like to seize their prey near the surface 3 though when
very hungry, they will take it there, and even dart out of
the water at their object, as we often see trouts, &(;,
doing while in chace of sjmall iishes.
The
73
The angler •w-iirfind, on tlie long run, ttat he. will
catch infinitely more fish at a good depth, than he will
near the surface ; which is to be accounted for by the
disposition to privacy and concealment, natural to all
fiAes, especially to those which lurk in hiding places,
and dart out suddenly on their imsuspec^ing victims ,- a^
well as to the variety of ambushes and shelters which,
the weeds and banks afford in those deep holes that are
fornied by falls of water, by eddies, or by the natural
tendency of die soil, in many places, to wash away, until
a harder surface resists the stream, and forms a secure
ledge, or cover, under which fishes can remain unseen.
Where weeds, or otlier obstructions abound, live
laits cannot be conveniently used j as they would, if
half as active as they ought to be, infallibly entangle you,
afnd even though you should be able to distinguish when
you might have a bite, would occasion much risque as
to the aafcty of your line,
Nevertlieless, where weeds are merely superficial, I
never hesitate at using live Laits ; that is,, when I use
tliem at all ; for I am completely satisfied as to the supe-
rior advantages of dead Laits. But live baits afford you
tlie convenience of having several rods in use at the same
time ; jg)r Uiis kind of angling is not so nicely critical as
hottom-Jishuig m general, wherein, on many occasions,
tlie least nibble should be watched and acted upon.
When a iish seizes a live bait, he must ha\ e time to
swallow, or, as it is termed, to gorge it ; else you will
give him his liberty, by pulling the hook tlirough the lip
of your bait, which in all probability he wiU reject,, so
soon as he finds any impediment to his free progresi, and
thencefortli will be afraid to bite again,
B la
74
*In tills, 'however, I speak o£ fronts -, foci* to p^ch
' and jaclsy though tlie angler will find his interest in
treating them with delicacy, yet lie must not expect to cx-
J)erience much in their attacks. Tlie latter are often so
very bold and voracious, as to attack tlie same bait four
or five times, in rapid succession j altJiough in so doing,
they may each time be pulled almost out of the water^ or
be perhaps pricked with the hook repeatedly.
Allow th^ fish to take your float under water, and to
keep it for a little while, until you tJiink he may have
gorged your bait, or, at least, have got it completely into
liis mouth. Strike moderately smart : under ordinary
circumstances, you will have tlie pleasure of landing
him.
You will invariably find, that the best irve baits are
such as you take out of ver)- clear strong v^atcrs ; for they
are by i..; the most healtliy, vigorous, active, and pecu«
liarly irritable ; a quality of tlie utmost consideration,
since it causes them, whenever a fish of prey comes in
sight, to struggle in such a manner as seldom fails to
attract its notice.
Tlie minno2Vs taken in the scours y or rapid shallows, are
of this description j while those taken from a slow weedy
water, seem to be quite of a different disposition, and
will often remain on the hook perfectly passive, not
shewing tlie least disposition to escape.
Furtlier, as your sport lies chiefly in strong and ex-
pansive waters, of which the quality is far superior to
that from which the latter description of minnozvs are
t^ken, they do not relish tiie change for some time, and,
consequently, are not fit to undergo the operation at a
moment v/hei* tliey ought to be all life and spiiits.
It
1r
It is a curious fact, which I believe has not been no-
ticed by any author, Uiat if two stieaiiis derived from the
same source, and ultimately coming to tlie same point,
be rendered of different velocities by tlie intervention of
natural bars, such as banks, rocks, &c. or by artificial ones,
especially by mills, of which the action is not constant,
many fish, on being removed from one to tlic other,/ will
die ! I had often heard persons speaking to this eflect ^
biit did not tliink tliere was so much foundation for ihe
assertion, until experience convinced me fully of the
fact.
I have seen a very recent instance, of some jacks being
taken from one branch of a stream, and put into another
branch of it, forming a very fine water above a grist-mill.
They all died ; but this year seventeen ;ac^^ were brought
from a similar situation, viz. a good water above a mlli,
iirid diey are all alive and thri\ ing !
The water fiom which the firat jacks were taken, is
lelow a mill, but has nothing in it peculiar, nor is there,
in any pait of eiuier of the waters alluded to, tlie smallest
demonstrationof peculiarity hi the soil, nor of anything
which could be reasonably supposed to atlect them, either
arising from the exercise of any trades, or from manu-
factures, prejudicial to health. In fict, there are no
mills, except grist-mills, nor any thing but meadows
and coni'fields, near the streams first described.
Thus much I have said in support of my hypothesis,
that *' baits should always be taken from strong rapid
waters, as such \^ill play best."
rtZ Of
76
Of Dead Baits.
By this I mean such baits as are previously killed for
the occasion, or that are artificially constructed so as to
resemble them. The most common kinds in use are, (he
minnow and tlie gudgeon '^ the former for the smaller
class of fishes of prey, the latter for the larger and more
ravenous. They are applied in various manners, accord-
ing to tlie object and to tlie time. Those intended for
strong streams, frequented by trouts, Sec. are best small,
such as a moderate-sized minnoiv, and should be baited in
tlie following manner :
Choose a hook witli a long shank, say about an inch
and an half, or more, in length, made of tliin wire, and
of a bend equal to No. 2, or No. 3. These are to be
had in all the shops, under tlie name of troUbig-hoolts,
being so called from this mode of angling, \vhich is called
trolling.
Fasten your hook to a very choice piece of gut, tlie
longer the better, so as not to have any tie near tlie bait.
Take a very small hook, about No. 9, or 10, and whip
it to a veiy thin, neat loop of gut, just open enough to
pass over the knot at the upper end of your foot-length of
gut. Select a very fresh minnoir, and, inserting the
point of your hook at its mouth, bend the fish so as to
follow the cur\e of the hook, until you are able to bring
the point out behind the vent -, so that, if the minnow
were placed in a swimming position, the point of the hook
■would he beneath it, directed forward.
Now, as the minnotv would be apt to shrink upon the
hook when played, as is required in trolling, you must
bring its head up as far as may be practicable, without
force.
77
force, on the hook^ or. If tlie minnow he large, even-,
tually a little way on the line : then take the small hook,
which is called the lip-hook, and closing the mouth of the
minnow, pass it through both lips ; through tlie under
one first, so that the point may come out at the top,
pointing forward over the minnow^ nose.
Taking care that the minnow is perfectly stretched, you
now, with a piece of very line silk of a dull colour, that
will not gliire, or shew to the trout, &:c. with two or
three laps round the little eye and the butt of the lip-kook,
fasten it down very firmly to your line, so as not to allow
the lip-kook to recede ; as, in such case, the minnow
would bend^ and the Up- hook would be useless : besides,
your bait would be deformed, and no fish would approach
it. Cut away very close to your knot, and leave nothing
that can cause the lro?:t, kc. to suspect the device. Some
sew up the mouth of the minnow, which is a very good
practice. See Fig. 2, Plate 111.
You^ line should be remarkably good, but as fine as
you can trust to -, and composed of single gut for at least
seven or eight feet. At about two feet or a yard from the
bait, you should have on your line a very small, neat,
steel swivel, looped on to one part, and hooking on the
other, by means of the spring-hook at the other end of
the swivel for that purpose. See Fig. 3, Plate III.
This swivel answers two purposes : it prevents your
line from being wrenched, by the largest fish, into twists
and snarls ; and it causes your bait to play round, or, as
it is called, to spin freely in the stream, whereby it imi-
tates more closely the action of a live minnow, and pre-
vents the hook, &c. from being distinguished.
TIx bait thus prepared, is called a spi7imng-h£t, on
£ 3 account
78
account of the great rapidity with whic^^ it rc\'olves, when
properly played, espociaUy where ^le current is strong.
It is very tempting j and when large fish, disposed to feed^
are near, you may depend on success.
Jf you have the command of your water, and can cany
your rod as you please, you should commence by casting
your bait from you very gently, so as to alight in tlie
stream without splashing more than a minnow would in
one of its jumps. Then, draw your rod in such direc-
tion, as may cause the bait to cross the stream obliquely
towards you. When near you, it should be conducted
from you, in ^ similar manner, by an adverse tendency of
the rod, carrying the bait now and tlien somewhat
higher in the stream, and sometimes lower, so as to give
ample range.
The extent of your compass, in that respect, must be
entirely subject to the breadth of the water, and to the
depth at the sides ; whence, the length of your line being
regulated, you will have fair reason to expect a bite.
It is proper to remark in this place, that the spinning'^
Tait answers well, both in deep strong water, in which
< ase, one or two shots alove your swivel will be pro-
per, to keep the Lait down 5 or it will succeed in those
very rapid shallows, called scours, which are to be found
at the edges of all rivers in various parts, and which some^
times stretch across the beds of rivers like banks, or what,
in the sea language, are termed bars,
A good angler will make his bait spin in still water y
but there the fish do not take it readily, because the line>
in such cases, cannot be concealed from their view, and
the perpetual, I may indeed say the violent, action i(
iTiust maintain, scares them. This is not the case in a
strong
strong current, which spins the bait l>ctter when t!ie line
h long, and when the rod is very gradually moved^ merely
to direct the bait across the stream.
With the spinning'l ait you will catch salmon in all its
varieties, trouts, perchy imA jacks. Sometimes you will
find a ckuh on your hook. This, however, is not the
ordinary habit ofthatiish 3 but, when very hungry. It will
snap at small fishes, and may, as I once experienced, be
thus taken.
^ The jrtcJ^- is ratlier to be avoided^ in trolling with llio
spinnlng-iait, ouaecoun" of the imminent danger of your
line being cut by iiis very sharp teeth. If you should
hook one of su<5h a size as to be governable, no tinje
should be lost in running him aground On a shelving
shore, keeping the line always straight forward out of his
mouth, both because he has least power in the fore teeth,
and to avoid making an angle, which would be aiding Li.;
endeavours to sever your gut in two.
Observe^ that as all fish, in seizing a spinn'mg-lmtt
direct their attacks towards its tail, viewing it as an object
of pursuit, you need not be afraid of your troUing-hook
being too long, so as to come out rather behind the vent,
where it will do most execution.
Many a very large trout has, however, been taken
merely by the lip-hook : on such occasions,, much skill is
requisite. Every angler ought to make allowance for the
possibility of such an attack, and to avoid all pulls and
jerks, such as either might tear out the hook, or, by irri-
tating the fish, cause him to make such efforts as would
produce his liberation.
Indeed, it is by keeping the utmost command over your
own hand, and by avoiding that cliildisii propensity, too
B 4 prevalent
m
prevalent in many, of getting an early sight, and of
making the fish struggle and leap, that you will complete
your purpose. In that quiet, temperate, and forbearing
mode which distinguishes the expert angler, much finer
tackle may be used 3 whence your basket will be more
readily filled, especially with tlie more choice kinds of
fish.
Dead baits are likewise used in dipping for jacks and
perch ', in which case, they are put on either snap-hooks,
or gorgittg'hooks. The former are either single, double,
or triple.
The single snap-hook is put into tlie mouth of the bait,
and Is brought out rather behind the vent, as in trolling,
alr.^.ady described 3 or it may be brought out at the side
of the bait, which is usually a gudgeon, or a small dace.
In this, a lip-hook also is needful, and the snap^hook
ought to be leaded, to make the bait play well. Snap^
hooks, and all intended for jack-ashing, ought invariably
to be mounted on foot-lengths of gimp j about 20 or 24
inches long.
The lip'hook should be veiy short, such as No. 1 , or
2, with half the shank broken off; it should be prepared
exactly like that used in trolling, but on gimp histead of
^7/ J it is also for the same purpose. The upper end of
the gimp should be looped, and well tied down, so as to
fasten to the ring-end of a strong steel swivel, of which
the spring-end hitches on to a loop at the end of your reel^
line 3 A\ hereby you may have ample scope to play a large
£sh, when the water enables you to do so, or to shorten
yc ur line to a yard only, or less, for the convenience of
dipping in among weeds, or through foliage, &c. on the '
borders of the water.
Your
81
Your reel-line for dipping ought to be as thick as a
stout knitting-needle, and all of a thickness -, not taper,
as foT ^fly-fishing, &c.
The double snap-hook is often made in one piece, bent
in the middle ; or it is composed of two very strong hooks,
as large as No. 1 , but much thicker, fastened togetlier,
back to back, with good silk or thread whipping.
The treble snap-hook is made of the same 5 two being
placed back to back, and the third at right angles to
them, so that the tliree stems all lay close together,
taking care that their butts are even. With both these
kinds a lip hook, such as was described for the single
snap, should be used, the point being over the hose of
the bait. See Fig. 3 and 4, Plate UL
A Laiting-needle of brass or steel wire, is requisite for
passing these doullc and treble snaps in at the vent j the
gimp going out at the moutli. The hooks should be
put in as far as their spread will allow them ; after which,
a small leaden weight, suited to the size and mouth of die
bait, and hav'ing a small loop, such as is on the lip- hook,
should be passed down the line, and put into tlie mouth
of tlie bait, whicii is then to be sewed up. This being
done, pass the lip- hook in a proper manner, and tie it
down so as to be firm, and to keep the bait duly ex.-
tended.
The baiting-needle should be about six or seven inches
long, with a flat spear-shaped point, and at the other end
a small hook, wherein the loop of your gimp may hitch)
and be drawn through the bait (Fig. 5, Plate III.) It
is useful to have also a very small baiting -needle, suited
to passing gut or tired through minnows -, especially
£ 5 when
•u-hen they are -not very fresh, as In siieh case they will
not bear to be bent, nor to be much handled,
I should, in truth, rather recommend this mode on all
occasions, knowing it to preserve the appearance of the
bait better than the other way of putting it on tlie hook.
This is a nrtatter of no small importance 5 for trouis in par-
ticular, however ravenous, if they, on near approach,
perceive any blemish, or indications of art, will either
turn abruptly, as we find them to do when they discover
a fly to be artificial 5 or, if in their hurry, or through
fear of approaching competitors, they have mouthed it,
many, will spit out tlie bait so quickly, as to render the
watchfulness of tlie most expert angler vmavailing !
In many places, proper laits are obtained with much
difficulty ) it may therefore be requisite to inform the
.young angler, that they are best preserv^ed in bran, w*hich
keeps them moist and pliant. The bran should be dry,
and free firom impurities. If bran be not immediately at
hand, fresh soft moss will be found a tolerable substitute.
On no account allow your baits to be kept among other
^shes, or in any place where they would be heated or
pressed 3 for in such case, their intestines would soon
break out, and disfigure your bait greatly. Whenever
that happens, you itiust sew up tlxe bellies, else your lead
will hang out.
Having said thus much of the snap, it is necessary to
describe what relates to dipping ; which, however, is
•ften practised with snap-kooks, on account of the im»
practicability of giving fish scope of line, in situations
where^ either firom weeds, piles, boughs under water.
Of a variety of o&er impediments^ it would not be easy
t0
to get the fishes out. But I now consider every thing to be,
iR the angler's fli\ our j tliat he has ample room for playing
tlie fish, which may tlierefore be allowed to run at pleasure.
The gorging'hook (see Fig, 6, Plate III.) is com-
monly double, and is well leaded at the junction of tlie
two bends ; the weight growing gradually smaller towards
the butts of tlie hooks. The laiting-needle, instead of
being, as heretofore, passed in at the vent, and brought
out at the mouth, is, in this method, put in at the moutli,
and brought out close under the tail. ^1
Tills kind oi hook is to be put into the moutli as far as
possible ; so diat one point may be on each side, under
the eyes, and pointing backwards towards die tail. The
gimp being drawn tight, cut a very small nick in the
back of the fish, close to tlie tail, for the admission of a
piece of white thread, which should be passed three or ,
r^ur times round both the bait and tiie gimp, tolerably
tight 5 tlien tied securely, and the ends cut away. This
is done for the purpose of keeping the bait stretched at
fiill length, so as to appear in a natural state j which,
would not be tlie case if it were allowed to recede, and,
consequently, to bend.
. 1 never sew up the mouth of a dipping-hait, especially
■vyhen small fish, fit for tliat purpose, are not easily at-
tainable. I feel that in this, I am perhaps attracting the
censure of tliose who angle by book, and not by brook ;
as also of tlie more expert, who probably never tried the
difference. It was firom observ ing tliat I saved my baits
from much injury, I adopted my present mode.
The angler must remark, that when a jack is hooked,
tliat Is, when be has poiicked tiie bait (by which we un-.
E.G dergtand.
84
derstand, he has got it down completely into his maw),
he exerts himself to eject it, thinking thereby to get clear
of the hooks. The latter, however, remain immoveable -,
while the bait, by being only, as it were, slipped on to
the tackle, is expelled by the jack*s exertions, so as in-
variably to appear out of his mouth, when he is landed.
I have by tliis device frequently taken four and fire
jacks with the same dead lait 3 wdiich, if I had sewed
up \ts mouth, would, in all probability, have been com-
pletely disfigured by the action of the first jack's throat,
and by the precious lot of sharp teetli with which that part
is lined.
Deadlalts are employed also for trmmers, and nights
lines. The former are double hooks, similar to those
used as gorging-hooks ; but being invariably made on the
same wire, their centre forms a loop, through which
small brass wire is passed repeatedly, say three times,
and then wolded round with the same. This being done
to the extent of six or seven inches, makes a strong re-
sistance to the pull of any fish, and efiectually precludes
all danger of biting off the hook.
These are called armed hooks, or trimmers, and are
chiefly, when baited with a small fish, as already shewn,
IVid in the water close under steep banks, among weeds,
&c. where jacks, perch, and trouts frequent. Those
fishes frequently take the baits during the day 5 as do eels
sometimes, though very rarely. I'his occasions the
very common practice (among poachers especially, who
often allure Wishes by means of ground' lait) of laying
night-lines, which are sometimes set with the double
trimmer, and soxnetimes with a -single eel- hook. In
tliis
m
this manner immense numbers of die finest fishes are
caught.
The lines used on such occasions must be proportioned
in length to the depth, and to other circumstances.
They should be of the best whip-cord j and a loop should
be at the end of each, for the purpose of receiving a
small, short, forked stick (see Fig. 7, Plate 111.), which
having one end forced into the bank, perpendicularly,
for almost its whole lengtli, so that the shorter leg which
forms the fork, may touch, or perhaps enter, the ground
also, senses to secure tlie line effectually, and is far more
expeditiously laid and removed, than if made fast to
boughs, stumps, &c.
Add to this, tliat such boughs and stumps are not every
where to be had ; and, if they are, do not conceal the
lines so effectually as those which are tlius pegged to the
ground.
When you have not any pegs, and that boughs are not
witliin reach, wherewith to fasten your lines ; or, that
the soil is sandy, tie them to tufts of grass, which will
hold them against any puU. You may also tie the ends
to stones, which being buried a few inches in the sand,
however loose it may be, cannot be forced out by the
largest fish in our waters.
In this manner tents are pitched on the deserts : the
pins being fastened to the ends of tlie ropes, and then
buried at right angles to them, about a foot deep in the
sand, a hurricane may blow the tents to pieces, but can-
not draw up the pins I
Night-lilies may be baited with worms (or with
chickens' gut, especially if intended for eelsj: lol-worms
are the best. Observe always to put \hQ hock in at the
head^
head ; for fishes in general swallow wonns tail foreaiost.
This is not the case with dead laits, for all fish swallow
them head foremost.
It is for this reason tliat, in dipping, and in trimmers,
the hook is passed in at the mouth 3 whereby the point is
not feu until too late, when, in the fruitless endeavour
to cast out the bait, the fish generally urges the hook
into his own throat.
Your hooks for night- lines ought to be good j t^^t is^
they should be of a proper substance, -well tempered,
with good barbs, and with their points rather standing
outwards from the perpendicular. By this form they are
sure to fix, whenever the attempt is made to throw the
bait out.
Try the temper of your hooks with your finger and
thumb ; if, when smartly pulled therewitli, they resist,
and are elastic, they will do : if they do not spring, th^y
are bad. But tliey may he improved by being heated to
nearly a white heat, and instantly put into a small quan-
tity of flowers of sulphur, which they will kindle, and
by that m^ns receive a quality that may, perhaps^ be
too much inclined to render the hooks brittle. This you^
must tr)% and correct, by heating the hooks again, pnly
until they change colour, when they should be immedi-
ately plunged into soap, or tallow.
By this means you will get good eel-^hooks, which are
reaUy very scarce -, so much so, that 1 have had whole,
grosses, not one of which could be trusted until 1 tem-
pered them myself. I can safely say, that I have had at
l^st 100 eel-hooks drawn straight by the exertions of the
fishes, whk:h, no doubt, were very large and powerful,
but could not have got away had the hooks been good.
Of
ST
OftheBait'Box.
This term applies both to your live, and to your deadf
baits. In regard to the former, which does not relate to
worms, but to gentles., natural files ^ caterpillars, gruhs,
flee, nothing is better than a small, round, flattish tin boXi(
japaned both within and without. Many of the sixpenay
snuff-boxes suit this purpose admirably; but their lids
should be pierced with very small holes, for the admission
•f air 3 else the baits will inevitably die.
You should have three or four of these little boxes,
marking them on the outside ; so as to know their con-
tents : for gentles should never be kept with files, nor
,fiies with grubs, &c. Cadlates should also be kept sepa*
rately in a box with a little moist cotton, wool, &c.
picked light : keep gentles in moist bran.
Your box for dead halts should be a very large fiat to*
bacco-box, japaned within and without 3 the lid should
not be perforated, but should fit very close. In this lay a
little fresh, clean bran, put your dead fishes in 30 a9 not
to come in contact, then fill up, 35 full as you can make
the box hold, with bran, and keep the lid tight down.
In tliis mode your dead baits will keep well sometimes
even to the third day : but such should only be done from
real necessity, as the freshest bait is always the most in^
yiting.
Never allow your fishes intended for baits, to lay about,
nor put them into grass. Lose no time in suffocating them
in fine bran, in which they will retain their lustre, nor
will their scales stiffen, nor fall off ; as is usually the case,
when the fishes are liandled in a careless manner, or are
}eft exposed to the air. Jq packing, puttke loDgest in the
middle
88
middle of the box^ it being tlie broadest part ; but reject
all that are in any degree lacerated, as they v^ill soon taint
the others. See Fig. 1 1 , Plate VI.
Ledger (or rather Legrre) Lines— Are such as are
left stationary, being baited with greaves, wormsy or dead-
hmt, according to the intention in regard to the kinds of
fishes in the waters. Legere-lines are, generally, fixed to
a coarse kind of iron reel^ with a good extent of range,
from thirty to fifty yards ; and the reels are fixed either to
long iron spikes which go into the ground, or may be
driven into a tree -, or they are riveted to short staves, of
which the tops are grooved, and the bottoms are armed
with iron, for the purpose of being fixed in the ground.
The groove or slit at the top of the staff should be
smaU, so as to require some little exertion in the fish to
draw it through ; whereby it commonly happens, that
he forces the hook into his jaw. 1 hese lines being in-
tended to reach the middles of ponds, and the beds of
rivers, which are not accessible to a rod and line, require
to be M'ell leaded. Some call them casting- lines j because
they, must be tliro\^ n out to the places where the baits are
to lay on the ground.
These lines answer very well to be thrown out near
the place where you are angling, so as to be under your
observation ; but can only be used where the bottom is
clear* of weeds, &:c. They are excellent on long, sandy
borders of those rivers, which are shallow near their sidesj
but are deep in their middles.
The Pater-nostek, so ca^' f} from the appearance it
ir^kes w^hen the baits are on, is a kind of apparatus miach
in use among the country people, in places where jacHi
abound. It consists of a stout pole of ash, hazle, &c.
from five to seven feet long, to which a very strong line
of laid'Cord is affixed, about as long as the pole. To this
line are a number of hooks attached, perhaps ten, or a
dozen, by means of short pieces of whip-cord. On each
hook a minnow, or some such small fish, is put, as in
trolling ; that is, by bending it round, so that tlie hook
may pass fi-om the mouth to tlie vent.
The pater-noster, as may be seen from the foregoing
description, is calculated for steep banks under which the
water is deep. The angler keeps moving his rod up and
down, nearly perpendicularly, so as to make the baits
play in the water; and, as they are at various distances
on the line, occupying its whole length, it is ten to one,
if 2L jack be near but he attacks that bait which is on his
own level. Some use a float.
The country angler uses no ceremony with the jaclt^
but, so soon as he feels him bite, gives one hearty pull>
and thus, if the fish*s jaw does not give way, cants hira
clear out of the water. I have sometimes been much
amused vn\h this rough mode of inviting the jacks to
dinner, which is attended with considerable success.
The sight of so many baits as are displayed on a paler"
noster, must assuredly be extremely enticing, and tempt
many a fish that, perhaps, would not be roused into ac-
tion by the sight of a single minnow.
Roving is generally performed with a dead halt, either
a minnow or worms. In the former case, your hook must
be the same as in trolling -, but there must not be any lip*
hook, A very small weight, like a wedge, or cone-shaped,
is
90
t put point foremost Into the moiitii of your bait, which
is then sewed up> and the little loop which is fastened to
ihe tliick end of your \veight, and by which it is secured
^ your line, is whipped down very tight, just on tlie out-
side of the bait's moudi, so as to be concealed j .>cut away
•ne of the vent-Hns, and one of tlie gill-fins, on different
•ides ', this will cause your bait to have an nneven motion,
whereby it will bear a stronger resembl^mce to that of a
live fish, and be far more killing. /
When you rove with a worm, or iatlier witli tivo or
three worms properly arranged on your hook, as I shall
now fully explain, take especial care that the point of
your hook be not only carefully concealed, but brought s^
neai; up within the worm appropriated to tliat peirt, as to
be close to tlie end of its tail.
By this means you will find, that tlie bait may be^
thrown with more safety, than when a long pendent tail
i^l^fl beyond the point j which, in such cases, always
works its way through, and shews so conspicuously a? to
deter ajl fishes from approaching. By tlie mode directed,
they have no opportunity of dragging away the tail of that
worm J for if they touch on it, when placed as above
shewn, they must infallibly be hooked.
A large bait is the most tempting, but by far tlie
Ifia«t certain j whence the angler is subjected i(^ perv
petual disappointment, and, in the end, will certainly-
kill fewest fishes. I Uuiik three short, thick, high-.
coloured worms, are the best for roving-, letting the
longest be first threaded, for about three quarters of an
inch, then slipped up above tlie upper bristle; next
thread the second worm for about the same length,
^iodpass it above the lower bristle: both these conse-
quently
-ftl
^uently are pendent, and, if tliey bclively, will by thcij
Motion attract tlie fishes, and cause excellent sport.
The third worm should be short, thick, and remark-
ably well coloured : it should run up nearly to the middle
©f your shank, and be long enough, when threaded,
to overhang tlie tip of the hook. If this be properly done,
you cannot fail botli to have bites, and to have the best
chance of striking with effect : See Fig. 8. Plate HI.
Roving may be practised in almost all waters, but i$
more applicable to such as are just broad enough to be
reached completely across, when your line is let out to a
length rather shorter than your rod 5 whereby you will
have it under complete conamand.
The current being middling strong, is in your favour ;
more so than ver)^ rough, troubled water : though eddies
are very excellent aids, as tliey occasion returns of youx:
bait, giving far less trouble, and throwing it into situ-
ations towhich the fish chiefly resort. Still waters are
not amiss for roving with the worm> though they are not
so good for roving with a minnow. Indeed when the
whole operation of roving depends entirely on the angler,
it reqvdres a very nice hand, and much judgment, tq
practise it with good effect.
Throw your line, in an easy, swinging manner, across
the water ; taking care to go as near as possible to the
opposite bank; tiiat your worm may appear to have
dropped out of the soil j the largest fish, when on the feed,
are frequently found in such situations : let your bait sink
a little at first ; then, with an easy, gentle motion of your
rod, derived entirely from your wrist, and not by lifting
your arms (whicl^. i^ es^cralk aa well as fatiguing).
92
give your bait an alternate rising and falling, as you dravv
k across the water, by gradually raising and lowering the
point of your rod.
The bait is never to be very near the surface, generally
from one to six feet, or eventually more under it, accord-
ing to the depth of the part you rove in. Sometimes, in-
l3eed, you must go close to the bottom 3 especially when
you find that no fish strike at you in mid-water Observe,
as the bait approaches your own side, to let it be so played,
%uUh the utmo:4 delicacy, as to be full insight ofaich
fishes as may be under that bank.
It should be so managed in roving, that you get the
^•ind at your back, whereby your line will be sent across
with little exertion ; especially if tlie wind be anywise
Jtrong, such as is most favourable for this practice : for
all fishes that will take your baits in this manner, are more
eager when the surface is ruffled by a breeze ; which,
besides, affords the advantage of making yourself and
your rod less discernible to them.
Indeed, I do not think that roving succeeds well either
in calm weather or in shallow waters : if they be cleafj^ '
the device will, in general, be seen; and if they be
muddy, the fish cannot so well see your bait. A little
colour in the water is not amiss, when produced by
freshes, or by a flow of the tide j for, then the fishes are
usually very eager, and take, not only worms, &:c. with
keenness, but may be seen to snap at every thing which
falls into their element.
It is almost impossible to give a minnow that appear*
ance of life in still waters, which should impose on such
fishes as do sot readily seize a dead^bait, such as trouts
aiid
9S
and salmon : as to perch, jacks, and eels, they' are not
veiy nice, and demand not sp^much perfection of imita«*
tion.
A great deal depends on situation, the weather, and a
variety of circumstances which may be either local or
temporary. Thus we find, that when the young fry of
dace, SlC. are abundant, being about tlie length of an
inch or two, the fishes of prey neglect all the artificial
lures offered to them ; being glutted with tlie immense
quantity of food thus at their command.
We see it the same in fly -fis king, when at particular
seasons, during warm, still evenings, the Lirge fish are
leaping at the natural flies that come upon the waters in
millions. At such times, although a fish may take your
fiy. It will be found a verj' difficult job to command a
good dish, such as may be had when a greater scarcity of
subsistence is prevalent. It seems also as if the fishes
were in a certain time glutted even with natural flies 5
for we see them neglect many that fall into the water
close by tliem, and which in cooler weather, or when
flies were less numerous, would have been taken down
instantly.
Under such circumstances, the best roving certainly is
with worms, if those on your hook be well scoured,
and, tliat you take the opportunity when a smart shower
has washed some mud into the by-comers of the stream,
you may, by roving near such spots, catch many fishes
which are attracted thither 3 having, no doubt, expe^
rienced tliat such little floodings are accompanied by
much animal or vegetable matter, such as they delight
in. • Tluis, if your worms play well, and your line be very
flne, and well coloured, in such waters the fish do not
hesitate
$4
hesitate to take your baits ; they being similar to wiaat.
they have usually had x^'ashed do\vn to them by the im^
petuosity of the currents, in tliose small channels whereby
they are chiefly supplied with food.
I have often found it attended with great success, when
I have let my worms down into such a channel, at abou^
a yard or two above where it discharged into a deep hole :
frequently several fine fishes have competited in the attack
upon my bait j and this too \nth such greediness as ta
swallow it without the least delay, and requiring my dis*
gorger to get back my hook.
The great secret in most branches of fishing, but espe-
cially in roving and dipping y is to keep out of sight :
your shadow will often scare away the fish to a great dis-
tance ; nay, even the slightest motion of your rod, when
tlie water is clear, will have tlie same eflect, as may be
frequently seen on a bright daj-, when the very waving of
a bow frightens the fishes, large and small, into holes
under steep banks, and into other occult situations.
For tins, and indeed for many other good reasons,
when you commence angling, always fish die water next
to you first ; keeping completely out of sight, carrying
^our rod very gently over such boughs, grass, &c. as may
best answer your purpose in regard to concealment 3 and
taking particular care to put your bait into the water in
the most quiet manner. Under such precautions you may
do wonders 5 but obser\T, that a fish once alarmed is not
easily sootlied, and will rarely approach a bait.
As in roving and dipping no float is used, it is obvious
that no ostensible indication of a bite may appear to a by^^
j^nder, though the person holding the rod will feel, and
that too very sensibly, when he has a bite ; for although
no\y*
hbvr and then a fish may approach very cautionsly, an*
take the bait v^ry tenderly into his moiitli, yet^ on the
long nin, it will be found that the rod is made to vibrate
forcibly by the impetuosity of the seizure, which is most
usually made as the bait is on the rise. In many instances>
liowever, when a very laige fish takes the bait, the water
is considerably agitated by his violence 3 so much so^ as
to be an index to tlie angler even at the distance of many
feet of hne then under water.
But, as the hand alone should guide regarding a bite, the
angler must be extremely on his guard 5 for he will occa-
gionally, especially if a larbel be in question, feel his
line tremble^ or perhaps tug a little (very tenderly), when
the fish is sucking at tlie bait. The trutli is, that we
often hear the terms nibble and bite grossly misapplied :
for what is to all appearance a slight nibble, is the mode
in u'hich some kinds of fishes, especially the carp (and
at some seasons tlie roachj, bite ; and what, on many
occasions, we should consider a bite, proves to be only
a nibble.
Thus, if we are intent on a float sustaining a live bait,
and we should see it occasionally dip a little, that is,
something more than the bait could carry it down, and
tiiat the float return to the surface, such an indication,
on any other occasion, would warrant our striking ; but
here it would be wrong, because the natural conclusion
should be, that it were a small pcrrA, &c. which, being
incapable of swallowing such a baitj was endeavouring
to get it into a favourable position, or to draw it away to
its haunt, there to be gulped at leisure.
In such a conclusion we seldom err 3 but if we do, still
tlie case remuina the same, that is, we ought not to
strike :
strike ! if it be a large fish, he is eitlier not disposed
to swallow the bait, or there is some impediment, such
as a hook in his gills, &c. that debars his doing so. This
we may be sure of, that none but a fish of prey will
touch a live bait, nor a dead fish played as in dipping, &rc.
Such reflections should ever be present in the mind of
the angler; they, in a certain measure, approach to,
or, indeed, constitute, science. Whetlier from nature,
or by habit, or by study, it is, I know not, but, in ger
neral, I can form a tolerable guess as to what kind of fish
I have to deal with.
This, however, is not certain ; for in some waters,
fishes will be foimd to act very differently from what the
same kinds do in other places. Nay, I know waters
which seem to have no sort of difference, that form a
little island, where the fishes, to be seen in numbers,
will not bite on one side of it, though they are ravenous
on tlie otlier. The whole island is not equal to an acre of
land, and tlie two branches are in no place twenty yards
asunder. How to account for tliis 1 know not -j but it i§
strictly a fact, known to every angler about tlie place ^
and prevails equally at all seasons : tlie \\-aters are nearly
equal on both sides.
Hence it is seen how necessar>' it is for an angler to
firequent all kinds of water, to perfect himself in his pur-
suit ; for we cannot expect him who angles only in one
river, &:c. to become perfect in tliis pleasing, but by no
means very easy art.
Of Various Waters,
The foregoing digression has led me to this part of our
subject J a part abounding ^vith variety, and requiring
botli
97
Ifetii obseiTation and ex^^rience. Tfie youtliful angler,
nnaccustomed to explore, and to remark upon every
stream that may fall in hi^ way, must necessarily often be
at a loss where to cast his line. In general^ he selects
those parts where he sees many fishes leaping : in some
instances his doing so will lead him to excellent diversion;
but tliat can only be at such hours, and in such seasons,
as fishes are apt to sport in, and he may be egregiously
mistaken as to tlie kinds of fish thus rising.
The angler who comes to a strange water, cannot do
better than inquire of any townspeople, or labourers he
may see, as to the sorts of fish it contains, and the seve-
ral places where tlie gentry of the neighbouriiood resort
witli their tackle. These will sometimes save much
trouble, and lead to immediate success j for I. have re-
marked, that CYQii those persons who do not angle them-
selves, rarely fail to notice tlie spots where they perceive
others, fond of tiiis recreation, take tlieir stands.
Nevertheless, in this particular we are subject to the
<^rrors arising both from tlie ignorance of our informers,
^nd from the mischievous pranks and misleadings of those
who, either from caprice, or from thinking themselves
interested in debarring us from a knowledge of tJie select
situations, take great pains to guide us to places where
not a fish of conse<iuence is to be had I
1 he millers, and tiie bargemen, are generally best in-
fonned as to the deep holts, and other haunts, \s here
the fish lay in greatest numbers, and are of a good size j
but both those classes of people belong (with so few ex-
ceptions as, virtually, to be no exception) to that gang
of poachers, who rob tlie waters of whatever their nets
can grasp. These, almost to a man, m ill set jcu en a
y wild-
98
^vild-goose cliase, and be highly entertained at tiie Tcsiilt
of their hisolcnce.
Yet sometimes a few shillings, dispensed judiciously,
\vill gain your point among even tliis kind of impostors,
as I have experienced ; for it has happened, that a linger-
ing miller, &:c. has hit at my baity and privately given
me hints as to the best holes, so as to enable my getting
a good basket-full of whatever the waters contained.
Wherever there are navigable canals, &:c. unless the
waters be too extensive for ordinary depredations in the
poaching way to have much eiiect, every place is searclicd
by tlie bargemen -, who, in poling along, become com-
pletely acquainted with every liole, and cast their nets
accordingly.
It is wonderful \\ hat a quantity of fiblies tl}ese people
carry oiF, from such parts of the canals as pass through
the estates of gentlemen, who are sometimes very cap-
tious in protecting tlieir \\'aters, often not allowing their
neighbours and friends to cast a line ) while, by night,
their best fishes are netted by hundreds, to the great
amusement, not only of the robbers, but of all who
know tlie circumstances : a liberal indulgence to our
neighbours often prevents our suffering by such depre-
dations.
One circumstance should ever be carried in memory,
viz. whenever you can ascertain that a stream, however
small, is connected with a spacious well-stocked pond
in a gentleman's park, &c. you may be certain that, in
the holes, no doubt to be found in some parts of such a
stream, there will often be good fishes, which have been
carried by floods out of the pond. Besides, the young fry,
and, at all events^ the spawn, cannot be confined, if
theiVi
m
lliere be tlie smallest outlet, uhetlier by means of a
flood-chain with a grate, or of a sluice, penstock, &c.
By following the course of such a brook, and occa-
sionally trying the depth where you cannot see the bot-
tom, more especially where large trees overhang, and
%\'here tlie sides appear steep, you will rarely fail of dis-
covering many a fine hole, such as cannot be poached by
any kind of net, and in which you vriil at least find enor-
mous eels during their season.
1 never yet knew of a stream that had once contained
eels, or trout, that was completely deficient in tJhem
aftenvards. The former, by getting into tiie crevices
of masonry, or of wood- work, under stumps, and into
the mud, or sand, never fail to escape from the netter :
they breed so fist as to produce great numbers, to thti
great destmction of all other kinds of fishes, not except-
ing iht jack, which, when \QTy young, is as subject as
any other to theeets attack. Hence when we find tliat
hut very few small fishes are to be seen, we may fairly "
suspect tliat eilliL-r eels, jacks, or perch, are in tlie
water.
1'he angler nmst not expect to find much dh'ersion
where the water is shallow and clear ; but in those parts
where tliere are little falls, or under scours, which
tumble into holes, hov, e^er contemptible they may ap-
pear, frequently very fine fishes are taken 5 especially
if tlie bottom be rocky, and the water run swiftly, form-
ing eddies, with the banks flim and steep : in such places
trouts deliglit.
When tlie water is deep, gloomy, and almost inacces-
sible on account of the woods or weeds, 5cc. on its mar-
gin^ there will probably be jacks, perch, and sometimes
F 2 tench.
100
tench. The few white Jish, whereby we generally nu*
derstand all the smaller kinds with glittering sides, such
as die roach, dace, gudgeon, Sec. in such places gene-
rally run large, on account of the small ones l>eing for
the most part either devoured, or driven away by the
more ravenous kinds. What few there may be, owe
their safety to their bulk and strength ; but if tlie jachs
be very numerous, they will not only destroy all the
"white fish, but attiick each other, until at last none but
the largest of that species will be seen.
Consequently, in such situations, the angler may ge«
nerally expect to have the soundness and sufHciency of
his tackle put to the test -, if tliat be good, he will^ under
ordinary circumstances, go home well laden.
We occasional!)' see large extents of marshy ground,
intersected by ditches, or having parts much deejxT than
ethers : if such remain tolerably sujiplied with water,
whether from springs, or small inlets, or tliat, the soil
being retentive, the fluid does not escape, but presents
nearly the same apj)earance during the whole summer,
we may there reasonably search for large iishes.
It generally liappens, that such places are su])ject to
heavy inundations 3 not merely from land- drains, &:c.
but from tlieir connexion with otlier waters, eitlier rivera
or lakes, whence they receive many good sorts of fish ia
abundance. For all fishes have a very great disposition
to migrate, especially those of prey ; these no sooner
find a small inlet or creek, tlian they run up it as far as
tliey can be floated 3 nay, they may be occasionally seen
struggling to obtain a passage forcibly, especially where
there is a current, however trifling.
The copious autumnal showers ofi:en swell the waters,
so
JOl
tn as to carry off immense quantities of young fry ; and
tlie winter floods in many parts are so abundant, as to lay
U'hole tracts under water, which, in the dry season, pre-
sent a most cheerfiil and profitable e^anse of vegetation.>
interspersed witii various pieces of w^ater, all of which,
\inder such circumstances, become either garners or losers
hy the inundation.
I'he flats bordering tlie Thames, from Hampton up-
wards, are in tiie summer beautiful meads, that, owing
to the winter floods, bear prodigious crops of grass. J
^ fenow several ponds, and long slips of water, which arc
annuiilly stocked with fine fish from the river, and are
netted or poached in various ways every summer, until
scarce a ^ninnow is left.
The angler must not despise those little brooks which,
perhaps, h^e and there, are kept up for a head of watu:
to supply cattle, or tg turn a mill, &c. 5 in these he will,
by patient research, commpoly find parts yielding excel-
lent sport. Near to towns, such streams are pillaged
shamefully 3 but in tlie midst of open fields, where tlie
delicate angler cannot be sheltered from the weatlier, and
to which even the idle are too idle to roam, it is not un-
common to fall in with great varieties, attainmg to a con-;-
fiiderable growth.
Wherever improvements are made, the fishes suffer
for a time, but afterwards recover, and become very nu-
jjierous. Thus, when a watercourse is made through
what were before ditches and puddles, in which, how-
ever, some good fish, particularly eels, were found, the
whole are often thrown out, and are taken away eitlier
hy the proprietors, die workmen, or tlie townspeople.
But when tlie water ^is allowed to flow in again, a new
r^ fito6k
102
stock is created^ which scon becomes valuable to the
angler.
Where old rivers supply canals, which in some places
follow the course of tlieir beds, and in others break off
into branches containing locks, requiring at the same
time that iveirs should be thrown across the old channels,
to keep the water up ; in such instances, tlie track fol-
lowed hy the vessels navigating the canals will invariably
be poached to the utmost. The fishes will be found in
tlie old river, and especially under t\\(ttveirs, where the
continual supply, and the rapidity of the current, which
usually digs large holes in those parts, induce trouts in
particular to lay.
In good smart streams, the angler must not pass by
those parts whlchi "being clear, and apparently shallow,
seem to be devoid of fishes. He will, on the contrary,
not unfrequently find, that such limpid Waters contain a
number of excellent troitts, &c. which lay at the bottom,
and can only be jxTceived by long and stedfist search ',
or v/liich-keep behind weeds, stones, &c. and under
shady parts of the banks, so as not to be distinguishable.
In some rivers the gentry, though not proprietors of
ii e waters, take some pains to protect tile fishes from
poachers j who, if uncontrolled, or not prevented by
fbme eflectual devices, would speedily drag out all sorts
; nd sizes.
