HARVARD UNIVERSITY.

LIBRARY
OF THE

)MPARA' MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

GIFT OF

(LLc Pi'Mfu
'^JUA^.Mh.^'j,
I/^ISC,

DEC 2

9 1936

/
^^4r:

3^

ToF,

SALTER ESQ^

I^^^-Ve^

5,

I,,

2 o^^

THE ANGLERS GUIDE;

BEING

A NEW, PLAIN, AND COMPLETE, PRACTICAL TREATISE

ON .THE

ART OF ANGLING
FOR

SEA, RIVER,

AND POND

FISH;

DEDUCED FROM MANY YEARS' PRACTICE, EXPERIENCE, AND

OBSERVATION.
TO WHICH
IS

ADDED, A

TREATISE ON TROLLING.
THE WHOLE ILLUSTRAlkD WITH

NUMEROUS NEW CUTS AND ENGRAVINGS.

By

T. F.

SALTER, Gent

THE SIXTH EDITION,

CAREFULLY CORRECTED AND ENLARGED.

Jack, Perch, and Trout.

LONDON PRINTED FOR SHERWOOD AND

PATERNOSTER-ROW.

CO.

1825.

LONDON:
Printed bv D. S. Maurice, Fenchurch Street.

PREFACE.

In writing this Treatise on Angling,

my
I

pen has

always been guided by a love of truth, and a sincere desire to improve an Art in

which
of
it

so

much

delight

and

the

publication

proceeds

wholly from a conviction that a plain practical

Guide
of

to the

Art of Angling was wanted

Carp, Gudgeon, &c.

for it is

little

value to the learner to be told, that

for
;

worms
or that
or that

are a

good bait

Roach

will take paste,

Barbel

greaves

Jack and Pike are taken with a Gudgeon, Dace,

or other small Fish
;

unless such information be

rules

accompanied with clear and practical

bait the hook, at

how

to

what depth

to fish,

what

sized

hook
in

is

proper to use, what kind and quality of

ground-bait,

how

to

make and

cast

it in,

&c., for,

such minute (but necessary) information, most

writers

on Angling

are, I conceive, very deficient.

This information

is

particularly needed

by the

PREFACE.

Juvenile Sportsman, as the old practitioner

nerally speaking, bv no
I

is,
;

ge-

have often

means communicative and witnessed the evasive ansvi^ers of Old

applied to on the subject
practice for those
:

Anglers,
it

when

indeed,

is

a very

common

who

are

masters of the Art, to discontinue Angling, and

move away, when accosted by

novice.
I

strangers

or a

have, also, been careful not to introin-

duce any thing resting on mere theory, but to

struct

the novice

by

rules

drawn from actual

;

practice, experience,
in the
feel

and observation
intelligible

arranged
;

most plain and

manner

and

highly gratified to find that

my

endeavours to

supply such a work, have been so well received.

In this Edition, the whole of the Treatise has been
carefully corrected

and revised

tional information, relative to Angling, has

and much addibeen

and

introduced, as well as
ings to illustrate
to

many new

cuts and engrav:

and embellish the subject

which

is

added, the Troller's

Guide, a

new and complete

Treatise on Trolling, or the

Art of Fishing for Jack and Pike. The only work

written expressly on the art of taking Jack and

Pike, by Angling,

is

called the

Complete TroUer,

written and published about the year 1682,

the Rev. R.
lightful

by

Nobbs

and, as this healthy and deis

branch of Fishing

followed with avidity,

to

and preferred, by many Anglers,

every other

CONTENTS.

Page

Preface
'

...

...

...

...

... ...
...

...

v
ix

Angling we will go.'

Four Plates of Angling Apparatus,

Song, with Cuts Flies, &c.

...

...

to face 1

PART
Chap.
1.

I.

BOTTOM-FISHING.
2.

3,

4.

Preliminary Discourse on Angling, the Choice of Tackle, &c On Rods, Lines, Gut, Hair, and Hooks For baiting the Hook, to take or plumb the Depth, &c. Directions how to make every kind of Paste useful in killing
...

...

5
14

...

or taking Fish,

with Observations
...

on
...

Salmon Spawn,
...

Wheat, &c.

...
...

...

18
...

5. Ground-Bait
6

...

...
... ...

The Pink or Minnow ... 7. The Gudgeon ... 8. The Perch ... ... 9 The Barbel and Chub 10. The Roach ... 11 The Dace or Dare ... 12. The Tench and Carp 13 The Trout ... 14 The Bream, and Bream Dace 15 The Eel ...

... ...
... ...
..

24 36
42

...
...

...
...
...

...

... ...

... ...
... ...

... ...
...

47 59 73
81

... ...
...

...

84
...

...

Flat, or
...

Red Eye
...
...

... ...

97 114
121

16

17.
13.

Night and and Eels The Fluke, Flounder, Smelt, Grayling, and Salmon AngUng Fish
Directions for Lines, for
fitting, baiting,
...

laying

Chain
...

...

...

...

or

for Salt-water

...

...

...

135 147 158

PART
Chap.
1

II.

TROLLING.

2.

3.

The Gorge-Hook, and how Hooks Fishing

to bait

Prefatory
Single

Remarks on Trolling
for Live-bait

for

Jack or Pike
it
;

... ... ...

;

174

177
181

to bait

them

with Di...

rections for tying or

whipping Hooks to Gimp

CONTENTS.

Chap. 4
&.

(i.

7.
8.

Winch, and Thumb Winders, Bank Runneis, Trolling 199 Traces, and how Rods proper Trolling or Jack and ...204 Troll without a Rod 208 Trolling
Lines,
isc.
...
... ..-

Snap-fishing

and how

to Bait the

Hooks

...

...189

for

Pike-fishing,
...

to

...

...

Baits for

or Jack-fishing

...

...

9.

10.

with Directions how and where to place the Winch on the Rod To cast the Bated Gorge-hook To take Jack or Pike To land and unhook ... ... ... 211 ... them, &:c. Full Directions for taking Jack and Pike, with a Live-Bait and Floated Line Proper Kettles, &c. for carrying LiveVarious ways of using Snap-Hooks explained Baits described and the most proper Seasons, Weather, &c. for TroUing, 22G ... ... ... ... pointed out Observations on the different ways practised in fishing for Concluding with ReJack and l^ike Also, on Trimmers ... ... 239 marks on the Nature, &c. of Jack and Pike

The Troller's Day; accompanied

PART
Chap.

in.

FLY-FISHING.

1. Artificial-Fly-fishing, and Fly-making

2.

for Trout,

Salmon, &c. 256

...

Directions for making a Golden or

A
list

Silver Palmer, &c.

268

of Palmers, or Hackle-Flies, with and without Wings,

for Fly-fishing in every

month during the

Season, beginning

4. List
5

6.

... ... ... with April, &c. of Artificial Flies, and the way to make them ; to ... ... from Christmas to Michaelmas, &c. Natural Fly-fishing, Dapping, Whipping for Trout, &c. ... Rods and Lines, and how to cast the fly ...

...274
kill

...

2/8 282 287

APPENDIX.
Directions

and all sorts of Worms, Cads, Bobs, ... 29,'{ &c. and to Scour, Cleanse, and keep them all the year round The New River, the Rivers Lea and Thames, and their Fish and Fishe... ries described, with a map of the River Thames ... 308 Map of the River Lea, describing the several Fisheries from the Ryeto procure Gentles,

how

... ... ... ... 321 his superiority in the Art of Anghng with a brief description of the principal Rivers in Great Britain, and of the Fish they contain ... ... 333 .. Remarks on Angling for every Month in the Year ... ... 338 Discourse on Pond-Fishing, with desultory hints, &c. relative to Angling ? ' A Glossary of Technical Terms used among Anglers ... ... o

House, down to Lea Bridge The London Angler's Debut, and

accounted for
;

ADVERTISEMENT
TO THE SIXTH EDITION.

ON

publishing the present Edition,

which

is

very

considerably
in

altered

and improved, the Publishers have much pleasure

it

accom-

panying

with a fine Portrait of the Author, and loith a great

cuts

number of new
life,

and

illustrations

the

Drawings

all

made from

by the first Artists, expressly for

this edition,

and furnishing

the most correct representations offresh-water Fish ever submitted

to the Public,

Paternoster Roir,

May

1,

1825.

ANGLING
Tune,

WE WILL

GO.

A Begging we will go.

Of

all

That happen

the sports and pastimes in the year,

To Angling there are none, sure. That ever can compare. Then to Angle
2.

we

will go, &c.

We

do not break our legs or arms,

As Huntsmen often do, For when tliat we are Angling

No

danger can ensue.

Then
3.

to

Angle, &c.

Cards and dire are courtly games. Then let them laugh who win, There's innocence in Angling,

But gaming

is

a sin.

Then

to

Angle, &c.

PREFACE.

Vll.

mode
ceived

of Angling, and the Art itself having re-

many improvements
it

since

Mr. Nobbs

wrote on the subject,

has been suggested to

me, that a Treatise on Jack-fishing, written by a

modern

practical Troller,

would be very acceptwhich

able to the lovers of Angling in general. In conse-

quence of such opinions and suggestions

I fully

(in

coincide, as or

cannot agree with the Rev.

this sub-

MosES Brown,
ject, that the

any other writer on

Art had arrived at the highest state

of perfection, under the esteemed Father of

glers,

Anis

Isaac

Walton

seeing that that gentle-

man

himself says, in his Preface, that Angling

it

so like Mathematics, that

learned),

can never be fully

and having had much practice and ex-

perience in every

method pursued

in taking both

Jack and Pike with the angle, with the advantage, also, of a residence, for several years, near

one of the best Rivers in England for Trolling;

have presumed

to offer

my

opinions and instrucdesirous of

in a fair,

tions, as a guide to those

who may be

learning
pleasing,

how

to take

Jack and Pike

;

and sportsman-like manner

and in order
have

to prevent the possibility of

misunderstanding the
I

direction given for baiting the hooks, &c.,

illustrated

those directions with cuts, executed

under
also,

my own

immediate inspection

and have,
in so

endeavoured to convey

my instructions

PREFACE.
plain and concise a manner, that the juvenile

and

inexperienced Troller

may
I

clearly

and promptly
if

understand them

and

doubt not,

those di-

rections are assiduously put in practice, the novice

may be soon
I

enabled to say,

seldom to the Rivers went,

either

But

Jack or Pike

took.

And

I,

also, flatter myself, that

many who have

will find,

had some practice

in this

in the

Art of Trolling,

work, observations on the seasons and

weather proper for Trolling, how to cast the baited

hook
ing,

in search,

and divers other matters conto.

nected with, and relative

Jack and Pike-fish-

worthy

their notice

and attention.

A man

little

accustomed to arrange his ideas

for the press, ought, perhaps, to

make some apo;

logy for the imperfections of his style

but, as

my desire
rules in

has only been to convey plain practical

I

an Art with which

I

considered myself

well acquainted,

trust

my

readers will pardon

the

manner

for the matter.

envies no man's joys.
gains the greatest sport
far

The Angler
But
his,

who

With peace, he dwells

from the noise

And

bustling grandeur of a Court.

Songs of the Chacc.

April, 1825.

T. F.

Salter.

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

X!

4.

Then you who would be honest And to old age attain ; Forsake the City, and the Town,

And

fill

the Angler's train.

Then
5.

to

Angle, &c.

For health, and for diversion, We rise by break of day,

While

courtiers in their

down

beds

Sleep half their time away.

Then

to Angle, &c.

And

then unto the River In haste we do repair. All day in sweet amusement,

We

breathe good wholesome

air.

Then
7.

to Angle, &c.

Our constitution sound is. Our appetites are keen.

We

laugh and bid defiance

the Spleen.

To vapours and

Then

to Angle, &c.

The gout and stone are By lolling in a coach,

often bred

But Anglers walk, and so remain As sound as any Roach.

Then to Angle, &c.

The Trout, the Pike, the Salmon, The Barbel, Carp, and Bream,
Afford good sport, and so the Perch And Tench will do the same. Then to Angle, &c.

xu

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

10.

So

let

To

us now remember praise the smaller Fish,

Bleak, Gudgeon, Roach, and Dace, Will garnish well a dish.

Then
1.

to Angle, &c.

Through meadows, by

a river,

From place to place we roam, And when that we are weary

We

tlien

go jogging home.

Then
12.

to Angle, &c.

At night we take a

bottle.
;

We prattle, laugh, and sing We drink a health unto our friends,

And
so

God

bless the King.

Then
Songs of the Chace.

to Angle, &c.

I ^
j

Q-

r-

Pk
-^

s
fl^

H
iC

'O

03

S ^ m

"5

rP

rr

y
"=

PM -O >> !^ -5

<
c

m Q
^
>o

-<

>% t^

to

I
J

CM

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

CHAP.
Tackle,

I.

Preliminary Discourse on Angling.

&;c.

The

Choice of

" Hope and

Patience support the Fisherman."

The

Art of Angling consists in taking or catching

line,

Fish with a baited hook fastened to a

sistance of a rod
;

with the as-

therefore, the first thing requisite to

be done by those
this

who wish

to perfect themselves in
art, is to

amusing and delightful

make themselves

acquainted with the necessary tackle, and proper baits,

as a preliminary step towards carrying their wishes into execution.
reatise
foi

For

this reason I shall

commence my

on Angling by pointing out the proper tackle

that purpose, with full directions for choosing the

5

s.ime
L
-it

also,

how

to put the rod

and

line together, to

the hook, to

make

paste, ground-bait, &c.

and

then

giv^e instructions in as plain

and concise a manner

2
as possible,
in every

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

how to
or

use the angle so as to insure sport

the year.
I shall divide

week

month during

the

work

into three parts, under the denominations of

Bottom Fishing, Trolling, or Jack Fishing, and Fly Fishing, with an Appendix first giving a list
:

of such articles that

it is

necessary the Angler should

provide himself with, illustrated with plates and cuts

of the same, under the
it

title

of

'

Angling Apparatus,'
artist

being absolutely necessary that every

should
select,

be furnished with, and made acquainted

and also

how to

how

to handle his tools,

and the materials

requisite, before

he begins his performance.

is

The following
Rods
for

list

of articles the Angler should

provide himself with.

bottom

fishing, trolling,

and

fly-fishing,

lines of gut, hair, &c. lines about three yards

and a

half long will be found

most useful
water.

for

bottom

fishing.

Floats of cork, quill, &c. of various sizes to suit

streams, eddies, or
still

Hooks
gimp
',

for trolling

the
3

gorge, snap, &c. tied on

to a handle, or a

also a landing

hook fastened

bamboo telescope rod Hooks tied on gut, of various Hooks tied on hog's bristles
3
:

sizes, to

No. 12

Winches for running tackle prefer those which made to tie on the rod, or to fix in a groove made

are
for

the purpose in the butt thereof, as you can fasten such

a winch to any sized joint, which you cannot do with

those that have a hoop and screw
:

on the winch you

use

when angling

for Barbel,

Chub, Perch, Carp, and

TACKLE, ETC. FOK ANGLING.

Bream, keep from twenty to

silk line, called

thirty yards of fine platted

running

line or tackle,

which you pass

slip

through the rings on the rod, and join with a

to the gut line.

knot
fish-

Note

in trolling

and bottom

ing the winch should be fastened to the butt of the

rod about ten inches from the bottom thereof: in

fishing about half the distance.

fly

Plummets

for taking the

depth

Baiting-needles for Trout and Jack fishing

Disgorgers for small Fish and Jack

Clearing rings
;

Drag hooks
Split shot
;

Two or three leger leads A pair of pliers, for putting shot

5

on a

line

Caps for

floats

Landing

net, fixed to a handle or to

fit

a rod

ano-

ther sort described in the Appendix.

Kettle for carrying live bait

A drum
gling;

net to keep fish alive in while you are an-

pannier or basket to carry ground-bait,

;

fish,

&c.

Gentle boxes

and bags for worms

and also a large

spoon made of horn, such as grocers use when weighing moist or brown sugar;

for the use of

,

which see
.

Chap. V.

piece of India rubber

for the use of which see

the Appendix.

Book

or case of

artificial flies,

moths, &c. and maalso necessary for

terials for

making the same

it is

TTIK

ANGLER

GUIDE.

the Angler to provide himself with a pocket

book

case,

and

reel to

hold

lines,

hooks, &c.

Note

always keep
to

a piece of shoemaker's

wax on

a bit of soft leather,

some

fine silk for tying

on a hook, and also some

twine, that in case of accident

you may be enabled

mend your

rod, &c.j

to

do which see Chap. V.

RODS, LINES, HOOKS, &C.

CHAP.
On Rods,
As the angle-rod
good one.

II.

Lines, Gut, Hair,

and Hooks.

is

a material article in the Angler's

catalogue, great care should be taken to procure a

variety,

The fishing-tackle shops keep a great made of bamboo, cane, hazel, hickery, &c. and some fitted as walking canes, and of different lengths
; ;

others to pack in canvas bags

ferred, because

the latter are to be pre-

you may have them of any length, and

true,

they are

made more

and are stronger

the rods
feet,

made
which

to pass for
is,

walking canes seldom exceed 12

5

generally speaking, too short

those

made of

bamboo-cane
ral

are best for general fishing, having seve;

tops of various strengths

but the rods made of the

white cane are

larly for

much

superior for fine fishing, particuin weight, yet

stiff.

Roach, being very light

In choosing a rod, observe that

it is

perfectly straight
it

when all the joints

ally tapers

are put together, and that

top,

gradu-

from the butt to the

and

is

eighteen feet

long
and

if

longer, they seldom play true.

;

Some strong
-,

fit

for trolling

others for Barbel, Perch, &c.

all

of which should have rings on every joint, and

finer for

some
all

Roach, &c.

Rods

fitted

with several tops,

packing together, are certainly very convenient, when

taken on a distant journey
j

but the Angler

who wishes

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

to have rods neat, and to be

depended on, must keep

rod for Roach
In the

one for

trolling,
;

another for Barbel, Perch, or other

a fine light cane

heavy Fish

and also

and small Fish,

as well as those for fly-fishing.

choice of lines, take those that are round and even,

and without spots or thick bumps, whether they be

made
it

of gut or horse-hair

in choice of

gut
if

let it

be

clear, transparent, round,

and smooth, and

you try

between your teeth

it

will be of a wirey hardness, if

good.

In respect to colour, the natural colour of the

gut

is

good, but

if

you wish
:

it

dyed, I prefer the pale

sorrel

and light

ing directions.
colour, let
it

slate

to colour

which take the followgut of a pale sorrel

^To stain hair or

remain a few minutes in a cup of strong

coffee or black tea boiling hot,

sired effect.

and

it

will

have the de-

To give
it

the pale slate colour,

mix boiling
;

water and black ink together in equal parts

gut or hair in
sired colour
5

put the

for
if

one moment, and you have the de-

or

you wish

to

have

it

of a greyish or

water colour, take some boiling water and dissolve a

small quantity of indigo and alum therein, and
the
it

when

same

is

cold, dip the hair or

tint

gut in

it till

you see

has acquired the

you wish.

In respect to the

choice of hooks, there are five different kinds used in

angling

namely, the Kirby, the Kendal, the Sneck-

bend, the Limerick, and the Eel-hook.

the Kendal-hook
the point
;

The barb of
far

is

thought too short and too

is

from

the barb of the Limerick

j

thought too

long and rank

the lateral projection of the barb in

is

the Sneckbend-hook

objected to by

many

the

FLOATS.

Kirby-hook
reason
;

is

generally preferred, and I think with

Eel-hooks are made stronger and ranker than

:

other hooks
cuts below.

see Angling Apparatus, Plate 3, and the

J
Limerick.

Ij
Sneckbend.

KendaL

On
It is

Floats.

of the

first

consequence that the Angler should

float

be acquainted with the

proper for fishing in

as

differ-

ent waters, and for various kinds of fish}

more
there-

depends upon that part of his tackle than inexperienced or superficial observers imagine.
I shall

fore request his attention, while I point out those pro-

per for the purpose.

THE TIP-CAPPED FLOAT.

These
floats are

made of
at

several pieces of quill

or

of reed for the middle, and ivory or tortoiseshell at top

and bottom, narrow

in

each end, gradually increasing

:

bulk or circumference to the middle

are

but those

which

top, I find

made swim

thickest above the middle nearest the

the steadiest in blowing weather,

S
aii'ainst

TIIF,

ANGLER

CriDE.
tail

the stream, roui;h eddies, and at the

of

mills

these floats are fastened to the line with a cap

at eaeli end.

Tip-eapped
in

floats are superior to

every
rapid,

other tor

aniiliui;-

waters which are not very

tishiuii'
:

particnhirly In

Roach
it

as the least

movement

or tine bite sinks

beUnv the surface of the water.

The tip-capped

tloat is also best for pond-tishing- for

it

Carp and Tench, as

recpiires but

few shot
little

to sink

it

consequently disturbs the water but

which

is

of the

first

consideration

when cast in, when angling; for

fSee

such shy or timid Fish as Carp, Tench, or Chub.

tip-cap ffoaf,

Jngliug Apparatus, fg. o.J Note, the caps which tix the line to the float are often
Plate
1,

rough
line
;

at

the edge,

which chafes and weakens

it

a flne

therefore,

make

a
\n\x

practice to examine and

smooth them before you

them

to use.

CORK FLOATS Are generally made o{

cork
filed
cpiills at top.

with a piece of

or gromul smooth, and painted,

tlie

which

is

b\irned or bored through

middle to admit the

quill
a ring

and then the bottom

is

plugged with wood, and

to let the line pass through.

These cork

floats are

well calculated to flsh in heavy and rapid streams, as thev require a great

many

shot to sink them,

which

weight of shot prevents the baited hook passing too

quick over the bottom of the place where you
fishing;
for

may be

with

strong current or stream, and a

light float, the baited

hook goes over the place you

it

have

j:::round-baited before

reaches the bottom, eon-

sequently you lose the greatest chance of success from

the float not sinking quick.
various sizes and shapes
:

Cork

floats are

made of
quills,

instead of

common

some introduce the quill of the porcupine, with a ring at the bottom, which makes an excellent strong float.

Note, some anglers use a large reed

and rapid streams
3

float for

heavy

such

floats

ought to be made with

a ring at the bottom Instead of a cap, because in such

waters you must strike with great force, and in so

doing you generally break the small cap

of the float, which causes

at the

bottom

much

trouble and loss of

in

time to repair

sometimes both caps are broken,

float

which case the

swims away, and

is lost.

PLUGGED FLOATS.
These kind of
indifferent quills,
floats are the cheapest,

and made of

some of them with one goose-quill

and a wooden plug at the bottom, from which they take

their

name

they are very apt to loosen, by the plug

coming

out.

These

floats suit the

young Angler, from

on the
;

their cheapness, and

by being

easily put
at

line,

having a cap

at top

and a ring

bottom

but the

better informed Angler objects to the ring at bottom,

because

it

does not keep the line close to the

it

float,

and from the resistance or hinderance

passing through the water, particularly
bite fine
in
;

makes

in

when

the Fish

therefore he always uses the tip-capped float

rivers,

ponds or

where the stream

will admit, in pre-

ference to every other.

10

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

How

to

make

the Float stand or

swim upright,

S^c.