The law has laid many restraints on angling, Bilt has
If h open a wide door for the admission of a thousandfold
of mischiefs in the netting way. It is inconceivable what
damage one sweep of a net does among very young fry,
and especially among the spay/n. Yet the many low-lived
fellows who net the larger rivers, &c. and who deal in
this
103
tins wliolesale ruirij are never so hnppy as when they can
catch some innocent or ignorant gentleman trespassing
the letter of the law, hy lottom -fishing one day before
the statute allows him to do so. Tliey speedily send a
water-bailiff after him. 3 and not uncommonly, '\^'her(b the
poor angler is a stranger, assum^e that character them-
selves, rather than lose the opportunity of levying eitlier
the fine, or a bribe !
The gentlemen of Sunbur}^ on Thames, where there
lias been excellent angling in even' branch, proved them-
selves a match for the professional fishermen (with which
all the banks of the Thames swarm, and who are per--
haps as dissolute a tribe as any in the united kingdoms),
and took very effectual means to prevent the total dcstmc-
tion of the ii^^hes.
They purchased a few old, rotten hulls of bouts,
barges, &c. which were to be had for a mere song, a::d
having put plenty of tenter-hooks into tlieir bottoms, and
knocked out some holes, so as to give access to the fishes,
carried them out into the principal holes and haunts, and
tliere sunk them bottoms uppermost
The fishes, in consequence, soon multiplied 3 for no
fisherman liked to cast his net over such traps 3 where,
besides the inevitable damage his tackle must sustain,
there appeared no chance of catching fishes, which had
so ready and so effectual an asylum at hand.
The angler will do well always to inquire, if any such
means have been adopted in respect to the waters he may
be at ; if they have, he may depend on finding fishes
near those spots where such barriers to poaching have
been placed. It is taie, that he may here and there
F 4 hook
kook a log instead of a fish j but for such trifles the keeu
angler will readily compound.
I deem it a duty particularly incumbent on me, to give
the young angler some cautions in regard to his proceed-
i'^gs, both in his excursions, if he resides at any distance
from his sport, and in following his diversion, when he
inhabits a villa, or otlier tenement near the site of amuse-
ment.
He \\ ill find my hints on tills subject of considerable
utility in promoting his views, and in preventing his suf-»
fering from that well known combination, which virtu-
ally exists among the evil-minded and low-bred every
t-^'here in some degree, but especially on the borders of
all navigable waters.
When such folks perceive that a new comer is fond of
sporting, they watch him > very closely, in order, if pos-
sible, to detect him in some little breach of the law ', s»
*..«v ot. 'iciioMimtlGw may be \M, and they obtain the in-
ibrmer's reward.
I have been attacked by the insidious good offices of
reveral belonging to this charitahle tribe j but, having
b.^en forewarned as to what I had to expect, and judg-
ing, that the overstrained adulation and civility I expe*
rienced were to be paid for in some shape, I never gave
the smallest encouragement for their continuance : thus,
by a prudent reserve, added to a cautious conduct, I soon
let my kind neighbours know, that I was '' not to he
hud,'' in that w^ay at least.
In every situation there will be found some persons
better disposed than others j but you must not suppose
^uch are to be known by their countenances^ or by their
tongues.
105
tongnes. You must look around you, and inquire as to
the fishermen, &c. in your quarter : you may, now and
tlien, hit upon an open-hearted obliging sort of a man,
who will not only direct you to the best holes, but will
provide you witli baits, lend you his boat, put you across,
help you to put down, and to take up, yonr night-lines,
with a whole train of et ccclerasy which will all come,
A\ ithout further trouble than merely now and then putting
your hand into your pockety without which, notliing
must be expected.
Beware of bargemen, and of all wlio, when tliey are
not doing mischief, are contriving it over a pot. Never
attempt, uiien you suspect such to be watching your mo-
tions, to set a night-line, or to leave any tiling tliey caa
^yalk otf with ; for you may be assured tliey will not fail
to rid you of all concern for such mo\ieables.
You \v ill find it widxy convenient to hire a punt, which
may generally be had for about two shillings weekly 5 so
that you may pole yourself about to all parts of the v/ater.
In tliis, however, some practice is requisite ; for there is
a certain knack in it, which enables very infirm and ten<*
der persons io accomplish, wliat die unaccustomed Her-
cules would toil at to little purpose.
1 his consideration should lead you to encourage some
little boy, son of a fisherman, or what not, to aid you in
tl e early part of your nautical career. Such are every
where to be had, and are very eager to go after such pas-
time, especially when a good bellyful follows.
But be careful how you trust them, in regard to your
liigiit-lincs and trimmers j for though diey will occasion-
ally bring you the full produce, yet sometimes they
cannot resist the orders or influence of their parents and
V5 . friends.
106
and friends, who will expect to share with you in an un-
derhand way.
In a short time, however, you \^'ill feel yourself inde-
pendent, and Iiave no further occasion for any aid ;. you
will be acquainted wi'h the waters, and with their con-
tents; and, being able 'to manage tlie punt yourself,
may; if you please, graciously permit that youtli on
board, wliose sen'ices you were at lirst happy to accept
<is a favour.
You will find it well worth your while to subscribe to
some of the liberties in the angling way, that are to be
found in various parts, especially within two stages from
London. For a guinea yearly, you may obtain permis-
sion to throw your line into some tolerably good streams,
or ponds : you may be sure of a bed, and will receive
civility, &c. in proportion to what you may call for.
With resj:>ect to tlie unprotected open waters, such as
the Thames within a certain distance from the metropolis,
you may occasionally find good sport y but do not siiffer
yourself to be bamboozled by the alhiring portraits of irouis,
&c. stuck up in frames at the various Red Lions, Bellsj
Griffivfi, Castles y &c. where you may take a little re-
freshment ; nor should you lend too willing an ear to the
descriptions given, in regard to the quantity of such fine
fishes. Keep in mind where you are, to whom you are
talking, and that thousands go to the same place, on the
aam^ errand ; then you will net feel the smallest uneasi-
ness regarding the serious difficulty which might other-
^'ise agitate your mind, as to how you should get such
** monstrous line fishes, * not only out of the w ater, but
to yoivj home I
We are apt to smile^ and that too with some mixlare
of
107
of contempt, when we see or hear of Londoners going
from town on Saturday night, witli rods and bags innu-
merable, to fish on Sunday, from Battersea upwards,
even as far as Staines, Windsor, Sec. ; and those who do
not know better, join in a hearty laugh at the Cochnies,
as they embark to occupy their favourite stations.
But the joke does not hold goodj for after having thrown
my line into many waters, from the South to nearly the
Ultimate Thule of Britain, I can aver with safety, that,
on the whole, the Londoners were by far the most skil-
ful, as well as the most patient, and least addicted to
vanity. L-deed, t have been very much surprised to see
very bad anglers inhabiting the borders of the finest
rivers. Tlieir metliods, their selection of baits, tlieir
haunts, and their tackle, wei^ all bad alike.
On the contrary, the Cockney, as he is facetiously
termed, is better acquainted with the waters he frequents,
has excellent baits, which are procured in the highest
order at the several shops where his tackle is obtained j
which is also of the very first quality. I once resided on the
banks of the Thames, near JValton, and have frequently
had occasion to observ^e, that all the weekly visitors were
men well acquainted v. ith irout-Jishivg in particular :
tliey used to catch a good number, which, in my humble
opinion., was not dhad sign.
Jt must not be unnoticed, that the same stream, or
other water, will assume various appearances, according
to the season of the year, and to the general slate of wea-
ther during such seasons.
The waters which from January to April may appear
full and rapid, often dwindle to insignificant brooks when
the tiiaws are over. But (as already stated under this
1 G head)
108
head) such will oflen be found replete witl> sport. Some
streams increase but little, comparatively, at any time ;
imless we take into account those partial toiTents of rain
which at times deluge particular spots, and, consequently,
do infinite damage.
The same cause equally affects the colour of such wa-
ters, where the soil is composed of till, or any otlier
coloured earth. For the most part, the fishes in such
streams do not bite readily while the impregnation con-
tinues ; but when the element begins to clear, either by
the colouring matter being passed away, or by its being
precipitated to tlie bottom, they then become ravenous,
and with good tackle, the angler may have excellent
diverson.
Where there are many corn, or, as they are generally
called, grist mills, we usually find abundance of fishes -,
though, as already remarked, the millers will have their
share, let who will own the water ! This is owing to
two causes, namely, the perpetual supply of fresh water,
and the gteat abundance of subsistence the fishes receive
by means of the particles of floiu*, &c. either conveyed
by the wind, or swept out of such mills.
The fishes, however, in all such streams, have pecu-
liar propensities 5 in some, they will only bite while the
mills are going 5 in others, they will not come near a
l)ait until the water comes to a stand 5 but the former is
Vy far the most prevalent.
Under the aprons of mills, that is, where the water
comes from under the wheel over a flat piece of masonry,
or plank- work, the largest fishes generally resort -, keep-
ing on the watch, and darting furiously amid the impe-
tuous foaming rush of water, at whateyer attracts -, or,
perhaps.
109
perhaps, deliberately waiting at the edge of the rapids,
and in the still 3 or tlie turning water forming tiiose large,
placid eddies to be found in such places.
In such cases tlie angler may rove to advantage, having
one, two, or perhaps tliree, stout shots on his line to
sink his bait a little ; which would else be perpetually
kept near the surface, by the velocity of the current. He
should lose no time in getting such fishes as he may hook
into a stiller water, as the strong parts are peculiarly
unfavourable to his efforts 5 besides that the turbid invo-
lutions render his precautions less certain and less effec*
tual.
To be convinced of this, let him put a dead fish on his
hook, and suspend it from the mill-back in tlie water,
where its action is sharpest ; he will there find his rod far
more oppressed, and his own management of it far more
difficult, than in the calmer and quieter parts 5 where
he can lead the fish about according to his own ^ncy>
while it feels quite light to his hand.
Wherever any manufactory appears, or any business
is carried on, such as impregnates the air with unwhole-*
5ome, or offensive smells, there will also be a taint of a
similar description communicated to the waters. Thus
copper works, sulphur works, hatters works, dyers in
general, and all such trades, affect the waters greatly.
In the vicinity of and especially below, founderies, kc,
die fishes are scarce 5 and such as do exist there, are
flabby : tliey indicate the insalubrity of the stream, both
to themselves and to all animals. Hence an excellent
criterion may be adduced, in regard to tlie fitness of wa^
ter for culinary purposes, snd ; . a component in various
beverage, I am iaclined to believe, that no fisrhes survive
such
no
nch a state very long -, and, that the few caught in suck
places are accidental visitors 3 none being, in my opinion,
spa\^Tied in such deleterious situations.
The season of tlie year must be considered by tlie
angler ; for he will find, with very few exceptions, tiiat,
such fishes as are to be taken on scours and other shal-
lows, during the siunmer season, are not to be found
there in the winter, nor even on cold days in the autumn.
It is next to impossible to guide exactly on this subject,
but favourable winds (such as prevail from the south-
east to full west, equal to three-eightlis of the horizon),
and a sky suited to the temperature of the air, will for the
most part prove auspicious.
In using tlie latter term, its application should be com-
pletely understood; thus a hot summer's day, a clear
sky, and little wind, are highly unfavourable 5 they, in
fact, augment the indolent disposition of the fishes at that
season, and tend to deprive them of tlieir appetites ;
which generally, in such instances, are keen towards the
mornings and evenings, when the angler may expect good
sport.
On the other hand, even when tlie sun is in its fullest
power, a brisk wind, and a fleeting cloudy sky, will so
far temper the heat, and moderate die glare, as to prove
attractive to the fishes, and induce a portion of them to
be on the move. Their intention probably is not tlie
search after food, but when a bait presents itself under
such circumstances, it will frequently be taken.
In very sultry weather, when abundance of fishes may
perhaps be seen on or near tli - sur ' e, the angler must
not indulge in the hope of enjoying much sport ; on tlie
contrary, scarce a fish will bite. They are then generally
preparing
Ill
preparing to spawn, and are more intent on enjoyment
than on the search for subsistence.
It is true, this is not the case with all kinds, but being
very prevalent, should induce the angler to relinquish his
attempts to get a bite in that quarter, devoting his atten-
tion to those deeps whereto tlie larger and more vora-
cious fishes will partially retire. There, being less over-
come by the heat, and less under tlie eye of observation,
they will be more likely to come to his lure.
I cannot pass over the absurd language of a gentleman
who, a few years back, pubhshed what he terms, ara^
llonal treatise on angling, wherein he would inculcate,
that particular kinds of fishes come out to feed '* at th^
even hours of the day"— or, " half an hour before and
after the even hours/* &c.
This is giving them credit for a progress in chronology,
which the enli'ghtened mind cannot but ridicule : in fact,
the very attempt to pass such rubbish on the public, de-
sei-ves its most pointed censure : it indicates a total defi-
ciency of knowledge, and an immense share of presump-
tion, in treating the subject so very particularly ; it looks
like an attempt to lead weak minds to an opinion of the
author being deeply versed in piscatorial practice j or,
indeed, of having served as M. D. among the inhabi-
tants of the waters.
According to the assertion of the author alluded to, it
would seem, that such fishes had a fresh appetite at the
expiration of every two hours : if this be true, the angler
must be particularly careful to have his watch duly regu-
lated before he throws in his line.
Nevertheless, tlie work in question, is perhaps one of the
best that has hitherto appeared j being generally exempt
from
112
from poaching, and something to tlie point ; though it
certainly presents '*' only a neat rivulet of type, running
through a meadow of margin" 5 on tiie whole^ it is
cheaper at five shillings, tlian the various catchpenny
duodecimos, &c. sold at very low prices, to the great
disgrace of their autliors, and no small discredit of the
venders.
Such puerile purchasers as know not how to discri-
minate, and who are led to possess tliem .under the idea
of becoming acquainted, not only with the whole of the
tair part of tlie art, but with many unfair practices
sdso, had better cx)nsult some able angler, or at least
some person of discretion, before they disperse their few
shillings ; else they will not only be totally disappointed
of sport, but perhaps receive notions which, in tlie end,
may lead to conspicuous disgrace.
In great lakes, the fislies follow a course very similar
to tliat which seems to be ordinary, among those in
rivers and brooks; they lurk during tlie winter, or in
tempestuous times, among the heavy masses ai rushes, and
other .weeds J but in tlie summer season, or even during
the winter months, after a few days of open weather, they
may be seen on die long shelving banks appearing to enjoy
the favourable opportunity. But at these times they will
rarely take a bait ; whence we may conclude, that they
fold at the bottom some nourishment suited to the season.
Fishes of prey, no doubt, retain their natural propen-
sities at ail times ; but I believe they aic more subject
to torpor and letliargy than those which feed only on
-weeds, worms, or other such matters, i am led to this
opinion by th(e abservat.cti have made regarding >r^5,
t^ls, and trouts especially. ThebC are extremely averse
ta
lis
to mm^e much during the winter j b\it in the spring, id
soon as tUey feci tlie genial warmth of the sun, may ho
3»een basking either on, or near the sm'face. Jach in
particular, appear so completely entranced by the sun>
rays, that in April and May tiiey are very often snared,
as will be shewn while treating of that fish. Eels are
sometimes taken in tlie same way, and trouts at that
season, indeed oAen during the whole of the summer, if
the water be not very warm, will approach any heated
substance whose influence reaches them.
Thus many put their hands under water, near tliQ
stumps of trees, &c. where trouts frequent, and often
both feel and see them conae to warm themselves j in this
way a very slight motion of the fingers seems to give tliem
peculiar pleasm-e, so that they gradually fall asleep, when,
by a little dexterity, tliey may be grasped just behind their
gills, and thus be caught.
Perch get into very deep holes, among weeds that have
been flattened down by decay, or by strong winds j re-
maining in such shelters during the cold weather, an^
only coming out when tliere are few clouds, with a tem-»
perate wai*m breeze. They do not frequent scours, or
appear so much at the surface, as most other fishes of
prey, except when after minnows, &c.
It may generally be considered as a i-ule, tliat suci|
^shes as remain chiefly at tlie bottom during the summer,
are more alert, and take the baits during the winter
better than hashers, or such as in the .spring lay in a
semi- torpid state on the surface.
The fact is, that such fishes as expose themselves least
to die sun, are tlie least sensible of its absence. 1 have
before specified, that all fishes while in spawn, and at
tlie
114
Che time of spawning, v'bit the surface occasionally, hnt
particularly in hot weather ; thus we see shoalj* of roach
and dace, especially tiie latter, at slich times j perch tlien
frcqiient the shallows j minnotrs- gudgeonSy &:c. are on
the scours 5 salmov, troiUs, tec nln up the rivers to-
wards the more rapid waters, laying at the skirts of ed-
dies, or under banks where the sun has full power.
Thus also we find, that about Februar}^ and March,
the jacks, which for some months were buried in the
greatest deeps, appear on the surface, in deep, secluded
ditches, &c. where tliey spawn, and gradually come out
more into the open waters; to which, however, their
young fry do not so readily venture ; nature giving Uiem
to understand, no doubt, that their own parents are not
to be trusted 5 for zjack will attack his own kind when
nothing else falls in his way ; nny, he will contrive to
pouch one nearly a third of his own size \ I have heard,
indeed, such extraordinary stories, as would perhaps war-
rant my saying more on this topic ) but I rather follow
my general rule, of being strictly witliin bounds on all
occasions.
It may be proper to remark, that the various kinds of
water fowl frequenting us during the winter season, are
dire enemies to all kinds of fishes 3 which we may rea-
Sonably conclude, do not venture much near tlie surface,
while so many of their enemies are to be seen there.
Storks, cranes, herons, bitterns, geese, ducks, teal, and
widgeons, all prey on fish ; not only on the smaller kinds,
but occasionally devouring many of a good size.
Providence seems to have taken ample care of these
visitors -, Ibr we find them direct their course to oar large
fens, ^^-here they meet with abundance of subsistence.
In
113
•In such places the prickle- tack, alread}^ noticed as an tTt-
cellent live-laity abounds to such a degree, as to be taken
in whole shoals 5 they are sold hy the bushel, as manure,
both in Lincolnshire and in Cambridgeshire.
• l^he angler will find, that wherever ininr.oius abound,
in suitable waters, there will be plenty of fishes of prey ;
provided they are not thinned by the net^ or by any un-
fair means. On th« other hand, he will experience
some disappointment, from that very abundance which
attracts and niaintains the fishes of which he is in pur-
suit } for when tlie minnows have good shelter in shal-
lows full of weeds, and in a million of little corners into
which their enemies caimot at all times follow them, they
become so extremely numerous, tliat tlie jacks, troiits,
perch, eels, &c. are glutted, and are not to be enticed by
the bait, however lively and tempting.
Here much judgment and skill are requisite ,• yet, after
all, a complete bungler may perchance light on a lucky
spot, and fill his basket, while the most expert angler
may scarcely have one bite !
Hence we sometimes see the former obtain a credit
for ability he does not possess 3 while the qualifications
of the latter are not known 3 and this is perfectly natural ;
for the contents of the basket should decide the point.
I never yet heard any person talk much of the number of
birds he winged, or otherwise wounded, that could ge-
nerally put a brace on tlie table.
■ In many large streams, v^diich have periodical rises, or
are subject to floods at such periods, and are liable to be
w^orn by the force of tlie current, piles are driven in, and
lined wi til boards, Sec. these are known in various places
by different names, but almost universally, I believe, by
4h0
no
the designallon ofcamshots. They are, fof the mc^t part,
done iti consequence of the bank having been excavatetl,
or of some considerable encroachment either maJe or
aj>prehended ) consequently the water is very deep in such
places, and the current after heavy rains, and daring tlie
spring especially, veiy rapid.
Such places harbour the finest fishes of all descriptions )
but die angler must take caie to explore, else he wdl,
almost infallibly, if the camshot be old, and often re-
paired, or perhaps be rebuilt more and more witliin, at
different periods, find himself entangled amongst con**
cealed timber work, from which no clearing ring caii
relieve liis hook.
The fishes vi'hich firequent «uch places, instinctively
betake themselves, the moment they feel tlie hook, to the
piles, &c. and rarely fail, unless the tackk be uncom-
iliOiily strong, to chafe, or to snap the line. At all
events, tfcey dog in and out in sudi a manner as effectu-
ally prevents every kind of controul, and ultimately con-
fines them to a very short portion of the line. Under
such circumstances, the fate oi the fish is rarely known
to the angler 5 but that of his line is obvious -, for he must
lose every inch beyond tlie first impediment, and if he is
not very carefiil, may injure his rod very seriously.
The roost prudent way, on such occasions, is to com-
pound for some loss, and to cut away the line, by any
means that may offer, as low down as may be practicable.
This is certainly, in many instances, a vexatious rehnquish-
ment ; but the experienced angler will confirm the pro-
priety of these hints.
If, however, the trial is to be made of forcibly pulling
up the impediment, it should be done by taking the line
117
ih hand, laying aside tlie rod, which will always he.
found to suffer more or less, in such hazardous, and in-
deed, such absurd contests.
Where tliere is a bend in a stream, it will generally be
found, tliat the water is deepest on the outside of tlie
bend, and that the inner part of the bend, that is, the
point round which the water runs, is shallow -, (see th6 1^/
Figure, 4th Plate). Where a stream lies between straight
banks, although its depth will vary occasionally, and tlie
current pass and repass from one side to the other, yet,
generally speaking, the middle of the stream will be tlie
deepest water, and be most noticed by bargemen, &c.
Old bridges, ledges of rock, heavy masses of roots,
large irregular stones, sunken vessels, and all such ob-
vious matters, by affording shelter and protection, be-
come the resort of almost every kind of fishes. If there
should be alternate deeps and shallows, with occasional
falls, breaks, and eddies, the angler may expect to find
trouts, and various kinds of white fishes ; while the more
deep and still waters will chiefly present him wxihjach,
perch, and eels* U the water has communication, how-
ever indirectly, with the sea, he may be assured tliat
salmon may at tlie proper season be found, in some of, if
not in all, its varieties. Nor will such generally be ex-
empt from the visits of barbels.
But almost every water in tlie kingdom has, in some
part of its course, whether under one or other name,
such various depths, breadths, and velocities, as to occasion
it to contain in some places one kind, and in other parts
different classes of fish.
Besides though some sorts are, in a certain measure,
more appropriate to particular waters, they will never-
tlieless
lis
theles* be found in such as, if we were to ju<lg^ hy
the ordinary characteristics, the/ ought not to inhabit.
Hence, when we are troUing for trouts in a rapid stream,
we ai-e sometimes ratiier surprised to find a jack on tlie
hook ; in other places where we expect to find larlels,
we are attacked by perch or trouts, or eventually eels.
The truth is, tliat the differences as to breadth, depth,
and rapidity, which every^ where prevail within very short
distances, give to the same water a variety of characters^
accordant with such changes severally. Add to this,
that tlie junction of two streams, tlie one rapid, and tlie
other slow, or the one clear and shallow, and the otlier
deep and weedy, or vice versa, will give to both a par-
tial supply of such fishes as would not be expected under
otlier circumstances.
The intelligent angler does not let such points pass un-
noticed ; he explores in every direclfton j and by observ-
ing tlie several circumstances peculiar to the locality,
arranges his plan, and is prepared fpr every attack. It
cannot be supposed tiiat his tackle will be appropriate
equally to every class of fishes, but with common attention
to tliose general i-ules he will either have bought, or have
learnt from experience, his proceedings w ill be so well
grounded, and so guarded, as to obviate tliose mischiefs
which would infallibly annoy the novice.
I trust sutficient has been said on tliis subject, to serve
as an ample guide to those who are unacquainted witli tlie
various anomalies to which waters are subject at various
seasons, or from tlie vicinity of other streams, &c. 5 so
as at least to lead such persons into the proper track,
both for sport, and for tlie acquirement of such princi-
ples^ in tliis part of our subject, as may qualify them to
forn>
119
form a ready and a correct judgment j whei-eby many aa
hour of fatigue, and of vexatious disappointment, may be.
avoided.
It is true, I have been somewhat proHx, and perhaps
occasionally a little digressive, in treating of various wa-
ters 'j but it is a branch of the art which has been too
much neglected by authors, and is not sufficiently attend-
ed to even by many old anglers : much less by tliose wdio
snap at the liberty of a day, or of a few hours only, to in-
dulge in this recreation I feel a confidence in the necessity
of w hat I have detailed : I have reduced the laborious
researches of years, comparatively to a nutshell, and thus
have tendered to the young angler tl:ie means of dis-
tinguishing, with a proper degree of readiness, and witli
certainty, when and where he will be most likely to find
abundance of fishes .
Nevertlieless, in spite of all tlie instruction that can be
given, tliere will be found in almost every countj'- some
peculiarities, w hich are easily learnt 3 it requiring only
tiiat certain kind of ready, compliant accommodation,
which every good angler carries witli him, to adopt such
variations with success.
When we have once been thoroughly grounded in tlie
rudiments of a science, the application of each matter
relating thereto appears simple, and is familiarly treated.
I flatter myself my readers will admit, tliat in tliis com-
pendium that object is fully attained.
Of Ground' Baits,
These are employed for the purpose of attracting fishes
to any particular spot, where the angler intends to try for
sport ; or they are occasionally used during floods, &:c. by
grme-
game-keepers, and others, to retain the fishes within a
certain part of the waters, and thus to prevent their emi«
grating.
Ground'laits should be chiefly used some hours pre-
vious to tlie intended time of angling 5 generally, Ihey
should be thrown in the evening before ^ but if the wa-
ters do not abound with fish, it may be necessary to keep
tlie favourite spots baited for many days previous to
thro\^ang a line. By such means, the deeps and holes^
wherein the growid hait is cast will be the general resort
of every kind of fishes, and of the larger ones especially ;
they rarely failing to dart towards those parts where tliey
obsei-ve the smnller ones collected.
If there should be jacks in the water, you may rest
assured of their presence at, or near, tlie baited spots,
when you perceive that no fishes approach your bait. For
the accumulation of the smaller, or more familiar fishes,
especially at stated times, or frequently, never fails to be
noticed by these bold depredators, which watch their op-
portunity, and either overtly, or from b hind some
weedy, or sheltered spot, attack those which come to
partake of the ground- bait.
When this happens, you cannot do better than troll for
the /ac^.v, which rarely miss your bait : in the course of
a few hours the smaller fish will resort, as before, to tlie
spot, and afford excellent amusement.
But occasionally, large perch, trouts, or even eels,
will be found to cause the same shyness : however, as
these will all take the worm, the angler need neither
gf leve at the circumstance, nor change his mode of pro^
<:edure.
I think that large eels cause more terror stfnong small
fry.
121
fry, th.in eiUier trouis or perch ; their eyes arc remark-
ably vivid ; rather indeed, like those of the serpent ; fur-
ther, their motion through the water is so i>eculiar, as to
cause wonderftil apprehension.
When your ground-bait consists of any animal sub-*
stance, the predatory fishes will resort to the spots for
the purpose of partaking of it, therefore tliat lure is,
assuredly, die most generally proper. For this purpose,
broken or stale if arms, of all kinds, greaves, the fleshings
scraped proper from tlie insides of raw lildes, carrion,
esj^ecially the guts of all kinds of poultry, and clotted
blood, arc excellent.
Tliese should in the first instance, that is, for a day or
two, be abundantly supplied, so as to invite the fishes
from all part r of the water ; wliich will soon be obvi-
ously eficcled. Afterwards a much less quantity will
suffice ) observing, however, to tiirow in at such hours
as arc most lavourable for .angling, when-by tlie fishes
will soon be accustomed to repair to the spot witii per-
fect regularity.
Alc'gruiris, crumfjst)/ trend, i7iilfswerpings,n3y, even
saw- dusty will sometimes keep the fishes together; but
you should ever be mindful to throw in your ground-*
Laits with some delicacy, so as not to scare llie fishes ;
which arc easily intimidated, and at some periods are not
XQvy quickly reconciled to the spot whence they have
retired in consequence of violent, or unguarded action.
The person ^^ho throws in the ground- baits should do
it very gradually, thereby to keep up some expectation
among the fLshcs, and to accustom tliem to wait for a
successive supply of provision. But he must keep as care-
fully out of sight as though he were angling; else he
G will
12?
will not find the fishes repair to the sf)ot until some tun©
after he has quitted it j and then, with much caution
and diffidence.
I am aware, that this will be considered by many as
fine- drawing the matter beyond what is requisite 5 but to
such I must answer, that it is witli fishes exactl*' as with
wild birds, which require infinite art and cunning to en-
snare them 5 and that altliough many instances may be
quoted, of persons neglecting even the most ordinary pre-
cautions, having been successful, yet it would be absurd
to deny, that an expert caretlil angler could, in tlie same
time and situation, have caught far more.
When we begin to doubt the superior effects of supe-
rior skill, we betray our ignorance j a few may blindly
follow such an absurd hjTpothesis ; but we ^hall find from
experience, that such opinions will neither ensure suc-
cess, nor meet tlie support of tliose possessing common
sense.
The angler who is at all informed of the nature of
fishes in general, and who knows how crafty and shy
they brcome in waters much fret^uented, especially
by poachei's, w^ill not, nay cannot, hesitate in affirming
the validity of what I have said in regard to secrecy and
concealment. They are the soul of fresh-water angling,
and I would at all times wager on the success of that
man, who to such qualiii cations adds the neccssiu-y atten-
tion to sound baits, and fine tackle ! I have often
laughed heartily at being asked by persons iishing for
dace, gudgeons, &c. whether their lii es (abimt as tliick
as a good-sized knitting-necdl j were strong enough ! I !
Some judgment is necessary in laying ground l-aits.
It should be the study of tlie person doin^" so, to st lect
rather
125
rather a central spot^ free from hea^y weeds, and acce$«
feible to all kinds and sizes of fish j yet so situated, that
jacks, if there be any in the waters, cannot make abrupt
attacks from lurking places. Besides, tlie supply should
be conspicuously situated 5 and, at tiie moment of ang-
ling, the bait should be equally so. There may exist a
few exceptions, but this will, as a general rule, be found
highly worthy of attention.
Groi/vd- baits are sometini<?.s used at the time of ang-
ling. High dried malt, steeped for a few minutes in
w^ter enough to cover the grains, is an excellent thing
for keeping the fishes together; or even stale grai7is,
such as are had at the distillers', or at die brewers', arc
better than nothing, though they possess little flavour,
and less substanee. Balls made of stiff clay, in which
holes being made, the tails of lob-worms, or shreds of
greaves, are fastened, are useful ; especially tlie- worms,
which should be large and active, but not cleansed or
scoured in moss j it being an object, that your baits,
which have been well treated, should be far superior t«
your ground-laits.
Tiius, when you have tlirown In a cloy -ball with ua-
prep^ired hhs, although their writhings will attract th© •
fishes, and perhaps induce tliem to feed, yet, when they
see a rich transparent Irayidling, or other good worm,
descend gently among tliem, in an instant they will quit
tiie lobs, and attack the latter with all the eagerness of
competition. " v '-^ t'
When ground' baits are used previous to angling, you
sliould give plenty of time for the fishes to have com-
pletely eaten all you threw in, and to have acquired
a disposition to feed again. Hence it \\'ill be obvious,
G 2 that
that a necessity exists for duly proportioning the quantity
of ground I ait to the supposed quantity of mouths to be
fed 5 and it is flir better to err on the side of scarcity, so
as to leave no surplus, when you intend to angle \N'itliin
a day after the grottnd-hait has been tlirovvn in.
For, if any be left, it is a great chance but the fishes
ha\-e glutted, and will decline your worm, however
highly it may be prepared. On the otlicr hand, provided
you have abundance of gronnd-lait, and wish to attract
the fishes to any particular spot for several days befoie
you angle, it is best to afford them all you think they
can destroy in the first instance ; and gradually to abate
the quantity, leaving the place quite vnhaiied at the time
you go to angle, or, at furthest, only using malt'grains,
or clay -I' a/ Is.
The angler will find his trouble amply rewarded, if,
whenever he is about to put up his tackle at the side of a
baited hole, he \^ ould look over his worms, and throw
in ail such as appear to be flabby, or wanting in vigour :
such \\ ill never make him good baits, and they tend in
some measure to induce the fishes to bite at the same
kinds of worms when on the hooks ; but tliis should be
done rather sparingly, and such worms ought previously
to be broken into pieces, so as not to appear equally
tempting with those of tlie same kind which you resenc
for your hook.
And if a small quantity of ground- talis can be conve-
niently taken out with tlie anglei^, for the purpose of
being thrown in when he may have done fisliing, it will
save some trouble, and probably secure him some sport
during tlie ensuing day; but this must depend entirely
on cucumstances appertaining to locality', weather, &c.
I shall
125
I shall conclude this part of our subject with remark*
Ing, that ground' i aits, of all descriptions, are intended
only as lures to fishes, causing them to resort to, or to
remain at, any particular part of the waters ; and as it is
necessarily an important object that they should take
your baits when oifered, so the ground- Lai ts should be
of the most refuse materials, and given only at such in-
tenals as \\ ill not interfere witli their appetites at the
time of your angling.
I'hese are, indeed, the fundamental principles of the
practice, and, if followed correctly, cannot fail of suc-
cess. I have read, though I have never seen it, that
some use the best materials as ground-baits ; in which
tliey certainly err very grossly : I think it requires only
to be shewn as plainly as, I flatter myself, has been done
in this instance, to lead such persons out of a method
which eveiy experienced angler must join in repro-
bating.
Of striking j and of playing a Fish when struck.
By striking, we mean the act of drawing tight the
line when a lish is at the bait, in such manner as may
cause the hook to penetrate into some part of its mouthy
and prevent its escape. To judge accurately as to the
moment when you should strike, is not tlie labour of a
day, but requires much experience, and a knowledge of
the several fishes you expect to catch. Nor is the ope-
ration so very simple as a looker-on would suppose : tliere
is, indeed, a certain knack in striking, which some
never can acquire, and which others apj^ar to possess
naturally. ^
I shall endeavour to lay down a few general rules,
G 3 whereby
326
thereby the lenrner may be at least caationed agaiiui
trror, if he sliould not acquire a complete mastership ia
this very important brancli of the art.
Violence Is always to he avoided. When we consider
the elasticity of^ the rod, and of the line, and that the
smallest change of position at the butt of the former^ will
cause an immense difference in XhQ situation of its point,
or tip 3 and if we call to mind, that not more than half
an inch of hook is in the fish's mouth, generally speak-
ing 5 and that if that half inch pierces its mouth, our
object is effected : we shall then see the impropriety of
tliose strong uplifted pulk whkh many, even of those
who think themselves good anglers, exhibit, when they
have a bite : we shaU'then acknowledge, that it ought to
be our study to cause s6 little change of position at the
butt as may be next to imperceptible, and to make but a
few inches difference at the tip*
Delicricy in this particular is peculiarly necessary 5 for
if the fish be struck, and be of any size, the line is not
endangered, nor is the hook torn through the hold ; and
if the fish be not struck, he will be less intimidated, and
may return to the bait, which probably he never would
do, if it had been forcibly pulled out of his mouth.
Add to this, tlie many weeds, twigs, &c. which am
concealed under the surface, offer additional dangers to
the line ; for where they should happen to intercept the
hook in its abrupt motion, if they do not cause its imme-
diate loss, they occasion a tedious search, and such mea-
sui'es as effectually drive the fishes away.
* 1 he fencer and the cudgel- player are both sensible,
-lliat a very slight turn of the wrist gives quite a new
direction to the weapon : it is exactly the same in striking
a fish^
1S7
B fish. Circumstances of locality rnnst, however, govern
in respect to the practice 3 but, under the supposition
that there be no impediment in the way of the rod's ac-
tion ; that the line can be drawn and kept nearly straight
from the tip to the float, without causing the latter to
vibrate or be displaced -, then, a very slight turn of the
Wrist will cause sufficient removal of the tip, and conse-
quently, of the whole line, to make the hook take
effect.
The elasticity of the line will cause a kind of secondary
motion, such as tends to fiX the hook, and to make the
fish instantly attempt an escape.
In the foregoing instance I have supposed every matter
to be favourable ; that the bite is obvious,* and that therq
can be no hesitation as to the moment when to strike.
But we very often tte the float suddenly change from an
erect to an horizontal position.
This is caused by the fish having not only taken the
bait into his mouthy but having ascended with it so high
above the level at which it stood in the water, as abso-
lutely to bear up the shots, and to liberate the float from
their weight.
From this we see the necessity of a previous operation
ere we strike j for it becomes expedient, by an in-
Btantaneous motion, to draw the line tight, and then to
Mrike sufficiently strong to cause the hook to bury its
barb.
The bad effect of striking with a part of the line slack,
is so obvious, as to preclude the want of further instruc-
tion on tliat head. I shall therefore piesent a case pre-
cisely the reverse.
G 4 Let
}9n
Let us suppose^ that a perch should .seize your iive tail
Gaspended to a cork float, and carry it doun : as^ in such
case, time must be given for the tish to gorge, or swal-
low the bait, it follows, that your line must be slackened,
or be eventUcdiy let out from the reel, so judiciously, as
not to allow the perch to feci any check while in the act
of swallowing. Here little more than a sudden stop to
your compliance with the perch's motion, is needful to
arrest his progress j and indeed, on most occasions of
this kind, it is best to feci, as it were, first, whether the
bait were gorged (which is done by the above means),
and if you find it to be so, which the heavy bearing of
the perch will sufi[iciently indicate, then a very slight
turn, in such direction as may be the reverse to that ia
which he is proceeding, will have the desired effect.
The learner must not suppose that any time is lost in
such operations : they follow as quick as thought j and
their appropriate adaptation to the moment, not only de-
cides the fate of die fish, but the ability of the angler !
Many fishes must be sti'uck at the least nibble^ while
others must liave some seconds allowed them. One
will take tlie float scarcely half an inch under water be-
fore he has the bait fairly in his moutli -, while anoUier
will merely take a slight hold of some pendent part, and
carry the float one or two feet, or more, under water ;
in such case, they are sometimes hooked on tlie outside
of their moutlis.
Ic is not easy to lay down a fixed mle on this point ,• for
the same sorts of fish during the same day, and in the
same waters, will so vary in their modes of biting, as ab-
solutely to bewilder the most cxi^crienced angler. The
manner
129
manner in which each fish generally bites, when on ike
Joed, will be understood from the description of them
severally.
When your bait is on the bottom, and a fish runs with
it, drawing your float along the surflice, sinking very
little, or perhaps not at all, the line should be drawn
straight from the tip of the rod to the float ; and \^-hen
you strike, obser\e the rule already laid down, of strik-
ing counter to tlie fish's course.
The learner will see the necessity of being always on
(he alert j and he will find, tliat by keeping the point of
his rod nearly over his float, he will be more ready to
adopt the necessary measures, without being obliged to
make extensive movements, which cause delay, and
scare the fish.
It is necessary always after a bite, to examine your
bait, which seldom fails to be deranged, more or less, by
every attack it sustains. I have seeii anglers too lazy ta
do tliis, they being in the habit of leaving all to chance ;
when, after sitting for half an hour, or more, \\ ithout
a bite, in drawing up to remove to another spot, they
have been greatly surprised to see their baits half eaten
away, and the hook two-thirds bared. Yet tliey expected
to catch fish !
We do not give to animals in general half the credit
for sense, or instinct, which is really their due. We see
crows and other birds fly round out of the ordinary reach
of small shot ^ why then should we deny to fishes the
power of distinguishing between a worm perfectly at
liberty, and one suspended by any device I
Those who do not consider this in a proper point of
vlcw> need only to try their luck with the point of tlicir
& S ixook
ISO
hook exposed -, they will soon be satisfied of the impro^
priety of a want of perfect caution in that particular. No^
fish will approach a bait^ if the point of the hook can be
seen or felt !
It is really so easy to attend to this precaution, tliat
it is wonderful how those who call tliemselves anglers,,
and who tiiink they have acquired a reputation in the art,,
can allow indolence to delay that which, after a lapse of
ineffectual procrastination, must be done at last !
But to return to the main point : so soon iis a fish is
struck, tliat is, when youfiudit to be fairly hooked, if
its size should be such as not to warrant your drawing
instindy out of the water, your first object should be, ta
give line in proportion to the pressure you feel from tht
fish's weight and resistance.
But this must be done with great caution 5 for it is
often more pmident to run the risk attendant on a short
Kne, and little scope of play, tht>n to allow such a range
as would enable the fish to dash among weeds, boughs,
piles, or any thing likely to create difficulty. Giving
line is not always practicable, especially in foul waters,
overiii^ng with wood y and in such sitiialions, the largest
:fishes are usually found.
Whatover may be your extent of line, remember never
to urge the fish to his utmost exertion in point of velo-
city ; rK)r to provoke him to such struggles as, probably,
he never would resort to, unless roughly treated. En-
deavour, if possible, to withdraw him gently from the
Waited hole, so as not to excite alarm among his compa-
nions ; and lead him tenderly into such part of the waters
as may be favourable to your manoeuvres.
Always carry iry mind, that what with fear^ rage, and
pain.
131
pain, the fish Is sufficiently disposed to remain In a con-
stant state of action, by which his powers must speedily
be subdued. Keep him under command, but with tern-
per : when you lose that, you will probably lose your
prize also !
As the elasticity of your rod and of your line afford
you considerable advantages-, your study should be, always
to keep tlie former in such a position, as may effectually
combine the powers of both. This is done simply by
keeping, tiie point of your rod raised, so that it may bend,
and by its spring gently yield to the efforts of the fish,
and. draw him back to. his proper degree of pressure on
, ihe line, when his effort, has ceased. Plate IV. Fig, 2,
will give the learner an adequate idea of what is in-
tended : it sliews the greatest angle tliat should be
allowed!
It must be self-evident, that when the rod and line are-
both in one direction, the whole of tlie strain lays on the
latter ; the former being deprived of all its elastic powers,
and proving far worse than the same length of line would
be> if substituted in its place. Every approach to such a;
direction towards the ffsh is bad j for the rod is always
at its greatest and safest point of resistance, when the line
forms an acute angle with the stiff part held by the angler,.
as shewn by Fig. 3, Plate IV.
Tliere may certainly be situations in- which the rod)
cannot b?. held to the best advantage ; in such, the angler-
must use his discretion, adopting the best action the spot
may afford, and never despairing of success, howeverun-^-
fevourable Circumstances may, appear. If h'e is cool, he
will be considerate, and often will get a fish from a hole,
v/here the ordinary angler would not venture to cast his-
g6 line..
132
line. Biit if his tackle be not sound, all tliat can be said
on the subject will be of no avail.
Many young anglers are in a hurry to see what is ou
tlie hook ; they cannot refrain from bringing the fish up
to the surface. This always has a bad effect > for it con-
vinces the poor deluded animal of what it before probably
only suspected, namely, that it is ensnared, and is to be
taken from its element. Hence it becomes unruly and
headstrong, and tries every effort ; not omitting to lash
at tlie lii^ with its tail, and running in suddenly towards
the angler> so as to slacken-tlie line, and to shake out
tlie hook ; or to rush into a hole in the bank, &c. ; all
of which are common practices with several kinds offish,
especiiiUy the chub and I arid. But when tlie angler
allows the fish rather to ramble at his own pleasure,,
within the circle described by his line, every purpose is
gradually effected ; for the fish is so exhausted before he
is brought near the surface, as to be incapable of further
resistance, and nuiy be landed wkh perfect case and
safety.
Wtialever mtry be the exertions of a fish, be careful ta
keep yo\ur hue sufficiently tight lo gvve you a feeling of
all his motions^ And even when ^as is sometirnes the
case undcF the hbosI delieate management) he may spring
out of the water, do not slacken your line altogether ;
but be careful, s© soon as you see him fall upon the sur-
face, to be prepared, and to give him the lead such way
as you may find most suited to your purpose. Be assured,
that a slack line is always bad, and gives the fish the op-
portunity, either of shaking the hook out, if it be not
very fast in, or of making a sudden exertion, such as
may be too rapid and too powerful for the sti'ength of
your
133
your tackle, under such bad iDanagemcnt. Fartlier
when your line is not tight, you cannot judge exactly as
to the spot where tlie fish tlien is, whereby you become
subject to much error and incertitude.
It should be equally your care, always to keep your
rod out of the water j for, exclusive of the injury it sus-
tains by being wetted in the joints, it never fails to frighten
away other lish, and to cause that on the hook to be par-
ticularly agitated.
Though I have already spoken very pointedly regard-
ing the impropriety of handling the line when taking a
fisii out of the water, yet it may not be improper to re-
peat my injunctions on that head, and to recommend to
the juvenile angler, when the fish is exhausted, to draw
him very gently along the surface to a convenient spot,
within reach of one hand, w hile the other is to retain
and direct the rod ; the butt of which may be advan-
tageously rested against the side, or upon the knee, ac-
cording to the length of his hne. He will find the fish
to float freely on the surface, and that there will be very
little pressure on his tackle.
If there should be occasion to draw his prize over, or
through weeds, he should be careful to lay the fish on
that side which may leave his hook pointing upwards j
thus, if the hook be in the right corner of tlie mouth, the
fish should be drawn on his left side, and vice versa.
This is done to prevent the hook from getting entangled
in the weeds, of which there will be little danger, if the
foregoing precaution be attended to, and that the fish's
head be a little raised, so as to ])revent its nose from
getting under any weeds. A very little practice, with
commoj^
134
common observation, will render this part of my instruc-
tions perfectly familiar, and exemplify its Utility.
' Before I proceed to the next chapter, it may be pro-
per to obser\^e, that when the wind is very strong, it is
not in tlie power of the angler to keep the upper part of
his line nearly tight ; for in such case, especially if the
line be strong, and somewhat substantial, the wind may
cause such a motion as would at least keep the float con-
stantly dancing about on the surface^ if it did not often
lift it completely out of the water.
To remedy tliis, the angler must lower tlie point of his
Wd, canning it a little to windward of his float, and per-
mitting a few inches of his line, near the float, to lay in
the water. By this precaution, he will find his float ride
at ease, especially if there be the opportunity of resting
feuch slack part of the line on weeds that lay on the sur^
face. But when about to strike, he must not forget pre-
viously to draw his line nearly tight j else, as before
stated, he will run a risk of snapping it, or, to say the
least, he will strike false.
Of Pond-Fishing.
Hitherto I have considered the angler as being among
ferge rivers, navigable streams, and the million of brooks
U'hich every where intersect the country -, for in such
will the most pleasant sport ever be found. The fished
generally mil larger, are more vigorous, and, with not
one exception that occurs to my memory, far more
Wholesonie and better flavoured.
It will invariably, I believe, be found, that wherever
a pond 15 supplied With •\*rater from some copious inlet>
and
and that the redundancy is allowed to pass over by any
small channel, made or left for that purpose, the fishes
will more resemble such as are taken from a running wa-
ter, than those which have been bred in a pond, however
extensive, supplied entirely either by rains, or by bottom**
springs.
When there is such a draught into a pond, or sheet of
water, the large fishes will remain near to the inlet, await-
ing the arrival of such eatable rubbish as may accidentalljr
be brought down by the cun*ent, and ready to seize such
minnows, gudgemis, and other small fishes, as may ven-
ture into the expanse.
The many local circumstances which may characterize
a pond in respect to its situation, the nature of its borders,
the depth and colour of its waters, the kinds and quan-
tity of fishes It may contain, and a number of mattei^
which immediately strike the eye habituated to such ob-
jects, must decide as to the best stations for throwing the
line. The season of the year must not be forgotten ; and
even the state of tlie weather, and the hour^ must not
pass unnoticed.
It is, in truth, beyond the power of any person to lay
down even general rules for this branch of ti-ie diversiort,
that are not subject to refutation from the anomalies which
experience will daily present. I shall therefore conteat,
myself with observing, that where there are many weed^,
especially the Iroad dock, the water 'laurel, tlie flag,.
ISnd the >ong, floating, fibrous conferva, or bottom-weed,
there will usually be a good stock of fishes j unless the
proprietor thins them by the net.
For, as all ponds are subject to be frozen during the
winter^^ it is not vex^r easjk tO poach them at that season 3
especially
136
especiaHy as the fishes retire into the greatest deeps, and
lay under whatever shelters may present lliemselves.
During the spring, and as the days get longer, tlie
poachers are more afraid of being detected 5 not but they
will, if possible, have a hearty drag. As the summer
advances, the weeds become so strong and plentiful, as
to defy all nets ; unless a previous clearance be made,
such as poachers could not generally attempt 5 though ii^
stances have been known of their carrying boats to the
waters in gentlemen's parks, &:c, and of their having
cleared away the weeds, so as to be able to work their nets.
The fishes in ponds are in their habits pretty similar to
those in ninning waters j but 1 iliink them, for the most
part, far more silly, yet not so ravenous, unless their
numbers, in proportion to the quantity of water, and t(j>
the supply of food, render them so. 1 heir want of cun-
ning, comparatively, no doubt, is owing to their being
in a state of protection, and less subject than the river
fishes to all sorts of devices.
Their being more easily taken, I impute to their sub-
sisting chiefly on vegetable productions, and, conse-
quently, more prompt to take a worm than such as feed
principally on animal matter -, as is the case in running
waters, into which chance and design combine to launch
a great variety of worms, slugs, snails, and refuse of a
thousand kinds. These run the gauntlet down the cur-
rent, and, though unnoticed by one kind, are snapt up
by others. Reason would tell us, and experience con-
firms it, that as the fowls of the air feed on various fruits,
seeds, &c. so some kmds partake exclusively of certain
productions : thus, the carrion crow, &c. like the jacJ:,.
refuses nothing Uiat comes in hi$ way.
WheoE
137
When leave has been obtained to angle in any gentk-
man*s ponds, it is very easy to asa^tain, by inquiry
among his dependents or labourers, which is the part
most favourable to your intentions. 1 here you would
do well to sound the waters, and to cast in a little ground-
lait the day previous to throwing your line. •,
I have already said, that near small inlets you will pro-
bably find good sport j therefore, fail not ioixy the depth
in such parts, and do not despair, even tliough you
should find it shallow -, owing, perhaps, to the soil washed
down by heavy rains : at the edge of such a bank yoii
may expect the water to fall, rather suddenly, to a con-
siderable depth, in which the great fishes will often lie,
especially after any fresh, awaiting the supplies usually
brought down by the current.
Near sluices, penstocks, and flood-gates, the water
is usually pretty deep, and clear of weeds for a few yards
at least j they being sometimes cleared away for the pur-
pose of having a fvte draught, and for placing a net to
catch such fishes as may be attracted to the spot when
the sluice is opened a little on many occasions, but espe-
cially for the supply of a stew, or nursery-pond, depen-
dent on the larger \^'ater.
The time of the day will often occasion a change in
your proceedings, as will a change in the wind j espe-
cially if it comes down a vista , or any otlier opening be-
tween plantations, hills, buildings, &c.
I'he fishes themselves will often prove excellent guides,
and by their rising, at least, will shew you where they
chiefly lay ; though tliis is by no means so certain an in-
dication in a pond as it is in a river 3 for, in the former,
fi*hes are more apt to change their places, than they are
138
in streams ; In the latter, they often adhere closely to
such spots as they select for haunts, and may be seen to
rise always in the same part. We should be apt to con*
elude, from sometimes seeing many risings in a few mi-
nutes, that a hole were full of lishcs 3 but it often turns
out, that when one or two have been caught therein,
either by liue or net, the risings discontinue.
Although some ponds, which have a free current of
water through them, occasionally abound with trouts of
an inferior description, yet ?uch are somewhat rare, and
the angler must be contented if he gets good perch,
tench, carp, roach, dace, and eeh. In some he will find
jachs J but as they increase vtry fast, and grow rapidly,
when their numbers are not very frequently well thinned
by the net, or by constantly angling for them, the quan-
tity of other fishes will be reduced considerably ; except-
ing, however, the tench, which ih^ jachs will not touch.
Such ponds as are covered with duck- weed rarely con-*
tain good fish; it is too compact, and covers the surface
too closely 3 besides, it rots very fast, and invariably gives
the water a bad colour, attendant with a very nauseous
flavour. If, however, a pond, partially covered with
duck'iveed, has its surface on nearly tlie same level as the
surrounding lands, and is exposed to the wind from any
one quarter, so as to admit that ventilation which not
only purifies water, but blows scum, &c. to the opposite
shore, we may tlien hope to find some fishes, though not
in such abundance, nor of such a growth, as in clearer
waters : I never tasted a well-flavoured fish from such
waters.
The best mode of angling in a pond of any extent, is
in a boat, which should be poled or rowed, very gently,
to
ISO
to the most favourable situation, and then be secared^
either by an anchor^ or by a pole and tie, if the depth
permits. But the vessel must be kept xery quiet, as any
agitation therein would infallibly alarm the fishes^ and
cause them to retire.
The generality of fishes in ponds take the bait best near
the bottom j they will, however, take at the very sur-
face, provided you can conti ive to make your bait appear
to fall gently off a dock- leaf, or place it so that only a
small portion of it hangs down from one. I have often
been highly successful in this way, especially among
carp, which are remarkably shy when they can see the
line, though of the finest gut; yet they will lay hold of
a fine worm tlius dangling, and slip it down before they
are aware of the deception.
In some situations, pond-fishes will take the fiy
readily 3 but, in my opinion, not w ith that very marked
alertness which fishes in rapid streams evince. This is,
no doubt, owing to the stagnation of the water, which
does not aid the deception so much as a brisk current.
In windy weather, however, when the surface is ruffled,
the case alters materially, and pond-fishes then, at inter-
vals, dart with great keenness at the lure.
This I conjecture to be attributable to their being veiy
numerous, and to the variety of competitors, urging each
other on to destruction. The moralist may, perhaps, in
this find a comparison not very favourable to mankind ;
or, at least, applicable in the strictest sense to tlie tgo
numerous tribe of speculators !
0/
uo
Of Bullies in the Water.
^ Kotliing is more common than to see luhhles rise from
the bottom, to the surface of the water : these \e.ry often
will be found to have intervals nearly regular ; in which
case, we may perhaps safely attribute them to the air
discharged by various fishes, tliat lie in the mud or sand.
Eeb and muscles may sometimes be stcn to throw up
such bubbles ; the former having only their heads out,
and die latter being nearly buried.
Air will also be thrown up in tliis manner by the dis-
solution of lumps of clay, chalk. Sec. j which being
gradually penetrated by tlie water, discharge the air they
contain. This will be easily proved, by throwing in a
few pieces, wliich will speedily produce the effect de-
scribed.
Many consider these bubbles as arising from the re-
spiration of fishes : in which they will sometimes be right ;
but the foregoing elucidation will evince, that such is not
always the case. I have repeatedly been out with young
anglers, who on seeing tlie bubbles rise, have immediately
expressed their exultation, and proceeded to throw in at
tlie seemingly favoured spot j under the pleasing expect-
ation of a bite. Sometimes success has attended the pro-
ceeding, and confirmed my companions in error : for, in
my belief, the fishes taken on such occasions, did not
eject the air that caused the bullies to rise.
My opinion is, that when fishes bub lie in this way, it
is during the time of digesting what they have been eating,
I have repeatedly, in clear waters, observed fishes on such
occasions, and invariably remarked, that the bubblers
appeared quite indifferent to any bait.
Further
HI
Furtlier I am certain, from the ver>' pointed attention
I have paid thereto, tliat luhlling is very generally a
symptom of fear, or of doubt: having had innumerable
opportunities of watching the actions of fishes, while
near my baits, my observations fully satisfy me, that,
when fishes which approach a bait, tlirow out air as de«
scribed, they never bite.
Wounded fishes, especially ^'ar^^, evince their pain in
this manner j as they do also their inquietude, when un-
able to swallow their prey. Whenever I have missed a
jack in striking at the snap, and that he has thrown up
an immense number of small bubbles, I have found
great difficulty in getting him to attack my bait a second
time.
More than once I have lost my hook, owing to a jack'3
having taken ray worm, which was intended for other
fishes ; when, on casting in a dead bait at the place
where I have known him to lie, by observing how abun*
dantly the small bubbles arose, I have taken the jack,
with my former bait and hook fast in his mouth.
When I have been obliged, from the want of w/«-
nows, gudgeon Sy Sec. to put on a small roach, or dace,
as a dead'bait, and have been taken by a jack, which
threw up bubbles, I invariably found, either that my
bait was too large for it to gorge ) or that tlie jack was
wounded in tlie mouth 3 or that, however greedy he
might seem in seizing my bait, yet that he was too full
to admit of swallowing it witliout difficulty.
These I assert to be the general circumstances atten*
dant on fishes throwing out air j and 1 strongly recom-
mend to tiie young sportsman to be guided by any other
indication in preference to tliis : which seems to be
father an adverse tlian a favourable cmen !
Of
149
Of Night-Fishing,
j^ Fishes in general do not seek food during the night,
ftiough in the very hot season of tlie year, when the sky
happens to have been remarkably clear during the whole
day, and especially towards sun-set, they will come on
the feed at very late hours. Such must be considered as
adventitious 5 for we may set it do^\Ti as a rule, from
which few exceptions will be found, that animals of every
kind retire to rest as the day closes in 3 becoming more
disposed to sleep than to eat.
From this, however, we are to exempt such as are of a
predatory nature 3 as the wolf, fox, &c. among qua-
drupeds, tlie bat and owl, in the winged tribe, and the ccl
among the inhabitants of fresh waters. I'hese all prey
by night, and are by no means to be classed with tlie
many other fishes, birds, and beasts, which, though they
will occasionally feed at night, are generally impelled
thereto by certain circumstances, abstracted from tiieir
ordinary habits.
We find, tliat where the tide flows, especially where
it is brisk, tlie larger portions of fishes will come out to
fe«d, so soon as ttey feel its influence : but we are to
consider this as depending entirely on the regular supply
of food brought by the influx of the waters; which
causes all fishes contained within the reach thereof^ to
acquire a habit of awaiting the tide's arrival.
Ihis will be admitted by CYevy practical angler, though
the theorist may think otherwise : the former well knows,
that the same sorts of fishes, which, a few miles higher
Up tlie stream, will only bite during the day, will, when
tlie tide is strongly felt, bite freely, without regard to
the hour, either of tlie day or of the night.
i have had some sport by hanging a lantern over the
-' side
143
Bide of a boat, in a dark night, and dipping with a na*
tural moth on the surface, wijcre the hght shone fully
on tlie water. In this way you may attract great num-
bers of fishes, of all sizes.
But much cannot be said of lottom-fisliing during the
night ; tliough I have heard of great success in this way.
For eels, especially the large ones, it is witliout doubt the
best time. Fly-Jishiiig is rather superior, in tiiis instance,
with what are called moth-jiies -, for such is the sagacity
of fishes in general, that few will rise at a day-Jiy after
the' night has iLiirly set in.
However, at this moment w^e must refrain from that
part of our subject, and, contenting ourselves with re-
marking, that night'fishwg is best practised on moon-
light nights,, after very close evenings, proceed to explain
the manner in A\'hich various kinds of fishes are to be
taken, by means of
Night' L'nieSy or Trimiuers,
These are variously made in the several parts of Eng-
land, but are rarely to be found of a good constmction;
For the most part, they consist either of double or single
hooks, fastened on to brass wires, called guards.
These are intended to prevent the escape of fishes
caught on the hooks, which being chiefly of the pre-^
datory classes, and consequently well furnished with
teeth, would knaw any common line asunder.
The fishes usually caught by night- lines, are eels,
jacks, Irouts, and perch, ail of which take a worm, or
a dead-Laii -, but when the farmer are used, other game
will at times be found on the hooks ; and not unfre-'
quently the worm will be nibbled off by mimiowsj,
&c. &c.
The
144
The day 'trimmer is made by cutting two deep grooves
?n the opposite edges of a bung, or large piece of cork.
The end of a long line being fastened to the bung, tlie
line is wound on it, until only a few inches are pendant ;
so that the bait may float at any desired depth. The
bung, Sec. being thrown into a clear part of a pond,
when a fish takes tlie bait, he will not be impeded -, as
the line will run off the revolving bung, which remains
as a guide to the fish*s locality. Trimwers of this kind
are more particularly applicable to jacks and perch.
I should observe, that, properly speaking, trimmers,
fo called from their very rarely allowing any fish that
gorges the bait to escape, apply more particularly to the
double-hooks made on one wire -, so that tlie brass i^uarcl
may pass through^ and form a kind of hinge j the guards
fhould also have joints in their middles 5 forming by
tliis means two links 3 so as to render the tickle more
pliant than if all in one length, stiffly fastened on by
whipping to the hook.
Such are more advantageous in some respects, but
they are not so good for eels as the plain, straight,
guarded trimmer -^ which those fish cannot so easily
manage to break as they do such as have hinges.
Persons unacquiiinted with the vigor and pliancy of
the eel, would be apt to think such substantial trimmers,
as are sometimes offered for sale, fully adequate to every
purpose : but it should be recollected, tliat eels very
©ften are found to weigh from two to four pounds ; and
that their power to curl themselves round and round the
line, gives such a hold as enables tlicm to draw back
their heads from the point of resistance, with great effect;
SDd eventually to tear the hooks out of their very maws.
The instances I have seen of their thus twisting the
guards^
145
guards, so afe to wrench them at the hinges, and allow-
ing of escape with tlie hook, would astonish those w1k>
are not conversant on the subject.
Tlie strength of the line, though not to be overlooked,
13 nevertheless quite a secondary consideration, when
speaking of trimmers. The first attention is due to the
' hook, which ought to be very well tempered, and strong ;
as has beeiK^lready shewn when treating of hooks | for^
if it be at all faulty, it is totally unfit for this purpose, .
Experience has fully com inced me, .that wire-guards
are very exceptionable ; and that the expence of gimp, as
a substitute, is soon repaid by tlie superior success atten-
* dant on its use. I have for some years used nothing else ;
and I have also found tjiat two eel-hooks witli eyes, are
better than eitlier a single hook or a double fixed trim*
mcr. My manner of preparing this kind of tackle is tiiis :
Place the two hooks pointing different ways, so that
their two eyes should cover, or stand over, each other j
pass your gimp through them, and bring it back so as to
form a lap of about one inch.
Whip the ginrp well down with three tlireads of good
silk, well waxed and slightly twisted together, in such
manner that the hooks may have very little play on the
gimp 5 as you whip on towards the up|XT end of the
gimp, carry the small end, or lap, round the longest part ;
so tliat the greatest exertion could never draw tlie lap
out ', as might perhaps be done, if the lap were merely
parallel to the line.
When you come to its tip, make all fast, and finish
with the concealed knot ; tliat every part may be neat
and substantial.
I'his being done, at the otlicr end of your ^ifw/>, which
ought ia the whole to be about a foot hi lengthy make s
H loop
146
toop thus 1 double down the end for about two inches,
-and pass tbe tip through the double thus made, so as to
form what is called a half-hitch; bring it down again so
as to be parallel with your line, and commencing a little
below the tip, whip upwards with your silk, until you
come to the place where it doubled in ; there finish olF
with a concealed^ knot, but without cutting away your
eilk ; whip also a little above the crossing, to keep 'your
loop more compact, and to give gicater security to tiiis
part of .the work. See Fig. 4, Flate IV.
Tiie whole of the whipping at bodi ends of your
gimp, should be well rubbed with your wax {i. e, shoe-
maker's), and the gimp itself will not be worse, either as
to colour or duration, if it be smartly, but lightly, rubbed
also ] observe, that qukk motion causes the wax to melt
in rubbing, and disposes it to cover tlie surface more
freely and evenly 5 while the lightness of action prevents
its being laid on too thick, and saves the gimp from
injury.
The line itself should be sufficiently substantial, such
as ver)^ \l\\ck whip^cord, or moderately thin laid- cord;
the length must be entirely governed by the depth of
water, or otiier local circumstances ; but in general for
a single line, set independently, about six feet wHl
suffice.
At each end of your line should be a loop, sufficiently
large to pass a pullet's tgg tlirough > that at the top is
for receiving a forked stake of hazel, &c. by which it is
fixed to tlie bank.
The other loop at the bottom, is to pass through the
loop at the top of your gimp, when the former being ex-^
tended, the hook previously baited, by means of a baiting
needle, is to pass tlurou^h it 5 tlien drawing both the gimp
^nd
Mr
and the line tlght^ the two loops will be mutually in*
terlnp'd.
Where worms are used as baits, they should be
threaded on the double hook, by allotting one for the head
and the other for the tail of the loh : the centre part
should be fastened up to the top of the shanks, by means
of a piece of worsted. Chicken's guts answer for this
kind of baiting admirably, and take many line eels.
Where the banks of a river are much frequented, and
you are subject to having your lines taken up by the petty
pilferers that every where abound, and who delight iii
every kind of depredation by \\ hich one of their betters
may suffer, you must be careful, and lay your lines so as
not to be seen ; therefore in such places tie the cord
to the root of a tree, under A^'ater, or to bunches of grass,
or to the stalks of large weeds, &c. tliough nothing is
more seCiCt or more substantial than the forked peg, if
properly managed : it were bcht, however, to get up
' early, lest some trespasser, or passer by, should see
the hsh struggling, and save you the trouble of taking it
home. See Fiir. 7, Plaic III.
In narrow water**, where you can jump across, ot
where you can easily gc;t to either bank, maay short
lines being tied to one strong cord, of which tlie end$
are aflixed to pegs in the banks respectively, answer
very well. 1'he lines should be lowered gently into the
M ater, and the cord should be so far slackened as to
allow die baits to lay fairly on the bottom.
This serves to entice fishes, wdiich cannot pass up and
down without noticing some of your bait5»
Where streams are broad and sliallow, but the bottom
firm, no mode is better than that of driving two stakes
in, so as to be concealed even when the water is at its
n 2 Io\^'cst
Li's
lowest level. These sliould be placed obliquely across
the stream, that when tlie cord with your lines may be
stretched from one stake to the other, the main channel
may be intercepted, and the fishes be compelled to notice
the baits. In this way twenty or tliirty hooks may be
set J or more, if the space admits.
If the water is of unequal depths, and that the fishes
take such a course in general, as not to admit of the
preceding modes, a boat will be necessary 3 not only for
laying your cord properly, but it to get it up in the
morning.
Going on this plan, your boat should be poled up to
the higlier part of the stream, wliere you mean your
highest line to lay : then having tied bricks, or other
weights, to the ends of your cord (and if it be long, at
intermediate parts also), drop one of the end bricks into
the w^ater, and lower out your cord with the bait lines
affixed thereto at proper distances, say two feet asunder j
taking care they are not entangled, and that they go clear
of each other.
If tlie current is not very strong, your first brick will
serve you in some measure di an anchor, and enable you to
keep your cord sufficiently tight, as the boat goes down
the stream. In this way, if you do not stint yourself
for space, any number of hooks may be set.
In setting your line, after it has all the baited hooks
attached, throw each hook over tlie boat's edge, in re-
gular succession, so as to hang a few inches out ^ the
cord will thus be slack, in the manner of a festoon, all
along the inside of the boat's edge ; and unless some mis-
management should take place, will run off freely, taking
the hooks in a regular manner.
Note down tlie spot where your uppermost brick was
dropped.
'i 149
dropped, and in the morning, by day-break, proceed i»
the boat to lake your hooks up. For this purpose you
should go to the marked spot, and with your boat-hook,
feel for your cord 5 if you have a garden rake at hand It
is preferable j generally getting your cord with far ks5
trouble.
You must not be surprised if you do not find youf
hooks where you set them ; for large fishes, especially
eels, wall drag them, bricks and all, to some distance, and
twist them into such a confused mass, as will call fovtb
all your patience to unravel.
For this reason stakes are far preferable to bricks 5 brrt
they cannot be so well concealed 3 and, as all who lay
mgkl'lines are, to a certainty, watched by various classes
of idlers, and especially by the professional fishermen^
who cannot bear to see a fish but in their own nets, it is
an object of some moment, to adopt such measures as
may counteract the wiles of the vulgar.
I have often found my cord one or two hundred yards
down the stream, with several eels and other fishes
fast on my hooks 5 and sometimes I have had the mor-
tification to find my whole apparatus laying on the shore y
no doubt robbed by the fishermen, who watched my mo-
tions, and got up time enough to be before me.
Once indeed, I was eased altogether of my cord and
lines, but had the satisfaction to learn, that the thief, who
often gave cautious hints of his trick, was sent to display
his dexterity to better purpose at Botany Bay.
All things considered, I look upon the laying o^ night--
lines, except in protected waters, as being a very hazard-
ous affair ; and should recommend single lines in pre-
fcreiice to many 01^ a cord, li good tackle be used, it
n 3 proves^
159
provf 5 a double incltemr nt to robbeiy ; for, when stolro^
the lines are easily laid in places not frequented by the
owner j and even if dificovcred, it is neither easy tp
prove the property, nor worth \\hile to consider it as en-
titled to litigation.
Therefore, single hooks, made fast at the eyes to good
whip-cord, and guarded by laying ne^l'd brass, or copper,
wire into the hollows between the strands, for seven or
eiglit inches from the eye, are on sucli occasions to be
preferred ; though they will not prove so killing as those
afhxed to ^/w/>.
I'he reader should not forget to solitit permission from
the proprietor of the waters, to stt nig ht-lincs ; else he
may subject himself to some disagreeable matters, or-
dained by the law as punishments for tiiis offence.
Those who angle during the day, must, like persons
shooting on manors, be warned 0^5 but those who snare
fishes during the night, are considered as poachers, and
come under the statute.
Of the Fish-Basket,
This is an indispensable article ,• for it Is not only un-
sightly, but injures the iish, when tliey are suffered to
dab together, as they cannot fail to do when strung toge-
ther by tlie gills.
In my opinion, the baskets in common use are caleu-
hted only for tlie reception of small fishes -, since none
that I ever saw, would allow a jack of four pounds, no,
nor of three pounds weight, to lay straight. I have in-
deed, seen gentlemen puzzled how to carry their sport
home, though they had good sized baskets.
It is not easy to give any general rule for the form or
measure-
151
measurement of a- basket 3 but if ever I have a new onr^
it shall certainly be rather- longer and flatten than. those
now made.
Some iis^lies, sneh SiS- carp, teneh, perch, See, cannot
be doubled 5 and indeed none of any kind shoiddy: exce[)t
eehy which are not so much di&iigured by itv
Whenever I get a fish that will not go straight In my
basket, I put it hita my net: not that I am partial to
doing so ; tW it sometimes has occurred, that I have bee a
compelled to empty it for the purpose of getting a good
fish out of the water.
Put plenty of fresh rushes or flags at the bottom 6f
your basket, and among your fishes, so as ta keep
them asunder. Flags are the best for this purpose, as>
they are not so easily pressed together as grass -, which \s>
besides apt to cling to the fishes, and spoils their appear-
ance;
- Always wash your fishes after you have taken them off
the hook, as they will then keep better, and not dirt the
inside of your basket j which should be occasionally dipt
ki clear water, immersing it, and drawing; it out with a-
brisk motion frequently, thereby to wash out all the filth^
that will else inevitably accumulate, and give it an ofifen-
sive sraelk.
Be careful, however, to dry it well whenever it has-
been wetted ; for if it be put into a close situation, or
that the fish be left in it, rottenness will speedily follow,-
Of the Pbcket-BooJt,
However trivial tlie arrangement of this article may ap-
pear at its first mention, yet I know not of any tiling in
this amusement more comfortable, or more necessary^
h4 fcoth
162
feoth in regard to stowage, and to expence, than a wcll-
regnlated pocket-look.
The quickness and satisfaction arising from a methodi-
Teal attention to this point, are in themselves sufTicicnt
claims to the adoption of systematic regularity : but when
we consider, that the incumbrances attendant on tlie va-
rious requisites "which should ever be at the angler's
command, are thus included in a smaller space, and that
they are preserved both in order and in good condition,
it seems wonderful, that so many should forego such ad-
vantages, merely from tlie want of resolution to l«ok over
their stock at a leisure hour.
It need hardly be insisted on, tliat what is done during
the hour of leisure, is generally far better executed than
whatpnx:eeds under all the circumstances of vexation,
hurry, and their several consequences. In fact, in a
well-ordered compendium, every thing comes so imme*
diately to the hand, that little difficulty would be pre-
sented, were any part of the tackle to require change, or
to be replaced in the dark 5 while the possessor of a mass
of unsorted, unarranged apparatus, can scarcely, at any
time, contrive to bungle together that of which he is in
immediate want.
Speaking of the pocket-book, I should rather be un-
derstood as recommending two : for in my opinion, the
whole of what relates to Jly-Jis king, should be kept sepa-
rate, in a very neat case, capable of containing a few fly-
lines y some spare gut to rcipsirfooi'lengtlis, and from one
to two hundred flies of sorts, properly classed in separate
envelopes of vellum, and superscribed in large characters.
Also 2i flat-reel, a. few feathers, of sorts, ready trimmed,
some different coloured silks on a card, a little cohlers'
wax.
153
wax J a pair of small pointed scis^rs, some small sRots
ready split, a pair of tweezers^ a few needles on a bit oi
flannel, some flatted ^oM and silver plating, such as is sold-
by embroiderers, and a little mohair of various colours.
lliis division will appear the more reasonable, when we
consider that persons who go out to whip, that is, to throw
the fly, necessarily take ?i fly -rod, and rai'ely equip them-
selves with apparatus ^r bottom Jishi?ig-: hence the tackle
suitable to the latter mode may be safely left at home.
I am. aware,, that^ many gentlemen possess rods> which,
like ^amphibious animals, ans\^'er both purposes -, but as
I was once of that opioion, and am convinced of its
fallacy, they will excuse me when I observe, that the two
branches of fly, and lottom,fishi7ig are perfectly distinct,
and cannot be so very easily blended. Necessity, it is
true, has no law, but should never be quoted as choice !
Rather than lose a day's diversion altogether, I would not
refuse what I could be furnirhed with ; but I would riot
for that reason, say that my tackle were appropriate to
©ne, ^^'hen it were made ex. lusively for the other sport \
The loolz for ground tackle should contain a separate
division, made firmly, to fit a wooden rack for four lines :
two of die lines should be stout, tlie two others rather
liner, but all of the best quality. The hooks should
never be affixed to the lines except when in use ,♦ but the
floats should 3 for which reason, one side of tlie racks should
be grooved deeper than the other 5 so that the floats might
ky within them.
The opposite side of the hook should contain a similar
firm case, which ought to open at the bottom, instead of
at the top -J so that when turned on its ^dg^^ to be closed,
the back should serve as a cover to it.
H5 In
154
In this should be a small ciearing-ring ; ^flat-reel} a
smaR coffin- lead 'j a few split-shot, siviveh, and tfulll-
hops, also some rings and splents, all in a folding vellum.
A few hooks sorted, a card with several colours of fine
but strong sewing silk wound on it, a little collefs-wax
in a piece of shoe-lenther, a pair of neat scissars, very
short in the points, and a disgorger.
Your trolling and dipping tackle ought to be m folded
vellum, and may lay between two or three strong pleats
of tanned leather, which should form a kind of inner
pocket-book with a flap and strap j this should be fosten-
ed into tlie middle of the back, and lay between the two
still' cases.
Your spare ^w/, and your mounted yc>o/-/<?»^///5 of
various descriptions, witli and without shot, should be
also in parcels of thin vellum, duly superscribed ^ so that
you may know the contents of each without opening.
Of course your trolling and dipping tackles will in-
clude all that relates to live and to dead baits, such as
Jiaiting-needles^ sewing-needles stuck on a flannel flap,
spare gimp, some leads, swivels, and ever)' thing of that
class.
• As to ajack-Jloat, such as is used for live-bait, you
must let that accompany your rod-spud, hutt-hook, land-
ing-net, kc. &c. in your pocket, they not smting the
inside of the book.
This pocket-book will exteriorly bear some resemblance
to a small cartouch box : for it ought to have a substantial
flap, which should fasten by means of a leather thong,
secured at its middle to the centre of the flap 5 so as to
present two points, going different ways 3 each point to
be equal to about a circumference and a half of the closed
book.
155
book. By this measurement, the thongs will go- t^vice
rounds and have enough surplus to afford a good tie.
Of Fishes in general.
I shall divide this part of my subject under two heads,
viz. fishes lliat, from their habits of devouring their own
species, may be termed predatory j and those which^
from their innocent manner of. subsisting on worms, fliesi
weeds, &g. may be designated familiar. These terms
will be found the more applicable, when we consider that
the former class are at war with the latter, and indeed
with the smaller of their own kinds 3 while the latter in-
termingle \^'ithout apprehension of being attacked by any
of tlieir . own cL iss.
Under the predatory division we find,
Tfie SalmG?i in most of its The Jack.
varieties. The Perch.
The Trout in most of its va- The Ed.
rietics. The Gravling.
And under the familiar division we class.
The C/iJil:, though Iconsi- The Piuffox Pope.
der this asratlier doubtiul. The Rudd or Finscale.
The Tench. Vhq Char.
The Carp, The Gudgeon.
The Grayling, The Flounder.
The Bream. The Smelt.
The Barlel. The Lamprey.
The Roach . ' The Mu llet.
The Dace. The Bleak.
The fishes which are caught in the bays, and at the
mouths of rlYer**^ when the tide runs up, will form a
K 6 third
156
third class, under the designation of marine angling^
and be separately treated of.
The following are to be found only in rivers, or in
lakes, or otlier waters that are fed by ample streams^
viz. the salmon, the grayling, the trout, tlie chuh^ Uie
larlel, the char, the Jiounder, and the smelt.
Again, some are considered as being properly salt water
fishes, since they retire, if accessible, to tlie sea during cer-
tain months. Such are the salmon, the eel, the harlel,
the Jiounder, the mullet, and the smelt.
Few of the otlier fishes can live in brackish water ;
though the J a c^ is occasionally found among those large
moralises near Tilbury, and other low situations, to which
the tide has access, where its waters are far from being
fresh.
Naturalists conjecture, that salmon would not live the
winter through, if kept in fresh water 3 but I believe the
pomt has never been completely ascertained. The eel
not only lives, but breeds very fast in ponds, and otlier
secluded waters.
In respect to the growth of fishes, very Httle has, I
believe, been authenticated : we have fair reason for
concluding that fishes do not, like the rest of the animal
creation, grow during their prime only, and to any par-
ticular standard 5 but that they continue to increase in
size so long as they live in health. We know, that even
in situations where it should appear they cannot receive
much sustenance, they do not cease to accumulate in
bulk, and apparently in vigour.
Very large fishes have been taken out of small wells :
and from little puddles, that had no^ the least communi-
cation
cation with aiiy otiier wafer, I have seen finefach and
perch taken. They were not suspected to exist in sucb
situations j the surfaces being grown over with brush-
wood, and weeds, in such manner as to conceal the water
entirely. I recollect reading a well authenticated in-
stance of a perch having been found among some large
stumps, in such a puddle; its body was indented on
every side by the pieces of wood ; among which it must
have been long completely stationary, since it obviously
had gi'own considerably ih that situation.
The question is, how it subsisted so as not only to exist,
but to thrive ? We cannot but conclude, tliat all waters^
especially when stagnant, contain or generate a consider-
able quantity of nourishment, whether vegetable or ani-
mal, on which hshes subsist when no other aliment
offers.
Fishes are extremely hardy, so far as relates to bites,
bmises, &c. It is by no means uncommon to find them
witii large scars, which can easily be distinguished
among their scales, and sometimes with broken backs.
I have caught one w^anting a gill-cover, and have seen a
few from which a pectoral fin had been taken.
Some kinds of fishes may be considered as amphibious ;
ihns the carp, the eel, the jack, and the tench, will all
bear removal to many miles distance, if properly treated.
There are males and females in every kind of iish j but
the latter are by far tlie most numerous } they are ordinarily
known by having roes in the spawning season 3 whereas
the males contain only a card-like substance, called the
milt, or meU, Alniost all kinds of fishes are in season
when about to spawn.
The ed never contains any roe^ which gave rise to
many
155
many absurd conjectures, of which tlie ivater-guacB
did not fail to take advantage, by publishing various re*-
cipes for breeding eels from horses' or fioin human, hair y
from blood, from detsy turts> and a thousand other such
ridiculous nostrums !
The fact is, that tlie edis of the viviparous class ; that
is, produces its young alive, without the tc rmation and
digestion ofspaivn : but of this more will be said in its
proper place.
However singular my opinion may be, yet I have fre*
quently thought, that fishes at certain periods of their
lives moulted, or cast their scales. I- have caught several>
especially dace, wlwch appeared quite sickly, and had
few or n» scales on them, {lK)ugh there seemed to he new
enes issuing from the matrices , or cells, in which the old
scales had been fixed.
This might have proceeded from disease; but when.
we reflect, that the lobster is said to be in tlie habit of
changing Its sheM, and that all tlie serptnt tribe (which
approach vcr\' closely to fishes hi tlieir nature and oste-
olog}'-) cast their skins every year; perhaj s my conjecture
may appear to be in some measure correct.
I have heard, that the gold and sik er fishes kept in
vases, at stated times change their appearance i» such a
manner, as contributes to support my opinion.
If fishes do wo:^/^, they are, doubtless, at such times
cut of season, and unfit for the table : indeed, we may
take it as a pretty general rule, that such kinds of fishes
as afford most play when hooked, are firmest in theit
fiesh 5 and tliat such of those strong kinds as chance to
make but little resistance, are proportionabiy flabby, and
\inpalatable,
. * Be^idesj
}5»
Besides, all fishes that are what we term " out of sea-
son/* that is, whose flesh loses its firmness, and in some
kinds its colour, are more or less in a state of periodical
disease j and when hooked, not only fail to display their
usual vigour, but even ap})ear divested of that brilliancy
they derive from health and good eonditioa.
I shall, in tlie description of eaeh fish respectively, in-^
form die learner at what times they are out of season ; an
©bject of some importance, since it is then next to useless
angling for them, as they neither take die bait freely^,
nor are worth sending to the kitchen.
One observation should, however, be carried in mind^
viz. that all fishes in ponds are more or less valuable, ac«
cording to the extent of their waters, and as the bottoms
are more or less gravelly and firm. Such fishes as are bred
in spacious deep basons, or lakes, whose bottoms are not
muddy, approach nearly in perfection to diose found in
streams.
The larger and more rapid the stream, especially if the
waters be clear, and not iinprcgnated with any mineral,
or other deleterious matter, the larger and more vigorous
will the fishes be, and, as before observed, their firmness
will correspond with their vigour.
Some kinds of fish are apt to be muddy, even when
taken from waters that are tolerably pure } of this the
tenck is a conspicuous instance. All eels that have very
yellow bellies, and generally those fishes whose scales are
of a duller colour than others of their kind, may be sus-
pected of a muddy flavour.
This, however, may be chiefly, if not entirely, re-
moved, by keeping them alive in a tub, or other capa-
cious reser\'C«lr, of cler,r water j in t\^-o or three days, es-
pecially
169
peciaHy If the water be cliaiiged^ they will become per^
fectly sweet.
If you have not the means of keeping tliem alive, take
out their eyes as soon as possible^ and fill the sockets with
fine white salt. TIms will divest them in some measure
of their muddy taste, and cause them to eat firm : they
will also keep much better when thus treated.
Above all tilings, never keep dead fishes in water ; it
h the sure way to- make them decay. Sprinkling witli«
cold water now and then, keep» them cool and pliant 5.
but, to -say the most, fiiesh-water fishes will" not keep
long ; they ought to be eaten soon after they are caught.
Having said thus much regarding ^fishes in general, I
fchall now proceed to describe them in detail, giving pio-
per directions how, and where, to- angle for them > and:
explaining their several peculiar habits^,, and times of
spawning.
Of the Salmon.
Whether for size, comparative v/eight of fiesh, or
Itavour, tlie salmon may be considered as the most valu-
able of ail the libiies tliat come w-itliiu the ordinary coui'se
©f angling. Naturalists reckon 2(; species of tliis genus,
but that vvhich comes uiider present notice is the Saimcf
^alar, or common salmon, such as is sold at the fish-
mongers', and is sent from various parts of the kingdom,
pickled in small tubs, under the \s'ell-known name of
•' Newcasde salmon.'*
This fish is found in almost every river that has com-
munication with the sea ; it is partial to those clear rapid
streams that characterize most hilly countries, such as
those in Scotland, Wales, &c. where salmon have been
caught in prodigious abundance. .
Salmon
Ml
Salmon are frequently pursued by the porpoise and the
tunny, both of which destroy great numbers, as they
return towards the inlets and mouths of rivers, after their
winter's excursion to sea : indeed both porpoises and
tunnies have occasionally been caught in the higher parts of
rivers, where they have ventured in pursuit of the salmon^
In the spring, the salmon may be seen darting up the
rivers in numbers j they generally take their course
through the strongest parts of the water, and if they meet
vith any impediment, siich as a weir, a dam^ or a fall,
feap over in a surprising manner : nor are they easily dis-
couraged by one or more failures j. on the contrary,
uiiethcr actuated by instinct, or by emulation, they re-
fbuWe their efforts, and seldom in the end fail of success^
Many are ^ol while in the act of leaping, as it is
called 5 and numbers are caught in nets, suspended in
such manner under the fall, as to receive such fishes as
may not be successful in their attempts to reach the higher
water.
The manner in which the salmon leaps is singular : it
descends deep into the water, and turning its head towards
the fall, makes upwards with all Its force ; but, as it
reaches the surface, brings its tail up to its mouth, and,
using^ it as a spring, casts itself towards the height to be
surmounted. I have frequently seen them in this manner
ascend about ten or eleven feet, but I have read of their
leaping much higher.
It is wonderful that, on arriving at the top of the fall>
the impetuosity of the current does not hurry them back
to tlie lower water .* this very seldom, or never, occurs ;
on the contrary, so soon as the sahnon feels the element,
he instinctively opposes himself to tlie stream with such a
readiness.
162
readiness, arx^ such astonishing rapidity, as strongly
^'iace his powers.
Salmon grow to a great si>ze, sometimes reachiHg to
upwards of 70 pounds in weight y but such are very un-
common : their average, in great rivers, may be from 1 (>
to 30 pounds 5 in the lesser streams> irom 8 to 20- pounds,
constitute tlie general- run.
They are not considered as salmen until after tlie fifth,
year, till which time they are known in dif&rent counti'ies.
by various names, some of which are applicable to their
annual growths Thus, during the first season they are
called '^ ^aZ7wo;z-/ry," ox ^' smelts )* in the second year^
" sprodsy" or *^ spurts y' then *^ mortsy* " Jhrk- tails •/*
*^ ha If-Jisk}*' Recording as they appear to be advancing^^
towards their final designation^ 1 consider it, however^
SL difficult matter to fix the age of a salmon tlius exactly,,
fUid rather approve of the Scotch mode of classing them.
In that quarter, all marketable fishes,, that is, such as
cannot pass the cruives, or salmon-traps, are Galled
*' salmon 5" while such as can make their way past them,
are known by tiie general name of *^ gjilts,'*
Cruives are made in the rivers througliout Sco^and,.
of those larg(s pebbles every wiiere abundant. They con-
sist of a short, but immensely, substantial, barrier, raised
in the middle of the stream, by placing the stones loosely
to tlie thicJkness of many yards,, with a considerable
slope, especially within. At the ends of this barrier, are
two railed cages covei'ed over with plank, and. firmly fas-
tened. by piles and by aims,, to both the bottom, and the
rampart.