To make
water,
in

the float

stand or

swim upright

in the

some

shot

must be put on the

-,

line, as directed

the next article

they are kept, ready split for the

purpose, at the tackle-shops.

Note, many small shot

To
it

are better than a few large, because they disturb the

water less

in casting in or taking out the bait.

float,

strengthen a quill

and to prevent the line slipping,

after passing the line

through the bottom cap, give

float

two or three
you
fix

twists

round the body of the

it.

before

the top cap to

How
ed

to
;

make Gut and Horse-Hair

Lines, single

and
to

twist-

their different qualities considered.

How

place

shot on the same,

and fix them

8^c.

to the

Rod, try the

strength of Hooks,

Fishing-lines are

made of

gutj,
;

twisted horse or
also of silk

cow's hair, and single horse hair

and mo;

hair, or of silk alone, either twisted or platted

those

made
est,

of gut are the strongest, the twisted hair cheapfinest.

and the single horse-hair the

You may

make

a fine line, by having half single hair at bottom,

the other part two hairs twisted.

The

gut, or silk-

worm gut, is made or manufactured from the intestines

or gut of the silk

worm, and

is

the strongest substance

(for its circumference)

known by the Angler, and makes

else,

a line superior to any thing

the natural colour of

stained.

which

is

better than

much that is

The young

LINES AND HOOKS.

1 }

Angler will find a line of about four yards in length the

most

useful, either to fish

with or without a winch

as

he must note that the

than the rod.
place

line is

unmanageable

if

longer
float,

In shotting the line to sink the

them

close together, within three inches of the

line
;

bottom loop of the

to

which loop
is

fix

the loop of

the hair or gut that the

hook

tied to,

and always put

one or two shot on them above the middle, which will

keep your bait down, and cause the whole to swim

steady.
silk,

However, when you make a

it

line,

either of

gut, or hair,
is

always must be finest at bottom

where the hook

fastened,

and very gradually increas-

ing in bulk or thickness to the top.Note,

place shot on the line, do
is
it

when you
which

with a pair of
;

pliers,

the best and easiest method

it is

some

fasten

them with
delay and
fish-

their teeth, but

a bad practice, for they often bite

the hair or gut through, which causes

vexation, particularly
ing.
if it

much

happens while you are

Many good
fore

fish are lost after

they have been fairly

;

hooked, by the hook breaking or straightening

there-

make
:

it

a rule to try the strength of your hooks

before you

tie

them on or use them,

in the following

manner

hold the hook by the shank,

if

and place the

other end over a nail or staple that

may be driven in a
an end of the
its

bonrd, wall, or any other place, then pull strong with

jirkjng
if it
:

the

hook breaks there

is

trial

bends a little and again recovers

;

shape,

it

may
it

be used

but

if it

bends or nearly draws

straight,

should be rejected, for you are as likely to lose a

fish

12

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

by the hook straightening

ivell- tempered

as

by

its

breaking j a real

hook will neither bend nor break. Small

tried

hooks may be
finger and

by holding one between the

fore-

thumb

of each hand

by

their shanks,

and

hooking the bended parts together, then pulling and

jirking one against the other
;

and also reject every

hook

that

is

at all blunt at the point.

Some Anglers tie

the line and the length which

is

fas-

tened to the hook together, with a tight knot, instead

of using loops, which

is

a neat

way. Note, those who

choose to twist their

own

lines,

may purchase ma-

chines, for that purpose, at all the principal fishing-

tackle shops, and receive information

how to

use them.

In respect to the advantage arising from angling

with lines made of single horse-hair and hooks tied to

made of fine gut, some difference of opinion exists among Anglers the advocates for gut say, when it is equally fine, and of the
the same over those which are
:

same colour of horse-hair,

it is

not likely to alarm fish

^ny more than horse-hair, and being

it

much

stronger,

certainly deserves the preference.

This seems plau-

sible, but I know, from practice, that fish may be taken, when angling, with a single hair line (especially Roach) that will not touch the bait when offered with a gut
line,

though the

line shall

be as

fine

and of the same

colour, &c. as the hair line.

To

ascertain the fact, I

have several times taken have been well on

off

my

hair line

when Roach
I

the, feed,
fish.

and put on one of gut,

could then hardly take a

for the hair line,

Again, I have changed

and again had excellent sport, such

TO FASTEN THE ROD AND LINE.

has invariably been the case with
rienced

13

me

and many expe;

Anglers of

my

acquaintance

therefore,

should certainly recommend single hair to those

fish for

who
two
fine.

Roach, Dace, Bleak, and Gudgeons, andassert^

kill

without fear of contradiction, they will

to one to others

nearly

who
I

angle with gut, however

is^,

The

only reason

can assign for this difference

that

gut swells and ever retains a shining glossy appearance

in the water,

and also small beads or bladders of water

gut,

hang around the

which increases

its

bulk while

in

the water, and probably creates alarm

among fish.

To fasten

the Line to the Rod.

Pass the loop of your line through the ring at the

extremity of the top joint of your rod, carry
ferril
it

over the

end

then draw your line up to the top again, the

loop will then be fast to the ring, and the line will hang

from the abovementioned

ring.

You will then put the

joints of your rod together, and the rod and line will be

complete. Most experienced Anglers keep about six or

eight inches of fine silk line tied to the end of the top
joint,

and fasten the gut or hair

line to the said six or

;

eight inches of silk by a

draw loop knot

is

this is

an

excellent method, because the ring

apt to chafe gut

or hair.

When you
line,

have a winch on your rod to

use running

after the joints are put together,

pass the said running line from the winch through

every ring on the rod, and pull about a yard of

it

through the top

knot to the
line

ring,

and fasten

it

with a draw loop

which has the

float

and hook to

it.

14

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

See plate of Angling Apparatus, No. 2. Fig. 4.

Note,
make

when you angle with running

is

line for those fish that it

proper to strike the instant you perceive a bite,

a slip knot in the line, and put in the said knot a piece of thin stick,
qujill,

or tough grass, about an inch long,

to prevent the line running

will do, especially
if

back on the rod, which

is

it

the wind

any way

in

your front,

and by then hanging slack on the rod prevents the hook

from

fixing firmly in the fish

you

strike.

Always keep

your w inch unlocked, because, in the hurry of the moment, when you have struck a heavy Fish, and the

winch is locked, he generally breaks away before you

can give line
;

to prevent such an occurrence, I use only

those winches which are

made without locks

or stops.

CHAP.

III.

For baiting the Hook, to take or plumb the Depth,

Having directed the Angler

tackle, to shot the line,

in
it

the

choice

of his
shall

and put

together,

we

now proceed
his

to teach

him the best method of

baiting

hook with worms, &c.

bait the
:

To

method

first,

hook with a worm, use the following enter the point of the hook close to the

top of the worm's head, and carry it carefully

within a quarter of an inch of
its tail,

down

to

to do which,

you

TO BAIT THE HOOK.

15

must gently squeeze or work the worm up the hook

with your
left

thumb and

finger, while

with the right

you are gradually working the hook downwards, the

small lively piece of the

worm at

the point of the

j

hook
if

moving about,
too
tice

will entice or attract fish

but note,

much

of the

worm hangs loose, though it may en-

Fish to nibble, yet they will seldom take the whole

in their

mouths, so as to enable the Angler to hook

them

on the contrary, he

is

frequently tantalized with

a bite, and

when he

strikes, finds part of the

fish
;

worm

gone, the hook bared, and no

therefore, to bait a

hook well with a worm,

a fish

is

necessary to insure hitting

in

when you

strike,

and consists
it,

drawing the

worm,

Avithout injuring

quite over and

up the shank
tail

of the hook, leaving only a small lively part of the

below the point

piece of

thereof.

If

you

bait with half or a

worm,

prefer the tail end, and enter the point

it

of the hook into the thick part of it, and bring

nearly to the end of the
loose.
tail,

down

leaving only a small piece

But

if

you bait with two worms on ahook, draw

as directed with
tail

the

first

up above the shank while you put the second

on

(in the

same manner

one worm),

but enter the hook near the

of the second

worm,

hen draw the

all,

first

one down on the second, the shank,

hook and

will

be then well covered, and will be a

very enticing bait for Perch, Carp, Chub, Barbel, and

all

large fish
fish,

but

when angling for Gudgeon

or other
tail

small

half a red
;

worm

is sufficient,

and the

end

is

best

if

blood worms are used, put on two or

three, in

doing which be very tender, or you will burst

16

THE angler's

ouinfi.

them.

Note,

the nature of

worms and

gentles, with

directions for procuring a stock, breed and keep the

same, will be fully treated of and explained in the Appendix.

WITH GENTLES.

To bait a hook with a gentle,

the point of the

use this method

enter

hook

into the gentle, near either end,

;

and bring

it

out at the other end

then draw the point

it
: :

back again just within the gentle, enough to hide

if

you use more than one, pursue the same method

is

this
is

the best

way

to bait with a gentle

whose skin

something tough,

(especially in
first

cold weather),

by

piercing the skin in the

instance, with striking fine

(when a bite) your hook will enter sufficiently

Fish and secure
line, or
it,

into the

and you do not risk breaking your

the top of the rod, which frequently happens

by striking too hard.

WITH GREAVES.

To

bait a

hook with greaves

is

as follows

first,

se-

lect the whitest pieces

from what you have soaked,

on your hook, or as

and put four or

as will cover
it

five pieces

much

from the bend to and over the point

these pieces should be about half the size of a six-

pence, and put on the

hook separately or one

after the

other, not a large piece doubled, as

some indolent An-

glers do, for then the

hook is prevented entering firmly

whereas, by putting the pieces
strike,

the Fish you strike

on separately, when you

they either break

off,

or

TO PLUMB THE DEPTH.

are pushed

17

up the shank, and the whole bend of the

Fish, and

hook enters the

you have firm hold.

These

minutiae of baiting, &c. are of singular advantage,

which the observing Angler

will not fail to attend to,

and appreciate, being worthy his notice.

a bad practice to boil greaves, or soak
water, for
it

Note,

it is

them

in boiling

makes them

rotten,

and soon

fall off

the

hook

they are certainly

cold or cool water, but

Anglers,

much longer in soaking in are then much tougher. Some

on
it is

when they

bait with greaves, alwaj^s put

a gentle last to cover the point of the hook, and

no bad way. To plumb

the

Depth.

iier

Plumbing the depth is done in the following manif a ring plummet, pass the hook through the
;

ring,
I

and

fix

the point into the cork at the bottom

if

folding plummet, unfold about

two inches of

it,

pass

tlib

hook over

its side, (as

represented in the cut of a

folding plummet, in plate No. 3,) and then fold the

plummet up again drawing away from

your hook
the plummet.

is

now

secured from

As success depends
take due pains, and

much in angling at a proper depth,

ing.
^

jneasure the depth accurately, before you begin fish-

^Note,

when

the

plumb lead touches the bottom,

is

Mid the top of the float

even with the surface of th^

w.iter,

you have the true depth.

18

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

CHAP.
PASTES.

IV.

Directions

how

to

make

every kind of Paste useful in kill-

ing or taking Fish, with Observations on

Salmon Spawn,

Wheat,

S(c.

Paste

is

a killing and general bait for almost every

kind of Fish that breed in rivers or any fresh waters,

but
it

requires

some

little

time and labour to

;

make

it,

which must be done with clean hands

skill in

also care

and

using

it.

Many strange and ridiculous

paste,

receipts

are to be

met with for making

which tend much

;

to confound

and puzzle the inexperienced Angler

such as part of the leg of a kitten, with bee's wax, suet,

&c., beat

up

in

a mortar
-,

or cherries and cheese,

sheep's blood and saffron

fat,

or cheese, flour, dead men's

:

anniseed water, and roasted bacon

many
;

others,

equally useless and absurd, I could mention

shall better serve the novice in angling,

but

by assuring
to

him that nothing more

kill

is

wanted

in

making paste
little

every kind of Fish, which will take paste, than

flour-bread, water,

and honey, (with a

vermil-

lion or red ochre to colour the paste,

which may someto

times be useful) and teaching use the same.

him how

make and

HOW

TO MAKE PASTE.