From the exterior of the cages, or traps, two very sub-p-
&tantial buttresses of loose stones diverge, so as to ga-
abuut-
m
aboiU 200 yards down the stream, expanding at the same
time until they approach the respective shores j leaving
a channel on each side of about 20 feet broad, but con-
trived so as to be very shallow, the main body of the
water rushing through the cages.
The salmo7i, attracted by the velocity of the stream in
tlie middle, and by the f:dl (often of many feet) into
them, are eager to rush into tlie cages, where they are
taken. None but ascending iislies are prized ) as tiiose
which bend their course downwards have spawned, and
are out of season. Nor^ indeed, do tliey usually descend
tiie streams until the fishing season is, by law, closed.
There being somethwes distinct fisheries for the net
above cruives, which belong to other parties, tlie law
has interfered to prevent tlie rails from being set too close
together; else tlie value of the upper proprietors' fisheries
"Should be destroyed, and the produce of succeeding years
be considerably reduced.
As it is, I must confess^ that mismiinagement appears
be somewhere existent ; for, wiUi few exceptions, the
fisheries for salmon througlK)ut Scotland, especially iri
the Ke&s, which \^'as formerly of the first rate, are con*
fessed by all to decline miserably 1 We can only attri-
bute one cause to such an effect, namely, tlie great rise
that has taken place within these few years, in the rents
of all the fisheries j by which the fishers have been actu*
a ted to narrow the cruives,, as has been done, to my
knowledge, in some instances 5 tlius taking fishes before-
they attain a good size.
This is, in tact, eating all the chicks, and leaving none
to grow lip into fowls. Besides, young fish, tliough
the^
t6l
they do breed, have very little spawn, compared w itfe
those of greater age.
Thus much is necessary to be understood, by way of
checking that very sanguine idea which many anglers en-
tertain regarding the abundance, and the size, of the sal-
mon in Scotland.
The simple truth appears to be, that the generafity o^
the waters in that quarter are desperately poached by those
who rent them, and who are, almost to a man, jealous
of a line being thrown within their bo\mds.
What with cruives and nets, salmon are becoming very
scarce, and will be still more so, if the proprietors are not
more attentwe to keep the fishermen from encroaching
to the legal measurements both of mesh and of rail!! t
Many assert, that salmon will return regularly every
season to that water in which they were spawned : this
1»fl^ be true, but I cannot imagine by what means the-
supposed fact was ascertained. A few partial instances
Would serve but as a weak ground for a general rule.
Jn the early parts of tlie season, the salmon are to be
^und generally in the deep strong waters, though they
will at times lay upon the scours, or shallow swift parts
of streams, to prey upon minnows, and other small
fishes.
During the summer, the salmon basks near the bot»
torn in places exposed to the sun, on gravelly or sandy
places, but in more gentle and shallower water than in
the spring time. About the middle of June, the males
acquire a horny excrescence under their chins, which
seems to be intended by nature as an instmment where-
with to form an excavation in the sand, or gravel, for
tha
163
the accommodation of the female, which usually spawnt
in July, or in August : some, indeed, later, and some
earlier 3 but the hottest time of the year appears to be
tliat of tlieir greatest fecundity.
When the female is first in spawn, she is in excellent
condition ; but, owing to absence from salt water per-
haps, gradually becomes more and more loose in her
flesh, which changes from a deep rose colour to nearly
white J while the head becomes blacker, and tlie whole
exterior betokens indisposition. She does not recover
until she again visits the sea. When in this state, they
are called llack-Jis!^.'^,
The male keeps floating over the female while she is
spawning j and, when she has deposited the whole in the
cavity where she laid, he, in a careless kind of way,
grubs up the sand or gravel, and therewith slightly covers
the spawn : from tliat time. Nature is left to do the rest.
The young fry may be seen about two months after,
as long as a little finger, or more ; and by the time tliey
have got to the mouth of the river, in general grow so
much as to vie with a middling gudgeon.
I do not think they venture far out for the first year j
as they are to be seen, during the whole of the winter,
on the scours, at the edges of deep strong w^aters, and
sometimes in shoals where there is a deep hole in a warm
situation. But, in such cases, they will only remain
where the sea flows in freely.
For some time before the salmon quit the higher parts
of the fresh waters, tliey become very sportive among
tlie flies that frequent tlie rivers in autumn, and select the
more retired situations in strong deep waters. When they
begin to descend towai'ds the sea, they remove daily to
some
166
$orne fresh spot, and, in many places, disappear sud-
denly j as tliough tlie least brackishness in the water sum-
moned them to the ocean.
The time of their return into the rivers is extremely
uncertain ; for many are seen, during favourable winters,
to run up so early as January j indeed, some liave been
taken in that month full of spawn. The generality may
be expected in May, perhaps a little earlier.
It should seem, tliat salmon are not invited by cir-
cumstances in any degree respecting warmth or tla\'our
ill the fresh waters, to quit the sea ; but that they retire,
in all probability, from hosts of thu; natural enemies,
which would devour tlieir young, and perhaps tlie spawn
itself, were the means left for them to do so.
After so ample an explanation, I trust tlie leanier can-
not feel himself at a loss in regard to the situations \s herein
he is likely, at various seasons, to hnd salmon (intleed
they do not study concealment so much as other tishes in
general). He will also have informed himself as to their
probable seasons, for that does not aj^pcar to be }'et a
settled point.
In some waters, salmon are taken all the year round
in good condition. These amjmalies, and deviations from
the ordinary course, are not to be the angler's guide ;
though he should take ever}' advantage they may alFord.
The tackle proper for salmofi-Hshmg is of the lieavy
class. If tlie 7^^ is used, a rod of about 18 feet long will
be requisite 3 this should not be so pliant c\9> fly-rods in ge»
neral, but well made, and witliout the smallest blemish^
especially towards the tip.
The wire loop at the end ought to be very thick, and
every tiling suitable to die struggle a very vigorous lish,
weighing
'1G7
•^relgliing from 10 to 40 pounds, 'must be expected to
make.
The reel should be of tlie largest size, and furnished
with a sound line of not less 'han 40 yards long. Those
who angle for salmon in Scotland, use a very stout line
made of horse-hair, generally black, wound on a cross
stick fastened to tlie butt,, as has been already described.
The Scotch people angle for them in earnest ; being
often for six or sev-en hours up to the middle in the
stream, into which they wade, so as to tlirow their flies
over the salmoiis, haunts.
Wlien you think the salmon runs large, your hook
should be on doul)le gut -, else, with the best manage-
ment even, you will i-arely land a good fish.
Many /a//j of catching salmon w'lXh single hairs 5 but,
admitting that such may have happened, under favourable
circumstances, no man in his senses would expect to be
successful, who had no stronger check vipon the fisif s dis-
position to go his own way.
Indeed, 50/772077 -fishing is not such a finical amusement 5
it is a laborious one, and requrresTboth skill and a strong
arm, to follow with any advantage. Those who have
ever felt a fish of 20 pounds weight at the end of their
line, must be sensible of tiie necessity for having very
strong tackU.
Further, the salmon Is extremely voracious, and when
on the feed, does not stick at trifles 5 that is, in proper
waters. In still clear water, where tlie deception may
l)e discovered at some yards off, he is at least as pmdent
as his neighbours.
Under the head of FlieSy those suited to salmon will
be shewn ; ihey are best used in tlie middle of cool breezy
days.
168
6:Ap, during the summer, and will sometimes prov^e
highly successfiil in tlie evenings following sultry noons.
The greater pait of our English anglers make a great
fiiss about the proper tlies for salmon ; whereas the Scotch
anglers, who ai'e very skilful, and possess many admi-
rable qualifications for the sport, content tliemselves with
either a heron's or a bittern's hockle, or the red feather
from the wing of a turkey-cock, wliich answer for the
wings; while a little tine wool, of a sulphur yellow
(sometimes rather deeper), makes the body of such a fly
as the salmon seem to relish gi'eatly. The Scotch anglers
all busk their own flies, for so tliey call the art of manu-
facturing them.
In the morning, that is, so soon as you can after the
day dawns, your best sport w ill be with the worm. For
this purpose take two well-scoured lols, run one up (as
described in tlie directions for baiting) above your hook,
which should be No. 1, or No. 2, and let its tail hang
down, and cover the second worm, \\hich should be
threaded so as to occupy your hook entirely, and to have
about half its length, or less, pendent.
Your gut t^^y be treble, but should at least be double,
for about six or seven it^i. At a foot distance from your
hook, put on a swiui-shot -, and before you loop your line
on to the s\vivel, which sho\ild, in this branch of angling,
be at tlie top of your gut, slip on a coffin-lead, already
described, to sink your bait so as to play on die bottom.
The swan-shot will keep the lead from going too low,
but will not fix it, nor prevent the line from drawing
through when a fish bites.
Let the above point be ever attended to ; that is^ never
4o attach your coffin- leadj or any other heavy weight, to
your
169
your line : if you do, the fish must drag tlic weight \vlien
he attempts to move your bait, which lie will instantly let
go, on feeling the least detention , whereas, when your
line passes through the weight, tlie fish can carry away
your bait witliout feeling the smallest impediment , the
weight laying still, and allowing the line to draw through
it to any extent.
A float is not only useless, but an hindrance, when
angling for salmon, wdiich will not in general take a
tripping-bait, or one suspended to a float. When the
water is deep and rapid, you will find roving an excellent
metliod, especially among foaming eddies, and under im-
petuous <talls, where the salmon leap.
When a salmon takes your bait, you will feel the line
tighter ; sometimes yon will feel a sudden pull : in the
former instance, give the fish time to gorge, and then
strike pretty sharp, but not violently ; in the latter case,
it is ten to one but tiie fish has hooked himself, and you
should strike more moderately ; but, in botli instances,
keep a tight Hne.
Avoid, however, irritating tiie fish, and let him keep
low do^^^l in the water, unless the bottom be tbul ; if it
be so, keep tiie fish well in harid, yet without provoking
him to ascend, which he will be apt to do if urged, and
will then leap and lash in a very dangerous manner.
With calrnness you will soon subdue him, especially if
you can contrive to lead him gradually into~ still wa<^^r,
w here you can controul him much better tlian among the
rapids.
Although salmon are \cij strong and active, yet I d»
not think them very diigcult to manage. Witli a go(;»i
I lotiom-
no
loHom-rod, about 1 6 feet in length, and stout tackle, ffi
an advantageous situation, the angler should not be afraid
*oftlie largest 5a/7«o?z. I consider ?i jack of the same
<^fc^ight, to be far more formidable.
Salmon will sometimes take a live bait, but may be
fiaore readily caught by tlie common method of trolling
%vith a minnoiVy especially if you can anchor a boat in tiie
middle of the stream, . so as to have an ample . scope for
spinning your bait across it, as you sit at tlie stem. In
this way you may have good sport, keeping an excellent
command over the fish.
If there is a good ripple on die water, the salmon will
bite freely, particularly on the tails of strong currents,
running on sand or gravel. They do not frequent muddy
situations.
Some troll for salmon with small gravlings, or last^
springs, as they are called in some parts 3 others use
small ^ro^^/5. They are no doubt all "good baits; but I
have always remarked, tliat though the largest are the
most enticing, tlie smallest are tlie most certain. If you
play your bait with a quick motion, so as to make it con-
spicuous, and to conceal tlie device, you may be assured,
that, if the large fishes are on the feed, they will not be
long in announcing tliemselves, and will take a minnow
as soon as a gravling, Sec.
The angler, when he is intent on catching salmon, will
fmd it necessary to keep as much out of sight as possible,
and to avoid moving his rod. This precaution, indeed,
holds good in every branch of angling.
The salmon is very singular among fishes in one par-
liicolar, viz. so soon as hooked, or i,etted, it ii<stantly
empties
171
empties its masv, in which notliing is ever found. I^
this it resembles tlie woodcock and the snipe^ which void
their excrement whenever they take wing.
Before I quit this part of our subject, I must inform
my readers, tliat great numbers of salmon are taken in
the Highlands of Scotland, in tliose pools generally
formed by the impetuosity of the current, under falls, b^
means of what is caled tlie stangcr.
This is a stiff pole about 12 feet in length, with a no^e-
tal loop at its end, and rings along it, as in rods -, through
these a strong hair line is passed, having at its end a very
strong double hook, very sharp at the points, and deeply
barbed. The superfluous line is^ wound on a cross stick,
as before described. The operator lets down the hook
into tlie water, to the depth of 12 or 15 feet, holding
down die point of his rod as low as he can reach. After
allowing it to remain in this position for a litttle while, he
raises the jx^iiit of his rod, as far as iie can reach, with a
sudden pull.
It has sometimes happened, that a salmon has been qa
each hook \ This would appear a very improbable man-
ner of catching fisli j never dieless, I have seen seven
caught in an hour j and know Jor certain, that the maxi
who caught tliem did, in the course of one day, thus ob-
tain upwards of seven scores of salmon, weighing from
six to fifteen pounds each: some were caught by tlie
head, otliers by tiie belly, or near the tail, just as they
chanced to be in tlie way of tiic hooks when they , were
jerked up.
Even in-this mode of catching, some skill was requlreid
to get the lish safely out of tlie watery it being impossible
Xo judge ho\r far the hook had penetrated. Eacli fish.
J 2 wai
\
172
^vas rtierefore managed with care, and led to tbe stiB
Witter, where a landing-net was in readiness to receive it,
as soon as ascertained to be firmly hooked.
Iti regard to the jnnior classes of salmon, their habits
being precisely tlie same as those of their seniors, not lying
particular need be said concerning the mode of taking
thcfrft. They begin at a very early age to nibble at a
worm; and, when about the size of a small mackerel,
are extremely keen after tlie fly, especially those of a
dark colour.
They frequent the long flat scours on die sides of rivers
near the sea ; and \\ hen the .surface is rufHed by a smart
breeze from a Mann quarter, towards the autumn and
fall, may be caught in great numbers.
Yoiir tackle for' this sport sltould be very fine, and the
flies Off hooks not exceeding No. 6 in size ; indeed No. y,
or 8, v.'Wl be sometimes foimd to answer best. If you
do not wade into the water up to mid- leg. }'our line will
require to be let out to a considerable length j as the
fish?s generally lay some distance from the shore, at the
edgt of tlie deep water.
^ * Do not consider it a wonder if, in casting for the in-
''fcu ts, you should hook one of the parents j \\hich, in
guch waters, ^^'ill give you much trouble, by frequent
leaps, and lashings with the tall.
Salmon being often too heavy to be taken out of the
water by a common landing net, the gqff^ is in common
use among those who pursue this diversion.
I have already described that instrument, and shiill
briefly observe, before 1 j.ass to the next chapter, that
the gaff, i)aving a cord fastened at about a foot from tlie
upper end^ may le cairicd over the back^ much in the
game
173
same mnnner as muskets are slung by soldiers, the other
end of the cord being tied to the butt of the hook.
But to s.a}- the most of it, I do not think a gaff' is indis-
pensable j while it is^ on the other hand, a dangerous
companion.
Of the Salmon-Trout.
Tliis fish, though somewhat singular in its form and
appearance, is nevertheless often mistaken by anglers for
young salmon -, but it is not so flat in proportion as a sal-
mon I indeed, it in some respects is more like a mackerel,
and is, besides, more bright in its marks.
The scales under the lateral line exhibit a pink tint,
%vhich gives them a peculiar and beautiful lustre. Besit> •.,
it is more variegated about the head and gills tlian the
salmon, being marked with rich specks of red and black j
in some more inclining to clay colour> and deep browa }
but such are generally going out of season.
Sahnon-trouts rarely exceed five pounds in weight*
2nd their average may be taken at about two. I have
heard of some being taken that weighed eight pounds,
but such must be very uncommon : perhaps, as above-
stated, there was some mistake.
I'hese fishes frequent the same parta of rivers with the
salmon -, but they are far more keen after the fly, being
very sportive and ravenous. They spawn in tlie autumn,
about Michaelmas, and immediately after run down to
the sea 5 disappearing, in general, from the time of the
first frosts until tlie cherry begins to blossom, when they
return in shoals into some waters.
Like the salmon, they run high up the rivers, and
sometimes work their way over shallow flats, with inex.
1 3^ pressible
174
]Jresi$\>fe HTgour and nimbleness. They are in season
when they come from the sea in the spring -, but gradu-
ally lose their flavour, colour^ and appearance of health,
as their spawning season approaches. Some arc found all
the year round 5 but in the cold months they are not
worth dressinsc.
Angle for them after a fresh r or as in some parts called
a spit, when tlie water is strong and discoloured, with a
well -scoured brandling, or a large red-tvor7B. At such
times they often take tlie bak near the surface, espe-
cially at the edges of whirls and eddies. Botli trolling
and roving are good modes ; but }'our dead lait ought
not to exceed the size of a minnoiv.
When the water is clear, you must try tlie rapid scours,
and under milUaprons, weirs, and all small falls from
which the water runs smartly. Most of these places are
deep where the water tumbles in^ and harbour the finest
fishes.
Your tackle should be strong, but fine j such as a veiy
substantial single gut for your foot-lengtli, and increasing
it afler about two feel, by twisting two moderately thin
ones together very neatly ^ this may continue for about
four or five feet more, and then loop on to a very small
swivel, whereby it should connect with a taper hair Hne.
Such win be found applicable, not only to salmon-
iron ts, but to all fishes of tliis class which do not exceed
seven or eight pounds > tliough with proper management,
and vmder favourable ch-cvimstances, it ought to hold
fishes of far greater bulk.
Your hook should be No. 3, where the fishes run
-large > but where they do not exceed four pounds. No. 4
will be preferable. As tliis fish has a good-sized mouth,
' you
175
vbu may ^^rij^t? almost as soon as he lites. This should
indeed be more taken as a guide when fishing for the pre*
datory tribe^ than it seems to be 3 for it is obvious, that
those which have small mouths, however ravenous in
their dispositions, cannot so soon gorge the bait.
Of this the larlel is a strong instance ; while, on the
other hand, we find that little fish, the miller's- thumb, or
bull-head, owing to its capacious jaws, almost invariably
gorges the bait at once, and gives some trouble to get tlie
hook out. But when you rove for salmon-trouts, you
must be guided by the feel of your line, as directed in a
former instance.
This fish does not readily take a tripping- 1 ait, any
more than the salmon ; therefore never use a float for
them, but have one good shot about a foot from your
hook : if the water is deep and rapid, two, or eventually
three, may be necessary to keep your bait down.
When you hook a salmon- trout, give him line, for he
is both strong and impetuous : be careful not to let him
get down too deep, where the bottom is rocky, or in
other respects foul 5 for he will endeavour to entangle
your line, and thus give you the slip.
These fishes take the Jly freely during the summer,
but are apt to be very shy when their spawning season is
at hand. I have remarked, tliat they are partial to a red-'
spinner, and to such double- winged flies as are made of"
deep brown, or black, covering drab- colours, or tawny.
They sometimes take a dropper 5 that is, one put on at
some distance from your stretcher^ or end-fly, by means
of a short piece of gut, looping on above a knot. See
Fly-Fishing.
The salmon-trout is, however, Hke the salmon j during
1 4 the
176
die very hot part of tlie year> partial to higlily-colourcd
and bright iiies : both are sometimes taken 1)y means of
the ja^*s iving for legs. But their taste for such is of very
filiort continuance.
Imitations of the brown and of the green locust, some-
trnies answer admirably. Indeed, when those insects
can be had, they prove excellent baits -, but great care
must be used in comimitting them to tlie water, as tliey
would inevitably ily off, if the least violence were used.
Of the JVhite-Trout, WhUUngy or Soivin.
These, and many more, such as hull-trout, Ucachers,
I'ulgerSj scurfis, &c. are all names for tliis remarkably
iine fish, which comes up from the sea late in -the spring,
and is to be found until the first frosts, when they return
to the salt water.
Some spawn in the rivers in September, and others are
to be found retiring from them full of roe ; but as this
only occurs where the nortlierly winds prevail strongly in
October, we may, perhaps, be right in concluding, that
they cannot bear cold ^^'eatller: their very late access
from tlie sea is some confirmation of this opinion.
Some are deeper coloured on the back than others ;
but in general there is a brilliancy on every part, which
causes them to appear quite white at a little distance.
They are of a light bluish brown down the backs, and are
beautifully marked with spots of red } a few smaller
black ones being intermixed all over the sides, down to
the lateral lines, which are richly but delicately coloured.
The head of this fish is bluff, not unlike that of the
chuL ; its fms are strong and stiff, and the tail is broad,
but not much forked.
They
177
They are extremely partial to brackish water ; and are
caught in great numbers at the entrances of rivers by the
fishermen, who, when the tide is coming in, carry their
nets out obliquely from tlie shore, and sit in their little
coh-l'iHUs at the outer end, watching for tlie fish, which,
when entangled, agitate the net considerably : their ge-
neral shape is longer than that of tlie common trout.
Some autliors state, that diis fish weighs '* from one to
thre^ pounds 3" but my own experience tells me, they
generally ruu frou\ two to ten, or even to twelve, pounds.
I once saw a whitling of tliat size -, I have bought them-
frequently weighing from six to ten pounds; and my own
liook has procured, me more than one very little under
eiglit.
From the abov^ description the learner will collect,
that the. tackle proper for this fish corresponds with what
has been, direeted for saltnon-trouts^ Ho\\'ever, I am
rather iudinedto think, that ivhitLings of a. small descrip-
tion ruu higher up tiie rivers, than those \\'hich.have ar-
rived at greater bulk 5 wherefore, lighter tackle must, in
§ome situations, be preferable..
The rod ought to be about VQ feet long j not so much
owin^ito the great size or strengtli of iv hit lings, -but be-
cause they in general lay out in the stream, and require a
great extent of line to reach their haunts.
They must, wdien hooked, be managed Witli . great
caution, on account of their propensity to rising out of tlie
water, even when delicately treated 3 sometimes in five
,pr six successive leaps, to the height of four or five feet.
These fishes will take the worm very well in some sita-
ationsi. therefore, rove for them, if under falls, or in
^ "5. cleep
178
^eep rapids^ with well-scotired IrandUngs and red-worms :
when on the shallo\\'s, if you will wade out^ or can get
above them, so as to let out 12 or 14 yai'ds of line, fine,
but strong near tlie hook, with one or two shots, you
may, by allowing your bait to play near the ground, on a
gravel or sand bottom, catch many about sun-rise.
Towards the middle of tlie day they generally bask in
shallows, where the water is rapid and unfrequented. At;
*uch times, and during the whole of the evening, espe-
cially if there be a ruffling wind from a warm quarter, and
between slight showers of heat-drops, tliey are keen after
almost any fly that is on the water.
Generally speaking, however, I should expect to find
them rise best at the yellow May-fly, while it is in season ;
and at a red, or a black, or a grizzle, or a grousers
hockle; the hook being about 4, 5, or d, according as
the fishes may run for size.
You will often find tvhitUngs in streams whose surfaces
sire smooth (because tliere is but little current), while the
beds are interspersed witli large pebbles, or pieces of rock :
in such waters they snap eagerly at whatever tempts them -;
and, like the common trout, dart from under ledges and
shelves of stones, or from under stumps^ &c. witli asto-
nishing rapidity.
But they have a wonderful faculty of checking them-
selves, or discovering the deception, and quickly eject
what, in their hurry, may have been mouthed. There-
lore, when you find them to be thus disposed, you must
be quick in striking the moment you thhik they have takeo
the fly.
In worm-fisbingr they do not require much time for
pouching.
179
pouching, they being extremely greedy; but, like all
short-jawed iishes, possessing the greatest promptness ia '
ejecting whatever gives uneasiness to their stomachs.
They may sometimes be seen labouring thus to disgorge
your bait, when the hook has penetrated into tlie maw.
This consideration should cause tlie angler to strike ix|r
time.
The flesh of the ivkitling is of a liglU rose, or some-
thing approaching to a reddish cream colour j peculiarly
firm, but not so fat as that of tlie common trout ^ it flakeg
like that of the salmon, and requures rich sauce.
Of the Black Trout.
This fish is little knovrn in the South of Britain ; in*
deed, it is chiefly to be found in the large lochs (or lakes)
in the northern parts of Scotland j and I have heard, tliat
some of the \\ aters in Ireland abound therewith.
Tiie black trout is remarkably handsome, its back
being of a deep tawny hue> its sides partaking somewhat
of tlie same cast, but brightened by a rich yellowish tint^
tliat relieves its appearance considerably. The spots ar^
of a crimson, and of a deep gold colour ; and the lateral
line, as well as the head, bear some dots of a smaller
size, but at least equally rich.
llie tail and fins are yellowish red, and, when in sea-
son, somewhat speckled. In the water, this fish is beaut
tiful : its very short head, broadtail, large fins, and great,
depth, give it a certain resemblance to the carp.
Black trouts are in season, and indeed in most circufl;>f
stances correspond, witli the common trout: they are^
however, more powerful, and greater strugglers, render-
ing it indispensably necessary to use them very gently. ^
I a They
180
They bite freely at tlie A^^orm, are very partial to a large
bait, being very greedy ; but prefer quieter waters tharT
any other of the /row/ species. This suits them well to
the lochs ; however, tiiey are to be found in all the great
rivers, though chiefly above the cniives, or otlier impedi-
ments ; whence I cmiclude, they do not relish brackish
water.
Black trouts do not take the minnow well : they are
to be caught by roving with a worm, and with the fly,
from the end of May to the end of November : while the
snow is on- the mountains they retire to the deep \N'aters^
and are ver)^ rarely to be seen.
During the summer, they take flies of rather a bright
appearance 3 but as the year approaches to a close, the>*
prefer such as seem mealy, heavy,- and deeper coloured.
As^ this fish generally runs from hvo to six pounds, and
has a large mouth, your hook should be No. 4, or 5 >
your gut very select, and single for about eight or nine
feet. Your line very long -, for they sometimes lay at a
^eat depth, and will not rise near tlie surfece so readily
as the other sorts of trout, when a worm is offered.
You will r-equire two large shots, and a neat swivel>
letting your bait sink very low, in. the Lochs especially ;
for in some the depth of water is immense. Loch Ness^
which abomids with llack irouls-^ is said to be unfa-
tliomable.
The flesli of llack trouts is remarkably fine, not very
led, but more of a strong cream colour. When in sea-
son, they are rich and firmy nor do they fall, off either iix
fiesh, or in fiavour, so early as others of the same species*
Prom their being caught witb full roes botli in July and in
October^it 1$ probable they spawn t>vice during the season?.
181
Some, however, are occasionally taken l)ig with ro^
<luring the whole of tjie interval between those months,
wliioh we may, perhaps, correctly pronounce to be their
regular periods for gestation.
Of the Commo7i Trout,
Of this admirable fish there are many varieties j each,
however, so trifling, that in describing one, I shall de-
viate but little from those anomalies with whieL every
thing in nature is more or less diversified.
The common trout is a very handsome fish, having a
%\ell-formed boily, not unlike that of a salmon, though,
ratlier stouter in proportion to its length : its head, how-
ever, is short, and not so pointed y its eye more bright
and expressive ; its tail not so^ much forked y and its fins
more lightly tinged, they being of a yeUowiiih red cast,
towards their edges especially.
This fish abounds witii beauliflil red and black spots,
\\ hich ornament the body in general, as well as the gills,
while it is in season 3 and wliich appear more faint and
distinct as it approaches to its spawning time, during
which it is scarcely eatable.
Trouts continue a long time sickly after spav/ning, and!
retire to tlie deep water 3 where tliey remain for a long
time in a state of languor approaching to torpidity.
They usually spawn in all October and November;
tliough some are earlier, but none, I. bcHeve later. When
iirst impregnated, they are peculiarly high in colour, and
present a rich glowing tint on their sides 3 in some pink,
in others straw coloured. At such times they are excel-
lent for the table.
Trouis are fond, of sharp waters, especially such, as ma
among masses of stone, and other obstructions, causing
every where little falls : they lay also under weirs, banks,
and other secluded haunts, where tliey find abundance of
food 5 for trouts are extremely ravenous, and destroy
immense quantities of small fry of all kinds.
They are very partial to those situations where they caa
lay concealed, especially if the long flowing water- weed
is played over them by the current -, there they lay in
safety from the net, and are ready to dart out at whateveif^
prey may offer to their view.
The males are by far tlie keenest, but are not so strong
in the water as the females ^ which are deeper in the
body, and are in general richer and higher flavoured, but
not so firm as the males.
Trouts var}^ in size according to the waters they inha-
bit 5 in some places tliey are considered as very large
when they weigh two pounds ; in otliers, many are caught
weighing seven or eight pounds, and are only deemed
Jinejishes, I have heard of some reaching to fourteen
pounds; but such must be rare indeed.
rfhose bred in small streams seldom attain to any great
size ; but they become very numerous, and afford excel*
knt diversion by their eagerness, especially after ihtjly.
The largest are almost invariably found in great waters,
and in those parts which are frequented by the larleL
Indeed, I have seen many trouts of eight or nine pounds
weight, taken out of those holes where gentlemen have
been angling, with greaves on tlieir hooks, for larlel.
"When iroiits are on the feed, they generally run upon
the scours, being then in chace of minnows, and other
small fishes. In such case, you cannot do better than
troll with a minnow, or throw a fly over them i that is
183
to- say, a foot or two before them : by this means tlief
have not time to contemplate the object, and are caught'
quite by surprize.
The cool of the morning, and of the afternoon, are the
best times to angle for them. In tlie morning they take
the worm, but during the rest of the day tlie minnow, or
Tliough irouts are extremely voracious, they are, neverf
theless, equally cunning, and do not run very blindly
into a snare : on tlie contrary, of all the river fislies^ tliey
are, in my opinion, tlie most knowing.
Whether it be from the immense quantity of bungling
tackle presented to their view, they acquire that habit of
discrimination which marks aU their actions, when they
have time to look about tliem j or that tliey ar« instinc^
tively subtle, I cannot take upon me to say ; this much,
however, is certain, that tliose who angle for trouts must
possess much skill before they can command success, I
consider luck to be out of the question on this occasion .5
for I am fitlly convinced, that he who uses the finest
tackle, and the best baits, applying them properly, and
keeping out of sight, must, in the same waters, conoh
pletely distance all competitors who are deficient in any
4)f those requisites.
A trout-rod should, for trolling, roving, &e. be about
14 feet long, very firm, and well mounted in all respects.
The reel- line should be strong, but not too thick. The
fiook, about No. 5 } but if the fishes run large, No. 4,
The bait, well-scoured hrandlings, marsh-worms, red*
'buorms, grubs, &c. according as you find the trouts dlS'^
posed to take any one kind in preference^
* No float, unless in very deep channels, M-here you caa
proceed gently by the river side, or follow in a boat ^ ia
such case you \^ill frequently, daring hot days, find the
trouts inclined to bite ; but you will be more subject to
tlie attacks of perch, barbel, and chids, if they are in
tlie waters.
When you use a float, a swivel will be unnecessary ;
but I do not recommend a tripping' bait, knowing from
experience, tliat trouts prefer such baits as play freely in
the water, at about half depth usually j or such as lay
near the ground. . But there are waters in which the float
is almost indispensal^le.
Trouts iu-e keen after flics of all kinds, but are particur
larly partial to the red and the black palmer ; also to tjie
yellow May-Jlyy \^'hile it is in season > the woodcock"^.
wing, tlie grouse-hackle, and tlie small brown locust.
During tlie very close summer c\-enuigs, they willi
take the double-winged fly, i. e. deep broiun and drab,
as well as the brown and the black ant-Jties.
The hooks in such flies ought never to exceed No. 4 ;
and in the common course of angling, perhaps No.' 5 will,
prove equal to eveiy purpose. The foot -length should he
well-selected g///, coloured to tJie same tint as the water
you angle in ; or if it be very clear, your gut should bp
of a very light blue> or green cast 3 so as not to shew so
conspicuously as white £•«/ is apt to do 3 when the si^fx
shines especially.
The cunning of the <roj//« renders eyepy pEecaution nefc-
^eseary ; therefore your knots must be very small, and
neatly tied down 3 your gut ^ 1 ould be single, but taper.a.
little ', being rather thinner near the hook^ and becoming
1^, gradua%
185
«r»*a(!iially stouter as it approaches yoiir hair-line. This "
will make it throw with greater ease, and prove far more
deceptive to the fish.
Some suppose, that troiits breed worms after spawn-
ing j but I know not of any foundation for such an
opinion. All fishes are weak after spawning 3 and we
ought to conclude, that such a great change as takes'
place in their bulk, almost suddenly, must affect their
system in proportion -, this, added to the alteration as to
the disposition of those juices which nourish the spawii,
will account for that lassitude which no doubt preys upon
them at such periods.
With respect to the varieties of it outs, only one appears
to deserve particular notice, viz. the Gillaroo trout,
found in some parts of Ireland. This has the extraordi- ;
nary peculiarity of a kind of gizzard, resembling those ,
in poultry, which is esteemed a great delicacy. It does
not, however, appear to be connected with digestion^
being more fleshy and less compact tnan a real gizzard,
and without any cavity. Its purpose remains unknown.
I shall conclude this chapter with remarking, that
natural Jties, grubs, &:c. such as you can provide in the
fields, or from trees, bushes, docks, &:c. are ail excellent
baits for trout -, but as they will not bear to be thi*own
out at the end of your line, you should put them on your
hook very neatly 5 having first formed artificial wings for
such as have none, by lapping a bittern's, or a black, or
red cock's hockle, round the butt of your hook, which for.
such purposes may be No. 3, or No. 4 ; according to th^
$ize of yovu' natural bait.
Shorten your line, and dip from behind bushes, &c,
into places where you think tlje /?'oz^/^ frequent : if you
manage
1S6
manage well, success will genenilly cro-^vn your efforts. .
In this way you will probably fall in with c Am ^5 5 espe-
cially under banks bordered with osiers^ &c. where the
water is deep and strong."
You cannot be too cautious in regard to keeping corti-
pletely out of sight, and preventing your rod from moving
unnecessarily. The spring is tlie best season for the fly j
during summer the trouts will take worms, minnoivs,
and every kind of good bait that is properly tendered to
tliem ) especially after afresh.
Of the Shedder, or Chedder, or Samson, or Gravlhig,
There is a motley tribe of fishes, which are known in
various parts by all the above different names ; and indeed
by many more 5 but tliese are the most general. Not only
anglers, but naturalists, have been somewhat puzzled
how to class them ; for they are very various m theif
marks, are seldom found witli roe, and appear to asso-
ciate as though of one species.
They cannot be brought to any particular standard 5
for they are eiidently of many different kinds. The most
general opinion seems to be, that they are the young of
the salmon and of the trout in their several varieties.
Their being about four to six inches long, when they first
appear in the spring, and their being sometimes four or five
ounces weight in the latter end of the season, w hen some
contain roe, seem to favour this opinion ; especially as they
are in the first instance, destitute of those beautiful spots,
which come out upon them as the summer advances.
Whatever they are, tlie angler will find ver>' pretty
pastime in whipping for them on the scours, with very
fine tackle 5 using small black flies, on hooks No. 7* ^^•
No,
187
No. 8. When in the Humour, tliese delicious little fishes^
bite very freely 5 especially when the surface is a little'
rufHed by a warm ^vind.
They sometimes may be seen in shoals, in deep hole»
Under steep banks, enjoying tlie sun*3 warmth 5 but when
so situated, they for the most part disregard every kind of
bait, and after one has been taken, commonly qioit the'
haunt, retiring to some more secluded deep. '
For salmon aiid ior jacks, the gravling is an excellent
bait, if selected of a suitable size. It is remarkable, how-
ever, that even when only five or six inches in length,
they may be seen chacing the minnows and small fry ;
whence we may derive some confirmation to their title
to be classed among the predatory tribe.
Of the Jack, Pike, or Luce,
This is properly called the fresh water wolf for cer-*
tainly it is the most bold, merciless, and voracious of all
the fishes within our rivers. It does *iot confine its de-
predations to those of other kinds, bitt attacks without
reserve such of its own species as it can swallow.
Hence we obsen^e, that the jack is a solitary animal,
not mixing in shoals with others of its own kind -, while
on the other hand, all otlier fishes, large and small, inva-
riably retire on the approach of a jack.
Indeed, I have on several occasions been led, when the
weather and other circumstances have been favourable,
on finding I could not induce any familiar fishes to bite,
to try for zjack, and very rarely failed of catching one in
a xtry few minutes. Such is the dread occasioned by the
vicinity of this ferocious plunderer^ that even such fishes
188
as it cannot master, viz. salwon, troyjt^ perch , &c. of a
large growth, avoid him as though he were infected !
One exception may however be made to this, other-
wise invariable iTile, namely, that no jack will touch a
ftv;rA of any size : on tlie contrary, he will go and rub
against a tench ; especially when sickly or out of season,
or after being hooked ^ just as though he received benefit
or solace from the contact.
Nor does the tench appear to avoid, or to be any ^^'ay
apprehensive from the visit 3 he remains quiet, and allo\\ s
the jack to do just as he pleases 3 seeming to entertain a
perfect confidence as to his own safety. Other fishes
-likewise resort to the te?ich when sickly, or in pain 3
Mrhence some call it *' the fishes' physician'*
The jack spawTis generally in March, though some-
times in the last week of February, or in the early days
^f April : according as the weather may be more or less
mild. At tliis period^ the females retire among tlie heavy
inasses of weed, generally growing at tlie edges of the
waters in shallow places, where she casts her spa\\n, the
male attending her with apparent solicitude.
So soon as the spawning is over they return for a few
days to the deep water, and during the middle of the day
lay on the surface^ basking in a state of torpidity, enjoy-
ing the warmth, and for tlie most part, with their faces
towards tlie sun. In tliis state they are frequendy taken,
by what is called ^' haltering ' or '' snaring,''
This operation requires a stout pole, such as is used to
hay-rakes, kc. at tlie top a piece of strong cord about
two or three feet long is fastened, having at its lower end
a piece of stout brass or copper wire, formed into a draw
loop*
189
loop, large enough to allow a man's head to pass tlirough.
In using this you must look die jack full in the face,
keeping your eyes fixed on his ; whereby he will be in a
manner fascinated, and will remain motionless.
Lower your pole very gradually, so that the wire loop may-
pass under his level at about a foot before his nose ; when
you think you have got it to such a direction as may girt
him all around, without touching him in any part, you
must gradually move the noose or loop forward, until
you have passed his gUls j then witli a sudden jerk, pull
tight, so that tlie loop may draw close upon his shoulders,
and without any delay lift him out of the water. See Fig,
5, Plate IV.
The learner will perceive that a steady hand, and a no
less correct eye, are requisites to ensure success in this
brahch of the sport. He should be careful that his tackle
is sound ; for when he has to deal with a jack of ten or
twelve pounds weight, ^^•hatever defects tJiere may be,
will soon disclose themselves to his great mortification and
chagrin.
The M'ire for this purpose ought to be as thick as the
thinnest size of knitting needles ; and as it is very apt to
be brittle and untoward, if used as it corhes from the
mill, the angler will do well if he purchases a m hole
ring, which may be had for about a shilling, and put
it into a small earthen vessel, filling it up with dry sand,
or brick-dust, &c. This being set on the fire, will in a
little while heat the wire sufficiently to render it more
flexible, and take off the brittleness to which it is sub-
jected in milling. If it be not sufficiently softened by
tlie first JicaUng (as this process is termed,) let it be re-
peated until tlie wire is tough and pliant.
It
4 90
■ It is a great peculiarity among jach, that tlie- largest
fishes are the most apt to indulge in basking : the blood
of all fishes is cold, biit I have always thought, and the
more I considered it the more was I convinced, that the
•blood of jacks is pecrJiarly so.
Possibly, this is occasioned by their living wholly on
animal food ; for the jack does not, I believe, at any
season, partake of the vegetable sustenance on which most
other fishes, at least partially, subsist. This, howeve^^ is
completely involved in darkness, and seems to be con-
tradicted by the great shyness evinced by jacks at tlieir
basking seasons, tliat is to say, early in the spring, and
late in the autumn j tliough they may be seen basking
even during the summer. At such times they will seize
a bait with great seeming eagerness 3 but for the most
part relinquish it instantaneously ! :
When the jacks are thus shy, the angler must take
them at tlie snap -, that is, he must be quick in striking so
soon as tlie bait is seized. This requires a particular ap-
paratus, whereby tlie fish rarely escapes, under proper
jnanagement.
The snap tackle may consist of a single hodc, larger
and stouter than any witliin the register, which being
fastened to strong girnp, is inserted at the mouth of a
gudgeon J or otlier small fish (the smaller, indeed, the
more certain), and brought out either at tlie middle of its
side, or just before the vent.
But tlie trelle-snap is by far the best : being made of
.three such hooks tied fast together, and secured to a
piece of gimp ; which being inserted by means of a
^baiting needle at tlie vent, and carried out at the mouth,
which is afterwards sewed up and perforated by a lip-
hook.
191
hook, as has already been shewn under the head of dcad^
halts, tlie tliree hooks behig spread into diflferent direc-
tions, it is a thousand to one but that tlie ;ac^ is hooked.
See Figs, 2, 3, and 4, Plate III.
There is a pecuUr kind of hook made expressly for this
purpose, called *' the double spring -snap.'' It is on a
construction admirably suited to the intention 5 and, if
in good hands, cannot fail to fix itself in tlie fish's jaws :
it is made as in Fig. 6, Plate IV.
The size of tlie hooks of every description employed in
this pursuit, should be accommodated to the sti*ength of
the line ; and both should be applicable to the growth of
the jacks in tiie waters where you angle. We may in the
long run, consider them as weighing under ten pounds -,
though I have killed them much larger, and that too,
where I v/as assured there was not one of five pounds
weight. Jacks y however, are great ramblers, and I pos-
sibly fell in with those from a distance.
.;. I never killed one exceeding seventeen pounds, but
• have seen one of twenty-five, and have heard of others
being taken that weighed thirty-two pounds ! Authors
inform us, that in tlie Irish lakes they sometimes rise to
the enormous size of seventy or eighty pounds ! ! !
Whatever may be the length or thickness of )xnar line,
you will always find it useful to have a small sw^ivel on it,
somewhere ; if within a yard of your hook, the bett^.
You should be extremely carefiil in your management of
2. jack when hooked ; for he will, if possible, run into the
most desperate situations, and try the strength of your
tackle, by various stratagems.
Treat him tenderly, for liis mouth is v^ry hard, and
frequently
192
frequently you will find, tliat the hook, instead of ha\ing
gone tlirough the jaw, rests by a very slight hold of the
point on some tough part, from which it is easily displaced :
w^hen such is tlie case, your hook is in danger of snapping
at the bend, against which tlie point acts as a lever, ^^'hen,
so situated.
I consider it very hazardous to let a jack have more
line than he will run off the redi when he first seizes tlie
bait 3 because he \\\\\ to a certainty, if there be any
weeds, or other shelter at hand, go in, and lead you into
difficulty 5 but circumstances must govern on ever}-' oc-
casion.
When the jack takes your bait, if the water is clear,
you may see him to a great depth ; at least tliere will be
a perceptible agitation of tlie water, proportioned to its
depth, and to the size of the fish : for a jack generally
seizes witli violence, even tliough the bait be close to
him.
At all events, if you do not see any of tliese syratpoms
you will soon feel him. If you are prepared in the snap
way, strike lirmly, but not with a jerk, lest you tear
away through his jaw, or break your hook.
If you have gorging tackle, as described under the
head of Dead-laits, you must let him run as far as he
may please j avoiding to check him, and pointing your
rod down in the direction he takes j so that there may be
no hindrance, and he may not feel the smallest control.
Give him time to swallow your bait, which he will do
almost instantaneously, if he be of a good size, and not
too full of other preyj as sometimes happens.
In general, 2ijack will lay quiet while he pouches the
bait 3 but if it be too large, or that any other Jac^ be in
sight,
193
sight, he will run witli it until he can lay concealed^ so
as to turn and chuck it about according to his fancy.
You should make it a constant rule to give alundance
<f time, and not to le sparing of Hue, in tlie first in-
stance 3 for though a large jack may bolt the bait so soon
as seized, tJie snajor part of tl:iem, more particularly
where they average from one to three pounds only, will
-require -eonie time, l/at them lay a few minuter, say
about four or dve, and then so soon as tliey move, strike,
and manage with caution.
If, ho\^'e\er, after laying a minute more or less, or per-
haps two mitiutes, tlie /ac^ runs again, it may be prudent
for you to strike .; especially if he is intent on gaining a
dangerous <:over. In thi« jou must be gui<ied entirely by
circumstaiKes.j fbr if tiie /aiiis obviously large, and your
bait small, there can be little hesitaion ; since in all pro-
bability, he gulped it do^vn witliout dilfficulty 3 but wheb
you have reason to think your bait is rather too large for
the fish, you cannot sliow too mucii ktfbearasnce, provided
you are hi a safe water.
On the wliole, you will find the greatest advantage
result from giving plenty of leijAire for the iish to swallow
the bait : you ensure the prize ; because if he has potiched
.he cannot escape 5 and if he has not pouched, you ought
not to di-sturb him.
When a j.<i€k evinces his bulk by tlie agitation of the
V. ater, or by rising so near the surface after your bait as
to be distinctly seen, and after stopping for a few seconds,
shakes your line and runs off, you may be tolerably cer-
tain that he has pouched, and i^ desirous to eject the
baitj which, if you use a double ^or^e-^oo)^, he cannot
possibly do. See Fig. 0, Plate III.
K / In
I9i
In sucli cases you have anly to keep a tight line, am!
prevent his running among ^^'ecds.
Willi respect to the choice of s)wp or gorging hooks,
you must be regulated entirely by the season of the year,
and by the waters in which the fishes lay.
During tlie basking seasons, the jacks are very shy
so far as relates to pouching, therefore tlie sualj tackle is
tiien indispensable ) it. is also pro}>er where }ou cannot
venture your line beyond a very limited length j for
instance, where you dip with a dcad-haitj or have a live-
bait widi a float, in small open bre:iks, at places where
the sm-face is generally covered \\\\h clocks, tvatttVy toi/,
Sk,c. in such waters you would not act prudently in giving
much line j but if die season Jdc appropriate in oilier res-
pects to iho gorging system, you may allow a Jitlle more
lime before you strike, than you would in the basking
^u^asons.
When you see a great number of \cry small bubbles
rising fn m tlie spot where you know, by the direction
of your line, the jack is laying, you should forbear from
striking ; it being a certain sign that he has not pouched
your bait. I request tlie reader to refer to tliat cliapter
which treats *' of bulhles in the water,'" for a full dis-
cussion of this point.
Jacks will sometimes take down the water-rat -, but,
whether owing to the resistance that animal makes,
which I have witnessed to be very tierce (and that too
under the water), or tliat the hiiir or tlie scent dis-
pleases, I know not, how ever it does not appear they are
ytxy partial to that quadruped. I have repeatedly seen
the rats pass such jacks as wtxe obviously on tlie alert^
and of a good size too^ witliout being attacked; though
the
195
the former generally seemed lo liave all their eyes about
them, and to keep close in shore.
In my opinion, unless the jack should seize a rat
about the middle, so as to press the lungs, the former
would stand but an indifferent chance, in regard to mak-
ing a meal. As to mice, they staiKi no chance j tliough I
think them a very indifferent bait, and not to compare
wilii a good yellow frog.
I have great reason to believe, tliat unless veiy hungry^
Jacks will not rise to the surtaee : for on many occasions,
1 have seen tliem follow my bait until it was nearly out y
but not being in time to make a snatch before it was on
tlie surface, they Iiave suddenly darted down : on dirow-
iiig in again, and giving deep play to my bait, I liave
x^Jways liad them at me very quickly.
Possibl}' the fislies begin to smeU tlie trick as tl:e bait
retires Irjm the deep •, ^v]lcn, even tliough they should
not see tl)c angler, they feel some diffidence, cot to be
overcome but by a keen appetite.
I do not knovv' any branch of angling that requires
more patience, temi>er, and skill, tlian jack-f.sh'm^, A
knowledge of the mo.st likely haunts is easily attained ;
for jacks wiW seldom remain in tlie clear parts of the wa-
ter, mil ess in search of prey ; tl:ey prefer what are calkd
*' llack-naicr^y' i.e. such as either being overhung by
arborage, or banks; are shady and gloomy; or where
there are deep holes among, or near to, heavy masses of
weed. But when on the feed Uicy occasionally frequent
the shallows ; laying concealed among nishes, iiags, or
shaded hollows -, from .which tliey dait fortli upon Kl^iit-
ever tiiey think they can swallow.
^2 It
1%
Jt IS sometimes highly interesting to watch the mo-
tions of these depredators, when they get on tlie shal-
lo\\'s in pursuit of dacCf gravJhigSy &c. I'hey sometimes
are so extremely eager, as to run absolutely out of their
clement, and to lay exjwsed on tlie shore. But tliey
are very alert in gaining the water. I have seen several
large jacks so situated; indeed I ha\e kno^\'n one of
more tlian six pounds weight, to be caught by a boy,
who put his foot on him and lifted him \ery neatly.
Here it is proper to observe, that iijack has remarkable
sharp teeth, both in his jaws and on his tongue ; ^nd
that his bite is extremely severe ! On this account, it is
dangerous to handle him for the purpose of taking the
hook out, as you would do \\'ith other fishes. Tiie only
safe way is to take him by tlie eyes, pressing your thumb
and finger strongly into their sockets.
If the jacks are very large, tlie sjiarc is an admirable
aid 5 for when once you have them haltered, and fast by
the eyes, you can manage them well enough.
When you want to get your hook out of the /arA's jaws,
turn him on his side, and set the hollow of your foot close
behind his gills; then, -with your sfrnd, A^rench open his
mouth, and inti'oduce your disgorger.
If the hooks are in the maw, as they usuall)^ are under
the gorging system, open the fish's stomach about the
middle, and you will be about opposite to, or rather under
tlie points; so tiiat your gimfy \\ill be safe. Cut away tlie
parts that are hooked, and unslipping the knot tliat holds
the gimp to the reel-line, draw your bait, hooks, and
gimp, all through the aperture you made in die stomach,
yhis will disfigure the fish far less tjian cutting down
107
the jaws, until the hooks can be got out thirough tlie
mouth.
In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, I must re-
quest my reader to look back to the directions regarding
live and dead baits, where he will find many particulars
immediateh relating to this part of the subject. They
are of tiie greatest moment, and should be completely
underiitocd^ else little success can be expected mjach"
lishing.
I dwell a little on this point, because I hold this chap-
ter to relate to one of the most pleasing branches of the
art 3 and from the conviction that a good jack-Jis her will
not fail, with common attention^ to become expert in all
the other branches.
I shall now offer a plan for catching jacks in th«;c
waters, where, owing to the borders being either long,
sliallow marshes, or to the immense quantity of flags,
&c. which grow in the water, it is utterly impossible to
use a rod, or any ordinary tackle. My mode is peculiarly
applicable to those lakes and streams thus situated, but
-which are not more than forty or fifty yards wide, and
whose channels or middles are tolerably clear. My in-
variable success enables me to recommend it to tlie angler's
attention.
Take a strong compact line, such as is used for hang-
ing w indow-leads ; in length, equal to the utmost breadtii
of the water you mean to fish in. At each end fasten on a
slight pole, about seven feet long ; and on each pole fasten
a reel of ratlier a Lirge size, so as to hold abundance of
line.
On the cord, at about ten feet on each side of its cen-
tre (or in the centre, if you use only one reel), tie a ne^t
».3 httle
198
Rttlc Hock with a pulley in it : this need not be more than
suffictent io pass a reel-line.
Each reel-line is to *be passed tliroiigh that I'lock
which is nearest to it j and then to be made fast to
either snap or go/g'nig tackle, as you may judge proper
(see Plate V. Fig. 1.) 3 but well loaded.
All being ready, draw your cord tight, and begin
•At the end of the lake, or if it be a river, let one person
cross to the opposite side with one of the poles in his
hand, carried upright.
The two persons holding the poles being opposite to'
each other, on different sides of the water, move on at
the same pace, the poles overtopping the rushes, &c. and
the baits lowered down into tlie water, to such depth as
may be proper.
When any weeds, &G. may be in the way of eitlier
hook, the persoii to whose reel it is attached, winds it
up, or lifts his pole 5 as may be requisite.
The motion of the cord occasions the baits to pby ad-
mirably, and seldom fails to attract snch jacks as get a
sight of tliem. So soon as one takes the bait, he is ma-
ii.'iged precisely the same as in any other situation ^ the
two pole-bearers fixing their poles on the ground, and
straining to keep the cord tight.
In fhi8 manner the jack is soon exliausted ; the elas-
ticity of tlie cord being extremely distressing to him.
"When he is overcome, the two persons may retire to
such place as may be convenient for landing him.
If it be a pond, no difficulty occurs, but in lakes and
streams, it may be necessary to tiike olf the reel from
that bait which is at liberty, and fastening its line to the
butt of its pole^ to veer away, until he whose line holds
the
199
ihejach, Tiiay have secured his prize. The reel-line will
tiion draw the pole back^ and the operation can be con-
tinued.
Obser\ e^ however, that the flat-reels I invented are par-
ticularly applicable to this device ; as they direct the line
every way.
Barrel-reels, however, answer extremely well for this
purpose, if at the top of each pole, a small block or pul-
ley be fastened, to direct the line up thereto 3 whence it
\v\[\ afterwards run along parallel with the cord, until irs
passing through the pulley in the middle 5 from whicfr
the bait is suspended in the water.
It should further be obser\^ed, that in drawing tlic
baits through waters whose banks are perfectly free from
bushes, and other impediments, the two persons manag-
ing tile tackle may tie the cord ends round their waists j
and have the reels upon short batons or on walking sticks.
In this way they could stretch the cord very tight.
Under the head of ''floats,** the reader will find tlie
description given of what are called fox- kouncls, oxflijing-
^floats } these are made of bladders^ to which baits are
suspended, and are sent to sail, as it were, on extensive
waters. By such means it is said, that very large Jac^^
are taken : I never tried that method in the way there
described 3 but have found a bladder-float excellent in
jack-fishivg with live-baits 3 and also with dead-laits,
when there has been a strong wind at my back.
All you require is, to tie the line to the neck of the
bladder, leaving sufficient of it below for the bait, and
after casting both the bladder and the bait, clear of the
V eeds, Scc. near the shore, to ve^r out as much line as
you may judge proper 3 then fasten down with a stake, &:c.
k4 In
20€
In this nrcinner the ^vind will drive the bladdtr about, and
give the bait good motion.
'.rhough jacks ^viIl take both live and dead fish, and
frogs, rats, &c. yet they will at times bite freely at the
worm. I have often been in a ticklish dilemma, by
their attacking the bait intended for some of the fa7niliar
tribe 3 my only chance was, to make a bold effort, and
to pull the partly unwelcome visitor, without ceremony
on to a sliallow,. where I could seize on him with my
hands : or if I could get at my landing net, to raise tlie
jack up to the suriiice as soon as possible, and during hig
Ftmggle to get the net under him.
I iiave succeeded in both ways at times, but only with
moderate sized fishes ; such as were under two pounds.
When they have been larger, I could not treat them so
roughly, and always had the mortification to see them
cut my gut, and go off with my hook.
When I have not been able by any mean6 to obtain
small fishes for bait (a thing that will now and then hap-
pen), 1 Ixave hadrecourse, and with occasional good result,
to iinother device of my own invention.
Observing that jacks were very fond of a large bait^
:uid that they would snap at guts. Sec. tlirown into the
water, it occurred to me that a very large bait of worms
would answer well. Accordingly I took two pieces of
gimp, of equafl lengths, about two feet each, and at the
four ends set on four very stout hooks , such as I use in
my snap tackle. I then doubled the two gimps in the
middle, and fastening on a strong swivel, fixed it to my
line firmly by a draw-loop.
The four hooks were each baited with two large lol'S,
and tlie whole were kept together by a tie just above
them ;
201
them J taking care that the hooks stood back to back ;
all pointing outwards. In this manner I took the jacks
citlier at the snap, or otherwise j just as I judged proper :
and caught some very respectable fishes.
I found it necessary, in some waters, to have a piece
of thin sheet-lead carried once or twice round my gimps
at a fevv' inches above the worms, in order to give them
good play. I also caught one very fine perch in this
manner.
Tlie pater-jioster, or many hooks on one line, is a VQry
common apparatus among the country people ; who pull
out the fishes they hook witliout any mercy, sometimes
lifting large jacks of ten or twelve pounds, clear over
their heads.
The crown-nety as it is called, is a basket about three
feet in diameter, which is thrown by those who frequent
tlie fens in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, into the
sliallows 5 where numbers of jacks generally lay. The
basket kis a round hole at the top, through which the
fisherman puts in a stick, on feeling which the jack will
instantly display himself. He is taken out with a short
gaff] or a harpoon, or witli a small net.
This kind of net, or rather basket, is in use in various
parts of the world, where, during the inundations, such
fishes as get into shallow water, being quickly perceived,
are pursued, and the inverted basket is thrown over
them.
I can easily believe that much amusement arises from
what is termed (by a gentleman who wrote a treatise on
angling) ^tt^/77^ • tliat is, driving a goose or a duck into
water where there are jacks, with a bait tied to one of
the bird's legs. No doubt but the contest must be plea-
i K.5 sant:
5?0?
sant ; but I apprehend, that if a duck is employed, li
should be a full grown bird -, forjachs are apt now and
then, to take down those of a lesser size, and sometimes
to make free with a good si'^ed gosling. Indeed in-
stances have occurred of their attackuig dogs, and chil-
dren while bathing.
It is a very remarkable circumstance, tlvdt jacks inva-
riably swallow stich fish as they catch head foremost.
This no doubt is occasioned by their sense of the difficulty
tliat must attach to beginning with the tail; whereby
they would feel some inconvenience from tlie scales and
tins ', which is not tlie case when the head goes first.
But tliat little fish, the lonsticle, oi' prickie-back, which
abounds in the fens, and in many other waters, swims
close to the jack widiout fear, conscious, no doubt, of
the security afforded by those sharp prickles on his back
and sides. '
Nor will ^jack meddle with such perch as, from their
size, are able to present a formidable spike on tlieir back
:fins ; but they do not stand on such ceremony witli those
of a more tender age. When you bait witli a perch, you
must cut off tlie back fin, else, though a jack may seize,
lie will in all probability let go so soon as he feels the
spike ; of which he entertains great apprehension.
Those who put jacks and perch into the same water,
Tinder the idea that the latter will not be molested, are
right so far only as relates to the grown fish j but the
"breed will cease > for iliQ jacks will to a certainty destroy
"aii the young fry : nor will the perch pay more deference
to the very young jacks.
The cunning and boldness of jacks, when they per-
ceive tlie inteiition to net them, are wonderful ! on such
occasions
203
occasions they \vlll wriggle betv;een the net and the
bank *, or they will sometimes use their teeth, witli
such effect, \\'lien strenuously opposed, as to make your
assistants decline the contest.
I recollect a curious instance of a very fine pond being
dragged for tiiree da}'S successively -, until the owner
fissured me he had not left either a perch, or a tench, or
a carp, or -a jack, cf half a pound weighty for he took
away all tliat were worth removing in a cart every dav,
throwing back the small ones. Knov/ing, however, tlie
nature of thejac^, and having seen that, while the people
were dragging, it v/as possible for them to have escaped,
I ventured a small wager that I would in the course of
iliree days, catch a jack, at least as large as any he had
removed 3 none of which were equal to iive pounds.
During the iirst day I did not get a bite, the fishes
being all alarmed at what had passed } but on the second
evening, I caught two very fine jachs, one upwards of
seven, the other not quite nine pounds !
It must be observed, that I had derived considerable
advantage from the cleaning of the pond, which, before
the net could be got in, was weeded by four men, who
brought a boat for the purpose -, they v/ere nevertheless
upwards of two days clearing less tlian an acre of water.
My advantage arose from being able to dip where, and
how I thought proper : so that if a jack remained, it
was next to impossible but he must see my bait ; whidi
was all T wanted.
I have before said, that the UvC'l-ait is by no means
-eligible, w here a dead one can be used. Before I was
" up to the trick,'' I used to sit very patiently, following
tlie advice of some who thought themselves excellent
K ^ anglers^
504
anglers, and watching my large float j but the few bite*
I obtained in that way, added to the instractions of a near
relation, who is very ex^^rt in every branch of angling,
made me try the dead- baits -, wherewith I have since
killed abundance of immensely fine fishes !
The young angler, when intent on catching jacks,
must not overlook those little pools and ditches which
sometimes api>ear to afford little shelter ; for in such he
will often meet with fislies tliiit will make his rod groan,
and put his tackle to the proof.
At the time 1 am. writing this, a ditch is in my view,
no where six feet broad, nor tliree feet deep, where I
see jacks of six or seven pounds weight laying in num-
bers i but tliough there is not, I am confident, a single
fish of any other kind in tliat water, yet I never have
been able to induce one jack to bite.
The ditch in question, communicates writh a very small
river ^ at least it is so called, though the spring which
feeds it is barely sufficient to turn a small mill,: and its
bed is scarcely any where larger than the ditch in ques-
tion. It 15 remarkable, tliat when tlie jaclts enter the
river from the ditch, they take tlie bait freeiy.
"With regard to taking jacks with the /ly, I am not
able to say any tiling from my own experience > but I see
no reason why they should not rise to one of ^ very large
size, made of gaudy materials, so as to entice.
I am rather of opinion with an author who writes con-
fidently on this subject, and who, indeed, asserts tliat
he has taken jflcii with a fly (or more properly speaking
a bird), made somewhat resembling, and as large as a
wren j though far more shewy.
1 have frequently seen a jack rise at a swallow, as Lt
sl:immed
205
Bklmmed along the surface -, and as I once saw a Hr^li-
land boy (to whom I had given a little tackle with which
he was whipping witliin a few yards of me), catch an eel
of near a pound weight, with a red-spinnerjiij, I really
cannot see any argument in opposition to a jacli$ rising
to a proper lure.
I never have had occasion to make any trial of a fly,,
having always had the good luck to induce die jacks to
take my iish, or worms, or frogs, with as much readiness
as the season, and attendant circumstances, could lead me
to expect.
I shall conclude this chapter with remarking, tliat in
the summer time jacks rarely take freely in the middle of
the day -, unless in very gloomy unfrequented places :
but tliat during the rest of the year they will come for-
V ard according to tlie weather and to the situation : we
may however expect, that in the winter they will take
best during tlie middle of the day.
I'hey are very averse to cold; and when the nor-
therly winds prevail, or that a frost is on the ground,
will seldom stir, though you place the most tempting
baits close before them. I have already said, that at such
>easons, they appear to be in a torpid state.
Of the Perch.
This very wholesome and well-flavoured fish abounds
in such fresh waters as are clear, deep, and not too ra-
pid ', though perch are oceasionally found in quicker
streams, and where tlie water is subject to be much dis-
coloured by freshes.
In ponds they breed very fast, but soon extirpate other
kinds, being extremely bold and merciless. They are
apt.
206
apt, unless the bottom be of chalk, gravel, or snnd, to
acquire a very muddy taste } from which, however, they
may be purged, by keeping in pure water for a few days.
Whether in rivers or in ponds, the perch attains to a
good size, frequently averaging from one to three pounds
each, and sometimes reaching to five pounds. I tliink
ihey acquire greater bulk in ponds 3 but have not so
much vigour, nor are they so firm, nor so high coloured,
as those bred in strong clear waters.
The perch is one of the predatory tribe, and has very
sharp teeth j his scales are not very large, but have a pe-
culiar rough feel. His back has a sudden rise from the
setting on of the neck, giving that peculiar appearance
we call '* hog-lach," Penh are very strong, and afford
excellent play.
You should bait for tliem with two worms on your
hook, wliich should be about No. 5, or 6, according as
the fish run; or you may use the minnoiv, the sliclde'"
lachy or the loach', putting your hook through their lips^
or through the fleshy part of the back. When you use
tlie stickleback, you must cut away the back and side
spikes, else the perch, though he may bite, will not gorge*
Where the perch run very large, you may use a small
gudgeon 3 taking care to have such a float as it cannot
pull under water. The best worms are the middle- sized
Irandlings, especially those found in tanners' rotten
bark : next to them I should choose the common red-
worm, or the well- scoured cow- dung I oh.
Your tackle must be strong ; such as a very thick gut
for your foot-length ; or if you suspect there are jacks,
you may substitute the smallest sized yellow^im/), which
J find they take better than tiiey do the white sort.
Angle
207
Angle for perch in such places as are overgrown with
weeds, under shelves and banks j or where you see
small fishes skimming about near to deep holes, and in
the whirls made by gentle streams.
These fishes do not seem partial to muddy bottoms,
nor \\ hen on the feed do they hesitate to go into the shal-
lows. But they very rarely,, if ever, lay upon 5co«r^^ or
other very rapid places j unless in the hottest time of the
year, and then only to refresh 3 for in such situations-
they do not bite well.
As you should give a perch time to swallow your bait,
you may use two or three rods of rather a light construc-
tion, and with rather thin lines on your reels. But you
must be carefal how you strike 3 for the perch's mouth is
hard, and if yotir point comes against a bone, a jerk
might break your hook : besides, as he has a \Qry large
mouth, a too forcible twitch might draw the bait clear
out.
When you determine upon p erch- fiAimgy you should
bait the hole for a few days ; for no fish can be more re-
gular than tliey are in attending to such supplies ; they
usually take at mid-water.
Roving is particularly appropriate to them ; at least, I
have always been most successful when I adopted that
mode ; using, however, small lohs, as the perch is very
greedy, and does not hesitate long in pouching the bait,
if the hook be properly concealed.
Perch bite best in the months of April and May j in
the midst of summer, they are glutted witli tlie small fry
of Other tishes, and, indeed, of their own kind. In
September, if tlie weather proves favourable, they are
tolerably keen. Cloudy weather^ with a brisk wind
208
from a warm quarter, are extremely favourable, and induce
them to take good baits with great eagerness.
They do not bite well when about to spawn, which is
generally towards the end of JNIay^ nor for a while after-
wards.
In some waters, particularly where tliey are shallo\\',
the perch intermix with the dace, and take a fly : this,
however, is not tlieir general habit. They prefer a rich
palmer, or a heavy-bodied yellowish fly.
I have taken great numbers by lolling over a h\\<\\
into a gravelly hole, with a natural fly, but especially
with a liu'ge caterpillar. They will also take tlie cadbate,
when it has attained its proper colour by keeping, as de-
scribed in treating of that bait.
I have read oi perch biting well in the winter, but my
own experience does not in the least corroborate that in-
formation 3 on tlie contrar}^ I think, after (he jack, they
are, of all fishes, the most dilhcult to allure from the
middle of November to the end of February, when they
will begin to feed, provided tlie weather proves open.
Of the Eel.
Although so common in our ponds, and InLind waters,
it is nevertheless a sea fish, and only comes up our rivers
for the purpose of securing its young, which are all born
alive, and may be seen in vast numbers, at the edges of
streams, working up as far as they can reach before the
winter floods carry them to tlie sea.
These little animals are cdWed elvers -, but such is the
rapidity of their growth, that by the end of the year they
will be from eight inches to a foot, or paore, in length :
they are then called grii^'gs.
There
209
Tliere are four kinds of eel, three of wkich are Ycry
common, the other being far more scarce. First;, tiie
silver eel, which has a coffee coloured back, and a bright
belly; the head rather narrow, and some\yhat conical.
This rarely reaches to a pound weight.
Next, the green eel, which is much flatter, has a
deeper belly-fin, and has a belly something of a water co-
lour. This grows to about two pounds.
Then the black eel, which has a very dark coloured
back, and a yellowish belly. This often is seen of four
pounds, and some have weighed nearly eight ! If the
produceof clear waters, running chiefly on chalk, gravel,,
or sand, they are well flavoured and wholesome 5 but
when taken from foul or stagnant waters, with muddy
bottoms, they are not only very unpalatable, but ex-
tremely unwholesome, often occasioning the cholera
morbus, and at times proving absolutely fatal.
When eels of any description are taken from such wa-
ters, they should be put into a tub, or pan, with plenty of
good water from a chalk, gravel, or sandy bed, and have
about tliree or four inches deep of fine sand to work
into.
In tlie course of a few days they will feed on crunjbs,
malt, oatmeal. Sec. ; and by a week's end will have purged-
themselves from that deleterious oil, engendered in the
slime they inhabited.
The fourtli kind of eel is tlie ha^vlis-bill ', it is ex-
tremely scarce, and rarely comes beyond the flow of the
salt water. It has a greenish back, with a beautiful
clear, brightish green belly. Its head is very small and
pointed, and the upper jaw hangs o^'er with a little
hook.
Tills
SiO
This fish rart'ly exceeds half a pound, and is som<"times
ra light by turning up the sands where the water is brack -
isli. Its flesh is peciiliady wholesome, but rather dry.
It very seldom takes tlie worm, but may be caught with
the pr.rriwinkle, or a piece of muscle, &c.
Few eels will bite in the day time, except in deep wa-
ters, or where tliey are in muddy holes. Sometimes,
indeed, the smaller description of eels, especially the
silver^ will bite freely during the whole day, either at
the viimiow or the prickleback : of the latter they are
extremely fond, but its prickles must be cut away. They
are in season throughout the summer and autumn ; ia
the winter they are lean and flabby.
With regard to baits, the eel (particularly the Hack
sort) will take almost any thing : they are greedy to an
extreme, gorging instantly, whether it be ivorms, gutSy
Jish, or greaves ; and, as I have experienced, not even
rejectmg the slug. But they give loose to their voracity
chiefly at night, when they sally forth in search of prey,
and may be seen running upon the scours in great num-
bers.
During dark gloomy nights, and especially when
thunder is at hand, the eels bite very keenly ; sometimes
so fast, as scarce to allow time to attend to a second rod.
If you fish on the scours, you may keep a rod in each
hand, letting your baits lay on the gravel, by means of
two or three shot. All the above baits are excellent -,
but I think when wasp-maggots can be had, they are
peculiarly acceptable to this fish. When you angle in
deep water during the day, your tackle should be stout ;
for you may sometimes meet with very heavy fishes,
i^'hich ^\'ill not only writhe, and pull hard, but with their
file.
$11
iilc-Ilke teclli cut your line asninfler. ' I have therefore
to recommend to the angler^ to use very fine gimp of the
yellow kind.
In treating of r//^A/-//7/6^>?, I have shewn why n^fr/zp is
preferable to wire j it is proper to add, that they should
be laid for eels under banks and stumps, near to mud
banks, or such loose sand, or small gravel, as the eels
can penetrate into.
The finest sport may be expected near bridges, old
buildings, and especially near to (and rather below than
above) large towns, mills, &c. wdiere there are large
pebbles and stones laying confusedly in tlie water, as is
generally the case in mountainous countries, where the
impetuosity of the vernal and autumnal Hoods, washes
away the smaller parts of the soil, leaving only such
bulky and hard substances as are not easily dissolved, or
moved.
Where there are holes in bridges, piers, and other old
buildings standing in the water, and in the sides of
stranded vessels, you will find very large eels ; these will
not always come out to a bait 3 but if one is artfully in-
troduced into the fissure, or cavity, wherein an eel har«
hours, he will generally take it.
This practice is called sniggling, and is managed by
means of a slender switch, just stiff enough to convey
the bait into the hole ; the point of the hook is placed
slighdy upon the end of the sw^itch (or sniggling-rodj ,
and the line is held rather tight in the other hand 3 the
bait being thus conveyed into the eels haunts, the rod is
withdrawn, and the angler sits patiently in his boat, wait-
ing for the line being drawn further in.
Time should be allowed for gorging 5 and when proper
to
212
to Strike, it should be done very gently. If there be n6-
opposition, forbear to pull, and allow the fish to draw
in again. But if die eel opposes the retraction of the
bait, give one little twitch, so as to fix him well, and
keep the line as tight as it will safely bear. At first the
eel will bear hard against you, but in the end will relax^
and come out.
Violence should be particularly avoided, for it never
does good : you may pull your hook through its hold, or
tear away the eel's jaw -, but until he becomes tired and
numbed, by tlie constrained position in which he opposes
you, no effort can be successful !
Some, instead of hooks, use snlggUng-needles 3 these
are short pieces of steel (see Fig, 3, Plate Y.), on which
a worm being threaded, the line is tied round the centre
of the needle, from which it cannot slip, if properly
drawn tight on tlie groove. The end of the needle is
then set into a very small cleft in the end of the rod, and
being put, as above shewn, into tlie eefs haunt, by
sliaking the rod a little, it disengages.
The needle is rather surer than the hook ; for if your
line be of good whip -cord, and the needle once fairly
down in the maw, it must fly across the eel's throat, and
have a better hold than the hook, w hich is more subject
to accident.
Eels are not very scrupulous about the fineness of
tackle ; but I have always had best sjwrt when my foot-
length has been of very stout gutj or rather of iveeel,
which I think is peculiarly applicable to this purpose.
The hook, from No. 4 to 6, as tlie fish may run 5 very
stout, and short in *the shank. With regard to night-
Unes, no hook can equal the common kind made parti-
cularly
213
cularly for the occasion, with an eye for the reception of
the line.
Eels swallow fishes head-foremost, the same as jacks
and perch -, but they have a canning trick of taking your
dead baits by the tail, and of stripping them off the hook.
I sometimes matcli tliem, by wrapping some common
sewing worsted round tlie tail of my dead-baits^ so as to
secure them to the gimp y the fibres getting among the
eels's teeth, cause him to desist, and to swallow the bait
without further trouble. Wire does not answer this pur-
pose near so well, as it is apt to cut the bait when pulled;
besides, the ends wound the eel, and frighten him.
Towards the latter end of summer, and in autumn,
many rivulets abound witli griggs, which bite very
keenly at a worm. They are taken in great numbers at
such times, by what is called boblbig. A moderately
stout pole sustains a good laid-cord line, which at the
end spreads into four directions, and perforate the four
corners of a piece of sheet-lead, about six inches square.
llie lead is pierced in many places besides. A num-
ber of thick worms, or chickens' guts, being threaded,
by means of a kind of baiting-needle, on a long line of
common worsted yarn j they are tied up in loops under
the lead, which^ being thus prepared, is let down into
the water, very gently, to within two or tliree inches of
t ke bottom.
The griggs soon attack the worms, swallowing the
loops, and endeavour to cut the worsted, which entangles
among their teeth. In this state, tlie line being gradu-
' ally lifted, indeed very slowly, the griggs will come wil-
lingly to the surface 3 but they try to get quit as soon as
their noses are above it j therefore, tjie person holding
the
21i
tlie rod should caiit tlie eels to the shore w ith a quick but
steady motion, so as not to jerk them off: for tlie}' are
held merely by the fibres of the yarn.
A boat is a great help on tliis occasion, as tlie eels,
uhen disengaged, give no trouble to luint for them as
they do in the grass.
Thc*re are various devices for catching eels, such as
wooden boxes baited with guts, &c. ^vhich being sunk at
their haunts, tliey soon enter 3 and not being always dis-
posed to go out when they have made their meal, such as
remain are taken out with the box, when it is drawn up.
1 recollect, when I was quite a boy, seeing an eel
taken out of a box wherein, from the utter impossibility
of its then passing through any of the augur-holes, it was
supposed to have been for a long time. The box was
taken out of a pond (near Wandsworth) which was clear-
ing out, and no person knew tliat a box had been sunk
in it
In all probability it had been left by some former pro-
prietor. I should remark, that in the eel were found
tvvo smaller ones ; whence we may conclude it was lat-
terly compelled by hunger to destroy its own species.
l*he fish weighed several pounds.
Baskets made of tvltheUy or osier, are set in many
places at the bottom of the water, for the puipose of
catching eels, or whatever may oflfcr. lliese are called
by various names in different parts, such as hullies, hells,
krails, ivires, weirs^ cags, cages, Jlues, and I believe
as many more. Some are small, and are laid chiefly for
gudgeons ; while those in use principally among the mil-
lers in the West of England, are as big as a hogshead,
and are very strongly bound together.
Thi^
215
This latter kind are usually put under one of the mill-
gales, or sluices, and receive innnense quantities of eels,
w hich, during the first heavy winter floods, come down
the streams in their wa)- to the sea. I have heard of near
half a ton of cds being caught in one night at the mills on
the Avon, between Milfoj^d and Bristol! I ! Some have
weighed six and seven pounds! but the average were
under twehe ounces,
I believe it is almost impossible to get eels out of such
waters as have deep muddy bottoms. They burrow to a
great depth, and are extremely cunning when they hear
tlie spade near them. When using an eel-fork, I have
seen their wrigglings by the agitation of the mud, so soon
as they felt the instrument's approach. Ihey are not so
easily taken in this \% ay as people suppose j especially in
soft mud.
I have more than once found an eel some feet from the
water, in the night time ; whence I am inclined to be-
lieve what is stated, regarding their being ramblers from
one water to another. They sliould by all means be kept
out of ponds where tliere are valuable, fishes ^ for they are
worse than even jacks and perch in destroying small fry.
Eesides, they feed principally at night, and therefore are
more certain of tlieir prey.
Large eels may sometimes be haltered, or noosed in a
snare, as is practised with jach -, but it requires rather
more skill and judgment to carry tlie wire to a proper
depth, so as to slip over the eel\ head, as he will usually
lay deeper tlian tlie jack, and some allowance must be
made for the great deception to which we are subject^ in
estimating the deptli of water at sight.
The snare should be carried over so far as to pass the
ec'/'s
216
fers pectoral fins, so that the greater weight of the parts
behind them may not allow of receding, whereby the
head might else be drawn back through the snare, unless
it were di*awn extremely tight ; for the eel's skin is pecu-
liarly slippery, it being coated with a kind of slime. The
skins of eels make a very fine glue.
Eels cannot endure severe cold, which accounts for
their immersing themselves in the mud, and for their
taking advantage of the winter floods, to escape from
such places as do not afford them shelter in frosty wea-
tlier. When kept in ponds, they usually remain torpid
during the winter j but if a number of straw trusses be
bound tight at their several ends,^ and be thrown into the
pond before the eels have plunged into the mud, they
will get into the trusses for warmth, and may tlius fre-
quently be taken : if the ends were left open, tlie eels
would easily escape.
Of the Chuh, Chevin, or Nol\
We now enter on the familiar tribe, though I really
have my doubts whether this lish does not, in some mea-
sure, appertain to the prt'fi^a/ory. lam sensible that the
chuh is considered as subsisting on worms, weeds, flies, Sec.
and is supposed not to prey on small fishes j but having
caught one while trolling with a minnow, and having
observed chubs at times very busy among small fry, tliere
appears some reason for concluding tliat, when pressed
by hunger, they are not over scrupulous in tliat particular.
The general habits of the chuh are assiu*edly innocent,
and its not having teeth in its jaws, evinces that Nature
intended it to be so.
The chub is extremely well formed^ and is altogether
very
^17
yery handsofiite ; not very dissimiiar to the carp, but nu^
so deep in the body. His meat is not delicate, and,
owing to the immense number of small bones to be found
in every part, is not much esteemed.
Just before tlieir spawning time, tliey are worth catch-
ing for their roes ; which, made into a pye> well sea>.
soned, and witli a dash of vinegar, are delicious. Tho
month of March, or beginning of April, is tlie best
time for the above purpose. Dui-ing a fortnight, or more,
«fter spawning, they are w^eak, and consequently, flabby;"
but they recover gradually, and are in high season about
ChrisUjias, at which time the small bones are not so nu-
merous, or, perhaps, become more distinct^ and conse-
quently, not so dangerous or troublesome.
In various waters, these fishes grow to different sizes r
in small brooks they very rarely exceed three pounds, but
in larger rivers, where they get plenty of food, and a
rapid change of water, they reach to a lai^e size'. I saw
fbur caught under a jvelr in one evening, of which the*
smallest we^.ghcd eight pounds, the largest upwards oC
nine. Ihey ttfford excellent sport, being peculiarly
strong and impetuous.
When rendered desperate, they will run, head on*
against a boat, kc. and make furious plunges to the bot-
tom, especially in deep strong watei's.
Tliey will not lay much in muddy siluations, but pre*
fer sand, or those clay holes found under steep banks
overshado%ved with arborage : they are partial to the
steep sides of the nights (or small islands) in the larger
rivers,, jwher^ they creep into the holes made by water*
rats, cHcc.
It is extremely common to see veiy iixic £shei tnkcjR
L out:
•^ S18
out of such places by groping with the hands, taking care
to move very gently in the water, so as not to alarm the
chubs while they lay sleeping in the holes. They also
frequent rocks, and heavy stumps, that lay in or near
strong waters j for tlie chub will not stay long in a slack
stream. At the bottoms of weirs, locks, mill-aprons,
&c. the chub will lay at times in the eddies, and some-
times at tlie tail of the rapids.
They may occasionally be seen on the scours, where
they are very active, and, in my opinion, then prey on
minnows, &:c.
From tlie above description it will be seen, that good
tackle should be used when angling for chubs \ but, on
account of tlieir peculiar timidity, it should be as fine as
you can trust to.
Your float should be only of quill, for a cork one
alanns them. Your hook, about No. 4 (for their mouths
are pretty large), baited with two well-scoured worms,
either brandlings, red-worms, or cotv-dung bobs. They
are mist readily induced by salmojis roe ; and, owing to
their habit of laying under foliage, whence many sorts of
caterpillars, &c. are shaken by the wind into the stream,
they shew a great partiality for baits of that description.
The cock-chaffer, and black or brown beetle, answer
admirably; the outer hard wings being previously cut.
away, and the insect suspended tail foremost, so as just
to dip into the water.
This is called ** dipping,"' and is practised in hot wea-
ther from behind bushes, keeping out of sight com*
pletely, and scarcely moving your rod, for the chub will
fly even from its shadow.
. If you cannot obtain tlie salmons roej usq the paste
described
919
described as a substitute : you will find did Chcsliire.
cheese, not tlie rottca part, but wliat is white and
crumbly, <m: the spinal marrow from the back bones of
oxen, or of calves or sheep, answer pretty well ; the
marrow should be left in its skin, to resemble a large
wiiite maggot, of which, as well as of gentles, cadiates^
Sec, ckuhs are «ager devourers.
Cliuls prefer rising to the bait ; but if you fish at all
under water, it should be near to the bottom, as they lay
deep, constantly eyeing the surface. Their bite is ex^
tremely quick and deep j tlierefore, you slwuld strike
soon, but ratlier gently.
In very cold weather tliey grub into the sand, or gra-
vel, and Itiy in hollows among tJie clay, mostly in veiy
deep water, and often among the barlcl, if any of them
remain so late : tliey dart among weeds, or under banks,
and into holes, at the least alarm.
Chuls bite durlr.g the summer all day at a fly, but
diiedy in the niDrnnigs and evenings a'c a wonn. The
best time for dipping is the evening, in sultry wea-
ther. During the cold months, or when the wind has
been for some days from a cold quarter, they will oiiiy
Inte in the middle of the day, and then not freely.
When you use tlie fly, you cannot have too fine tackle;
that is, in proportion to the size of tlie fishes. The best
mode is, to whip from the head of a boat, which should
be allowed to drop very slowly down tl^ streaip, by wh^
seamen call *■•' kcdging-/* tliat is, with a very light an*
chor, or stone, out astern, with just sufficient ro|)e to
allow the anchor to trip over tlie bottom, occasionally
checking the progress, so as to go rather slower than the
current.
L 2 IjB
In this manner stdhd in the fore part of the boat, ^ni
throw before you down tlie stream } using either a very,
nice red'Spinner on No. 5, or 6, or an ant, or a gnat fly,
on No.v S, or 9 5 for at such ihey will rise well, and,
afford excellent sport.
When you have hooked a fish, you can render tlie boat
stationary by serving out more rope -, or you can cause tlie
waterman to pole away to such a part as may, appear
better suited to allowing a good scope of line, w^hich, witljf
such small tackle, must be freely given, else you will)
lose all the large fishes.
Take care to subdue wvW before you venture to draw
too close to the boat^ for at sight of }ou the fish will
make desperate exertions, and do all he can to avoid your
landing-net.
In tliis way of proceeding, \\hich I have detailed under
this head because it is peculiarly appropriate to chubs, yon
will frequently catch fine, t routs, and perhaps occasionally
some per£k -, tliough the latter prefer the worm to the
fly.
By casting over the scours, and upon the shoals, as
you hedge down, you will ha\ e variety of fishes, espe-
cially very fine dace, and graylings, \\ here they are in
tjjie waters.
. If you have not a boat, try from a headland; and,
keeping carefully out of sight, take tlie advantage of the.
wind in your back to blow out a very fine line, baiting
a small hook with a common house-fly, or a blue-
bottle, &:c. .
I have heard that chubs axe to be taken with cherries ;
but I never made the trial : I should, however, rather
thmk it time thrown away, and that tlie angler would
have
mi
liaiT far better sport with any of the abo\^e-mentioned
baits. 1 have noticed this hire (if it really be one),
that I may not appear deficient in regard to any matter
^hich may tend to inform the learner^ or to diversify the
pi'actice "oftke more experienced.
. Of the Tenck,
This is a very handsome fish, having a peculiar colour
^hen in season^ which makes it appear in some points of
viev/ as though bronzed. It is remarkaHy tenacioii.^ of
life, and may be conveyed, under proper management,
to a considerable distance.
Being, however, more conxraon in ponds than in rivers,
and remarkably fond of laying on a muddy shmy bottom,
k usually acquires a bad flavour, and neqtiires to be kept
m clear water, in which it should be fed on crumbs, bran,
malt, or worms, for at least a week before it is consigned
to the kitchen. Such as are taken from hard bottoms,
but especially from gravelly rivers, are peculiarly deli-
cious.
The tench is covered with a slimy or mucilaginouJ sub-
stance, which renders it very slippery : from the common
practice of otlier fishes to rub themselves against him, for
even the ;*rt<:^ will -do so, and never offer any violence, it
is supposed this slimfe possesseis some peculiar qualities,
especially as only sick or wounded fishes resort to him
tor, wbat we suppose to be, a cure.
I rather think the slime acts merely in a mechanical
manner, by sheathing the wounded parts after they have
been rubbed, and consequently become smeared there-
with I perhaps any other mucilage Uiat would resist the
water, might be equally efficacious,
' ' l3 This
This fish delights in recluse deep waters that are tnrfeid
and ibvil 'j in such it increases very fast in size, and pro*
pagates veiy rapidly. It spawns about Midsummer, of
later, in some waters ; it being earliest in those which arc
warmest : it falls off very much after spawning, and does
not recover for at least two months, when it begins to get
firm, and increases in condition untrl it spawns again.
The mouth of the tench is moderately large, and as it
Sometimes reaches to a good size, namely, as for as four
or five pounds, your hook should be about No. 5, or not
less than No. 6, on a good gut; though I think for pond*
fishing, weed is preferable, as th^ colour of the water is in
your favour.
Ciist among weedy patches, generally below mid-
water : if }'ou have previously baited tlie hole, you may
reckon on good sport ; if that has not been done, throw
in some malt, or grains,, and clay-balls with worms stuck
in them.
The best baits are tlie Irandlwgs from rotten tan,
which are full of a yellow liquid. Your float should b&
ijght 5 but if you bait with grubs, palmers, wasp-
maggots, gentles, or cad bates, it should be as small as
can be used.