19

Sweet Paste for Carp, Tench, Chub, and Roach.

Take the crumb of a penny

the

roll,

or a piece of a loaf
it

same
;

size,

of the

first

day's baking, and dip

into

honey

then work

it

in

your hands, that the honey

it
:

may be
is

well incorporated with the bread, and until

of a sufficient consistence to remain on the

hook

this is the

most

killing bait for

Carp

ever met with

(luring the

months of July and August, and during the

are also very fond of
I
it,

rest of the season.

likewise

Tench Chub and Roach.

this

have taken

many heavy
enough
for

Roach with
other bait
;

sweet paste, when they refused every

I

the quantity
it is

have named

is

a day's fishing, but

;n

proper to take some to throw

occasionally

close to

your

float

while angling.

^Vllen
(jf

honey

is

not to be had, dissolve a good quantity

loaf sugar in

warm water, and dip

clean,

the bread therein

this

makes a good,

and sweet paste, when well

kneaded.
Plain Paste for Roach,
S^c.

Take a piece of the crumb of a

after
it is

roll or loaf, the

day
it

baked, about the size of an apple, and dip

lightly in
sible,

water

immediately squeeze
it

it

as dry as pos-

and then place

in

your

left

hand, and, with

your thumb and fingers, of the right, work or knead

it

well, until

it

becomes exceedingly smooth and

be kneaded a quarter of an hour at
well made,
is

stiff
it

to

make

this paste to the consistence I

have named,

will require to

least.

This paste,

when

the best bait for

20

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
it

Roach, as they will seldom refuse

year.

at

any time of the

Carp, Tench, Chub, Dace, Bleak, Barbel, and

will also take
it.

Minnows,
its

This paste

is

valuable, from
;

being easily made while you are by the water-side

it is

indeed

most proper

to

make

it

there, especially if
it

you

fish at

a distance from home, as

it

may chance

to

get somewhat sour, by carrying

it is

a length of time

further valuable in striking fish

when they

bite,

for, if made properly, it will

adhere to the hook until

all to pieces,

you have struck

it

then

flies

conse-

quently your hook

is

not impeded in fixing in the Fish,

which

is

material, particularly in angling for Roach,

when so small a hook as No. 10, 11, or 12, is u^ed new bread paste is more glutinous, and adheres too
close,

which makes
paste
is

it

unfit for a small

hook.

This

new bread
kneading

made by taking

a piece of

crumb
and

of new- baked bread and a small piece of

it

stale,

well together in your hands a few minutes

till

(without water,)

of a proper consistence

those

make use of the last mentioned paste instead of that made of the second day's bread audit answers best when angling in strong eddies and very sharp streams. To colour paste, add a
prefer ease to sport,
j

who

little

Vermillion or red ochre

it

a very small quantity

little
is

will

make

a pale pink colour, a

more a poppy
best.

but the pale pink or salmon colour

Note,

if

you add a little powdered plaster of Paris to new bread

it

will

make

a superior white paste and will be very

useful in thick water.

OBSERVATIONS ON PASTES.

21

Cheese paste for Chub, and Greaves Paste,

8^c.

for Barbel.

made with cheese and bread is a very killing Chub, if made in the following manner take some old Cheshire cheese, the more
Paste
bait^

particularly for
:

I damp, rotten, and rank,

mix
it

the better, and well work

it

it,

and

with the crumb of new bread until

becomes
if

of a proper consistence to bait the hook with:

the

Angler will go to the expense and trouble of making

ground

bait of a

pound of old maggotty Cheshire

quartern loaf, and fish in
still

cheese and a

new

chubfor

holes, he will have sport enough.

To make paste
in,

Barbel, dip the

crumb of

new

penny-loaf into the

liquor that greaves have been boiled

till stiff

and knead

it

and

fit

for use.

This bait

is

a killing bait for

Barbel.

Note,

when
it is

distressed for greaves, I have

melted, or, as
I

termed, rendered

down beef suet,

dis-

and used the hard pieces or skin which do not

solve, as a bait
cess,

both for Barbel and Chub with suc-

and also with similar pieces collected from mel-

ted pigs' Hare, and mutton.

Observations on Pastes, also Salmoiis Paste and Spawn,

and how

to

make Patent
it

Paste, prepare Wheat,

<SfC.

In making paste,

is

absolutely necessary that

your hands should be very clean, and likewise the

bread and water, otherwise the paste wall be of a bad
colour and taste
success.

in that case,

you must not expect

in small
it

paste

is

made by mixing water

quantities with flour,

and several times squeezing

^2

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

dry, forming, in the first instance, a piece of

this

dough

dough must be worked

in the

hands through

twenty or more

different waters,

till it
:

becomes of a

consistence almost as sticky as birdlime

carry
it

when made,

in a

your fingers

damp when

cloth,

and you must invariably wet

baiting your hook, or else fingers,

stick together.

cloth, hook, and

all will

This paste

is

known
its

to experienced Anglers, and preferred solely for

fast to the

remaining

hook, which

it

will do in

any

stream, however rapid.

pastes

It is distinguished
;

from other
ex-

by the name of patent paste

but

my own

perience has quite convinced

me

that the other kinds

which

have described are

is

in every respect superior,

and which

also the opinion of the best Anglers I

am

acquainted with.

By

using the different sorts of

paste which I have enumerated, and for such Fish as I

shall direct in their proper places, the

Angler

may be
or

assured of success, without the aid of

any other quackery.

oils, scents,

^Note,

Of

late years there

has

been sold

at

the

fishing

tackle

shops,

in

small

earthenware pots, a sort of paste called Salmon paste

or

Spawn, which

believe they receive from the

north, but the fish in the southern waters do not

seem

to like

it.

Salmon Spawn and Wheat. Real Salmon spawn

is

described

by some

writers as

a superior bait for Trout, Chub, Roach, &c. For Trout,

in

some Rivers, it

certainly

is

the most killing bait that

can be used, for a short time.

The way

to preserve

it

SALMON SPAWN, AND WHEAT.

is

23
lay
it

as follows, according to old writers

it it

on a
it

board or trencher, and dry

in

gradually
in a

then put

a woollen bag, and hang near the

fire

moderate warm dry

;

place,

or beside the chimney

it

when

it

grows too
use
it
;

dry, soak

little in

warm water, before you

in the best state
;

put a piece on your hook something larger than

is

a pea.

Note, Salmon spawn

about
it

two months before the Fish spawn

in jars covered with bladder, in the

some preserve
same way

by parboiling and salting it, and then putting the spawn

as pre-

serves. Before

you attempt

to preserve

Salmon spawn,

cleanse

it

from blood and

all

impurities.

Among

the various methods of preserving

is

Salmon

spawn, the following

nearly full-grown

the best

take one pound of

it

Salmon spawn, put

in,

into

water as
off all

hot as you can bear your hands

the skin, &c. from the spawn
;

and wash
it,

then rince
skin,,

by pouring
is

on cold water, taking care that no

left

blood, &c.,

with the spawn, then put

it
it

it

into a cloth or bag,

3

and

hang
with

up to drain

for twenty-four hours

then put

about two ounces of rock or bay

salt, to

which

add about a quarter of an ounce of

it

saltpetre,
;

and hang
it

up again for twenty-four hours more

then spread
fire,

out on a dish to dry in the sun, or before the

it

until

becomes

stiff}

then put
it,

it

into ajar or gallipot,

and

run melted suet over

which should be well covered,

air

and fastened with bladder and leather to keep the

out.

^Note,

By -preparing Salmon spawn

and placing
it fit
it

in the

way

last described,

in a dry cool place, I

have preserved

for use for two years.

24

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

Wheat
try
it

is

a favourite

bait with
:

some Anglers on

the Trent, and near Nottingham

those

who

chuse to
:

must prepare
a

it

in the following
it is

manner

take

some new wheat

mity, bruise
it

in the state
little,

used for making furlittle

and then add a

milk or

water to

it

let it
fire,

then be put into the oven, or parboiled

and,

over a slow

when

cold,

it

will

be

in a stiff
3

cake, of a substance between glue and jelly

the

grain will be the size of a large gentle

put one on the

;

hook
but
I

in

the same

manner
as

as if baiting with a gentle

prefer paste, having never killed so

many

large

Roach with wheat

ponds and
still

with paste

with pearl barley

in

parboiled, I have also taken

many Roach and Rud,

waters.

CHAP.
Ground-baiting
rienced Anglers
:

V.

Ground-Bait,
is
it

but
is

little

practised

by inexpe-

also

sometimes neglected by
to begin their
it
:

the

more experienced, from the hurry

sport, or the dislike of the trouble of preparing

let

the neglect arise from what cause

will attend their efforts in

it

may,

little

success

bottom or float fishing withis

out

it

for ground-baiting

an essential in this
if

mode of

angling, and of singular service

a hole

is

baited the
therefore

night before you fish in the morning.

give ample directions
useful to

I shall

how to make and apply every kind

sport, as
it is

promote the Angler's

necessary

GROUND
that he should
first

BAIT.

25

be acquainted with the means of

before he attempts to take

drawing the

fish together,
I

them. Note,
in ground-bait

make

it

a rule to desist from easting

during the last hour of fishing in the

evening,

if I

have been angling some hours, and have

cast in plenty, as I then think the fish are already col-

lected about the spot, and, being evening, they are on

the feed, especially in the

summer

season.

Ground- Bait for Roach, Dace, and Bleak.

or working

The most simple ground-bait some clay (which is

is

generally

made by moulding met with in

egg
is

the banks of rivers) and bran together, into balls or

pieces about the size of a pigeon's
little
;

some add a

bread crumbled

among

it.
:

This
if

good ground-

bait for

Roach, Carp, and Dace

you fish in a stream,

Boiled

always put a small stone in each piece before you cast

it

into the water, to prevent its drifting away.

potatoes,
is

mashed and mixed with bran or barley meal,

good ground- bait
for

also a very

Roach and Carp

in still waters.

Ground-Bait made of Bread, Bran, Pollard,

Chub,
Carp, Roach, and Dace.
is

3fc.,

for

For a day's angling, a quartern loaf

the crust of which you will cut
in slices
off,

necessary
to be cut

the

crumb

about two inches thick, and put into a pan or

vessel,

some deep

and covered with water

when

the

26
bread
is

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
it

quite soaked or saturated, squeeze

nearly

dry, then add the bran

and pollard by handfuls,

equal
stiff

quantities of each,
to

and knead them together, similar

until the

making bread,
:

whole

is
it

nearly as
requires

as
la-

clay

in

making

this ground-bait,
it

some

bour and time, but

ble, as
it is

will

amply repay you

for the trou-

the best and cleanest ground-bait for Carp,

Chub, Roach, and Dace.

in the river

When

use

it

for Barbel,

Lea,

I first

break about a quarter of a

to dust,

pound of greaves with a hammer, almost

soak
it

and

well in water, then

work

it

up with the bread,

before you

bran, and pollard.

dirty use of clay,

In using this bait, you avoid the

and can also prepare

it

leave

home

it

may be made by

substituting barley-

meal for the bran and pollard. This ground-bait should

only be used in stiU water, or gentle eddies and streams,
as,

from

its

lightness,

it

would be

carried

away in a rawould soon

pid stream, and, consequently, the Fish

disperse in pursuit of
it.

Parboiled Barley,
is

made
in still

into

small balls with treacle,

ters for

good ground-bait

wa-

Carp and Tench.