Tench do not swallow very quickly, sometimes hold-
ing it in their moutlis for a while 3 therefore give them
good time, and let diem either keep the float down, or,
as is often the case, let them rise with the bait, so as to lay
your float on the water.
This is an excellent sign, and warrants your striking ^
but rather gently, lest tlie fish should be only sucking tlie
bait ; for he will seldom retui'n after it is drawn from liia-
mouth.
223
The tench is a great struggler, and very fond of
plunging down with your hook when he feels its point :
give lair play, for in waters where they abound, you will
rarely find tiiose \ery small that take your bait : they ge-
nerally weigh at least half a pound, and, taken one with
another, \\ ill amount to full a pound and an half each^
1 do not think they grow near so large in rivers as ia
ponds.
Like the generality of fishes, the tctjch bites most freely
"during the cool of the morning, and of the evening, in
summer : indeed, during tlie winter tiiey are not easily
taken. I have, however, observed, that the time of day
makes very litde difference if the water be deep, and
especially after it has been sullied by heavy rains, or by a
fresh.
With regard to the Jiy, it is of little or no use -, for
though possibly a tench may now and then be caught in
tliat manner, it must not be construed into a habit. In-
deed, from their peculiar tendency to suck the mud, we
may more properly conclude that they subsist chiefly on
maggots, &c. they find therein; and diLs is confirmed by
their sometimes biting at snails, perriivi?ikleSj and gentles-,
they likewise take the small green willpw-caterpillar,
and such as are found on the leaves oi currant-bushes, on
rape, turnips, &c.
Of the Carp.
Carps form so large a portion of the stock in our fish-
ponds, as to be entitled to particular notice, especially as
they afford fine sport to the angler, being very strong,
great strugglers, and remarkably cunning. They are
jgreatly admired wlien stewed -, without which prepara-
X.4 tion
S21
"lion tbeir ^^h is net very palatable, being coar?©; fm3 ra-
ther full of small bones. Their roe is remarkably fiiijc^
and, with proper ingredients, makes admirable sauce for
all kinds offish.
The carp is, like the tench, apt to be extremely muddy
Tfi'hen taken from ponds j but the river carp is not only
more free from that impurity, but is superior as to the
quality and delicacy of its flesh. . ^
The carp bites best about its spawning time, which oc*
etirs so often, that some naturalists say they breed every
two months. They certainly are seldom without roc,
and tliey increase in numbers beyond all calculation.
They are best in season during the spring, and about
tlie fall of the elm-leaf ,* at which time tlieir colour i»
more glossy, aiid their eyes display more vivacity.
To catch an old ca?^ is, sometimes, a very difficult
matter; for they either are so diffident, or so crafty, that
your tackle must be fine, and be well managed, befora
€ne will bite.
Of all fishes tlirs requires the finest gut, and , tlie
greatest art in respect to offering the bait, which should
be the best blood-worms ; fine, but rather small, Irand^i^
lings, cadlates, or green caterpillars. These should b6
on a hook about No. 5, on a well-stained gut, veiy
round, and free from the soiallest ruggedness, or flaw j
your joints very well tied down, and your float as small as
may be practicable.
• Use but little shot, and fi^ near the bottom, in deep
shady places, where the cun-ent (if in a stream) is very
gentle. Above all tilings conceal yourself, and be not
in a hurry when the fish bite, unless you find them in
the humour to nihtlale, as iis often the case j when it wiU
BS3
be neccssar}' to keep yonr line as tight as the wind may
permit, and to give a gentle twitch whenever your float
sinks in the least : this requires some judgment^ a quick
eye, and an obedient, delicate, hand.
In large waters, especially if you cannot approach tlie
chief haunts, you should bait the spot where you intend
to angle, for some days previously, with malt, grains,
bran, Hood, or refuse worms.
Tlie carp will sometimes take a piece of salmon's roe,
or its substitute ; but I never knew one to rise at a fly.
\\ hen about to spawn, they generally lay near to the sur-
face, with their noses out, or under such parts of the
dock, or other leaves, as do not lie close down upon tlie
water. In such situations they may be heard to pout all
A£[y, but especially towards the evening, in close weather.
When this is the case, you will have little or no suc-
cess with a float, or by sinking your bait low down 5 on
the contrary, you should put a very fine worm, or a
gentle, or a cadlate, or a greerL caterpillar, on rather a
small stiff hook, v/irhout any shot on your line, or, at
most, only one, and cast, or rather gently ^/rop, your
bait, so as to hang over the edge of a leaf, and to be only
in part immersed in the water : obsei-ve, that the carp
has a very small mouth.
If you manage tliis point dexterously, you will hook.
many fine fishes 3 but as to getting them out, that is
quite another affair. The moment the carp feels the de-
ception, he will give either a desperate splash oti the sur-
face, or d^rt down like an arrow, leading your line into
tnatiy -an awkward labyrinth. . ;
The contest in general ends with his escape ; unless.
Indeed, y^u can, by more than common good lucfc, bear
1. 5 liim
9?G
him up info a dear part, and there depend on your line t^
prev-cnt his tricks from taking effect.
The river carp are chiefly found in the deep, wcedy^
foul parts of the water, and are not a whit less discreet
than those in ponds : it really at times is highly provoking
to see how they will keep playing at the bait, so as scarcely
to agitate the float.
I have remarked, that when in this humour, they
Inibble occasionally; and that when tliey do so, they
rarely give a fair bite r generally they draw down ver)v
very slowly ,* and wlien tliey take tlie bait really into their
moutlis, rise a little, and lay the float down, seemingly
"yvith tlie intent to feel whether any thing be attached
Wiercto. In the latter in-jtance, the angler is generally to
blame if tlie flsh escapes, provided the water is clear of
"v^-^eds, &c.
We commonly call it a good carp when reachi*ng two
poiunds weight ; but in some waters, especially if not
overstocked (as is not often the case), they ii^equently
weigh four or five ! I have heard of their being much
larger, but not so well authenticated as to autihorize my
stating it as a fact. I never saw one that weiglied six
pounds in this part of tl^ world ; though I haf\-e seen the
rooee, w^hich is the uhiie carp, taken out of the Ganges,
©ften equal to 50 or 60 pounds, and once nearly 80.
Jn hot climates they thrive immensely 5 but being only
exotics, do pot in our latitude bear any comparison, in
regard to tlieir ultimate bulk abroad. Nor, indeed, does
the perch, though I believe a native of our waters, com-
petite with the black perch, or cutlah, of Hindostan*
^hich often attains to 60 pounds weight.
I shall conclude this article witli observing, that he
wha
227
who can command success among large carps (for I look
upon die young ones in a very dift'erent light), must pos-
sess several qualifications extremely valuable to tlie angler,
and bids fair, by general practice, to be, according to the
old saying, '' able to teach his master.'*
1 ought testate, that one author directs green pease, a
little boiled, as a bait for the carp : not liaving tried that
lure, I cannot speak as to its merits.
Of the Grayling, or Gray Trout, or Umber,
I cannot boast of any great intimacy witli this fish,
Txot having had so much access to it as to other kinds,
owing to the grayling being found only in particular
rivers. Such, however, as 1 have caught, gave me the
opportunity of making some essential remai'ks ; and local
information has supplied me with sufficient, I trust, to
answer tiie purpose of my reader.
Ihis fisli grows to about four pounds, though they
average about two ; they are keen after the double-
winged fiy, as also after tlie llack-spinner , and the May-'
fly, both grey and yellowy when in season. Ihey are
not however strong, nor do they stmggle nearly so much
as the trout. They are best suited by a hook No. 6, their
mouths not being quite so large as their size should indi-
cate : the line should be very fine. When you have a
bite, give a little time, and strike gently -, for their lips
; re ratlier tender.
Angle at the bottom without a fioat, baiting with cad-
lates, gentles, salmon s roe, or very small llood-tuorms.
They are very fond of nibbling away the bait, unless it
can be taken into tlie moutli with ease; but they wrU
pouch it readily when it is so.
1. Cr I found
9SS
I foun<5 that No. 8 was the best size in bottom-fishiDg';
though I believe some authors advise No. 5 : perhaps I
may err, but I confess myself partial to small tackle ii>
general, being completely satisfied of its superiority.
I found the gray lings always among the trouts, and
generally caught about tlie same number of each. They
bit admirably when the sky was overcast with approach-
ing rain ; but \^'hen tiie wind \vas neither, or to tlie
iiortlv of east, I seldom had one at my hook, whether
bottom or fly. Ihey are extremely fond of tlie latter,
and are perpetually rising after it. I found all hours
much alike ; and that they were far bolder, as well as
more simple, than the troui.
The meat of the grayling is very fine ^ equal, in my
opinion, to any fish 1 ever tasted. They would not take
my /ro//i/2^-baits y and I was informed, that although
they chace tlie minnows, it is only in sport, as tliey are
«aid never to t(Hich one : of thisr, however, 1 have my
doubts.
The grayling spawns in May : 1 found several in Uiat
month, as also in the end of April, remarkably big with
roe, which gave them an extraordinaiy appearance (as it
does, indeed, to all lislies diat are at all flat-sided) j the
more so, as they have hut little iacrease of deptli liom
their noses to their vents, which lay nearly in a right
line.
From this fish disappearing when the frosts set in, that
is, the generality of them, I am disposed to believe they
visit the sea during the coldest months j at least, that
they go to the mouths of rivers, and recmit by means of
the brackish waters. Of this I am tlie more convinced,
)5|ccause, with the exception cf the Humber and Trent,
which
$29
which nm into the German Ocean> I believe all ihi
rivers containing graylings lie in the West of England,
and in Wales : besides, they are never found but where
salmon abound.
Of the Bream.
As this fish Is found in but few waters comparativelj,
ft rarely becon^s the object of the angler's attention,
usually being an unexpected visitor^ and not always a
welcome one 5 for though it presses hard for a few se-
conds, it soon throws up, and lays on its side.
It is a species of ihecarpy tliough but little resembling
it, except about the mouth, and in the form of the body.
Not being very palatible^ but i^abby, and full of bones,
few persons care to have it dressed when caught. Its roe
is, however, rich and large.
It frequents quiet deep waters, where there is a sandy
bottom 3 and about Midsummer retired among the thick-
est patches of weed to spa\^n, remaining very poor for
near two months. At such times they scarcely ever touch
a bait, tliough they will rise, and throw themselves out
of the water in the evenings.
Their first effort being extremely forcible, your tackle
must be rather strong, on a hook about No. (). Your
ibait, a gentle^ or a very small Hood-worm, or "a bit of
salmoiis roc, or its sulstltule.
Breams take a natm*al fly, especially the Iht^-lottle,
and the large grey sione-Jiy, or the gad. You should
^ngie for this fish much in the same manner as for roach -y
both early in the morning, and in the cool *6f the even-
ing : tliey take well in some places all tlie year round,
observing in cold w^atiier to choose. the njiddlc of tlie day.
Yoii
230
You will find great advantage from the use of groujid"
laits J and if you throw in lumps of clay mixed with
clotted blood, you will be sure to attract them^ and per-
haps some carp and tench.
The Iream being rather a shy fish, you should be
careful to keep out of sight, and to lower your bait very
gently into tlie water.
The large bream, such as weigh more than a pound,
are sometimes very bold, and give a ver)' decided bite ,
but owiug to the smallness of the mouth, it is prudent
not to be too quick in striking : when struck, be ready
to give plenty of line, where the situation admits 3 if it
stands the first or second pull, you may conclude the fish
is your own.
I should not omit to state, that the bream will rarely
be found in narrow confined waters 3 it being particu-
larly timid, and fond of laying out in tlie broadest parts*,
where the shadows of men, cattle, &c. do not aft'ect it.
Of the Bar lei.
This is a remarkably handsome fish, but its flesh by no
means corresponds with its outward appearance 3 being
poor, stringy, and dry. The roe is held to be poisonous,
and even in small quantities, will occasion violent gripings,
and sickness at the stomach : this fish attains a very large
size, sometimes weighing near thirty pounds !
It is remarkably fond of those irregular depths in the
gravel, which are called by the seamen '* over-falls y*
that is, sudden shallows, and holes, alternately. Barbels
jnay be ofte^n seen from the tops of bridges, &c. in great
numbers, some large, some snuiUj though I have re-
marked^ that the very small ones^ such as are und^r, a
pound
"SSI
pound weight, are extremely uncommon; whence I
consider the assertion of their going to the salt water after
spawning, as being well founded. It is certain that
larhcls are never seen but in streams communicating with
tlie sea 5 and that about Martinmas they all disappear.
These fishes dig holes with their sncwts, which are
much like those of 3\Vine, and burrow in the gravel or
sand, at the bottom of those large cavities, mer which
the stream runs with velocity; especially under heavy
tanks J camshofs, &c. They are in their appetites not
unlike swine, preferring carrion and greaves to more
sweet food. When men, &:c. are drowned, the larhel
never fails to repair to the spot, and to make a meal as
soon as an opening may present itself 5 for having no
teeth, it is obliged to suck, which it does very greedily.
The stiff spine on the larlets' backs, no doubt pre-
sence them from molestation on the part of predatory
fishes, but they are sometimes attacked by leeches,
w^hich probably are attracted by their sanguinary appe-
tites.
The larlel spawns about Midsummer, but has not^ in
general, roe proportionate to its bulk. Nor do I think
it is a fast breeder, for I never caught one under twa
pounds weight, that had any roe in it. They retire gra-
dually into the tide's way as the sun gets to the south-
ward j and may sometimes be taken in such parts, while
not one is to be seen in the summer haunts.
You may angle for barbels either with a tripping bait
on a hook No. 4 or 5, with five or six stout shot at about
a foot above your hook, and a double gut, foot length }
-or one of weed^ and a cork float ; letting your bait,
which sliould be greaves^ or lob-wormsj go down with
the
ilie stream m-er the holes where they hy, at about two
or three inches from tlie bottom 5 or you may lay at the
bottom with a coffin- lead, as described before for salmon.
They also take salmoiis roe freely, but I never knew
one to take the substitute paste. I have often baited with
cheese, &c. as advised by several authors : but to no
purpose.
Though the larlel almost invariably remain attached
to some particular hole or over-falls, yet you will find it
advisable to use ground-bait, both before and while
•anglings it being a great chance but you get a good
trout by so doing. For this purpose, clay and clotted
i)lood slK)uld be mixed into large balls^, and be thrown
in, so as to lay where you keep your line.
Give time when you have a bite, unless yonr rod be
pulled I when you should lose no time in striking.
When you have hooked a fish manage him cautiously^
for, like the chul, he will be apt to run head on, at what-
ever he can see, and will even lash with his, tail at your
line, and rub his nose against stones, stumps, or what^
ever offers, in the endeavour to disengage your hook.
"Therefore hold him well out, in clear water, yielding
moderately when he pulls hard, so as to keep him in
temper.
As yoiu* gut is apt to be chafed by the coffin-lead,
especially when you are obliged to throw yo\}i line out,
I recommend the fine China twisted line, which is sold
at all the tackle- shops in London, and at some ill the
country, as being more calculated to resist the weight ;
It has not those knots, which in guts, hah, &c. are in-
evitable, and are extremely apt to give Way, when a lead
is used. X '
The
sss
Tlie China line I allude to, is sold in small circular
bundles, running from thirty to forty j^ards) though
some are sfaorlier.: b^ particular in observing, that it is of
tlie twisted sort, composed. of three strands or threads j
for tliere is -atiotlier kind made up in the same form,
which is all of ow^ twist, and does not answer, as it opens
in the water : this last kind is, however, when chosen of a
proper thickness, veiy good for the first string of a violin.
, JBoth kinds are made of white silk, and are of prodi-
gious strength. Care should be taken to open the skein
completely to its whole length ; suffering it to lay on the
grass, &c. to get out the extra twist ; also rubbed gently
with a bit of soft flannel, &c. it makes an admirabje light
teelrlme ; capable of subduing a iish of twenty poundf
weight, under fair circumstances.
Before I conclude this article I mnst remark, tliatthe
harhel bites best about sun-rise, and sun-set, in warm
tvieather j that he will not touch a bait in general, when
a cold \^ind blows, except there is a fresh in tlie water f
and that unless your baits are very neatly set on, notwith-
standing his swinish similarity, he will seldom bite at all.
You m«st not expect them to bite freely before the firostj
are entirely gone, and the spring well advanced. *:
' Jn taking this fish out of the water, beware o£ the
stiff ray, or spine, on his dorsal or hack-fin ; and if yoa
are disposed to serve him up to table, give directions^
or ratlier see, that the roe be thrown away ; else those
i;\4io do not know its baneful effects may eat of it. The
harhel is best baked, with a rich pudding in his belly : it
is, indeed, one of tliose fishes that depend entirely on a
food sauce. ,
OS
234
Of the Roach.
This is perhaps the most common fish' m the English
waters, and in consequence, is not so much valued as those
that are more rare, yet do not exceed in point of flavour.
The roach, when in season, which it is chiefly during the
winter, is both firm and well tasted. They are tolerably
good in the early part of the spring, and until they have
spawned, which generally happens in May ; though I
have caught tliem full of roe so late as tlie end of July.
They are fond of weedy situations during tlie summer j
when they associate witli tlie dace, and sun themselves in
shallow water; generally preferring sandy, gravelly, or
chalky bottoms : where there is either ycUow or blue
marl, they thiive prodigiously.
Such as are found in rivers are far brighter coloured,
stronger, and less muddy, than those bred in ponds.
They grow to a good size in some waters, averaging from
about six ounces to a pound j though they occabionally
reach to two pounds weight j but such are very rare.
Those of a middling size are the best flavoured, but are
troublesome eating, on account of their numerous small
bone^.
The roach bites freely before it spawns, and will do so
shortly after having cast her roe : the winter is the best
time for angling for this fish, when tliey lay down at the
bottom, under tlie deep slow currents, and take a fine
worm very well : the best bait for tliem, especially at
such times, is the salmons roe 5 though they will bite
passably at its substitute j they likewise take the gentle,
the cadhate, and most grubs j nor do they refuse
those
235
those flies which are taken by the dace-, but they do not
rise so well as that fish.
Your tackle for the roack should be remarkably fine }
for though it is a silly fish, it will not readily take when
the line is coarse. Your hook should not exceed No. 7,
and generally a smaller will be preferable. Your gut
should be coloured, with only one shot about six inches
from the hook j if you want more, let them be at about
six inches higher up : a light float is indispensable,
for their mouths are \ery small, and their bite very deli-?
cate, whence it will be advisable to keep your line ready
to strike.
In rivers, they often draw the float down until they get
to the bottom 5 when this happens you must not be in a
Jiurry 3 for it is almost a certain sign, that they have only
laid hold of the worm's tail^ and want time to complete
the bite.
You will find it proper to bait the hole where you fishj
with oatmeal, a little browned over tixe fire, and thea
made up into balls with a small quantity c^ treacle : this
draws them together far better than any other gTound-
bait I ever heard of. Throw such a ball, about the size
of a marble, now and then, where your hook lies : it
will gradually be dissolved, and attract numbers.
When the roach lay in tlie tide's way, you must only
expect them to bite when the flood comes in j especially
at the first of it, when they commonly are very keen.
If there is a fresh in the water, they will bite during the
latter part of the ebb : at such times tliey lay chiefly on
the flat gravels and sands, on the sides of streams, espe-
cially below bridges.
As you seldoiia have occasion for a reel when angling
fot
gS6
fcr roach, -tliough die pmdeait sportsman w'lW never be
without one, when to be had^ yon should have a Hne
expressly for such purposes, about ten or twelve feet in
length, according to your rod 5 which I always consider
to be such as suits tlie general run of fishing, and will in
fidi probability measure fourteen feet. Such a line should
b^ taper, becoming full four times as thick at' the tq>, as
it is at the lowest link of hairs.
r The experienced angler well knows the great powers
of such a line 5 and that it is far superior to such as are,
lbroi\ghout, uniformly of the same thickness.
Where the roach are very numerous, and well on the
feed, you may take them witli a mifinotv line (provided
your centre gut be strong enough), often two, and thre*
at a time 5 but yovi must be quick with your landing net>
and not give them time to dash about
In the evenings of very sultry weather, when a slight
fhower has fallen, they will take the common house
fly, either on the surface> or at some depth 5 on the
^'hole, 1 think that, next to the salmons roe, you will
have best success with gentles, cadhates, and blood"
worms. But above all tilings, have fine tackle -, that is;*
a small hook, on a well chosen piece of superfine gut
Of the Dace, or Dare, or Dart.
. This is more compact in its make than the roach'^
indeed in many points, it bears a very strong resemblance^
to the chuh ; its flesh is firmer, and better eating, besides
being far less bony. Its mouth is ^Iso wider, whence
it can take a large bait, of which it is very fond. 5 gene-
rally giving a decided bite, .and struggling much on being
struck.
Dac9
r Daec swlpi idgethcv m immense shoals, often covering
cxtenBive shallows where tlie water is clear, and rathec
gentle ; or laying on tlie scours, wiiere tliey snap at
every tiling that falls into, tlie water.
Hence tliey are easily taken with the fly 3 for which
purpose you may have a stretcher made of a red-spinner^
or a very small douile-winged Jiy ) and two, or even
tiiree dippers (or drofypers) at about a yard, or less, froni*
each other, the whole on a good tapering gut line, whichr
slK)uld be tlircwn so that the flies, especltiUy tlie stretcher
(or end fly) may light in the "w ater (but without the
smallest splash. or agitation), a foot or two above where-
you perceive the leading nshes to lay.
I have paid great attention to this point, and have found
tliat tlie leading fishes, by which I mean such as lay at
the head of tlie shoal, are, for the most part, the largest,
and keenest. When they have declined my fly, it has
always been a bad omen 3 for I generally found tlie rest
treat it with indiflerence 5 or, if they did approach, it
was so deliberately, as to convince me they did not intend
to bite.
The best flies for dace, at all seasons, I have found io\
be the small \A2iC\i ant-fiy , or i\\Q gnat-fly, oh a hook
No. 8, or No. 9. Your single droppers must be on
short pieces o^ gut, not nrore than three inches in lengtli 3
so as not to entangle on your line, as they would inevi-
tably do if longer.: loop them on above knots; which>
should ah'i^ays be well tied down, with very flne dark
brown silk, properly m axed.
You will sometimes find the very large dace in the,
deep sti'ong waters, among the gravUngs, and trouts :
in such places they bite very sharp, and struggle with;
■ "^ great
238
great violence. If your tackle is very fine, as it should
be, you must treat them very gently, or they may break
^way ; at all events, get them to some distance from the
place where you perceive other fishes ; which will else
take the alarm, and become so timid as to spoil your
sport.
When you use bottom tackle, take care that it be
delicate, but sufficiendy firm, for the dace lay in deepish
\';*ater, such as is frequented by larger fishes 3 though in tlie
summer they will be found associating with the roach,
among weedy shallows ; and, like them, rather averse to
bite during the middle of the day.
After slight showers, or even heavy rain, following
upon very sultr}', clear weather, when the air is cooled,
the dace will take freely all day ; but they will often take
at the deeps, when they will not rise to a fiy 3 notwith-
standing their peculiar fondness for tlie latter.
Angle for them with fine worms, of almost any kind,
but the more transparent and glowing the better 3 or
with well prepared cadlates, or three or four gentles ;
or a piece of salmon's roe (but not the substitute, for they
seldom touch it), on a hook about No. 6 or 7 ; your
line slightly leaded, unless in a stream 5 when perhaps a
cork float may be indispensable, otherwise a swan quill
is best 5 and throw in now and tlien some balls made of
brovtTied oatmeal and treacle, ^s before described ; or
some ground malt. Do not use any thing for ground-
bait that they will make a hasty meal of ; for they are
very greedy, and quickly satiated -, not caring to leave
what they are eating.
Dace will not stay long where the water is not gene-
rally clear, and the stream tolerably free ; hence, they
by
239
1>7 no means thrive in ponds : when found in standing
waters, you may be assured there is some very strong
spring, or some inlet, riear which tliey take their station.
They are not so good as the river dace, nor do they make
such efforts when hooked.
The young angler cannot do better than devote one
summer entirely to whipping for dace ; he will thereby
acquire many excellent qualifications : for his hand will
move very lightly, so as to cause his fly to light tmper^
ceptifjly on the surface ; which is an object of the greatest
moment. He will learn to direct his line correctly, to
any particular spot -, and as he will at times be attacked
by fishes of a superior class, he will acquire a knowledge
in respect to playing of fishes, and be ultimately con-
vinced, that fine tackle is not only the most attractive,
but in good hands, is generally equal to the subduing of
such fishes, as the bad angler could never manage, even
with stouter apparatus.
I lay some stress on this point, being thoroughly satis-
fied as to both its utility and the indispensable necessity
of such an opinion being inculcated, and received, before
the learner can be said to have made any proficiency.
In a word, throwing the fly for dace, may be considered
as tlie best school to which the angler can resort.
During the evenings he may ivhip for them, from
about two hours before sun-set, till the fishes can no
Ipnger distinguish the fly: when it grows darkish, he
should use flies of rather a brighter colour -, such as deep
purple, chocolate, or coffee colours, and of rather a
larger size I which, however, must be thrown with the
Utmost delicacy^ as their bulk will cause them to fall
with
240
widi more force tlian the smaller sorts "before recom^'
mended.
Jf the dace do not rise readily at the bare fly, use such'
as have only wings j the. shanks of tlie hooks being left
naked for the reception of a. gentle, &c. which ought to be;
slipt up until it lays close to the wings, and appears
like the body of .a fly : such a device h peculiarly
killing.
When (lace all o» a sudden run into the shallowest
water, betraying fear and uneasiness, you may suspect
that some predatory fish has appeared, and should be,
prepared for an attack. I have had small dace and bleaks-
taken off my hook by Jacks and trouts several times*
OftheRi{ff\ or Pope.
This is a diminutive species of the perch 3 its form
being similar 3 its scales possessing the same rough*
nes^ and appearance 3 and its haunts the same. They
are, if any tiling, more thick in proportion, and their
flesh is, at lieast, equal to that of a perch. They rarel}'"
weigh more tlian four or five ounces, but when in.
the humour, bite so very freely, that the angler may
speedily procure an ample dish of them. They spawn-
twice, viz. in the spring, and about Michaelmas.
They do not touch small fry, but take fine, well
cleansed worms, particularly such as have been kept in
nioss, well moistened with sour cream 3 whence, they
probably derive a flavour which renders them peculiarly
acceptable to tlic rz/^!
Some angle with three, or even four rods 3 but I
think, two are as much as can be well managed 3 indeed>
1 hav«
241
r hare Dccaslonally seen them so keen after my cream-
fed worms, that I could scarcely find time to bait •'
second hook.
Ruffs are very voracious, and, like the lull-head, arc
apt to gorge tlie bait in a second ! this is in the angler's
favour, when he uses more than one rod ; as he is then
tolerably sure of all that bite, if left to themselves 3 but
he must keep his disgorger at hand.
I do not know any fish that, including all seasons,
bite more promptly, or more decidedly : they seem to
be little choice about weather, especially when they can
get a good haunt, among thick weeds, with a gravel, or
sand bottom, about three or four feet in depth. They
will occasionally bite, even when there is a sharp frost ^
but such is rare.
I cannot say that I ever saw a rvff but in running
wrater : and then chiefly in retired tranquil parts j such as"
the backs of small islands^ where tlie current was very
moderate, and the bank little frequented. They are not
so shy as fishes in general j for they will play about a boat,
though the persons in it are in motion, and do npt
remain either silent or steady.
As you may expect perch, and large roach where tlie
rvffs commonly lay, it is prudent to have sound tackle ;
your hook, on account of this fish having ratlier a large
mouth, may be No. 7 -, your gut fine, and weM sLiined ;
only one small shot, and a very delicate float. When
you have a bite, give a little time, and draw tight ; \l\e
rnffWiW hook himself in general. Take care how you
handle him, for his fins are rather sharp.
With respect to their proper season, I really have never
been able to form an opinion ; having found tiiem at all
*« times
942
tinics remarkably fine : when big with roe they are deli-
cious 3 especially when broiled in buttered paper.
J am of opinion, that these tishes change their haunts
but seldom ; for I never knew a place where they once
assembled, tliat was at any season totally deserted by
them ; unless from the water becoming stagnate, when
they speedily quit for some new haunt : as before ob-
served, I tliink they cannot remain in standing water ;
and consequently are not suited to ponds.
I never knew one of them rise to a fly, though I have
tried ail colours.
OftheRudd, or Fin' Scale.
This is a very scarce fish, and is much admired for
tlie delicacy and sweetness of its flesh ; especially those
that grow to a good size 3 it rarely exceeds a pound and
a half 3 though 1 have heard of some being taken equal
to three pounds. There is something handsome in its
appearance 3 produced probably by the spots on its gill-
covers, and by the rich colour of its fins : it has the pe-
culiarity of double nostrils.
The riidd being a great struggler, must be angled for
with strong tackle, such as a hook No. 5, on a good
single gut 3 without shot, and allowing your bait, for
which a fine blood- worm or a cadi ate are preferable, to
play about with a very gentle motion about a foot deep,
among weeds that are not very thick 3 now and then
lowering your bait to mid-water, or more.
Angle in this manner in the deep bends of gently
meandering streams 3 early and late, when the weather is
clo^e and sultry 3 but when there is a moderate, ruffling
breeze, you may catch them at all hours 3 especially in
tlie
213
the spring, and fall ; and sometimes in the winter, when
the weather has been mild for some time, and there falls
a little sleety rain.
These fishes are partial to soft water, such as ilo-^^'s
over chalk, marl, or deep, slimy mud j but not to clay
soils j nor are they found much where tlie bed of the
stream is coarse or pebbly j on fine sand, where soft
weeds float,' tliey are soaietimes to be seen in numbers ;
especially in the spring, when they are about to cast,
or have spawned. If you use a float, let it be very small
and put only as much shot as will make it stand.
The rudd will sometimes rise with great avidity at a
neat, brown fly j or at a red-spi??ner ; but they are ex-
tremely cunning, and are more easily taken by means of
a natural fly } especially tlie grey stone- fly, and the
ytllow cow-dung fly 5 botli of which diey seem to be par-
tial to.
When you angle for this fish, keep well out of sight j
for it in general, swims near tlie surtace; and from its
haunt among the weeds, looks around very sharply >
scudding away at the least appearance of danger.
You may occasionally use other baits j such as gentles t
Inked wasps, and the salmori^ roe ; but, in my opinion,
the worm and high coloured cadhate are by far the best.
I believe the rudd is never found in ponds, or any
water that has not some current. I recollect conversing
widi a brother angler, whom I met by chance some
years ago at IFansford j when, on my mentioning the
rudd, and inquiring whether there were any in the river
Nen, which passes through that town, he said that one
had been caught full of roe, and was conveyed into a pond
on a gentleman's estate ; where however it did not live,
M 2 but
24t
but was seen a few days after laying dead on a shelving
part of tiie shore.
The pond was said to be extensive, covering many
acres, and the water very deep. We may from this h:
led to infer, that tlie rudd cannot live in standing waters :
but on the other hand, this solitary instance should not
suffice to fix the hypotliesis 3 more especially as the fish
in question was wounded by the hook ; a circumstance
to us apparently trivial, but fatal to great numbers, which
pine after being hurt in the moutli. Hence bunglers
often destroy as many iisli as a good angler would tak©
out of tlie waters.
Of the Ckarr, or Torgoch,
This is a delicious fish, found only in large lakes in tlie
West of England, in Wales, and in Scotland; it thrives best
in such waters as are supplied by the thaws of snows
on high mountains, and is partial to dark rocky bottoms,
where it breeds fast, spawning in tlie autumn ; at which
time it will take some baits weU, such as a very small,
well- scoured Z/oof/-26'orw, a cadloie, or ix gentle.
It is said tliat tliey seldom rise at the fly, and that tliey
rarely quit tlieir native lakes, to enter the rivers with
which they are connected, unless when tlie tliaw cornea
down them strongly 3 in short, the charr seems j)articu-
larl/ attached to very cold waters.
They are usually caught with long deep nets, and are
in seabon all the spring, and till they spawn : in the early
months their flesh is as red as the salmon's, but it loses its
colour after the fish is impregnated.
The charr rarely we'ghs half a pound, but is a great
stru£gler ; at least, such I found the few I once caught
at
245
?it Loch Leven, near Kinross, in Scotland. They weife
extremely shy, and it was some time before they would
bite ; however, about mid-day, I hooked four or five :
tliey had a great resemblance to salmon-trouts, but their
sides were more beautiRilly coloured,
I was told, that my success was remarkable j for that
many gentlemen had tried for years, and scarce ever
caught a charr. From the complexion of my informer,
a needy boatman by whom I was poled and sculled about
the lake, I thought it very probable he had the same
morsel of flattery ready for ail who employed him 5 and I
was rather coniirmed in this (perhaps unjust) sentiment^
from being afterwards assured^ that charrs were fre-
quently hooked in numbers.
My baits were small red-worms, fresh taken from old
stable dung ; and I am inclined to think, notwithstanding
what 1 heard to the contrary, that with a fly my success
would have been much greater 3 for tlieir appearance^
especially about tlie mouthy indicated their lent to be
towards the surface.
It may be proper to explain my meaning ; which is
simply, that obser\^ation has taught me to consider such
fishes as are broad, flat, or much hog-backed, as being
^est suited by worms, &c. as in bottom-fishing, or roving j
while such as are more round and long in the body, almoat '
invariably are keen after the Jiy : a very slight reference
to the descriptions given in this Volume, will suifice to
prove the truth of this position.
The charr is not known to anglers in the South of Eng-
land, except from its excellence when potted 3 though
even in this particular they are under some deception ^
for tlie people who prepare them m tiiat manner, it is
M 3 said.
246
?aid, are not very exact in putting nothing but charts into
tlie pots : if report be true, tliey mix up many a good
truuf, and, now and then, a bit o( salmon.
From the great quantity of M'hat is called '' potted
charr" consumed by epicures, &c. I am ratlier disposed
to believe that the above opinion is not unjust -, for I do
not think such a quantity, oicharrs-Qi\\Y, could be collected
in any one season j they be;ng a very scarce commodity,
even in some of their own \(^aters. This kind of deception
j)( rvadcs many matters 5 thus, we see more Madeira
'trine annually imported, than that island could furnish
in ten or twelve years.
Of the Gudgeon,
Of all the fishes to be found in our rivers, none, I be-
lieve, is so much persecuted as tliis little delicious one :
it is not only taken by the hook for the purpose of being
ser\'ed up at table, but is caugiit in hullles, keils, Sec.
with the intention oih^Sxmgjack-hoohs, &c.
The gudgeon is remarkably fond of gravelly, or slightly-
muddy situations ; and pro^^agates remarkably fast on
c halk soils. It is properly a river fish, but is occasionally
found in ponds supphed by ample drains, &c. in which
il:ere is a constant flow of water. Gudgeons seldom take
but on, or veiy near to, the bottom, and then will bite
at almost any insect, but prefer small llood-tvorms,
gentles, cadi at es, and gruh.
If you mean to set in seriously for ^z/d'^^ow -fishing,
your best way is, to fix a punt across tliat part of a clear
gentle stream where the bottom is of fine gravel, and
tolerably level, also free from weeds. Plumb the depth,
and set your quill-float to such a length, as may cause
. • you^
247
your hook to trip along the bottom with the current ;
drawing up whenever your float begins to lean towards
you.
This, done very gently, will generally attract the gud-
geons ; especially if the water be not so deep but that you
can siir up the gravel smartly, now and then, with a
long-handled rake : this will occasion them to crowd to
the disturbed part, at the same time that it conceals your
line, w hich should be very fine, and rather shorter than
your rod : your hook about No. 8, or Q.
The gudgeon is extremely greedy, and having a very
broad mouth, can take a good sized bait : do not spare
your worm-bag 5 but when a worm has been in the least
injured, change it for a fresh lively one j thereby 3 ou
will not fail to have excellent sport during the whole of
the day, especially in hot weather, from the end of
March till the end of October. Observe, that gudgeons
very rarely feed but when the sun is up.
I am much inchned to believe, that the gudgeon
spawns both in the middle of spring, and about Michael-
mas 3 especially at the latter lime, when tlie young fr^
may be seen in shoals that darken the shallow sandy,
or fine gravelly, bottoms, in \\'hich they greatly delight.
I have generaUy found the best mode of taking them
was by means of my jnimwiv-iine, letting my baits all
lay on the bottom j but when on the eve of spawning,
and for a few weeks after, they do not shew much dispo-
sition to feed. In cold weather they leave the shallows^
returning to the deeps, and do not bite freely.
When you are angling for them, throw in some pieces
of coarse biscuit j also a few shreds of unsoaked greaves,
M 4 cut
us
cut small i taking care they sliould sink about the place
where your hook trips.
Give a little time before you strike, especially if your
bait is rather large j and remove tlie hooked fishes as fast
as you can out of die water, else tlie whole shoal will
take the alarm, and be with difficulty brought back.
You will find, that the minnow-net is an admirable
instrument for taking gudgeons, when the water is shal-
low. You must first rake the spot wellj then lower
your net gendy to die bottom, and, over the place where
it lies, throw in grains, meal, &c. In this way I have
often taken more dian a peck of gudgeons in a few pulls.
Of the Flounder,
This is properly a sea-fish, and is rarely found but in
waters communicating with the ocean 5 yet flounders
not only will hve and propagate in odier streams, but
even in ponds, growing to a greater size than when in
the tide's way.
This fish delights in a soft, flat, or gendy declining
bottom, where they will take various baits, but princi-
pally well-scoured worms, and greaves. You will have
but litde sport unless the place be previously baited, for
they are remarkably indolent j though when once as-
sembled, no fish can keep the angler better employed.
Use strong gut with a hook No. 7^ or 8, radier stiff in
its make ; put four or fi\e shots on your line, and let
your bait go close to the bottom, or lay upon it -, give a
little time when you have a bite, for the flounder is a great
glutton, and will, if possible, gorge your bait, provided
he be not disturbed.
You
24£>
You may use two or three rods, especially where the
itveam is moderate, and the water deep : in such places,
however, you will probably find barbel, and large eels,
which are generally caught promiscuously when angling
for this fish ; especially in gloomy weather.
When the tide comes in strong, tlie flounders are all
on the alert, and bite very sharp, particularly in the slow
eddies which flow over flat sandy banks, after the water
has passed through a bridge, &:c. They are not particu-
lar as to hours, nor, indeed, in regard to weather, so
much as most fishes.
When you hook a flounder, treat him gently, for he is^
a great struggler, and will sometimes hug the bottom, or
skim under a bank, so as to give you much trouble 3 be*
sides, many of them grow to near a pound weight, and
require good gut to hold them in.
Their hold is apt to break if you strike too soon 3 there-
fore, it is best to allow a few seconds for tlie fish to gorge
your bait, then you will make sure of him. Observe,
tliat a small brandling, or a blood-worm, are the best
baits ; and that^ if the flounders run small, you should
use a hook in proportion , sometimes minnow -hooks ^
i, e. No. 9 and 10, are most serviceable.
Much cannot be said in praise of tlie flounder, as an
article for the table j but, when very fresh, they arc
sweet and nourishing. Those taken in brackish water,
and in the tide's way, are generally smaller, but much
firmer, than such as are taken further up the rivers,
which they ascend sometimes to very neai* their sources.
Theflounder spawns some time in the summer -, gene-
rally about tlie beginning of June 3 tliough some do not
- cast till September, while others cast in April and May :
u5 this
250
this depends much en tlie water, and on tlie state of the
weatlier.
They are in high season when full of roe, but become
remarkably flabby and woolly when they have spawned ;
nor do they probably recover until they get into the tide*s
way again.
Cf tha Smelt.
This is a very voracious fish ; and if we consider the
form of its moutli, as well as tlie many teeth with which
both its tongue and its jaws are furnished, we might, in
all probability, be correct in classing it among the preda*
tori/ tribe.
I believe it is not a settled point, whether the smelt is
a separate species of the salmon, as Linnaeus states it to
be, giving it the name of Salmo epmiatius -, or whether
it is the young of some other kind : I am disposed to the
former opinion, from our never seeing any fish of a size
larger than the smeli, such as M^e should suppose it to
appear after tlie growth of another season ; and because
tliis iish, when it arrives at a moderate size, is frequently
found full of roe.
Smells rarely exceed eight or ten inches in length ;
tliough I have seen a few at table, that could not have
measured less than a foot.
The smelt is in high season twice in the year, viz.
during Christmas, and again about July : they are best
during the winter months. They spawn in March ^nd
April, and immediately go to the salt v\ ater, leaving their
young fry in the rivers 5 they return in about six weeks,
or tw^o months, very firm and well flavoured : in taste
they much resemble a fine cucumber^ though jsome think
tliey
251
tliey are more like t^ violet. When dried, they make
an excellent relish, being sold at tl:ie oil-shops under the
name of '^ sparlings." The flesh of the smelt, when
just taken, is peculiarly delicate and wholesome.
Smelts never stray far from salt water, or, at least, from
where it is a little brackish : thus, they come in with the
flood, especially during spring tides, and return with the
ebb. They are fond of deep holes ; and, when the tide'
is nearly full, may be caught with a stout jninnowAmQ
(or a very delicate pater-nosterj , in such places.
They sometimes get into docks, and are shut in after
high \^ater ; in sucli cases the young angler may have
excellent sport, baiting with gentles, cadhates, or llood^
worms y on hooks No. 10. To attract them, a little
burnt oatmeal, or raspings of bread, should be now and
then tlirown in. With good tackle, and with good ma-
nagement, a peck may often be caught in a tide.
They vary in their depth of swimming, but in general,
lay about seven or eight feet from the surface, and still
lower in very deep water. If fresh raw shrimps can be
had, or small pieces of raw lohster, or crah, they will
prove very superior baits.
A certain similarity, added to tlie periods in which
smelts frequent the mouths of rivers, render it probable
there may be some truth in the conjecture, that the
white- bait are the fry of the smelt. Their habits and
localities are exactly the same.. The latter are often
caught in immense quantities.
Of the Lamprey.
This little luscious fish is found in several waters ; but
there are two kinds, viz. one that is only found in salt
M d water^
259
-w^ter, or where tlie brackish water flows^ and lives in
5and, or among coarse gravel ; the other, that burrows
into the mud, and is common in some inland streams.
The sea lamprey often measui'es a foot in lengtli, while
the others rarely come up to eight iiK:hes, and are rounder
in their bodies tlian the former sort.
The heads of both kinds are remarkably small ; their
eyes are scarcely to be discerned, but are sometimes co-
vered with a blue membrane, such as the black eel, in
particular, often draws over its eyes.
The sea lamprey is easiest caught in a basket, which
being put into the holes near tlieir haunts, and baited
with any olfal, or blood, but especially with crahs^ or
other shell-fish beginning to decay^ will attract them in
numbers. Many are thus caught in eel- boxes, but they
are remarkably qmck, and dart through the holes like
lightning: when they attempt to escape tlirough the
intervals m the wieker-work, they stick fast for a while,
during which the water is draining out, and leaves theni
exposed to view.
When you angle for them, which, by the by, is a very
tedious operation, you must bait the hole well for several
days, and be careful to go at such hours as you have been
used to throw in the ground-bait, which should consist of
htale shell-fish, or greaves.
Bait with apiece of raw crab, or of shrimp, on a hook;
No. 10, and give time to gorge, which the lamprey will
do very greedily.
The fresh-water lamprey is very difficult to catch witb
a hook, it being so veiy small 5 nor is it to compare with
the sea lamprey for flavour, though extremely rich:
tliey aire all best potted^ or made into a pye.
They
553
The lamprey Is viviparous, and casts her young during
the summer, among clefts in the rocks between high and
low water generally, where, indeed, the old ones will
often be taken by sniggling, as for eels -, but be careful
not to let the flood tide overtake you, for it comes in
very rapidly in some places; where the shore is bold
especially.