Ground-Bait made with Clay, Bran, and Gentles, for

Chub, Roach, and Carp.

Mix
size of

the bran and clay together in lumps, about the

an apple

put a dozen or more gentles in the

middle, and close the clay lightly over them, similar to

making a dumpling
to Carp, Roach,

this ground-bait is very enticing

j

and Dace

it is

particularly well calstill

culated for baiting in a pond, a

hole, or gentle

GROUND

BAIT.
tlie

eddy, because the clay lies at

separates
;

bottom, and soou

the gentles then gradually

fish

work

out,

which

keeps the

about the hook

it,

and they, doubtless,

mistake your bait on

for

what may have escaped

instead of gentles,
clay, which is

from the lump.

leaving

Some put worms

some

part of the

body outside the

likely to

draw Perch, Bream, Eels, and Gudgeon, about

the place so baited.

Ground-Bait made with Clay and Greaves, for

Barbel.

According to the strength of the stream, proportion

the size of the lumps or balls you cast into the water.

In the river Thames,

when

fishing for Barbel in a punt,

the balls must be as large as a turnip, or the current

washes them from the place you intend enticingtheFish

to
:

in the river Lea, pieces of half the size will do.

this ground-bait,

To make
water ;

chop or break a pound of

it

greaves into smaller pieces, and cover

let it

with hot

remain until it softens 3 pick out a sufficient

quantity of the white pieces to bait your hook, and

work up the remainder of the greaves and water," with clay, into lumps or balls I always add bran to
:

it.

This
;

is

the best ground-bait for Barbel that

it

is

used

it is

a considerable time before

parts or dis-

solves,

^nd keeps the Fish to the spot,

who

rout and

push

it

about with their noses, and occasionally loosen

small pieces of the greaves, of which they are im-

moderately fond

it

is

also

an excellent bait for

28

THE ANGLER
5

GUIDE.

Chub, and large Dace

on greaves.
Gentles and

heavy Roach will also feed

Worms

used as Ground- Bait for Carp,

8^c.

Tench, Roach, Dace,

In ponds^ and in deep

vers, gentles

still

holes,

and eddies

in ri-

may be

throvi^n in

by handfuls, to entice

Fish

but

it

does not answer in a current or stream, as

they then

float,

and are carried away from the place you

:

intend to angle in
if
it

every time you cast gentles

in,

you mix them with damp bran and sand you

increase your success.

will find

Note,

as putting the
is

hand

among

stinking carrion, or green gentles,

very disa-

greeable, I use a large horn spoon for the purpose, such

as described in
If

page

3.

you intend using gentles alone

for ground-bait,

it

will be necessary to take

two or three quarts for a day's

fishing
tles,

gentles for this purpose are called carrion genat

and are sold

most of the tackle shops

in

Lon-

don.

Worms cut in pieces may be used with the same

;

precaution, in respect to the stream, for ground-bait

if

mixed with bran and clay into

Malt well soaked

balls,

it

will

be

better.
in water, as

well as fresh grains

mixed with blood, are good ground-bait for Carp, Tench, Roach, Bream, Eels, &c. in ponds or still waters.

"Note, the malt and grains must be quite fresh, for,

You may
and, in
bait

if

they are the least sour, the Fish will not come near them.

your hook with soaked malt or wheat

it is

some waters,

good bait

for

Roach, Bream,

TO TIE ON HOOKS, &C.

29

and Chub.

This ground-bait should be thrown in the

nii^ht before

should be observed

you intend to fish the same method when you ground-bait with worms
;

coarse ground-bait

greaves, and oatchaff.

may be made with clay, soaked Some Anglers prefer this to

any other, for Barbel and Chub.

Observations on Ground- Bait.
It is chiefly

by the judicious use of ground-bait, and

is

fishing at a proper depth, that one Angler

more

suc-

cessful than another, although fishing with the

baits, &c.
this I

same
;

and within a few yards of each other

experience.

of

am fully convinced by
;

Ground-bait
it is

should not be used the second day after

it

made, as
it,

will be sour

and the Fish will certainly avoid

is

as

every thing partaking of acidity

to the

extremely oifensivo

whole finny

tribe.

Further directions in the

choice and use of ground-baits will be given when treat-

ing on such Fish as require the aid of ground-bait, to

bring and keep them about the place the Angler

may

have selected for his sport.

To
on Hooks, make Knots, mend Rods, and wax
Silk,
3fc.

tie

for the purpose.

Although
to attempt
it is

do not recommend the novice in angling

his

making
or

own

rods, floats, or hooks, yet

necessary he should be acquainted with the metie

thod to
for

whip on a hook 3
or

to
;

mending

making

a line

also

make proper knots how to mend a

30
broken rod,
his sport
3

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

in case of accident,

when he

is

pursuing
di-

for

which purpose, take the following

a Hook.

rections
First,

To

tie

on

Hold the hook between

and whip round

the thumb and

tinger of your left hand,

the shank, from the bend of the hook to the top, some then lay the fine silk waxed with shoemakers' wax
;

hair or gut on

it,

and whip

it

over very close with the

till

waxed

silk,

from the top of the shank

)t)u

come
silk

opposite the point of the

hook
is

then draw the

through the loop, which

turns slack, and cut off the

in
is

made by leaving it three spare silk. The knot used

which

making

fishing lines

is

called a water knot,

made by passing the ends twice over, and then drawing them tight this knot wUl never draw or slip. To
5

wax

the fine silk

used
;

in

whipping or tying on hooks

requires
rections

some
:

care

therefore, take the following di-

Get

a piece of stout leather, such as the

of,

upper part of shoes or boots are made

shoemakers'

and lay some

it

wax

of the softest sort, smoothly on

silk together,

then take three or four lengths of

and

draw them over the wax with one hand, keeping the

thumb
the

of the other hand lightly pressed on the

silk,

waxed leather laying

until the

or resting on the finger of the

is

same hand,

whole

well coated with

it

wax

then take each piece separately, and draw

briskly, befriction

tween a piece of soft or wash leather, by which

every part of the silk will be equally waxed, and then

fit

for use.

Note,
3

fine silk is
it

not strong enough to be

waxed

singly

and

is

a saving way, after having

now
waxed

TO USE THE DRAG HOOKS.

31

several lengths of silk together, and separated

fix

them, to

every one singly with a pin to a cushion,

;

such as are made to screw on the edge of a work-table

those cushions are to be bought at any toy-shop.

Twine

may be waxed
tised

in single threads, the

same way

as prac-

by shoemakers or menders.

How

to

use

the

Drag- Hooks, Clearing Ring, and

Disgorger.

The drag

is

a piece of iron, with three or four stout

wire hooks without barbs, fSee Angling Apparatus^

Plate No. 3, Fig. 5,J placed back to back, to which
fastened a long packthread
line
j

is

this is

used to draw
got himself

away weeds
tackle that

that a heavy Fish

may have

or the line among, and also to recover any part of the

may be

entangled in weeds, or to drag in

night-lines, cork-trimmers, &c.

The

clearing-line is

made

of several yards of strong

is

small cord, to the end of which

ring of lead or brass
;

fastened a heavy

fSee Plate No. 3, of Angling

Apparatus, Fig. 6 ;)

if

the

hook should get

else,

fast to a

heavy weed, post, or any thing

this ring is

put
;

over the rod, and suffered to go

down

to the

hook

hold the rod in your right hand, the top pointing down-

wards, and the clearing line in your left, letting the ring
fall

on the hook from what

it

may have

stuck into

if

not, hold the rod tight,

and draw the

line sideways,

and break away

in this case, the

if

Angler seldom loses

3

more than a hook,

he acts as above directed

but,

32

THE angler's guide.

without the assistance of a clearing ring, he frequently

loses his float as well as

hook and

line,

and breaks his

top joint.
red,

The

brass clearing rings are to be prefer-

because they are jointed, and, inconsequence, can

his rod, in

be used when the 'Angler has a winch on

which

case, the leaden ring could not

be passed over

the winch.

These useful

articles to the

Angler are to

be met with

at the fishing-tackle shops.

is

The

disgorger

an instrument with a forked top,

:

about six inches long, made of bone, iron, or brass

fSee Plate 3, of Angling Apparatus, Fig.
1 :J

when

the

Fish has swallowed the hook, the forked end of the

disgorger
is

thrust

down upon
it

it

with one hand, while

you hold the line tight with the

the hook, and permits
is

other,

which disengages

to be easily

drawn

out.

This

the safest

way

to

unhook

a Fish that has

its

gorged the

bait, or

got the hook fixed in

throat

because, by

using violence with the

ing
it,

thumb and

finger, or disengag-

you sometimes break a

fine or small

hook, either
loss of time

at the point, barb, or shank,

which causes

and
to

much

vexation in having another hook to put on,

again, &c.

plumb the depth

which

is all

absolutely

necessary to be done, or you

fishing.

may

as well give over

lip,

But when the Fish

is

hooked through the

the Angler has only to hold the Fish steadily in one

hand, while, with the other, he carefully takes away the

hook.

Note, when a large Fish has gorged your hook,

is, first,

and you are alone, the best way to act then

fix

to

a small piece of stick from the upper jaw to the lower

now
to

TO MEND A BROKEN ROD.

33

keep

his

mouth open, which enables you very easily,

with the aid of a disgorger, to remove the hook.

Mending a broken Rod.

If

you should have the misfortune

it

to break your rod,

while fishing, repair

in the following

manner cut the

:

broken ends with a slope (See

the cut J so that they

may

lay smooth and close together ; then bind

them together

with some strong silk or twine, waxed with shoemakers'

wax, or you
shoes with
;

may

use wax-ends such as coblers

mend

begin to bind the fractured parts together,

about two inches above the middle thereof, making the

laps about a quarter of an inch apart, and continue so
to bind

two inches below the middle of the

fracture

then wliip or bind back again to the part at which you

began

now bind

or

whip down again, keeping the lap-

pings close together, until you

come within four or

five

turns of the two inches below the middle of the fracture 3

now lay the fore-finger

fSee the cut
five

of your left-hand over the rod,

then, with your right-hand,

make four or

bows

or hoops over the finger of your left-hand,

with the silk, or whatever you are mending the rod with.

34

THE angler's guide,

it

and pass the end of

between the under-side of your

left-hand finger and the rod (See the cut;)

now draw
with your

away, gradually, your left-hand

finger, and,

right-hand finger and thumb, take hold of the second

from the top of the bows or hoops, and draw

it

tight,

which

will

make

the

first

bow

or

hoop

lay close and

secure over the broken rod ; then

will secure the second,

draw the third, which

till all

and so on

lays

smooth

and close to the

the end of the
the

last turn, to fasten

and

fix

which, take
lays under

waxed

silk or twine,

which

bows

or hoops just described, and

j

draw

it

upwards,

till all

lays

smooth and tight then cut ojfFthe spare part,

be
fast
off,

and

all will

and strong.

This
is

way

of

mending
at

and fastening

without tying,
If

called the hidden

or invisible knot.

you mend a broken rod

home,

spread a

little

softened shoemakers'

wax
it

on each slope

of the broken rod, or glue

them together, before you

will increase
after which, varnish

bind these sloping parts together, and

the security of the broken parts the whipping, and lay
place,
if
3

them to dry, which

is

will soon take

good drying varnish

used.

When you

have occasion to mend a small joint of a rod, then

a bodkin or a disgorger should be used, instead of
the left-hand finger, because the bodkin or disgorger

doth not require that the

should be so large as
in
if

bow

or

hooped whipping

passed over the finger, and,

are,

consequence thereof,

with less
3

difficulty,

drawn
twine

and confined to
or disgorger
is

their proper places

when

the bodkin

used, you pass the

waxed

silk or

through the eye of either of those instruments, which

HOW

TO MEND A BROKEN ROD.

35
or hoops

enables you to draw from under those

bows

before described.

This
gler

is

the best

way

can describe or direct the AnI

how to

repair a
)

broken rod, which

have

illustra-

ted by a cut

for,

when at

a distance from

home, &e.

he should be prepared to remedy such an accident.

For further information

would recommend him to

hair, gut, or

ask an experienced Angler, or his tackle maker, to shew

him how

to tie

on a hook, to

gimp

and

how

mend a broken rod, which may be communicated to him in much less time than I have consumed in writing on the subject. The facility with which the Angler, who resides in the metropolis, can get his tackle
to
fitted or

repaired,

makes him

indifferent about the

matter

but those

who

cannot avail themselves of such

assistance, should certainly

make themselves acquaintin

ed with the subject.

Having concluded our directions

kle,

the choice of tac-

and

how

to put

it

together, to bait the hook, take

to

or

plumb the depth,

and ground-bait, &c. &c.

make various kinds we will now proceed

of paste
to teach

the Angler to apply such information successfully in

angling, beginning with that part termed

Bottom

or

Float Fishing, being the most ancient

mode

of angling,,

on record.
In genial spring, beneath the quiv'ring shade.

Where
The

cooling vapours breathe along the mead.

patient fisher takes his silent stand,

hitent, his angle trembling in his hand.

Pope.

36

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

CHAP.
BOTTOM

VI.

FISHING.

THE PINK OR MINNOW.

Minnows
and

are very

numerous

in

the Thames, Lea>

New Rivers. They

Chub
;

are very small Fish, and little

valued by the Angler, excepting as bait for Trout,

Perch, or
the

Minnow

bites

very freely at a

blood worm, a small piece of red worm, gentles, or

paste

the
',

tackle should be very light, and a No. 13

hook, baited with a small worm, or rather say a piece of

worm

they are taken

all

day,

from March
;

till

winter,

on the gravelly shallows or swims

of ditches that
fall

also at the
:

mouth
strike

into rivers,

and

at mill-tails

the

moment you

see a bite.

REMARKS ON MINNOWS.
In size, the
cies,

Minnows

are the smallest of the Carp spe;

and seldom exceed three inches

fish in
is

being a handquite in season.

some
hue,

shape and colour,

when

The back

of a dark colour, the sides of a golden

much

like the

Tench, and the belly white

spots,

some

are spotted

on the body with red

and variegated
a

with blue and yellow.

in point of

Minnows

differ

good deal

colour in different waters, and are generally

called pinks, in the north,

when they have

red spots on

THE BLEAK OR HLEY.

them.

37
feed

They spawn

in April.

Minnows do not

in the night, fearing to stir at that season, as their

great enemies, the Trout and Perch, are in search of

them
it is

in preference to

any other food

neither does the

:

Minnow
eat well,

love cold boisterous weather

at

such time
are said to

losing time to angle for them.

if fried,

They

when made into cakes with crumbs

The Bleak or Bley.

of

bread and eggs.

Bleak are found

the

in the rivers

Thames, and Lea, and

are a hand-

New

River, in

immense numbers. They

some

Fish, but do not

grow

to a large size,

seldom ex-

ceeding two ounces in weight. They are a lively sportive Fish,

and

easily taken

with a small

fly at

the top

of the water, by whipping or dapping, and Avith paste

or gentles, at mid-water, or at the bottom.

Angle

for

tliem with a light rod, single hair line, and small quill
float.

They

will bite all

day from March

till

Winter,

affording the

young Angler sport and

practice,

and may

be caught

in all parts of the

New River,

from Sadler's

Wells
vel, a

to

Ware.

handful of road dust, or small gra-

few gentles, crumbs of bread, or chewed bread

in the water,

thrown

where the stream does not run

bait, will

too quick,

now and then for ground

;

bring the

Bleak about your bait

bite.

strike

immediately you see a

Remarks on Bleak.

The Bleak is of the Carp handsome formed Fish, with

brilliant silvery scales

species, and, in shape, a

a bright
sides,

green back and

fine large

on the

and has a

38
eye, altogether

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
:

much

like a fresh-caught Sprat

they

spawn about the middle of March, but sooner recover

themselves than any other Fish.

The Bleak

is

not

much prized at table, from their

somewhat
bitter,

small size, and tasting

in the

which happens, however, only

Summer months. In Spring, and the Autumn, many persons who like small Fish fried, think the Bleak well
tasted,

and prefer them to Roach or Dace.

In

Sumin-

mer, Bleak are sometimes

sect called a hair

much

distressed

by an

worm

they then

swim on
;

the sur-

face of the water, being unable to descend

in

and when

such condition, they are called, by fishermen.

Mad

Bleak.

A
line,

single gentle, put

on a No. 12 or 13 hook, hair

and angling about a foot beis the best way for killwhen you use a fly, let it

and very small

float,

low the surface of the water,

ing numerous small Bleak
:

be a

live house-fly,
:

which

is

more

killing than artififly.

cial flies

if artificial,

a black gnat

Note, where
fish

Bleak are large, use a No. 11 hook, and

depth of two
feet.

at

the

Prussian or Crucian Carp.

This Fish
persons
it is

is

not very

common in England.

By some

supposed to be across breed, between the

as
it

Carp and Roach,

scales being like

favours both in appearance, the

Roach, and the head resembling the

insi-

Carp

it is

a poor bony Fish, the flesh soft and

pid: they seldom exceed a

pound weight.

They

are

very

prolific, for

which reason they are useful in ponds.

THE PRUSSIAN OR CRUCIAN CARP.

as food for the Jack and Pike
:

39

large Eels are also

fond of them

you may bait trimmers, night-lines, and

to lay in ponds, moats, pits

hooks with the Crucians,

or canals, with

some success, when you cannot get Roach, Dace, or Gudgeon, but I never found them a
good
bait in a river.
in

These Fish breed, and are very

;

numerous,

many ponds round London

either with

they begin

to feed in April,

and continue until Michaelmas.

a blood

You
or

may
red

take

them

worm,

worm,

gentles, or

paste, being a

hungry boldany
small

biting Fish, and they will take a bait at almost

time of the day

quill float,

use a gut or horse-hair

line,

with a No. 10 or 11 hook, and

fish at or

near
for

the bottom.

Chewed

bread
:

is

good ground-bait

Crucian or Prussian Carp

bait

they will sometimes take the

on the surface of the water, or a few inches below,

between, or just hanging over weeds.

feel a bite, strike immediately.

When you see or

for

Angling

Crucian

Carp

is

well adapted for the young Angler to practise

himself with, preparatory to more noble game.

Remarks on

the Prussian or Crucian Carp.

The Prussian
since,

or Crucian Carp, naturalists say, were

introduced into this country about a hundred years

from Prussia or the North of Germany, where

they are very numerous.

the
the

They

differ

very

much from
silvery

common Carp,
body
5

being

much

flatter

and thinner in

their

scales are also

more of a

than a golden hue, and they want the barbs or wattles

at the nose,

which

all

common Carp have

they breed,

40

THE ANGLER
in

GUIDE.

and thrive wonderfully,

new-made pits, from whence

gni vel has been dug, or in ponds with gravelly sides or

bottom, but seldom growheavier than one pound. These

Carp will live a long time

look very beautiful,

in a glass

bowl, or globe, and

:

many of them having double tails

must be
if

frequently change the water, which

river or

pond water,
water.

for

they soon die

put in hard spring

Loach, or Stone Loach.

This

is

a very small Fish, having around dark body,

ct;vered with very small scales, with six wattles or barbs

.li

its

mouth, and several teeth

five

in its

jaws

it

seldom

exceeds four or

inches in length, and, in colour?

mouth, head, and

geon,
I

fins,

somewhat resembles the Gudbut

have heard they are a delicious Fish when

with egg and crumbs of bread
;

fried in batter, or

there

is

somedifiiculty in catching a dish of them, being

scarce as well as small.

lent,

The Stone Loach is an

excel-

indeed a most killing bait for large Eels,

;

when

used on night-lines

they are generally to be found in

small gravelly brooks and rivulets.

have sometimes

taken a few in the river Lea, in the shallows, near milltails

:

they

lie at

the bottom, routing the gravel, the

same

as Barbel.

You may

take them with the

tail'

end of a red worm, and a small hook, during the

weather, with or without a
shot or two to sink the
:

warm
is

float to

your

line,

using a

bait.^

Note, the Stone Loach

on night-lines.

killing bait for large Perch, if used alive, and,

it is

when

dead,

also a

good

bait for Eels

THE PRICKLEBAGK.

41

The Prickleback, or Strickleback,

Is the smallest of the finny tribe, and
is

sometimes

used as a bait in fishing for Perch

in this case,

you
are

must cut
caught

off the prickly fin

from the back.

They
in

in all ditches

round London, as well as

most

parts in the

kingdom, with a small piece of worm,

either with or without a

tied to a yard of thread,
is

hook

a small piece of

worm,
stick,

and that fastened to a

sufficient for the purpose.

its

The

Prickleback, which

receives
its
is

name from
is

the sharp spines or prickles on

to the length of

back, seldom grows

short-lived, but

two inches, and

and destroyIt

a very bold and voracious Fish,

its size,

attacking

Roach and Dace, twice

ing very small Fish, and spawn of Fish.

breeds

very
those

fast,

producing immense numbers

therefore,

who have

Fish ponds should take great care the

Prickle-

Prickleback gets not a habitation therein.

backs are frequently used, in Lincolnshire, for manure,

being always very numerous
in

the fens
to

but,
it

someneces-

times, they become so numerous, as

make

sary to separate and find

new

situations,

which hap;

pens once

in

eight years,

upon an average

during

which migration, part of the river Welland is almost choked with them, at which time they are collected
in nets,

sieves,

baskets, &c., to the

amount of
I

cart

loads,

and spread on the land as manure, and,

fertilize
it

am
are

informed,
also
try,

extremely.

Pricklebacks

found

in the sea.

They
E 2

are

good food

for poul-

which are very fond of them.

They produce

the

42

THE ANGLER
eflfect

GUIDE.

same

on fowls as Sprats, of which they are also

increasing their fecundity and

very fond
size.

namely,

CHAP.

VII.

The Gudgeon.

The Gudgeon

is

a firm well-flavoured Fish, and

much

prized at the table,

when

large and

fresh caught,
:

especially before they cast their

spawn

the rivers

Thames and Lea

numbers of them.
afford

boast of very fine

and immense
Fish,

They are a bold -biting

the

and
from
with

much amusement to
till

young Angler, by
will take a bait

their

being easily taken.

Gudgeons

March

October, at any time of the day.

In the

Thames they are generally fished red worms for bait, a cane or hazel
hook

for in a boat,

rod, gut or a twistfloat,

ed hair line, light cork or stout quill

5

and No. 10
one about

some put two hooks on

their line,

a foot above the other.

tory of Fish say, that

Writers on the Natural His-

Gudgeons spawn two or three

I

times in the year, but

believe only once, and that

happens

at different periods, in different waters.

As,

THE GUDGEON.
for instance,

4o

Gudgeon
it,

arrive in the river Lea, and

in

go

a few miles up

from the Thames,

the Spring,

and spawn

in

May, but the native Gudgeons of the

till

Lea do not spawn

to the mistake
it

after

Midsummer, which
to
;

leads

above alluded
that

however, be that as
in the best state

may,

know

Gudgeons are

for the table in the Spring, or

to

from March and April

is

May,

for, at this

season, their chief food

Fish,

small
find

worms, and the spawn of other

which they

among
low

the small gravel they rout up on the shallows j

but, as the
after

weeds grow up, Gudgeons leave the

shal-

spawning, and feed a good deal on the weeds^

their flesh less firm, and, in

which makes
their flesh
is

Summer,
j

rather of a bitter taste, or else tasteless

they also then, generally, either burst or stink within

a few hours after they are taken out of the water, or

during the carrying home, especially in extreme hot

weather.