I have heard that lampreys are sometimes taken in
great numbers, when the weather is cold, by putting
some worms, &c. into the foot of a worsted stocking,
which, being thrown into their haunts, will sometimes
contain many lampreys. I never saw this practised; but
-am disposed to think better of such a device than I am of
angling for this little fish.
Of the Mullet.
I consider this fish as the link which joins those that
- remain in the fresh water for certain periods, witli those
that appertain exclusively to the sea. The mullet is, in
some countries^ found in shoals at the distance of a thou-
sand miles from the sea, but only in rivers communi-
cating therewith : they run up the Ganges as far as it&
source, stemming the most rapid currents, and swimming,
in vast numbers, wqth their eyes out of the water, snap-
ping at small flies, and at such things as may appear
eatable.
Witii us, however, this flsh is never found but near
the sea, in such rivers as have flat entrances, c«i which
they are very sportive, and will take most kinds of artifi-
cial flies, especially the doulle-winged, the Hack palmer,
and the gnat fly: nevertheless, the best sport is with a
natural fly, on a hook not exceeding No, 6, carefully
covered
254
covered by the bait ; for the mullet is both cunning and
strong.
You may likewise take them with very small Hood-
worms , or gentles, when the water is a little coloured ;
being careful that your gut is tinted in a suitable man-
ner, and keeping your bait near tlie bottom. They never, •
1 believe, exceed two pounds and a half weight.
No fish requires more care, in regard to concealment,
than the mullet ; so much so, that when tliey ai*e sur-
rounded by tlie net, in places w^here they abound, if a
man, or a dog, &c. approaches, tliey will all leap over 5
whereas, when properly managed, they submit with re-
markable resignation.
Mullets aie fond of sandy shallows, in which they grub
and leave their marks : they visit tlie coasts in summer,
and are then ii) high season ) their flesh is remarkably
fine.
I speak, however, with deference to a modern autlior,
who says, " it is not so delicious as the ancient Roman
Viulletj which appears to have been a different species,'*
This seems, to me, to be rather a bold assertion j for I
do not think it a very easy matter to determine so intri-
cate a question as> in spite of tlie antiquity alluded to, is
peremptorily decided by the above fiot. I leave tlie
reader to make his reflections on the value of a publica-
tion, in which this mode of examination or -of descrip-
tion, forms a ver}' prominent characteristic. But, peace
be to the Doctor s ashes !
The mullet is rarely found with roe ; but when so,
looks extremely heavy and dull : this generally is the case
about the latter end of suri:mer, or perhaps as late as the
end of August; after which, mullets become very scarce.
Some
255
Some are caught later, but they invariably appear to be
diseased.
Those fishes which are caught on the sands about the
coast of Sussex, during the fall of the year, are, however,
very fine, and are much in request among epicures.
They aj-e then called sea mullets, though obviously tlie
same as tlie above.
Of the Bleak y or Blear, or Blanc.
This little fish, which peculiarly resembles the anchovy
in its form, though it is not quite so round, comes in sea-
son during the summer. The lleak is remarkable for
having a transparent skull -, its sides are extremely bril-
liaat, owing to tlie smallness of its scales, which are em-
ployed in the imitations of pearls.
The young angler may, with almost any small bait,
but particularly a gentle, or a house-fly, on a hook No.
] 0, have excellent amusement at the borders of rivers,
and in shoal waters, by dipping for bleaks. I have seen
a lady catch ten or twelve dozen, in th's manner, in the
course of the evening. They are remarkably sweet
eating.
Of the Minnow, the Pink, the Stone-Loach, and the
Bans tide,
I shall not say any tiling j they being beneath the angler's
notice, except as baits, under which head the modes of
taking them have been described : they are all, however,
very palatable. I have described them in the Appendix,.
and given the outline of tlie first.
OP
$56
OF SALT-WATER FISHING.
On many parts of our coast, those who are fond of the
sport may find ample scope for tlieir amusement, from
piers, headlands, &:c. while such as are more venturous,
and who are not subject to be incommoded by the motion
of a boat, may find a thousand opportunities of gratifying
tlieir curiosity by a small douceur among the fishermen j
who, under such circumstances, will frequently take
young folks with them to the fishing stations 3 either with
net or line. It is true, tliey do not relish such a visitor,
who is ratlier apt to be in the way ; nor can they afibrd
any veiy pleasant accommodation, or any choice fare.
The adventurer must, therefore, equip himself with a
good glazed hat, a very stout great coat, a pair of trow-
sers, strong boots, &c. togetlier with some good spirits,
tobacco^ and a few eatables ready dressed, suflicient for
the use of his comrades 5 who will, when thus treated,
do all in their power to render the trip agreeable.
With regard to hooks, lines, baits, and all the neces-
sary apparatus, no provision need be made , tlie crew
w^ill furnish every thing of that description, far more ap-
plicable to the occasion, than could be procured from any
directions that might be herein given.
But as the angler will somt times wish to amuse him-
self from such parts of the shore as may give him a com-
mand of the water, or eventually near to the beach, in a
boat, I shall give a few hints, such as will, I trust, be
found serviceable ; and enable him to pursue his amuse-
ment with pleasure and success.
Two sizes of line, and of hooks, are, generally speak-
ing*
257
ihgy all that will be wanted. The larger tackle should
consist of a line^ about seventy or eighty yards long, as
thick as a good sized crow quill^ very firmly made, and
either white or black ; but I prefer the latter, on account
of its not increasing so much in tliickness when wet 3 and
tJiat it throws off the water better when drawn in 3 con*
sequently, is not so long in drying, and less hable to rot.
To such a line, you should have a hook about tv^ o
inches long in the shank, about tliree quarters of an inch
broad from the point to the shank (measuring to the out-
side), and about tlie same deptli in the bend : the point
very sharp, the beard very well cut and raised ; and tlie
tip of the butt a little flattened, to prevent the whipping
from sliding off.
The lesser line should be of the smallest sized whip*
cord, and about forty yards long : the hook about an inch
long, with a suitable bend, sharp point, &c. as above
described : it ought to be very stout. The first kind may
be had under the designation of small cod-hooks 3 the
latter under the name of mackerel- hooks -, togedier with
the appropriate lines, under the same terms.
Each kind of line will require to be leaded, according
to the depth, or strength, of water in which it is cast. The
best that can be used are the coffin- leads, already de-
scribed, which should be kept up at about a foot, or twa,
from the hook, by means of a piece of packthread inter-
woven among the strands of the line, so as to form a neat
knot, or rather a kind of collar for the lead to rest upon.
The sizes of these leads may be from one to four ounces.
The angler will derive convenience from having a neat
spliced loop at tlie top of his foot length 3 which should
be about four feet long, and anotlier at the bottom of his.
line
258
line (each loop about four inches long), for the purpose of
taking off and on 5 so tliat he may change his hook, &c,
in case of accident, and take it off altogether when he
has done fishing j for he w ill find the good folks at the
sea- side rather forgetful, in pocketing other people's
tackle : mistaking them no doubt for their own !
In fishing from a boat, some little practice will be re-
quisite before you can ascertain when you have a bite ;
unless indeed, when some large or ravenous fish, whiqh
is often the case, makes a dead pull, and leaves nothing
for the exercise of your judgment j he hooking himself
at the first attack.
The proper position of tlie line must be understood ;
thus : 1^ the back of your wrist fiat on the side of the
boat 3 the hand being overboard, witli tlie back down-
wards, and in a horizontal position : let the line pass over
the flat of the hand, and over the middle joint of the
fore-finger, which must be thrown something forward
into tlie direction of the luie -, the otlier tliree fingers
partaking a little of the same inclination, but doubled
down so as to keep tlie line firmly in tlie hand.
The thumb lays fiat between the fore and middle
fingers j not pressing the line, but keeping it steady in its
direction over the middle of the fore-finger 5 which prin-
cipally governs the line.
The boat will rise and fall considerably ; especially if
there is any wind, or any swell 3 drawing the line up and
sinking it, alternately, in proportion to its own motion ;
rvhereby the bait is well displayed to the fishes. Eut
this motion comes sometimes rather suddenly, and occa^
sions a sensation on the fore-finger, not unlike a bite : a
very little practice will teach the difference.
Whea
259
When a fish bites but gently, you must be all atten-
tion, and in readiness to strike him at the second pull ;
whetlier it be slight or strong. To do this, you should
not lilt your arm, but merely witli a twitch, bring your
hand up ; the wrist serving as a pivot for its motion : if,
however, the boat is descending at the moment when
you have occasion to strike, you must raise your lower
arm with your hand ; making the elbow the pivot^ and
keeping your upper arm close by your side.
A very few instances will suffice to give expertnef?s
to him who is at all conversant in tlie more common
branches of angling, and will accustom the hand to the
weight on the line ; which, to the novice, is sometimes
very perplexing and deceitful.
When tlius employed, you will frequently have occa-
sion for a good stout knife -, nor will a disgorger be super-
fluous ; for many of the sea fishes, taken on our coasts,
have very large mouths, and make nothing of pouching
such a bait as would astonish a trout !
Moderate sized baits are however to be generally pre-
ferred ; but you must take care to conceal your hook
well J though sea fishes are not so very particular in that
respect as the fishes in fresh water. Let not this tend to
indifference on that head 3 for, as I have always said, he
who has tlie best tackle, under equal skill, &c. will always
kill most fishes.
Such persons as make coasting voyages, such as from
Leith to London, and are fond of fishing, may frequently
find opportunities for casting a line 5 especially in the
summer time, when vessels are obliged to anchor, during
an opposing tide^ for want of \^ind to bear against it.
Oftea
260
Often we see vessels admirably situated for casting a line,
and wonder that no one on board should be provided.
But it will be necessary, previous to embarkation, t6
obtain, if possible, a few live crabs, or lobsters, or mus-
cles, &c. for baits ; or if such cannot be had, those that
have been boiled : or fresh herrings, pieces of cud, had*
blocks, &c. may be substituted.
I was once in a vessel, of which the captain had some
good tackle, though but indiiferent baits j yet witli some
raw beef, and a few slips of fat bacon, he contrived to
catch us several very nice fish, while at anchor off tlie
coast of Norfolk, and at the mouth of the Thames.
It is necessary to premise, that the larger fishes of
almost every kind I shall treat of, are to be found only in
particular situations, generally on certain banks far re-
moved from our shore : the angler therefore must con-
tent himself with a smaller race of adventurers, when
he remains on terra firma: he will, however, on
many occasions have excellent sport 3 especially if he
chooses good situations j which, in a short time, he will
distinguish at first sight.
Sea-fishes always bite best when the tide is rising ',
they then seem to be confident as well as hungry. As
the tide begins to ebb, they commence their retreat,
often rather suddenly -, perhaps they are fearful of being
left on the sands.
Having said sufficient, I hope, to serve as a general guide
to those who, being particularly keen, follow their game
to a distance from the land, I shall proceed to give a brief
description of the several fishes they will probably find at
their hooks, together with their appropriate baits, &c.
Of
261
Of Sea Baits.
These are extremely various ; for those fishes which are
found far at sea will take any thing that is eatable : thus,
the shark, the alhacore, the honeta, and many others,
take salt beef, pork, &c. nay, I have even seen them
bite at a piece of potatoe.
But, generally speaking, such fishes as frequent our
coasts, subsist on shell-Jishes 3 viz. muscles, crahs,
shrimps y oysters, &c. all of which prove ver)' alluring ;
as are also every kind of bait used for river fish -, espe-
cially lobs and greaves.
Few sea-fishes will refuse a bit of one of their own
species j but the flesh of the salmoji and of the alhacore
(which is not unlike bad beef), seem to be preferred by
the greater number.
There is a peculiar kind of sea-fish, if it may be so
called, which grows on the rocks, in many places on our
southern coast -, it is extremely common in many parts of*
Europe, and indeed, of the whole world, but abounds
chiefly on the rocks surrounding islands, especially ia
warm latitudes : it is, of all the baits I am acquainted
with, the very best. I never knew a fish to refiise it 5
but have, on the contrary, seen all kinds competiting to
get at my hook.
This bait is called the animal-Jiower, the actinia sociata
of naturalists 3 and is thus described.
'' The actinia sociata is a tender, fleshy substance,
which consists of many tubular bodies, gently swelling
towards the upper part, and terminating like a ball, or
very small onion : its only orifice is in the centre of the
upper-
262
uppermost part, surrounded with rows of tentacles, or
claws, which, when contracted, appear like circles of
beads. This opening is capable of great extension j and
it is amazing to see what large fishes some of them can
swallow } such as muscleSy crabs, &c. When the animal
has scratched out the fish, it throws back the shells,
through the same passage. From this aperture it like-
wise produces its young ones alive ; already furnished
witli little claws, which they extend in search of food,
as soon as they are fixed. At low water the anirnal-
floiver is found on the rocky coasts of Sussex and Corn-
wall J attached in the shallows to some solid substance,
by a broad base, like a sucker. This base is worthy of
notice j tlie knobs observed upon it, are formed into
several parts, by its insinuating itself into tlie inequalities
of rocks, or grasping pieces of shells 3 part of which^ fre-
quently remain in it, covered with the fleshy substance.
Animal-flowers very much resemble tlie exterior leaves
cf the anemone, and their limbs are not unlike its shag,
or inner part."
This description cannot fail to prove a faithful guide,
to direct the angler's search for so excellent a bait : it
was at one time called the sea nettle, from an erroneous
supposition that it stung all who touched it.
Sea Fishes,
The Cod, The Gar-fish.
The Bass. The Skate.
The Coal-fish. The Halibut,
The Turbot. The Sand eel.
The Haddock. The Co?igor eel.
The
263
The Plaise. The Lohter.
The Mackerel, Tlie Cray -fish, and
The Whiting. The CraZ^.
The Herring.
Of the Cod.
This well-known fish rises to a great weight, some-
times exceeding 20 or 25 pounds : it is extremely vora-
cious, and its stomach, called the sound, is so strong,
that it can even digest whole crabs, &:c. Cods snatch at
every thing they see moving, and are particularly attracted
by all substances of a bright red ; whence they are fre-
quently taken, on the great banks, with pieces of scarlet
cloth on suitable hooks.
Those who fish for tliem on our coasts, and in the
friths to the northward, bait with huUo£ks liver, lights,
small fishes, and especially with one called tlie cuddy,
which, at some seasons, abounds so much, as to be
caught by dipping a basket into the water.
The cod delights in places comparatively shallow )
though it is rarely found of any size where the water is
not 40 or 50 feet deep. Cods feed near the bottom -,
therefore, when you are intent on taking them, let your
lead sink till you touch the ground, and tlien draw up a
few feet. Vary your depth now and tlien, and you will
scarcely miss of them, if you are properly situated.
The fry of the cod, that is, such fishes as rarely exceed
one or two pounds, frequent our coasts, and will be
found on tliose long shelving sands which are never dry,
and which have connexion with rather a bold shore. Use
the strong tackle. The lass, coal-fish, and the iing^^
may all be classed witli the cod.
Of
264
Of the Turlot,
This fish lays more over on the Dutch coast ; but the
small ones sometimes come upon our shores, and are caught
while fishing for mackerel, &c. &rc. Their favourite
bait is a lamprey, of which we export oflen full 400,000,
from the Thames chiefly, for the supply of the Dutch
fishermen, who readily pay fh)m forty to fifty shillings
per thousand, entirely for turlot-haits.
The turhots average from six, to twelve, or fourteen
pounds ; some grow to the weight of t^^enty-five, or even
tliirty, but their flesh becomes coarse. They are also
caught with small pieces of fresh herrings, haddock, or
iullocks' liver 5 but the lamprey is preferable.
Fish for them on the banks before described, as also
on long, flat, shelving sands, that lay ^ry when the tide is
out, but on which it rises very fast 5 there they will be
found among the other flat fishes, which run in with
great keenness to pick up what may be exposed on the^
sands. Your tackle of the smaller size.
Of the Haddock,
These generally weigh from one to four pounds, but
have been known up to fourteen : they are best about
Christmas, when in roe ; they are also very fine about
Midsummer.
These fishes take a worm very readily, hanging below
mid-water, where it is not very deep. You may use a
large cork-float, as for jacks, or a bladder-float ; but in
so doing, you will miss many when you strike -, especially
if you let your float stand far from you.
Bait with large lohs^ on the smaller tackle ; or you
may
SG5
may put a large raw muscle, an oyster, or the inside of a
cral, which must be tied on firmly with a little white
worsted. Haddocks have large mouths, and bite very
sharp J but be not too violent in striking, lest you may*
liave some large fish at your hook.
You may use a stout rod widi a good line : hook^-
No. 1. Your reel-line at least 50 yards, and tlie reel, pro-
perly, a multiplier. In such fishing as tliis, where you
often will require 20 yards, or more, of your line to be
out, your float should be of the double-plug kind, so
diat as you wind up your line, the float may traverse
down it.
Of the Plalse.
The coast of Sussex abounds widi these fish, which
lay on the dangerous flats that run far out to sea near Rye,
Hastings, &c. : they generally weigh from two to six
pounds 5 though sometimes they are caught on our coast*
up to nine or ten pounds, and off the Dutch shores,
sometimes up to near twenty pounds.
This fish bites very eagerly, but requires small tackle ;
indeed, it may be taken with a rod. and a stout line,
hook No. 2 or 3, a large float, and abundance of line oi%
a multiplying reel. Bait with worms, rata muscle, or
oyster, or a piece of fresh 5«/mo«.
You should, properly, be in a boat, and angle about
mid-water, when the tide is half in, but lower as it rises.
Plaisc will also take fresh shrimps, first peeled, and lai'ge
grul'S. Be gentle witli them when hooked, for tlieir
mouths are ratlier tender, and apt to give wayj nor
should you strike too soon, but give time to gox-ge.
Ah\'ays extract yoiu: hook from the maw of a flat-fish-
N by
by cutting crossways with your knife under tlie lower
eye; tliat is, v/lien he has gorged it; else it may be dis-
engaged in the ordinary manner.
Of the Mackerel.
These fishes appear on the coast during the spring, and
Gvirly part of summer : in weight tliey rarely exceed a
pound and an half, even when full of roe, which is during
tlie month of May in general, tliough sometimes later.
When you are among ihem, bait with a piece of raw
fresh salmon, or of au^ fisli, or even with a bit of scarlet
cloth.
You may use a stiff rod to great advantage, but y<7ur
line must be all tlie way strong, such as the China line
I have before mentioned j and your hook a very stout
short one, made expressly for the purpose ; roving is far
better tlian a standing bait, letting your line go about a
yard, or occasionally more, under water; though macke-
rel take ver}^ well from tlie surface.
When you have a bite, give a little time j do not fear
to strike tolerably firm, but allow no play, and lift the
fish at once into your boat ; otherwise, the rest will be
alarmed, and become shy. 1 have caught great numbers
from the stern of a ship, by baiting with a piece of raw
lobster, or craij-Jisk,
Of the niiiting.
This fish is chiefly taken at about a mile or two from
the land, where they may be found, during die spring,
in very extensive shoals : tliey rarely weigh more than a
pound j indee gt nerally, scarce half so much ; therefore
you must use the same tackle, and angle much in the
same
267
same manner as for mackerel -, observing, that the tvhii-
ing is far more choice in regard to tlie bait, which must
be \'ery fresh Uvei^, good worms , gentles, or a piece of
any white Jish.
You should be careful not to take them under six
inches in length, at least while witliin tlie district of the
Thames or Med way 3 it being contrary to law, and sub-
jecting you to informations, which will prove very trouble-
some, and not less exj)ensive.
I have before cautioned you '* always to consider your?
self attended by spies 3" tliere being persons every where,
who get th^ir livelihood solely by lodging informations !
Of the Herring,
Though tills fish is rarely taken with the hook, being
principally caught in v ery extensive nets, yet it will not
refuse a bait, as many experience who now and then
hook a stray herring, after the shoals have been thinned
and dispersed by the fishermen, and by tlie dog-fish.
The herring will take almost any bait, being extremely
ravenous, on account of the scarcity of provision natu-
rally attendant upon so large an accumulation of these
greedy devourc rs .
It is not easy to instruct how to angle for them -, the
fact is, that when taken it is quite a matter of chance, and
generally forms a part of the sport while fishing for ivhit"
iiigs late in the season ) for the herrings very rarely visit
our nortliern coal's before June, when they are full of
roe, and tliey do not come southward until much later in
the year.
If, however, you find them come in any j roportion to
your bait^ it would be in favour of your sport, were yo i
N 2 to
26S
to put on rather a smaller hook than when the maclercl
and whitings abound. Herrings have four giils^ and die
as soon as they quit their element.
Of the Gar 'Fish.
This fish a good deal resembles the eel in its make, but
has not the dorsal or ve?it fins, though it has a long,
spiny, fibrous ridge both above and below. Its mouth is
very long and slender, armed with small sharp teeth ;
and its sides are marked with narrow longitudinal stripes^
from the head to the tail, of a light bluish olive colour.
It sometimes measures two feet in length, * yet rarely
weighs more than a pound.
In hot weather, this fish plays on the surflice ; some-
times great ^lUmbers may be seen about ships : they may
be easily taken with any of the common sea-baits before
described, on a hook about No. 6, mounted on very
strong guty or rather on 'ii'ee(J. They are tolerably well
flavoured, but rather dry, and are best when boiled : good
sauce is necessary : indeed, they are more valuable for
the sport they give, by their eagerness to deprive each
other of the bait, than for tlieir flesh.
Give them time to get the bait well into their mouths,
and then strike freely : draw out as soon as hooked.
You should have a small shot or two near your hook,
to prevent the wind from blowing it away : let your bait
play on tlie surface, or an inch or two below it.
Gc7itles are well calculated for this sport, as are also
cadi ales, I should think banstivles remarkably well
suited as a bait for this fish , but I never tried tliem. I
have taken great numbers, but always with a piece of
raw shell-Jisk 3 at which they bite ravenously.
0/
269
Of the Skate.
These fishes abound towards the North of Scotlafid,
where tliey are taken of a good size, generally weighini^
from six to twenty pounds. Some small ones come upon
our long shelving sands in the South, and take almost any
bait : they are prodigiously strong in tiie water, and re-
quire very sound tackle, as well as a great length of line.
The rod is not at all proper for this sport. Your tackle
should be of the large description when the skates run to
any size 3 otherwise tlie smalHine, &c. will answer very
well.
Fish for them near to the bottom, and allow good
time 3 permit the fish to take out some yards of line be-
fore you strike : you may know them by a succession of
slight pulls, and at last a strong one with a quick ran :
they are then pouching. Strike firaily, and manage in a
way suitable to the stress you feel.
The skate spawns in the spring, and is then in season -,
but they bite best when there is a smart breeze with a
little swell. If you should be far from land, and lay on
the ground for skates (as is proper), you will require at
least 1 00 yards, or more, of excellent line, both on ac-
count of the deep water, and the necessity of giving good
play ', for this fish sometimes weighs two or tliree hun-
dred weight. Take care how you handle the long-
tailed skate, as he has a tremendous spine on the middle
of his tail : the wounds made by it are extremely dan-"
gerous.
n3 Of
270
Of the Halibut.
This fierce fish lays in deep water, and oil the commoH
fishing banks 3 it is properly a ground fish, but takes a
bait either on the ground^ or a few feet from it. Yonr
tackle must be very stout, for the hdiiuts generally
weigh from 30 to 70 pounds.
Ihey seize like the jack : give iliem a little time, and
when they move on again, strike ; but be ready to give
.plenty of line, for it is a very strong fish^ and struggles
dcsix?rately.
The best baits arc, fresh Jlshes cut into pieces, several
nruscles or oysters threaded on yowi iiook, or even large
hiL'i^ or a small eel, or a rasher of lacon cut in form of a
fish.
Rut if you can get the ammaiflotver, it is peculiarly
i vil'ng to the ha rU'ui, and*is, indeed, the very best of
6('n-/a}ts 5 for all large fishes in particular. I have de-
scribed this under the head of Sea- Baits.
Of the Sand Eel.
Ihh ver}' fine little fish works its way into the loose
siuds on the sea-beach, and remains concealed while the
tide is out ; sometimes it may be seen to put its head out,
but wriggles under cover on the least alarm.
Go with a three-pronged fork, just above low-water
n ark, w hen, by striking it in once or twice, you will
sometimes see the sand agitated -, be quick, and ypu may
t • 11 n up a sand eel. It rarely exceeds a foot in length, has
a sharp head, and a bright side, the back of a light olive-
green, witli greenish silver}- sides 3 it is remarkably sweet
eatinst
271
eatmg when boiled, or broiled in buttered pnper, or in a
pyc.
This is also called tlie hawlis-lill by many, on account
of the peculiar form of its nose, which works downwards
in some measure. While on the subject of eeh, as re-
lating to fresh- water fishing, this was mentioned, because
it may. be sometimes found within the tide's mixture with
river waters. It is necessary to remark, that there is a
fifth kind of eel, completely a sea fish, called
The Congor Eel.
This enormous fisii, which sometimes w^eighs 100
pounds, or more, is sometimes caught on our shores. It
Is very common among the islands on the French coast,
where they take it in the net, or with the hook.
It is quite a matter of chance when the congor bites 5
but in general, you may expect them when you bait with
a small sea fisk on a proportionate hook 5 letting your
l)ait lay among the large fissures in the rocky bays. Give
time to gorge, and pull up quick, so as to prevent your
line being cut.
Some shoot the congor, when brought to the surface 5
it being no very easy matter to get him into the boat, or
to keep him there. At all events, he must be well beaten
with a good pole, taking care not to strike near the line.
The congor is extremely powerful, andwili take some
strength to hold him in : his bite is very sharp, and he
uses his teeth very freely.
In places where they abound, tliey sometimes get
hooked by attacking mackerel, ivhitb:gs, &c. that ii-.ve
taken your bait ; but you must not expect to get them
jfl ; for they commonly are too strong to be held by the
N 4 fcickle>
272
tackle, which will, besides, cut your fingers terribly, it
you have not a pair of stout gloves on.
The ccjigors flesh is very coarse, and should be dressed
either in the collared form, or prepared like salt cod,
ihigj &c. when it is not only palatable, but exceedingly
agreeable, though not very wholesome.
Of the Lolster, the Cray-Fisk. and the Crab.
The learner is not to suppose tliat I am about to in-
struct him how to angle for these fishes, which are taken
by the fi she mien with a very different apparatus from any
herein mentioned 5 but I shall state to him how they have
been frequently taken. I have participated in the diver*
sion, and am therefore quahfied to speak to this point.
Get a \Gry large iron hoop ; such, for instance, as tlie
centre one from a puncheon, or butt : fix to it a strong net,
ralher larger tlian the area, or space within the hoop : then
fasten four strong pieces of line at equal distances on the
hoop (as described in making a minnow-net) , and at their
meeting over the centre, make them fast to a sufficient line.
Observe, that the net should be very stout, and ratiier
slack ', but it must be laced all round to the hoop.
In the middle of the net tie raw mCcTt, or raw bones,
&'€. and lower it down to the bottom, in about four to
ten fathoms of water, in any bay or creek where lobsters,
or cray-fish, or crabs, abound. Now and then, that is,
at every quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, draw up
your net 3 at first very slowly, but quickening as you
proceed, and you will frequently catch many of the above
sliell-fishes.
-T'his sport, however, succeeds very rarely in tlie day
time, but about midnight is sometimes excellent ! I have
repeat-
273
repeatedly seen six and seven thus obtained during a nighty
or rather, in the space of a couple of hours ; for the
fishes in question do not, I believe, ramble much from
their rocky haunts, except at nighty when they are very
busy. We always had tlie best sport between twelve
and two o'clock.
OF FLY-FISHING.
This is, witliout doubt, tlie most cleanly, most pleas-
ing, most elegant, and most difficult part of the science I
Ihe apparatus being comparatively small, renders it also
Jess burthensome in many respects ; though the manage-
ment of tlie rod will, for a while, cause tlie arm to expe*
rience many an ache : a m.oderate period of practice,
however, soon habituates to that motion which, at tlie
first, gives some uneasiness, and furnishes to the angler a
certain liabit (which we may be right in considering as a
knack), tliat gives both freedom of motion, and ease
from weariness.
It is remarkable, that no one has yet (or at least I have
not met witli any publication that lias) supplied the
learner with such plain matter-of-fact directions, in re-
spect to tlie management of his jfZ^-ro<r/, as should at once
enable him to cast his line out without constraint.
The want of such indispensable instruction causes my
being more particular in my directions on that head 3 for
it appears to me impossible for any person to succeed in ^
this branch, who does not, in tlie first instance, acquire
ihe onlij true method of throwing the line with that iuex-
N 5 pressible
274
pressible ^'glitness^ which shall place the fly on thewater^
as it were, imperceptibly.
Perhaps I may be mistaken, when I think it easy to
define such a progressive motion of the arm, as will prin-
cipally produce the above effect -, I shall, however, at-
tempt it, and trust, that in the event of my iK>t equalling
my own wishes, or the expectations of the learner, I
shall at least evince the earnestness of my intention to give
him every aid in my power.
The rod should be well balanced in the right hand, so
as to feel light and obedient j if it fails in this, when
handled about a foot or fifteen inches from the butt^^ it 13
fauhy, and is probably too light under the hand.
I'his may be very easily remedied, by taking off the
brass ferril, and after boring a hole with a large gimblet
for about two inches in depth, filling it with a leaden plug
made to fit in tight. There must be more or less lead,
according as the balance is improperly situated : when
duly corrected, let the feiril be replaced firmly.
In tlie first instance, practise with a very light fly, at
the end of a line made chiefly of single gut for at least six
feet from the hook ; after that, you may loop on a hair
line (if wove, all the better), beginning with tliree hairs,
and growing gradually thicker as it approaches tlie tip of
the rod.
The whole length, from the hook to the tip, should
t>e exactly the length of your rod ; or, or least, should
by no means exceed it. J caanot too forcibly recommend
attention to this primary point, for it is one of tlie most
essential in the rudiments of the art.
Take hold of the bend of the hook between the fore-
finger and thumb of your left haiid^ holding the rod in
your
275
}r)ur right hand at its balance 5 that is to say, where you
have a comm^uid over it 3 the same as you would over a
well-bahinccd whip. Let the rod point a little forw ard,
s(raight before the left shoulder, the elbow being kept
close to vour ribs, but without the smallest constraint.
First, turn your rod w ith a liglit graceful motion to
the left (still the point a little lowered), and wave it back
again in a similar manner, from the left to the right ;
carrying tlie point of it backward at the same time, and
quitting }'our hold of the hook, which, by tbis means,
will go far behind your backj but as your next turn of
the rod is forward, 'and that the point is then considerably
lowered, your line will double back, and take a new
direction j so that your ily will, at length, be carried com-
pletely before you, and give the lead to your line.
As }'ou feel the line getting into its proper direction,
cany forw^ard )'our arm with an easy movement, until
your hand is on a level with your shoulder. By this
means, the little inclination the fly might have to tug,
and consequently to be checked short when the line ac-
quires its fviU extent, will be totally prevented j espe-
cially if you yield a trifle more, by lowering your hand
and arm a little 3 keeping them in a straight line up to the
shoulder : this is the doulle turn,
II1US you will cause your fly to light so veiy gently on
tlie w^ater, as often to leave you in doubt as to tlie precise
spot where it fell 5 but which is frequently pointed out bv
the rising of a fish, deceived, equally with yourself, by
tlie slight you have attained.
Above all things, avoid imitating the m.otion of a whi]) ;
for though this art is called aldpping, it dilfers widely
from it in regard to the nianner in which it is done. He
N d who
276
who throws his line back as a coachman does his whip,
wiD, like him, make it crnck when it gets to its full ex-
tent behind his back ; losing many a good fly, and coming
forward again with siich \ iolence as, instead of alluring,
scares the fishes.
The learner must practise the throw to the left, as well
iis to the right 3 it is only a change of tlie motion, and
comes very freely when tlie above mode is well attained.
But he must make a point of taking a iavourable wind,
that is, in his back^ when he first begins ; for it will' be
a very great aid, and cause him ratlier to moderate than
to urge the motion. •
When he can master a short line with tlie wind, he
may try to tliro w against a moderate breeze ; but he must
be extremely caretul to preserve the delicacy and grace
he has acquired^ but \vhich are very easily lost by impa-
tience !
Another mode of ihrowhig is, with the single turn,
and commences witli the rod pointing to the left, the
hook as before : hrst, bring the point of the rod gradually
round to tlie right side > then, making a sweep over the
yight shoulder, and casting forward, as in the double turn :
ihi^ appeal's more easy than the double turn, but is not
so j because it is far more difficult to make the fly light
gently when the hand has so little preparation.
Eotli these modes must be well practised, to tlie right,
and to the left ; with, and against, the wind 5 and witli
the wind on the right and left sides alternately : the
learner will find many streams which, by their windings,
1*411 afford all the desired positions within a very short
distance. If he has not the convenience of a pond, he
jjn^^ throw his hne upon a grsss-plot, &c. 5 vising a hook
broken
277
broken off at the bend, so as not to catch in the her-'
bage, &c.
My earnest desire to instruct in tlie most perfect man-
ner, and to render its attainment short and easy, induces
me to repeat, that the elhow must he kept doiun until the
line is getting before the rod -, that it is tlien to Le
raised gradually, so as to throw forvt'ard the arm to its
fall length, the hand coming to a level with the shoul-
der 5 and that this motion must be completely accordant
with the fall of the fly, so that it may never he checked,
but only guidefl to its destination : for whenever a check
takes place, the fly will descend suddenly, and cause
more or less agitation on the surface ! o
When the learner can completely follow the foregoing
instructions, he may proceed to such places as are fre-
quented by the dace, or by the I leak ; and there, with a
very small Hack fly, on a hook No. g, or 10, try his
hand -, obser\^ing, that when the fly has fairly settled on
the water, he should begin to raise the point of his rod j
by gradually sinking and bending the *=^lbow joints so tliat
his hand may return to its place, opposite to, and about
a foot from, his right shoulder.
This will raise the point of tlie rod by degrees, and
cause the fly to come along the surface towards him, till
at length it will rise out of tlie water ; when the angler
should immediately commence a new throw, without
S^uffering the hook to come near him.
After having practised this, so as to be perfect in tlie
manner and due time of drawing in, the learner ought to
improve en the foregoing plain mode, by causing his rod
to vibrate a little as it ascends, tliat the ^y may appear
to have a spinning motion on the water ; this is effected
by
S78
by simply trembling tlie hand very delicatehj, as the el-
bow is depressed : if rightly done, he will soon have a
fish on his hook. The arm high raised is very bad and
tiresome.
The proper manner of striking a fish tliat rises at a fly,
is an object of considerable moment, and must be pro-
perly studied ; else the best throws will be of no avail. It
is proper to point out to the learner, that the fly being
artificial, the fish no sooner mouths it than he feels the
deception, and generally ejects it immediately : add to
this, tliat by the time even the quickest hand can be
brought to act, when the fish is seen to rise, the latter
will have began to descend.
Hence, the slrilujig must be as quick as thought , but
at the same moment care must be taken to guard against
a certain impulse, too prevalent, to strike as the fish is
rising. When tliis is done, the fish is lost ; because he
has not time to close his mouth, w ithout which he can-
not, except by mere chance, be hooked.
By this it will be seen, there is a critical moment at
which tlie angler is to strike 5 and even then, it must be
done with great caution, or the line will pay forfeit.
There are, in truth, very few, even of tiiose who call
themselves good anglers, tlux strike with judgment j
they are generally too quick, or too slow, and by far too
forcible.
Nothing more is requisite than to turn the hand i/p a
Utile ^5 it is rising, so as to make not more than five de-
grees difierence in the angle -, that is to say, the rod
must be suddenly brought up about five degrees by a play
of the wrist: this will mate an immense difference in
the oituation of tlie hook 3 which^ if it does not catch in
the
279
the fish*s jaw, will come many feet nearer than it was
when the fish rose.
If it should be the angler's good fortune to fix his hook,
tlie gentleness of his manner, added to the elasticity of his
rod and of his line, will save his tackle, and will never
force tlie hook through the hold : besides, though a fish
is always considerably agitated when first struck, yet it
will invariably be found, that such as are tugged half way
out of the water by a violent pull of the rod, are tlie
most alarmed, and, indeed, the most lacerated 5 whence
they are actuated, both by fear and by pain, to their ut-
most exertions ; \\ hich frequently succeed, and procure
their liberation.
This I have often witnessed, and formerly used often
to be guilty of : experience, and that kind of considera-
tion which Time will now and then bring in his train, for
the benefit of those he journeys with, have taught me to
controul my hand, and thereby to fill my basket.
The learner may establish an excellent standard with
the dace ; for, so long as he pulls thom out of the water,
he must consider his manner of striking to be too for-
cible ; but when he just causes them to turn over, or to
splash, on the very spot tvhere they take the fy he has
attained an excellent point of perfection, and may then
let out his line to greater lengths gradually, and under-
take more formidable adventures.
In due time he will catch the largest trouts, chulsy
kc. with ease ; and may, in his turn, possibly obtain a
decided superiority over many who ridiculed, or^ at least,
amused themselves witli the a^\'kwardness of his first
essays !
I had
280
I beg leave here to point out an absurdity which msnj
persons commit when using the fly; namely, tliat of using
a long line made of various links^ which they loop on to a
reel-line, made perhaps of silk, or even of flax.
Now two things must be obvious even to themselves >
firstly, that such a line is by no means calculated to throw
^Jly well 3 and secondly, that owing to the great length
tinder the loop, when they have reeled up as mvich as
tliey can (for when they come to the loop it will stop the
reel) , there is such an excess beyond the ordinary mea-
surement of the rod, as to deprive the angler of all power
over the fishj which 1 have many times seen to take tlie
advantage of this bungling want of foresight, and veiy
wisely dance die hayes so neatly among weeds, Sec. as
to give an opportunity for snapping the line, or for shak-
ing out the hook !
When I undertake to instruct tlie novice, I may fairly
claim the liberty of insisting on a due attention to the pro-
portions as well as to the quality of his tackle : and 1
must be considered as leaving the whole blame on his
own shoulders, whenever he errs, or loses his sport,
under the pretext of following my ad\'ice ; though at tlie
game moment, he consciously negatives every precaution,
by a v^'ant of consistency.
Therefore, when I allow him the liberty of using a
long line for fly-lishing, and indeed recommend to him
(when the waters will admit, both by their expanse and by
the clearness of their banks from all obnoxious impedi-
ments), to use as long a line as he can even throw with de-
licacy and precision, I am to !rj understood, as founding
such permission, or advice^ on tlie safe means he oiighX
to
£81
to possess, of shortening that line at pleasure : under
other circumstances^ he is proceeding in a gross, and con-
tradictory error !
Every one who luh'ips witli the fly, ought to have a
good reel, and his rod ought to be ringed in a proper
manner. This line should be of woven hair, tapering
to a point, not exceeding three, or at the utmost four
hairs, where tlie loop should be made, with exquisite
neatness, for fastening on the gut foot length; which
should also be taper, by means of tlie thicke*; lengtlis of
gut being uppermost. All the knots on the gut should
be fastened down in the best manner.
This hair line should increase gradually, from three
(or four) hairs, to any number the circumstances may
demand ; but in general, about twelve or sixteen hairs
will be found ample. The line ought to be at least thirty
yards long j and where the fishes run large, fifty yards
may be requisite 3 especially in broad waters. Where a
very long line is used, a multiplying reel is indispensable j
both on account of its size, and to wind up, or let out, with
rapidity. In very extensive waters, use the douhle-muU
tiplier,
I have before stated, that hair lines, in particular, must
never be put by damp : it is better to leave your rod
standing outside your house, let it rain ever so hard,
than to bring your reel-Hne in wet. It may dry in your
^oom, in time i but if there is much warmth, the hair
will snarl.
Where the waters lay fairly open, tliere will seldom be
much difficulty in throwing the line to such places, within
your reach, as may offer the lure fairly to fishes rising at
flies. In judging of tliat circumstance, however, the
young
289
young angler must follow this rule, viz. '' never to give
himself the trouble of ollering his fly to those fishes that
are rising for pleasure.
The want of discrimination, in that particular, is the
cause of an infinite number of useless Casts ; and as, to my
great surprize, no author has touched upon it, I deem it
expedient to say a few words on the subject.
Sometimes tlie fishes will be seen to rise in all direc-
tions at flies that swarm on the water, especially during
the evenings following sultry noons. When such is the
case, the angler can scarcely mistake j but he will find
the fishes so glutted in a short time, that they will discon-
tinue to bite 5 or, at least, will be so indifferent, as to
render it difficult to attract them : in the early part of
the evening, at that hour when the fishes are keen, after
a day's abstinence, and the flies just beginning to appear,
the best effects may be produced by proper selection of
the flies to be used.
But there are times when the fishes are eveiy where
rising, yet not one will touch a bait of any kind. Many
circumstances occasion tliis ; but generally, it is owing
to die water being so much warmed, as to become un-
comfortable to the fishes : they then plunge into the air,
which being cooler tlian the water, or at least, refreshing
from its action on the wet surface of tlie fishes, proves
particularly acceptable -j operating with them, no doubt,
much the same as the cold bath, at the same season, does
upon tlie human frame.
The great point to be attended to is, that when fishes
rise to a fly, they come forth with rapidity ; rarely putting
more tlian their noses out of the water : hideed, they often
do no more tlian give a sharp whirl on the water 3 per-
haps
283
haps scarcely reaching the surface, though it appears agi-
tated. On the other hand, when a fish rises for recreation,
he comes up more deUberatelv, makes a greater splash ;
generally throwing all, or the greater part of his body
out, and descenditig head foremost in a temperate man-
ner.
When a fish leaps far out, he generally comes down on
his side, and makes a large break in the water as he falls
into it. I l>ave observed, that such '* are not to be had'*
on any terms.
The angler will find many fishes that are not to be at-
tracted by one kind of fly, will strike readily at others ;
therefore he will do well to put on a dropper, that is,
a smaller fly than the stretcher (which is the name for that
at the end of the line) , and of a different colour.
Sometimes two, or even three, droppers are used, where
the water is very broad, and the line very long -, but if
more than one is set on, it should be observed, as a par-
ticular mle, to put the larger one nearest to the stretcher ',
thus, making ail tlie flies decline in size, as they ap-
proach the tip of the rod 5 for, if tliis be not attended to,
and a heavy fly be set on at a distance from the stretcher,
is will cause the line to throw false, and render it impos-
sible to regulate tlie motion, or the direction, of the
stretcher.
It is also proper to give each dropper a little more
length, of its own line, as it is more remote from the
stretcher 5 else it will seldom touch the water. When
well managed, the droppers will generally prove the most
successful lures.
If you use a natural fly, such as you can catch eitlier
in the house or in the open air, the greatest caution will
be
284
be requisite^ and you must either take tlie advantage of
a strong wind in your back, to get your line out to its
proper length, or you must content yourself with such a
short range as you may be able to command, without
causing the fly to be jerked off from the hook.
Nothing can be more killing than tlie natural fly 5 but
it must be managed with the same skill as if it were arH-
ficial. Supposing the wind to be strong behind you, or a little
slanting, you cannot do better tlian keep your, rod nearly
steady in one position, such as will allow the fly, when-
ever the wind slacks a litde, to drop gently upon the sur-
face, which in such case, will assuredly be more or less
tippled.
I have often done this, and have seen various krge
fishes watching for the fall of my hook among diem ;
indeed, sometimes they grow impatient when tlie wind
keeps the fly^for any while hovering over them; they
will then make leaps at it. A very little practice will
give the learner a full confidence in this admirable device,
and teach him how to manage his rod to advantage.
Of Natural Flies,
The best are not very glaring in their colours, yet are
sufficiently conspicuous, and of a size to cover the whole
of the hook 3 which, for such purposes, ought rarely ta
exceed No. 7 : I should prefer No. 8, or 9, on the long
run; knowing tliem to be far more easily concealed, and
fully equal to catch very large fishes, -under good manage-
ment of good tackle.
Observe, however, that with the natural fly, you
should not be so quick in striking ; because the fishes are
not so apt to spit them out.
The
285
The following will prove themselves the best baits*
The common house-Jiy, for dace in particular.
The blue-lottle, excellent for chubs, and many other
fishes.
The grey stone-Jly, is taken by trouts, chubs, dace, &c.
The very large black gad-fly , is admirable for all fishes.
llie green-backed fly tvitk coflee-coloured sides, is a
remarkably tempting bait.
The yellow cow-dung fly, peculiarly good for die fin-
scale.
The cock-chaffer or dummador, in many places called
caterpillar, is a very fine bait, especially for chubs, when
tiie outer wings are cut off^ leaving the inner ones to
expand. This is chiefly used in dipping over banks^
hedges^ &c.
The beetle : of this there are yarious kinds 5 but the
lightest coloured are generally tlie best : they must be
treated like the cock- chaffer.
The grasshopper and the locust, are extremely tender,
and their long legs present the ready means of stripping
them from the hook : but they are capital baits. I seldom
use them ; for the above objection proves, at times, preg-
nant with trouble and vexation ! Ilie fishes do not take
them so well when the legs are cut off. If, however,
you do give one a trial, or cannot readily obtain any other
bait, be careful to allow the fish full time to swallow it ',
or you may find that he had only hold of a limb.
I have experienced that tw^o fiies put on the same hook,
in such manner as to imitate tlieir junction, at particular
seasons, is extremely alluring : tiiis is done by threading
the upper fly entirely through its whole length, inserting
the
286
the hook at its forehead, and bringing it out at its otlier
end. Slip it up on the shank, and let the point enter the
second fly at the heart ; leaving the lower end unpierced,
so that tlie hook is completely concealed. Your tackle
must be very fine !
Practice will convince the angler, that large natural
baits cannot be thrown to any distance with advantage ;
the fact is, that tliey are far more appropriate to situations
close under the land, w^here the large fishes frequently
lay, especially in ponds, waiting for what tlie wind may
tender to them.
Where waters are covered with film, or weeds, on the
lee side, the fishes will never lay in that quarter j for they
are fond of seeing the surface -, from which all the round
bodied kinds chiefly receive their subsistence.
Having said as much.as I conceive to be necessary on
the foregoing topic, I sliall proceed to instruct the learner
in what relates to
The Artificial Fly.
I'his is a very important branch no doubt, but the
several authors who have at all discussed it, seem to have
been very industrious to burthen it with difficulties. The
numberless forms and colours described, would fill an
ample volume : yet it is a fact (which I trust my descrip-
tion will prove), tliat tlie whole may be reduced witliin
a very small compass.
1 here are only four kinds of the artificial fly neces-
sary, viz.
1 . 1 he large fij ivith wings, either expanded or closed^
so as to stand over Uie back,
2. The
28T
^. The doulle -winged Jiy, expanded.
3. The single winged hackle, expanded wlth^ or with-*
out, a body.
4. The palmer hachle-, whicli has no wings, but should
resemble tlie hairy caterpillar.
I make no particular mention of moths, as a separate
kind, because they are all of tiie second class, and difter
only in being made of yellowish, mealy- looking featliers;
such as are taken from the white owl, &c.
First Class. The l\rge Fly with Wings — Is
made, by iivat lapping a tew turns on the butf of your
hook with well-waxed silk, which should coirespond in
colour with the body of the fly 3 then taking a bunch of
such feathers as you mean for the wings (cut from the
stem, or centre rib, of the feather) 3 lay tliem pointing for-
wards, and very even at their butts, and fix tliem witli
two or three turns of your silk : now take some mohair,
or if that be not attainable, some very fine lamls' wool,
or ralhitjleece^ or any other soft substance of the colour
you wish the body to be, and laying it very tliinly all
around your silk, twist them a little together, so tliat
they may lay tolerably smootli. Now proceed to lap the
silk so prepared round your hook, very light and close j
making it thicker or thinner in various paits, according to
the shape of the fly you imitate.
When you have made it of a due length down the
shank of the hook, make two half- hit dies (or half-knots,
as some call them) 5 then having stiipped ofif one side of
the plumage from such a feather as will answer for legs,
and leaving a little on both sides at tlie point to be tied in^
wet such tip, that it may be compact, and with your
silk.
silk, now stripped of moliair> &c. beyond what is already
done, tie the end of the hackle down close behind where
it is feathered on both sides : now, making a half-hitch,
carry tlie silk close under the butts of the wings, with one
or two turns round the body, and let it lay out of your
way.
Next, take the hackle, and carry it round tlie body of
the fly, at first at some little distance, but closer as you
approach tlie wings, where the hackle should be thickly
set on : tie down the butt of tlie hackle, cutting away all
superfluities with a pair of very sharp, flne-pointed scis-
sors ; tlien turning back the wing-feathers, which should
reach the whole length of the shank when thus inverted,
whip them down well, either altogether, if you intend to
have a standing closed wing 3 or equally divided and
spread, so as to form two separate parcels, if you mean^to
spread wings.
Having secured the wings, carry your silk forward^
well waxed, and again covered witli tlie mohair; take
two or three turns round the butt of the hook, as tight as
you can draw the silk with safety, and finish tiie bend by
two half-hitches well drawn, and close abov^ the wings.
In making tlie fly, you should observe to take as few
laps of your silk as may appear indispensably requisite 5
for you cannot make a fly too light : you wiD also have
©ccasion to make more half- hitches than I have described
above, which your own judgment will guide in. When
you have at any tune put down a featlier, &c. always
cut away the superfluous ends before you begin to lap or
tie any thing over ; because you will else have a heavy,
awkward, ill-finished fly.
Furtlier, so soon as you have completed the form of
your
289
your fly, it will be necessaiy to draw many of the fibres
of feathers into their proper directions ; thus^ the legs
must be formed by pulling down such fibres as stand on
the back of the fly, eitlier out altogether, or into places
heloiv : their length must also be regulated as well as
their quantity, taking care to have more legs under the
breast than under the body ; the latter should be picked
with a needle, &:c. so as to make the viohair appear a
little between the foldings of the hackle. The wings
should be carefully equalized, both in lengdi, and thick-
ness, and in direction from the body.
Do not be afraid of making your wings stand ratlier
wide; for, when you draw the fly tlirough the w^ater>
they will collapse considerably ; especially after being a
little time in use.
When you have occasion to use the hackles of common
poultry, ever select such as grow on the necks (near the
heads), and on the loins of game cocks : those from barn-
door fowls, especially hen's feathers, though seemingly
good, do not answer ; tliey are too pliant, and neither
shew nor s\^ im well. Always get tlie feathers you want,
such as wood-cochs, partridges, starlings, Sec. from the
cock birds, for the above reason.
In putting on hackles, &c, be careful to keep the
glossy, or outer side of the feather, in such position,
that when the fly is made, it will be exteriorly brilliant :
for this reason, when ycu whip on a hackle,- advert to
which side of the plumage was stripped off 3 and carry it
round, either with or against the sun, accordingly ; so
that tlie upper side of the feather, which is al\\ ays the
highest coloured, may be next to the iiead.
When you have occasion to use a very large hackle,
o you
'290
you will iind it best not to take that part which remains
on the stem, but that w )iich is stripped off 5 as it will be
more pliant, and less bulky. Sometimes t\^'o hackles will
be required to furnish one fly.
If you think it proper to add feelers, which project
from the heads of many flies, or to have single, or double
forked tails, they are easily added, by whipping in dog's
bristles, or those from over tlie eyes, or under the chins
of horses ; or^ which is in general more appropriate, you
can use single fibres, from that plumage of which the
wings of your fly are made.
The flies of this class are as follow > they are rarely used
but for salmon,
1. AVings.— Of the reddish brown feather on the turkey
cock's wing, cut from the stem.
Body.— Straw, or-auburn coloured mohair 3 yellow
silk; hook No. 2, or 3.
\jQgs. — A grizzle, or ginger hackle, from a game
cock.
%, Wings. — From a grey gander s broad rump featlicr,
cut from the stem.
Body.— Grey, or light brown mohair; light brown
silk ] hook No. J , or 2.
Le<ys. — A dirty grizzle hackle from a game cock 3 or
a bittern's hackle.
3. Wings. — ^The rich brown part of a heron's wing, cut
off from the stem 3 or the speckled feather
from a peacock's wing 3 or tliat from a gui-
nea fowl's back.
"T^Q^y, — Drab coloured, or olive- coloured mohair 3 pale
olive sUk 5 hook No. 3, or 4.
Legs.
291
Legs. — A small bittern's hackle, lapped only near tl^e
wings J fjrked tail.
4. Wings. — From the eye of a peacock's tail, cut fi'om
the stem.
Body, — Deep green mohair ; liglit green silk j hook
No. 2, or 3.
Legs. — A white cock's hackle, dyed pale dirty green j
or jay's striped blue and white.
5. Wings.— A rich dark brown speckled feather from a
bittern's wing.
Body. — Coffee -coloured mohair, or the fur from a
hare; coffee-coloured silk j hook No. 1.
Legs* — A bittern's hackle ; or a ginger game cock's ;
tail forked.
G. Wings.— The greenish dark shining featlier from a
drake's wing, cut off.
Body. — Bottle-coloured mohair, silk deep chocolate 3
hook No. 3.
Legs. — A black cock's hackle 5 or a deep copper co-
loured one 3 tail forked.
The above six flies are all kU/ing : a thousand others
may be made for the purpose -, which> however, will not
excel when put to use, but have one great fault, viz. that
of requiring very scarce articles. No. 1, 2, and 5, are
all in common use in the Highlands, where they kill
" many a bra' saumo?i.''
The others are more appropriate to warmer waters,
and to brighter weather, when she wy flies are every
where abundant. Towards the hottest part of the sum-
mer, all the above flies may be made rather more gaud/
thrn if the directions were implicitly followed 3 and as
o 2 the
292
the year closes in, the angler will do well to husk his fiies
with darlcer silks, and to choose more sombre, or deeper
shades of mohair, than above direcfed 3 making tlic
bodies, at the same time, appear more woolly, but not
to such a degi'ee as to be rough or harsh j for then they
would be unnatural, and no fishes would take them.
Second Class. The double Winged Fly — Is
generally made with either a very slender, or a very full
body : the former resembling that of a "^ /?«'/, the latter that
of a moth. It is also made on hooks of every size, from
No. 4, to No. 10, both inclusive. I shall enumerate
the varieties, with the most appropriate hooks -, first de-
scribing the formation of tlie fly.
Set on your gut in the manner before described, with
the best silk well waxed 3 then take a featlier properly
stripped, and wetted, as explained regarding the hackle
for legs in the fly No. 3, and after laying it on its back,
that is, the bright side next tlie hook, and tlie stem point-
ing for\^'ard along your gut line, whip it down firmly, and
make a half hitch : then wind your feathers round tlie
hook for about four times 3 keeping them as close as pos-
sible to each other, and fastening down with a half hitclj,
cut ofl'tlie surplus stem.
Now take another featlier ti immed in the same w^y,
and put it on in the very. same manner, as close as possible
to the firfit feather : cut olT the superfluities, as before,
and make fast witli a half hitch, or two 3 if you menu to
have a body of any substance, wax your silk again, and
put on some of the proper coloured mohair : take a few
turns down the shank 3 or, if the body is to be thick, as
iji a motk, you may lap tack again, so as to double the.
thick-
293
(liickness : in some the bodies are rather thicker towardlk
the tails, in others towards the head; to this you will pay-
due attention : fasten off after you have doubled the body
as fiu* back as the last feather will allow.
Such flies as are to be thin bodied, are to be finished
by lapping only the bare silk down to a proper length
{generally opposite to the end of the barb), and then to
fasten oiF; but where the fly is to have a moderate thick-
ness, you may, after lapping do^An w ilh mohair on your
silk, make two half hitches with the bare silk, and return
with' it 3 winding at rather open intervals, but very tight,
so as te give the body an annular, or ring-like appear-
ance ; fasten off at the back of the last feather.
These flies should not have any legs 3 nor does the head
want much finish.
You are now to trim the two feathers 3 dividing each
into two equal parts, and drawing them gently, right
and left, with your fore-finger and thumb, so that they
may extend themselves flat and even, on each side of the
hook, hke wrings.
The first feather you put on, is intended tb represent
the upper shells, or wings of the fly 3 tlie other feather
ser\xs for the inner or backward wings. Hence you will
generally find, that dark feathers are best suited for the
upper, and slightly specked, or light coloured feathers^
more fit for the under or back wings.
I should before have cautioned the learner, to let the
gut line whereto he fastens the hook, while forming the
fly, come down to the shank until it is opposite to the
point of the hook, or perhaps a little lower, where a
thick bodied fly is making ; taking care to whip suffi-
ciently tight to secure tlie hook properly*
0 0 He
201
He will also find, that by ba\'ing the gut to which he
attaches the hook, selected from the longest fibres he
may possess (not forgetting to be^equally cautious as to
its roundness, clearness, and hardness), he will probably
reap considerable advantage ^ for, however well the loop
at its upper end may be tied down, it will be more or
less seen j or may cause some little ripple as he draws it
in ; therefore he should take the above means to remove
it, as far as possible^ from the fish's eye.
llie flies of this second class are extremely various >
for there are unmense numbers of 7:atural flies that have
double wings : the following imitations are, however, by
far the best y and if adapted to proper sized hooks, ac-
cording as the fibhcs run large, or small, will rarely fail
of success.
IrThe Upper Wings. —Of tlie red feather from a cock
partridge*s tail, slipt off tlie stem.
The Lower Wings. — The light-coloured feather from 3
starling's wing.
He ok. — No. 5, 6, 7, or 8 i use dark clay-coloured
silk J body moderate.
2. The Upper Wings. — A mottled grouse's hackle.
The Under Wings. — The light clear feather under a
swallow^s wing.
Hook.— No. 5, 6, 7> ot 8. Use nankeen-coloured
silk ', the body rather thii>.
3 T'he Upper Wings.— The speckled feather from a grouse's
back.
The Under Wings. — The light- coloured starling's wing.
Hook. — Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8. Use deep clay-coloured silk j
the body somewhat full.
4.T1^
295
4,The Upper Wings. — The long wing feather of a pur-
ple pigeon, stripped oft' the stem.
The Under Wings. — The same, but of two or three-
shades hghter.
Hook. — Nos. 6, 7, 8. Use deep purple silk 5 a thin,
but rather long body.
5. The Upper Wings. — ^Ihe greenish-cast feather from a
pheasant's wing, slipped off the
stem.
The Under Wings. — The brown feather from a swal-
low's wing, with a slight cast of
bluish green.
Hook.— No. 4, 5^ 6, 7, or 8. Use dark green silk,
the body of one of the long fibres
on the great tail-feathers of the
peacock, lapped round, and back
again.
6.TIie Upper Wings. — A small raven's feather from the
wing.
The Lower Wings, — The dark red feather from the par-
tridge's tail, strip t oiF.
Hook. — No. 4, or 5, or Q, Use deep chocolate silk -,
or you may use black, making the
body, of tlie fibre of a black ostrich
featlier, but not too tliick.
The moth-fly properly belongs to this class 5 and should,
in general, have a heavy body,
I. The Upper Wings. — Of a red duck's wing.
' The Under Wings. — From the yellow feathers on a dun
owl.
o 4 Hook.
m
Ilook. — Nos. 0, 7, 8. Use silk hvo shades deeper thail
the lower wings, and dan mohair
for the body.
2.The Upper Wings. — The soft feather from the back, or
rump of a speckled dun fowl.
The Under Wings. — The same, but of a shade lighter,
and very soft.
Hook. — No. 5, or 6. Body of dun mohair, use red-
dish dun-coloured silk.
3 T'he Upper Wings. — The yellow feather of an owl.
I'he Under Wings. — The lighter ditto of the same.
Hook. — No. 6, Ti or 8. Use cream-coloured mohair,
and nankeen-coloured silk.
4 The Upper Wings.— 'The clear- coloured featlier from
under a swallow *s wing.
The Under Wings. — Ditto, but whiter and smaller, from
the same.
Hcok.^ — No. /, 8, or 9. Use white rabbit's hair, and
pearl-coloured silk, but little waxed.
The learner will observe, that moth-flies are only to be
usrdtowardsdu.sk, and during the nighty if his enthu-
siasm should lead him to sacrifice his rest, &:c. to the
pursuit of pleasure. Some folks boast of having had
great sport by night-fishing j but I cannot say such ever
fell to my lot : I caught more colds ihzn fishes ! ! !
I have before spoken of dipping by means of a lan-
tern 3 \^ liich is by far preferable.
Third Class. The Single-winged Hackle — Is
made, by lapping one feather, as before described, then
wliipping on with or witliout mohair, or other body, till
you
297
y«a come opposite to the point of the hook, or to the barb
for some long-bodied flies 3 then lapping in a hackle from
tlie bottom of your body, and bringing it up to wh«re
the feather was ended, taking care to make the turns of
the hackle sit closer as you approach the wing feather, at
■which you finish, and fasten off with two half-hitches.
i. Wings. — Tlie grey featlier from a drake (or a mal-
lardy if to be had), tinged with a dash of
clay, or reddish yellow : it is rather scarce ;
but you will find a feather on some hens very
like it, and which may serve, though not so
well.
Body — Of gold plating, carried spirally round your
hook three times ; this is tied in before you
begin to lap yonv ^ut down after finishing the
wings, and is fastened by a half-hitch or two,
at the bottom of your whipping, opposite the
barb.
j^gs.-^A fine red hackle from a game cock, very
bright, and taken from about tlie middle of
the neck 5 it should be ratiier small, and very
stiff.
Hook.^ — Nos. 6, 7, 8 : silk of a maroon colour, but
well vvaxed.
N. B. This fly is called the red-spinner, and is an
excellent one.
2. Wings. — The reddish feather on a woodcock's wing,
ratlier mottled.
Body .—Very small and neat, of a reddish yellow mo-
hair. •
Legs. — A red cock's hackle, very small and brilliant.
o i Hook.
298
Hook. — Nos. 7, 8, g, 10 ; silk of reddish yellow,
well waxed.
3. Wings. — The grey speckled feather on a mallard's
breast.
^ Body.— Amber-coloured mohair, veiy thinly put on,
but long : t\vo tail- forks of the same as the
wings, only a little shortened.
Legs.— A grizzle cock's hackle.
Hook.— -No. 4, or 5 ; amber-coloured silk.
N. B. The mallard's feather may be steeped in tur-
meric-water for half an hour, which will give it a
bright but durable yellow : use both varieties. This
is called the May -fly.
4. Wings.— From a partridge's tail^ the red feather strjpt
off.
Body.— Only of maroon-coloured silk.
Legs. — A dingy brownish -red hackle.
Hook,— No. 5, 6, or 7 ; maroon silk.
5. Wings. — The brown part stripped off from a snipe's
wing (one of the longer feathers).
Body.— Coffee -coloured mohair, very thinly put on.
Use tlie same coloured silk.
Legs. — A black cock's hackle, verj- small and brilliaBt.
Hook.— No. 6, 7, ox 8.
6. Wings. — A grouse's hackle.
Body. — Deep reddish -brown silk.
Legs. — A red cock's hackle.
Hook.— No. 5, 6, or 7.
The fc^wing are ^of this ckss, but are called ant*
Jties.
7. The
299
7, TliQ red ant'fi/.
Wings. — The feather from a starling's wing.
Body. — Amber-coloured mohair j thin near the wings,
but thick at the end.
Legs. — Very nice red cock's hackle, only twice round,
close to the wings.
Hook. — No. 8, or 10. Use amber- coloured silk.
9. The I' lack ant-fly.
Wings. — A fine sky-blue feather from the gull's, pi-
geon's, or other bird's wing, very small
fibred, and with a rich gloss.
Body.— A fibre of black ostrich feather, thickest at the
bottom.
Legs. — A very small black cock's hackle, taken from
near the head ; only put on two turns, very
clo.se to the wings.
Hook.— No. 8, or 10. Black silk.
9. The llue-lottle.
Wings. — Any small dark brown feather, stripped oiF
the stem.
Body. — A fibre from the long tail-featlier of the pea-
cock, and head of the same.
Legs. — A black cock's hackle, very fine.
Hook. -No. 7, or 8. Black silk.
10. The pale hluejly.
Wings.— The light blue feather of a gull, or of a sea-
swallow.
Body. — Rabbits' wool, slightly dy^d in a weak solu-
tion of indigo, mixed with the same slightly
dyed in turmeric- water.
Legs. — A small white hackle, dyed of a very clear
pnie blue.
Hoojv. — No. 7) or 8. Straw-coloured silk.
06 I con-
300
I consider the grouse's hackle, No. 6^ to l3e an admi-
rable fly for almost all seasons^ and for all waters 3 aj;^!
next to that the following :
1 1 . The red hackle.
Wings. — A middle-sized red hackle, lapped very
closely togetlier, beginning with the thickest
end, and working downwai'ds with the
smaller end, or point, of the feather, con-
ti'ary to the usual practice.
Body. — Is only a continuation of the silk, veiy thinly
laid on, till opposite the point of tlie hook.
Legs. — None.
Hook.— Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. The silk deep oraDge,
or strong sulphur colour, as you may find
tlie fishes take 3 but wax well.
12. The Hack hackle.
Wings. — As above, only substituting a Hack for a
red hackle.
Body. — As above, only Hack instead of reci silk (or it
may be bottle- colourj^
Legs.— None.
Hook.— Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
N. B. When this last fly is made with a very small
black, or very deep brown, feather, for wings, and
an equally minute black hackle, worked with the
thinnest black silk that can be had, for legs, it is
called tlie gnat-fy, and is extremely killing : hook
No. 10.
Fourth Class. The Palmer-hacklb — Is made
generally on a hook about No. 4, or 5, by first whipping
^e hook on for a few laps^ and lapping in the ends
©f
sol
of a long fibre, and of a hackle, at the same place -, then^
lapping down the whole length as far as the shank is
straight, and in making the half-hitches at bottom, a
small piece of plating is lapped in. This done, carry the
fibre round the hook very close, adding a second, or more
fibres, if requisite, to complete down to the end of the
whipping.
When it is completed thereto, lap it in under the plat-
ing, which is now to be carried round from the bottom to
the top, leaving a very small interval between each
round. When the plating is brought up conppletely, let
the hackle be passed round progressively downwards, so
as nearly to fill up the inter\^als left by the plating ; fasten
off at the bottom with two half-hitches.
In this way, all the materials will be seen j and if the
hackle have very long stiff fibres, the palmer will bear a
close resemblance to those small hairy caterpillars which
abound at various seasons.
J . The red palmer.
Body. — Of the long fibre from a peacock's tail-feather.
The plating to be yellow, i. e. gilt.
The hackle to be red, from the lower part of a
game cock's neck.
Hook. — No. 4, or 5 5 work it with red silk.
2. The black palmer,
Body.— To be the fibres of a black ostrich feather.
The plating to be white, i. e. silver.
The hackle to be blacky worked with black
silk.
HooK.— No. 4, or 5.
Having
Having now detailed the several classes^ the form?,
and the construction of artificial flies in general^ I must
inform the kamer, that he cannot do better than presene
such feathers as chance may dirow in his way, when they
appear well calculated for making flies.
He should strip away the down^ and one side of the
plumage, as shewn in FiiT. 4, Plate V. -, so that they
may occupy but little space in his fly-fishing pocket-
book.
Each kind of feather should be superscribed, to mdl'
caiewhot litd, and what part, it was taken from 5 so
that if the angler should find it a kilfi7tg feather, he might
know how to supply himself with more.
Altliough I have described those feathers, and arrange-
ments, which are most generally useful, it is not to be
supposed that those only will answer his puipose : on
the contrary, in some waters the tishes will take only the
local insects, which the argkr must catch, and endeavour
to imitate.
By loUowing the foregoing method, arid by keeping a
iew of the necessary articles always at hand, such astono-
hair, and silks of various colours, trimmed ferithers, &c.
jbe will never be at a loss 5 but will speedily be distin-
guished as a clever angler !
I hold tlie common practice of swelling a volume, T by
tlie insertion ofv. liat is called " a descriptioii of the seve-
ral waters passing through tlie varioiis coiaAities," to be
completely unnecessary. I have seen many gentlemen
grievously disappointed when tncy have beeii informed,
and indeed convinced, o' r n^ at a stream of which
the highest charactcir wi 5 j_^iYen in print, to And, that
even
303
even the fishes allotted tliereto had never been seen within
scores of miles.
I confess my diversion has been ample on such occa-
sions, especially when I have seen the pocket Mentor
pulkd out, and read with such attention, and with such
emphasis, as strongly marked the chagrin that pervaded
the reader's mind. And then the suspicion, that the
townsfolks are all jealous of the strangers who come to
cast a line in their waters ; together with many an indig-
nant, or at least a significant, look at all who did not, right
or wrong, fall in with the author's assertions \
Before a gentleman leaves his home in search of sport,
he ought to inquire, among those who visit the town, or
county, he may be intent on journeying to, what the real
character of the waters may be -, for, if he blindly follows
the cant, not to say the chicanery, with which some vo-
lumes abound, he will generally find both his time and
his money veiy much mis-spent ! ! !
Withholding, therefore, from such a practice as I have
reprobated, I shall conclude my labours on this subject,
with recommending to the learner a careful perusal of th^r
game laws, so far as they relate to fishing ; for which
purpose I have annexed them to this volume j at the
same time apologizing to him for any want of perspicuity,
or of sound information -, and trasting to his liberahty for
fiuch errors of the press as will, even under the greatest
vigilance, sometimes be found in works of the utmost
importance, and produced by the most able authors !
He who has not patience enough to overlook trifles,
will never have sufficient of that quality (which is excd-
knt on ail occasions) to qualify him for an angler I
APP£N«
APPENDIX.
GENERIC DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FISHES.
The Salmon. — Scales not very larg^, and rather
round— no scales on tlie head — large mouthy thin lips,
the upper jaw generally protruding a little — very sharp
teeth in the jaw, on the tongue, and in the throat. Co-
verings of the gills, three bony laminae — the back round,
with little arch on the back — the lateral line nearly
straight, the sides not much flattened, and silveiy. 13
rays in the anal iin, 14 in each pectoral tin, 10 in each
ventral fin, 21 in the tail, and 14 in the dorsal; also 12
rays in the gills. The forehead blark, as also the back-
black pupils, silvery iris, and cornea of tiie eyes yellow-
ish. When in season, the flesh is of a fine rose colour 5
and when fresh from the sea, many black spots are seen
on the sides. The males have a nail, or stud, of a horny
substance at the tip of the lower jaw, and usually some
reddish spots on the sides 3 their tails are also more
forked, and their heads more bluff, than those of the
females. Every species of this genus has a small fleshy
fin between tlie dorsal and the tail, called the adipous fin.
The Salmon-trout — Has six dots on each pectoral
fin. The rays are as follow : in the gills, 12 rays 3 in
the pectoral, 14} in the dorsal, 14; in tlie ventrals and
analj
306
anal, 14; and in the tail, 20. The head is small and
wedge-shaped — tlie jaws of equal length, shiirp teeth,
Jocking into each other 5 also on the tongue, and in the
roof of tlie mouth. I'he nose and front black — small eye,
black pupil, silvery iris, mixed with yellow — cheeks,
yellow and violet 3 sometimes spotted. The back a little
arched and black— sides black, inclining to violet—
beWy white 3 small scales. The dorsal and adipous fins,
and the body, ornamented with round or angular black
Spots 3 sometimes with red and black mixed.
The White Tkout, or Whitling. — Short bluff
head — red Spots in white rings on the body, which is
longer and thinner tlian in other trouts— large mouth j
jaws, and roof of the mouth, armed with sharp teeth—
eyes large 3 pupil black, with silvery iris. The cheeks,
»des, belly, and gill- covers, silvery — aperture of the gillg
very large. The back, front, tail, and fins, brownish ^
dorsal fin spotted with brown j the tail forked. 10 ray»
in the gills, 15 in the pectoral fin, 10 in the ventral,
11 in the anal, 18 in the tail, and 12 in the dorsal. The
adipous fin on the back, a duty brown.
The Black Trout.— Large head, which, as well as
the back, is of a blackish brown — upper jaw longest j
sharp teeth in jaws, tongue, and palate. The eyes full
sized, with blue iris, and black pupil, edged with red.
Back round — back and head spotted with violet — sides
yellowish, or reddish white 3 and have reddish spots on a
coffee-coloured ground, circled witli white. Belly white,
and large. The fins generally have a yellow cast. 1© rays
in the g.ills, 14 in the dorsal and pectoral fins, 10 in the
ventral
307
ventral and anal, and 24 in the tail, which is broad. The
adipoiis fin;, deep brownish yellow.
The Common Trout, — Large head, large teeth,
bent inwards on the jaws j under jaw longest — the mouth
full of teeth — nose and front deep brown — cheeks yel-
low, with green tinge— eye, moderate-sized , black pu-
pil with red edge ; iris white, with a black crescent
border. Body rather narrow, roupd back, ornamented
with black spots j sides yellowish green 5 sometimes
rich yellow, or of a light rose colour. Scales very
small. Sides, spotted red on blue ground. Pectoral
fins, clear brown, with 14 rays 5 ventrals, red, with 10
rays } anal, purple in part, afterward yellowish grey,
iand witli 10 rays j tail, deep greenish brown, witli a fur-
row, rounded tips, and 20 rays 3 10 rays in the gills j the
adipous fin yellow, bordered with brown -, and the dor-
sal grey, with purple spots, and 14 rays. In Wales,
some trouts are marked with red and black spots as large
as sixpences.
The Charr. — Black back — sides pale blue — ^belly
orange-red — tail truncate. 10 rays in gills, 14 in pec-
torals, 8 in ventrals, 12 in the anal, 24 in the tail, and
13 in the dorsal. Head very blunt— eye moderate,
with black pupil 5 silver iris in a gold circle. Scales
very minute. Dorsal fin yellow, with black spots-
back greenish — belly white. Anus very near the tail )
all the other fins reddish 3 the adipous fin brightest.
The Grayling, or Umber. — Under jaw longest-
head, small and rounded ; brown above, with black dots;
at its aides, bluish white. Teeth in jaws, gullet, and.
palatQ*
SOS
palate^ but not on the tongue. Pupil black; iris yel-
low-^ with black dots. Body long, with large hard
scales— back darkish green and round — sides rather
flat, and of a bluish grey. A straight line runs over each
row of scales from head to tail 5 that in the middle marked
with small black dots. The belly is white, and larger
than in otlier trouts. The pectoral fins white, with \6
rays : all the other fins red ; the dorsal fin violet, with
brown spots on a greenish ground ; 5 first rays single,
the others divide into 8 branches near their end. 10 rays
in the gills, 12 in the ventral, 14 in the anal, and 18 in
the tail. The flesh white, and smells like thyme.
The Pike, Jack, or Luce. — Canine teetli — no adi-
pous fins — large mouth 3 upper jaw concaved, and some-
what duck-billed ; under jaw rather longest — tongue
large, and armed with teeth — palate smooth, large throat
— nostrils double, and near the eyes, which are large,
round, with bluish-black pupils j the irides of a gold yel-
low. The mouth very large, and the lowest jaw the
broadest. Gills, 15 rays; pectoral fins, 14; ventrals,
10; anal, 1/; in the tail and dorsal, each 20 — the dorsal
far back, over the anal fin. Scales veiy minute, and
covering tlie gill-covers — back and front dark greenish
brown — sides mottled, clay and bluish — fins of a yellow
tinge, witli deep purple edges — belly white. The colours
grow brighter at spawning time.
The Perch. — Anal fin 11 rays, of which the first is
hard ; 7 in the gills, 14 in the pectoral, 5 in the ventral,
15 hard rays in the anterior, and 16 soft ones in the pos-
terior, dorsal; 25 in the tail. Wide mouth; jaws of
nearly
309
nenrly equal length, ^vith teeth, as also in the gullet.
Tongue short and smootli — nostrils double, and near to
the eyes ; in front of tlie nostrils, two small apertures
— eyes large, pupils black 3 iris bluish, edged with yellow.
Coverts of the gills furnished with very small scales ;
those on the body larger, but all of tliem peculiarly
rough and hard — the belly broad and white 3 the anus
rather near the tail. The pectorals are of a reddish co-
lour 5 the ventral, anal, and tail, deep red j the dorsals
violet, and the first has a large black spot among the
shorter rays. In the back, just under the anterior dorsal,
there is a peculiar bend, to be seen in only one point of
view. The perch, when in the water, appears to be
sti'iped deep brown and white ; but when taken out, ap-
pears of a greenish cast, with golden bars or spots, which
give it a beautiful appearance.
The Ruff — Is a species of the perch j it has several
indentions in the head 3 has 15 or 27 spines in the dorsal
fin, 17 rays in the tail, 6 in the ventral, and 14 in the
pectoral fins 3 also 7 in the gills, of which the covers are
marked with deep blackish-green crescents. The body
is long and shiuy — the head large, and, as well as the
back, of a blackisb colour. Eyes large 3 pupil blue 3 iris
brown with a yellow spot — ^jaws of equal length, and
armed, as are the throat and palate> with -small sharp
teeth. Sides yellow, inclining to ^reen and brown 5
some are all over of a gold colour. The sides, the pectora^
and dorsal fins, and tlie tail, are marked with small black
spots— broad belly, anus rather forward, iins yellow,
and tlie tail biilircated.
The
310
The Carp — Has a flat, broad body, covered with
large scales ; 25 rays in tlie anal fin, 15 in the pectoral,
6 in the ventral, 12 in the dorsal, and 22 in the tail.
The head is small and pointed -, the mouth extremely
small. The eye moderate, with black pupil, iris yellow,
spotted with black ; hind part of the head blue, as is the
back, which is sharp above, and round below — neck
rises rather suddenly from the back of the head — lateral
line marked widi yellow dots, belly bluish. Pectoral and
dorsal tins red, anal and dorsal fins edged with blue, tail
blue and forked, the under part longest.
The Bream. — x\ species of carp-, lias blackish fins,
27 or 29 rays in the anal fin, 17 in the pectoral, g in
the ventral, 12 in the dorsal, and ]g in the tail -, blunt
snout, front dark blue, clieeks rather yellow. Black
pupil, iris pale yellow, and above it a crescent shaped
black spot — the old . on^s broad and thick — young ones
narrow and tliin. Scales large, back black, sharp and
much arched : lateral line curved, and has about 50
black spots. Sides yellow, white, and black, mixed 5
pectoral fins yellow below, violet al)ove, and blackish
towards their ends. Ventrals have a violet ground, with
appendages ; anal iin, grey in the middle, and blackish
at -the edges 3 tlie tail bifurcated, longest at bottom, and
of a deep blue, as is the dorsal, which lays far back.
The Roach. — A species of carp -, red fins and lips,
pupil blackish brown, iris red ; in the anal fin J 2 rays,
in the pectoral 15, in the tail 20, in the dorsal 12, and
in the ventrals 9. Large scales, which are of a greenish
black hxxej on the back 3 the sides and belly silvery j the
lateral
311
lateral line curved, and has 3(5 minnte prickles : the back
is round and highly arched, the sides rather flat; the
tail forked. Teeth in the jaws, but not in front.
The RuD. — A species of carp : small head, rounded at
the end, wide nostrils, and large scales; back sharp
between tlie front and the dorsal j afterwards round, and
of a deep green j the pectorals are of a deep brownish red,
the dorsal reddish green ; the sides white, inclining to
yellow. Irides orange colour, fins of the anus, belly and
tail, Vermillion; pectoral l6 rays, ventrals 10, dorsal
12, anal 15, and in the tail 20.
The Dach. — A species of carp : small head — bluffer
than the roach ; body longer and rounder ; also sides
brighter; back ratlier brownish, and rounded. Pupil
black, iris yellowish ; mouth not very small ; all the fins
white; JO rays in the anal, Q in tlie dorsal, 11 in the
pectoral, Q in the ventral, 18 in the tail. The tail
forked.
The Bleak. — A species of c^rp : under jaw protrudes,
head pointed, forehead flat ; transparent and olive-co-
loured, witli little black dots, cheeks blue, large eyes,
blue pupils, and silver iris. Very small scales, which
easily rub off, and are used in making false pearls. Back
nearly straight, of an olive colour ; sides brilliant white ;
sprat shaped, pectorals red and white, with 14 rays;
anal, grey, with 21 rays, d(;rsal and tail, greenish, the
former 10 rays, the latter 18 ; ventral prays.
The Minnow.—- A diminutive species of carp. Ven-
tral^
31«
tral, 8 rays, dorsals, anal 8, pectoral 15, tail IQ; body
semi-pellucid : in some waters spotted witli red, and then
called PINKS ^ back, black in general, but in some clear
blue J striped longitudinally 5 some are diversified with
yellow, blue, and other colours ; fins generally bluisJi,
marked each with a red spot. The head wedge-shaped,
and dark-green above ; tlie gill-covers yellow -, red lips j
small eyes, black pupil, golden iris, body long and round,
thick at tlie shoulders, and small at tJie tail, which is
forked.
Loach. — Four barbs on the upper lip, and four on the;
lower ; a small forked spine over each eye ; 4 rays in the
gills, 1 1 in the pectoral, 8 in tlie ventral, 8 in the anal,
7 in the dorsal, and 1 4 in the tail. Pointed head, broad
mouth, 12 teetli in each jaw, pupil black, iris gold j
cheeks and gills, yellow witli brown spots ; broad neck ;
the body round, and generally black, but mixed with
yellow and brown, in dots and stripes ; belly orange -
coloured, with black dots j the scales very minute, but
covered with slime. Fins generally yellow, with black
spots or streaks 5 tail rounded off.
The Eel. — Under jaw protrudes'; body of a bluish
black, or of a very deep blackish green -, very long,
smooth, rather flat towards the tail, but round behind
the shoulders, mouth broad, forehead fiat and wide, jaws
and mouth fiill of small teeth, the eyes small, and co-
vered witli a membrane, pupil black, iris gold colour.
No gill-covers, but two small apertures of a crescent
shape, close to the pectorals : Literal line straight, with
small white dots. The colour varioiis^ as particularised
under
313
under tlieir several kinds* p%es. The skin very slip-
per}'-, scales long and soft, but only visible in a dry state.
The pectorals are small and flabby, with 1 9 rays. The
dorsal fin begins a little way from the neck, and unites
with tlie tail, including which there are 1000 rays, in
the anal 100, cqmmencing at the anus, but joining the
tail below. In the back ll6 vertebrae.
The Barb EL — So called from its fouf barbs, two on
each side of the mouth, is a species of carp : it is hog-
mouthed : very broad shoulders, body rather long ; tiie
head oblong, and olive -coloured. The pectoral, J 7
rays, ventral, g 3 anal, 8 ; tail, 1 g \ dorsal, 12: in the
last the second ray is very stifl' and serrated. Lips thick,
and ratJier red, protruding at pleasure ; black pupil ; iiis,
light brown; s^L:ales of a middle size, and dentatedj
body olive-coloured, sides inclining to blue, belly white,
inclining to green \ lateral line straight, with black dots ;
tail forked, and edged v, itli black j but as well as the
pectorals, ventrals, and anal, red; ^he dorsal bluiijh.
Roe poisonous j though Eloch denies it.
The Tench. — A species of carp: scales minute,
dullish brown colour, gill covers greenish 3 fins extremely
large, pliant, and of a violet colour. The colours of this
fish vary much, according to the nature' of the waters.
The body mucous. Pectorals, 18 rays 3 ventrals, g-,
anal, 25 5 tail, \g; dorsal, 12; head pointed and broad,
of a deep green ; eye rather small, black pupil^ iris,
golden colour; breast white ; jaws of equal length, strung
lips; back curved like a slack bow ; the tail rounded at
the Coiners : four short broad teetli in each jaw : some
p breeds
su
breeds of tench have a small barb at each corner of the
mouth 3 others are deficient in tliis particular.
The Gudgeon. — A species ofrni'p : back dark green-
ish brown, which soon gives place to a silvery white r
the scales small 3 round body 5 moutli flat with small
barbs 3 pectorals, 1 6 rays 5 anal, 10} ventral, g -, tail,
JO; dorsal, g. The fins are red or green, some are
Sotted with black, and some gudgeons have dotted backs,
with bellies inclining to yellow. Near the eyes two large
nostrils j no teeth in the jaws.
The Chub. — A species of carp : m the anal, 1 1 rays j
dorsal, 11 j pectoral, 16; ventral, g-, tail, 17. The
kody nearly cylindrical y head flat ; back dusky green ;
sides and belly silvery ; the old ones rather of a gold colour
when in season. Scales extremely large and angular ;
mouth moderate, no teeth , tail rather forked. Eye
moderate, pupil deep brown, with silver iris 3 or black
-with gold iiisj according to age.
BRIEF
315
BRIEF HINTS
RELATIVE TO
THE LAWS REGARDING ANGLING,
NETTING, S^^c. S^c.
1 . No salmon can be netted, and sold as the produce of
a fishery, that may weigh less than six pounds ; penalty
5l. to be levied on any party concerned,
2. No salmon under eighteen inches in length, from the
eye to the middle of tlie tail, shall be taken out of any
water, by any device ^ penalty 5/.
3. No net to be used for salmon fisheries of less than'
two inches and a half in the mesh ; penalty, net for-
feited, and 5L
4. Salmon fisheries open July 3 1 st, and last to November
12th 5 in the Ribble, from January 1st to Septem-
ber 15th. But this is very partial j many parts having
other regulations. From September Sth to November
Jltli, i. e. five weeks, no salmon ought to be taken
any where, on account of the spawning 5 tliough that
is a very uncertain point.
B . No person to use any device whereby the spawn of
fish may be destroyed. Penalty, imprisonment for one
year.
^. Bargemen and otliers, catching fish in nets in canals,
passing through the property of persons, not being
free waters, are subject to heavy fines, and to impri-
sonment : and the same penalties attend the poisoning,
or wilfully destroying fishes in all waters.
7. Laying
316
7. Laying night-lines, snares, or devices of any kind,
for catching fish, without leave from the owner,
subjects to heavy iines : if done at nighty subjects to
transportation.
8^ In the Tliames, and wherever tlie waters are under
the controul of Corporations, no person is allowed to
use a I'ot torn-line before the first day of June, under
penalty of 20/. and forfeiting his rod, &c. The season
properly concludes on the 15 th of Novejuber, but is
not much noticed j though few persons chuse to
angle later. The fly may be used all the year round.
g. The following sizes are laid down as standards 5
below which no fishes are allowed to be taken by net.
No so I man Or t routs, when out of season. (The query
is, who shall determine this point) ?
No pihe under ten inches from eye to tail.
No smelt under five inches.
No barbel under twelve inches.
N B. It is curious to observe tliat the legislature have
been very careful of smelts and larlel, but have
omitted carp, perch, tench, &c. from the protec-
tion tiius afforded. We may perhaps reasonably
infer, that those who drew up this incoherent code,
were not much given to angling.
10. All persons, fishing in private waters, armed, or any
way disguised, or committing any waste on the said
property, thus armed or disguised, are deemed felons,
without benefit of clergy.
Printed by B. McMillan, 7
low-Sircct, Covent-Garden. S
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1 202 WILLIAMiSON (t.) Complete' Angler'srjQ-
[ Vade Mecum, wherein are detailed a great^ v
variety of Original Practices and Iiiven- /
tions, 8vo, orig. boards, plates, 1808
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