Though Gudgeons,

in

the hot

Summer

months, are a very indifferent Fish for the table, and

not worth their carriage, yet, before their spawning
in the Spring, they are (in

my opinion)

the best small

Fish, excepting the Smelt, that the fresh waters pro-

duce.

They should be cooked

in the frying-pan

im-

mediately, or a few hours after they are caught, and

without being scaled or opened

for, at this season.

is

Gudgeons feed
stomachs
to

so clean, that there

j

nothing in the
require
is

offend

therefore,
cloth, the

they
as

only

wiping with a damp

Sprats
3

same

usual with
spoil

for,

by opening and washing, you

them.

Many

lovers of this Fish,

who

reside in or near the

44

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

Metropolis, subscribe to the Fisheries on the River

Lea, for the sole purpose of a few months' Angling

for

Gudgeon.

These Anglers
fine

for

Gudgeons
pains

in

the

river

Lea use very

tackle, fish

from the bank

to

of the river, and also take

dish of these delicious Fish.

much
The

get

best Anglers prein

pare to

commence Gudgeon-fishing

this river

at

the middle or latter end of March, with a light cane

rod, a single hair line, tip-capped float,

and the hook

Shot the

a No. 10 or 11,
line

made

of the finest wire.

with small shots, so that about a quarter of an

inch only of the float appears above water, and strike

immediately you perceive a bite

begin fishing,
it

but,

before you

is

necessary to disturb the ground

which you intend angling on, with a rake (an iron

instrument so called, fastened to a long pole)
as,

by

thus loosening the gravelly sand, you uncover various

small

worms and

insects,

and the Gudgeons imme-

diately repair to the spot to feed on them, as do small

Perch, which are frequently caught while angling for

Gudgeons.

The

best place to

fish for

Gudgeons
is

is

in gentle eddies

and sharps, where the bottom

clean

and gravelly, or sandy, and from three to and the stream

or

six feet deep,

current running

pretty sharps

plumb
fish

the depth before you begin fishing, and let

the baited

hook gently drag on the ground

swim, as before observed.
line,

when

the

leave off biting, ply your rake, and, occasionally,

try another

have two hooks on their

but
I

Some Anglers when Gudgeon fishing,

I

have found,

in fishing

with one, that

generally

THE GUDGEON.
kill

45

more

in a day's

angling than those

who

use two,

besides having less trouble.

Blood worms are the

but,

most

killing bait

in

the Spring,

towards the

end of the Summer, Gudgeons prefer a red worm,

they
will also

take

gentles.

Note,
;

when

baiting

the hook with blood worms, put two on the hook,

in

doing which

you must be very careful not

to

squeeze them, or they burst to pieces

when you use

red worms, put only the half of one on your hook, and
that should be the
tail

end of the worm.

If

you

ar'j

without a rake, very frequently cast in a handful of gravel or road sand about
will

where you are angling, which

keep the Gudgeons about the spot.

Further note,
at the
it

when angling for Gudgeons with

worm,
that

a whole or half a red

you enter the point of your hook

top or upper part of the

worm, and carry

tail,

down very
as possi-

near to the end of the

leaving as

little

ble loose, or they will nibble at the loose piece instead

of taking the whole in their mouths, in which case

you may have plenty of bites but kill no Fish.

in Flanders, it is the general practice to

^Note,

angle for
liver, for

Gudgeons with a small piece of raw sheep's

a bait, which Gudgeons take freely
;

and further note,

when

speak of angling

in Flanders, I

mean

in the

waters around the city of Ghent.

Remarks on Gudgeons.

The Gudgeon
Carp
species, the
scales, the

is

handsome

lively Fish,

of the

body long and covered with small

back a dusky dark colour, the belly a dusky

46
white, and

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
dorsal or

somewhat of a purple hue, the

tail

waved or back fin brown at the mouth hang two spotted with darker barbs or wattles, like those of the Carp. Gudgeons
and the
are of a light brown,
j

are seldom taken of

more than eight

or nine inches in
:

length, or weighing

more than four ounces

have

never heard of any being taken that weighed half a

pound.

The
with
in
in

New
most
I

River,

and the Canals near London,

also to be

abound with Gudgeons, and they are

rivers in

met

England, but are not so large

in the

any that

have seen as those caught

I

Thames

and Lea, nor are they so numerous.

taken
fifty

have frequently

dozen

in the course of a day's angling, in

the river Thames, which

number

is

very seldom taken

5

in the river Lea, during a day's fishing

yet the

Lea

Angler has the best of Gudgeon fishing, because he

may

take them before they cast their spawn, whereas

the Angler

who

fishes in the river

bited bottom-fishing,
first

from the

first

of

Thames March
is

is

prohi-

until the

of June, in

all

the water which

under the con-

servance of the City of London, which extends some-

what beyond Staines Bridge.

geons that are caught
nearest

^Note, the largest

Gud-

in the river

Lea

are those parts

London, when they are coming from the

into the Lea, to cast their spawn.

Thames
geon
is

a gregarious Fish, and

may be
in

seen, in

The GudSum-

mer, at the bottom of clear rivers,

dreds together
;

herds of hun-

but they are very susceptible of cold,

lie

and

retire as

soon as the Winter commences, and

THE PERCH.
close together in the
river,

47

warmest and deepest parts of the

until Spring.
bait.

from which they do not move

will very

During the Winter, they

seldom take a

Gudgeons

will live

and breed in ponds that have clean,

if

gravelly bottoms, especially

a small stream runs

through them.

CHAP.
The

VIII.

The Perch.
bright-eyed Perch, with fins of Tyrian dye.

The

Perch,

when upwards
its

of a
flesh is

pound weight,

is

noble looking Fish, and

reckoned firm and

nutritious, being excelled

tribe.

by none of the fresh water

3

Perch are a bold Fish

and the small ones,

it is

es;

pecially, generally take a bait

immediately

oflFered

therefore, strong tackle

them, and the easiest

may be used in angling for way of fitting it is as follows.

silk,

Put a cork

float,
;

on a gut,

or twisted hair line, and

a No. 7 hook
rod
:

and use a tolerable strong top to your scowered worm, either marsh
I

bait with a well

brandling, or the red. Early in Spring,

prefer putting

two red worms on

kind, especially

my hook, instead of one

the water
is

of the other

when

very bright or shal-

low.

Live Shrimps

(or, if

dead, and very fresh) are a

killing bait for Perch, particularly in

the tide flows strong

in,

wet docks, where which brings with it numerous

Shrimps, on which every Fish found in those places

48

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

will feed, the large

Perch especially.

Angle from the

wharfing and shelving banks, and also about the ships

which have

laid
live

caught with a

some time in dock. Perch are also Minnow, Stone Loach, small Bleak,

Dace, or Gudgeon, or a small live frog, hooked by the

lips or

back

but live Minnows and Shrimps are most

for killing

to be

depended upon
line,

heavy Perch

use the

same hook,

and

float as before directed.

When
al3

fishing for Perch, especially in rivers,

you should

ways have a winch and running tackle on your rod and hook on your bait-fish, same way as described in Chap.
III. Part. II. for

sometimes a Jack, Pike, Trout, or Chub,

;

will take

your bait

then

it is

necessary to give

line,

or the Fish will break away, from being too suddenly

checked when going

cessary to give

to their

haunt

it is

likewise neto pouch,

if

them a few moments' time

you suspect a heavy Fish; and

as they often run a con-

siderable distance before they do this, without run-

ning tackle you certainly would break, or lose your

Fish.

When

you are fishing where the Perch are

bite

all

small, and

you have a

with a worm-bait,

let

him

run about the length of a yard or two, and then strike

smartly
:

place the float on the line so that the bait

or

should

swim

hang about a

foot above the

bottom

of the water.

hooks on a

Some angle for Perch with two baited one of them placed so as to hang or swim near the bottom of the water, the other to swim or hang at mid-water, which is a good way in the
line,

Spring months, for the water

is

then generally thick

and high, and the Perch

will then

swim

at all depths,

THE PERCH.
and also very often close in-shore.
veral Perch
I

49

have killed se-

and Chub with a small frog hooked by the

chaps, but I have only used a frog for a bait

when
I

could not procure live

Minnows

^ir

Shrimps, as

by

no means consider

it

equal to either of them, as well

subjects to travel with, and to

as being troublesome

keep

alive, or to

get a sufficient

number

of.

Some
to a

:^nglers,
live

when

fishing for Perch, use

two hooks

Bleak or Minnow, one being tied about an inch

;

above the other

or
lip,

they then

fix

one to the
fin,

bait's gills
I
:

and the other under the back

bait,

but

prefer

one hook to a

with a line

fitted as follows

"When

I fish for

heavy Perch with a

floated line,
it

and

bait with live

following

Minnows or Shrimps, I fit manner. The float should be

size
;

up

in the

a cork one,

and of a tolerable large

the line of choice twist-

ed gut from four to six yards long.

The hooks

attach to the line are from one to three, and of size

No.

6.

the bottom

hook

I tie to

about nine or ten

it

inches of twisted gut, then loop

this
;

to the line
line, I

above
place

about eighteen inches higher up the

I
tie

another, which

to about three inches

and a half
the
is

of bristle

if

bristle
;

cannot be got,

then use

strongest gut

then take a leaden pellet, which

it,

piece of lead pipe with a hole through

about half

an inch long, and in circumference something larger

than the stem of a tobacco-pipe, (these leaden pellets

may be purchased at all the principal Fishing-Tackle Shops,) and make a small groove all round the middle
of
it
3

after

which, put the other end of the

F

bristle, to

50

THE ANGLER
is

GUIDE.

which the hook

pellet

tied,
;

forming a loop, and whip

pass

the same very secur^e

now

my line

through the

down
5

to within eighteen inches of the

in order

bottom
on the

hook

and
I

to

keep

it

from slipping up or
it

down,
line,

place a small shot above and below

and eighteen inches above

tied

this I place another

hook
of a

on

bristle, exactly in

the same
line,

manner

as

just described, and

float, is

my

Perch

with the addition

thus complete (unless a shot or two

may
the

be wanted

to sink the float.)

The reason

I tie

hooks, which are placed high up

is,

the line, to a bristle

that if tied to gut,

it

soon gets softened and limp

in the water,
line,

and then hangs about and round the

"whereas the bristle remains hard, and projects

or stands out from the line, and,

pellets,

when

fixed to the

with the movements of the

live bait

keeps

twirling and spinning around, but clear of the line,

consequently more likely to be seen by the Perch.

The Angler

will take care,

when

placing the shot on

the line, to prevent the pellet slipping up or down,

that he so fixes

them

as not to prevent the pellet

from

revolving round the

of the

line, or

he will destroy great part

this

advantage

have experienced by

mode

of fitting

my tackle

for

Perch fishing over the

common
use four

method.

Some Anglers, when Perch

in the deepest water,

fishing in very
feet,

deep water, say from sixteen to twenty

or five hooks on a line, but I have always found three

quite

enough

and

in shallower I
is

sometimes use only one or two, because, though it

well

known the Perch swim at all depths, yet I

have, by

many

THE PERCH.
years' experience, found that I kill

51

two

to one on the

bottom hook

to

what
j

do with the hook tied the

highest up the line

place the

therefore I

make
it

it

a rule so to

float, as to let

my

bottom hook nearly touch

and sink
it,

the ground, but, ever and anon, rise

and

draw

it

a
I

little to this

side or that, or nearer shore,

&c. until

get a bite.
calm,
if

In ponds and other

still

waters,

when
ally,

it is

you throw

in the water, occasionit

a few handfuls of loose sand or gravel,

will

often

move

the Perch to feed

if

-,

but

when

it is

a mild

breezy day, and

accompanied with light showers,

there be neither wind nor rain,
is

the Perch are then on the rove, and will take a bait
in

good earnest

if

your only chance to find Perch on the feed,

after

to be

them

early in the morning, and again towards

night-fall or evening.

AVlien live

Minnows, or any other small

Fish, are

used for

baits, the

Angler should frequently change

the water in the kettle, and take the bait out with a

very small net, similar to those used in removing

Gold and
it is

Silver Fish, only of a smaller

mesh

or

if

made

of coarse gauze,

it

will do, because, putting

a hot hand in the kettle distresses and alarms the

baits,

and frequently
is

is

the cause of several of

them

dying, which

generally an irreparable loss for the

of the
if
first

day, therefore
against.

consequence to provide
live

Note,

you put

Shrimp among damp

if

sandy gravel, they will keep longer alive than

water
;

put in

and also remember, that by carrying Shrimps

in a

and damp sand

wicker basket, they receive some

52
air,

THE ANGLER
and will
live longer

GUIDE.
if
:

than

packed together
if

in a

bag, or carried in a fish-kettle

you cannot conand

veniently get gravelly sand, take a good wisp of straw,

hay, or weeds well wetted

put

it

in your basket,

put the

Shrimps among

it,

and they will remain

it

alive

a long time, especially

if

you keep

damp, by occain

sionally wetting or partly

immersing the basket

water.
Roving, Sinking, and Drawing for Perch.

AVhen the Angler

and the water a
little

is

favoured with a breeze of wind,

coloured, and having failed getting

sport with his floated line, let

him

try his luck

by

roving and dipping, 'or sinking and drawing for Perch

with worms, in the following manner

take a No. 7

hoop

tied to about nine inches of strong single gut,

it

or twisted Jiair or gut, and bait

with two well:

scowered red worms, in the following manner

the point of the hook in the
first

enter
it

worm,
tail
;

at the head,

and carry

it

dovni to and out of the

draw
:

up

over the shank of the hook on to the line

place the second

while you

worm on

the hook, enter the point

of the hook in this second

tail,

worm

a little below the

its

and carry
;

it

up within a quarter of an inch of

first

head

then draw the

worm back
when

again on your

hook, close to the second,

parts of the
plete
this
j

the shanks and all

hook

will be covered,

and the bait com-

have always found more sport by baiting

small red

way with two

worms than putting on

one large marsh or a brandling

worm

put about

THE PERCH.
three shot, nine inches above the hook, to sink
fasten this g'ut or hair (to
it
:

53

which the hook

fixed to a
line as

is

tied,) to

line trolling line that is

;

winch on a rod
you can manage
ring on the rod

with rings
to cast in, line

draw out

as

much

holding the rod in one hand, and the slack

first

between the winch, and the

in the other,
let
it.

when you

cast

away your baited hook,

the line slip gently

away from the hand which held

By

little

practice you will be enabled to cast

your bait with precision to any particular spot you

wish

and

if

the wind

is

at

your back, and the stream

or water not very broad, throw to the opposite side,

and

let

your bait drop from the bank gently into the

it
till
:

water, and sink, then gradually rise

to the surface,

and so

act,

raising and falling

it,

you bring the

if

bait near the side

on which you stand

the river

is

too broad, cast into the middle, and

bite don't

when you

feel a

check

it,

but

let

the Fish run a yard or two

before you strike

bait is cast far

this is called roving,

because the
continually

and near, and the Angler

place to another.
is

is

moving from one

Dipping, or sinkin

ing and draAving for Perch,

holes, eddies, behind

dropping the bait

and among weeds, between and and branches

;

among

roots of trees
piles,

also

close to

banks, wharfings,
in canals
j

and about bridges and locks

let it
5

sink nearly to the bottom, then draw sink again, and so on

till

up gradually
is felt,

let it

a bite
:

when you must

tackle,

act as directed in roving

;

use
this

the

same

and bait the hook the same way

is

mode

of angling

also to be preferred

when

the

54
water
is

THE ANGLER
very bright
j

GUIDE.
float

for, at

such times, the

alarms

the Fish (Perch and Trout especially,) and frightens

them awiiy
methods,
is

the only
in

difference

between the two

and casting the
in dipping.

having more

line out,

bait further

from you, while roving, than

In Summer, during very

warm weather,

have some-

times had more sport by putting on

four gentles, than

my

hook three or

with worms, and drawing them

along just below the surface of the water, especially

in

ponds and

still

waters

and

have found a grub, of

a dusky white colour, to be a good bait for Perch in

ponds and

still

waters in the heat

o<f

Summer and
-,

also an insect found in

some running water, or

j

ditches,

much

like a small

Shrimp
:

some Anglers

call it the
is

fresh-water Shrimp

the grub I have alluded to

found sometimes when you are digging for worms,

and also about the roots of cabbages, and under

dr'ed

halfthis

cow-dung

in grass fields or

on commons

grub has no

legs.

Note,

Perch are also sometimes

angled for by roving or trolling with a live Fish or

J^rog for a bait, with

tackle fitted for Trout Fishing,

mode when treating on Trout Fishing. Perch Angling commences in February, and continues till the cold weather or Winter comes on for after Notherefore a full description will be given of that

of Angling,

vember, nay, sometimes, even

in cold Octobers, the

Angler had better desist from searching for Perch until

the ensuing February.
'old, or

Dark windy weather, if not

is

too

blowing a gale from South West,

best for

I'erch Fishing; they will then feed all day, but

more

THE PERCH.
freely in the
t-wo before

Ob

morning, and especially about an hour or

In the middle of the
it is

dark in the evening.

day. Perch seldom

move

after food, unless

in

docks

or tide rivers during the flow and ebb,

when

Perch, as
all

well as other Fish in such places^ will feed at

hours

but in other waters, during

will

seldom see
5

warm weather, the Angler Perch move until the day begins to
is

decline

then the quiet Fisher for Roach

often dis-

turbed by Perch coming into his swim to feed, making

the white
sport, &c. der,

Fish

fly

in

every direction, spoiling his

Now

put in a baited hook for the intru-

and you may, perchance, take him.

lie

Perch delight to
in

about bridges, and mill-pools,

floats of

and near locks, about shipping, barges, and

timbers in navigable rivers and canals, and at the entrance and in wet docks, also in deep and dark
holes,
in the
stili

and

in all

bending and

still

parts of rivers,
in

and
deep

back water of mill-streams, as well as

gentle eddies, in ponds about sluices and the

outlets

mouth of

and flood-gates, on the gravel or sandy parts

there are any

of the pond, and near the sides where rushes grow.

You

need not wait long

in a place

for

if

Perch about, and they are inclined to

soon take the bait
of
;

feed, they will

and

if

you meet with several brace

them

in a still hole,

and they are well on the feed,

with care, you

may

often take

them

all

for, if

not dis-

turbed or alarmed, by letting one

fall off

your hook,

they will, one after the other, take the bait almost im-

mediately

it

settles in the water.

Give plenty of time

when you have

a bite, that the Fish

may gorge

before

56

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

strike, for

you

more Perch

are lost

by the Angler

strik-

ing too soon,

when he
first

perceives a bite, than by break;

ing the tackle after they are fairly hooked

fore, of the

it is,

there-

consequence, that the Angler,

when
he
col-

fishing for Perch

shall

where he has reason

to think

meet with some heavy one, keep cool and

lected

when he

perceives a bite, giving the Perch

to

two

or three moments' time

strikes,

gorge the bait before he

because he has then an opportunity of fixing

the hook securely in the Perch's pouch or stomach,

from which place

too soon, that
is

it

will never

draw ; but
is

if

you strike

while the baited hook

in

only in the

mouth, (and you should bear

mind what a spacious

likely
it is

mouth a

large Perch has, and

how
the

you pull

away the baited hook without touching any

said mouth,)

part of the

and

if

you do

fix

hook

in the roof of

or the side of the mouth, recollect

brittle that part of the

how

tender and

Perch

is,

and how frequently, by

his

plunging and struggling, the hook tears away from

such a tender or insecure hold, and

occur, the hole which the

when

this does not

hook has made soon becomes

enlarged.
if

While you are playing a heavy Perch, and

he then, unfortunately, gets round or

among

strong

weeds, the line will become slack about the mouth of

the Fish, and the hook comes or draws
hold.

away from

its

Perch abound most

in deep, dark,

and sluggish

rivers,

and

in

such rivers they are to be found in most parts

thereof 3 but in rivers,

fast,

whose currents run strong and

still

search for Perch particularly in the bends and

THE PERCH.
parts thereof,
especially if such places are

5/

near a

scower or sharp, where white Fish are always to be

met with.
ings of a
the wind,

Note, when angling

riv er,
it is

in those

bends or turn-

or in

still

holes or places laying under

proper to keep, continually, gently movlittle

ing or drawing your float a

or to
lift it
it

to the right or left,

out of the water a few inches occasionally,

and

let

gently drop in again, as this

way

of acting

frequently inclines Fish (Jacks and Perch especially)

to seize the bait, fearing
it is

moving away from them,

though they have seen the bait stationary, but not

being
of

much on
for

the feed, would not take the trouble

it,

moving
until

till

it

seemed

likely

to

make

its

escape.

AVhen you have hooked a heavy Perch, play

he
is

him
ing,

quite spent, before

you attempt to land

;

him, fearing he

may be

slightly

hooked

by thus

act-

the reader will see he not only secures a large

Perch, but very probably may, by such care and skilful

way

of angling,

fill

his basket

with them, and they are

a Fish worth

all

the trouble attending the taking,

either for the Angler's

own

table, or for

sent of: and also further note, that

making a prewhen Perch are

well on the feed, and you should be distressed for baits,

you may

bait

your hook with the eye of those you

have taken, or the eye of any other Fish, and Perch

will freely take
it,

and so will Smelts.

Note, some
when
this
is

Anglers hook the

the
tail

Minnow

through the upper part of

instead of the back fin or lip ;

done, you

must p.ve the Fish more time

little

to gorge, or

you have

chance of securing him.

58

THE angler's guide.

Remarks on Perch,
8^c.

The Perch

in shape is thick

and broad, very high at

the upper end of the back, and as they

grow larger
3

they generally become

fine eye,

much hog-backed
the

they have a

small head, and a very large mouth, teeth in

their jaws,

and also

in their throat

tail

and belly

fins are of a

bright orange or vermillion colour.

is

The
it

large dorsal fin

erects

very strong and spinous, which

if

when

alarmed, especially

a Jack or Pike
if

approaches him,

who

generally retire

they find the

size,

Perch on his guard, and of a formidable

though

somewhat reluctant or
some
parts darker in

leisurely.

The back and upper

stripes

part of the sides of Perch are of a dark green colour,

waves or thick irregular

is

towards the belly, which

a yellowish white.

The

back and sides of Perch are covered so thick with

small scales as to form as strong a covering almost
as a coat of mail
3

they spawn in March.

Perch are

gregarious, and, contrary to the nature of fresh-water

Fish that

devour their

swim in shoals, own species

will
3

sometimes attack and

they are slow of growth,

in

and seldom exceed three or four pounds

weight

but Pennant writes^ that an extraordinary large one

was taken out of the Serpentine River,

in

Hyde

Park, a few years since, which weighed nine pounds.

THE BARBEL.

large Barbel,

Tench, an

RDr.ch.

The Barbel.
With hurried
steps

The anxious Angler

paces on, nor looks aside,

Lest some brother of the angle, ere he arrives.

Possess his favourite swim.*

The Barbel is of the Carp species, and derives its name from the barbs or wattles at its mouth, which
are four in number, of a fleshy leather substance
;

they

* The partiality for a particular swim, hole, or eddy in a river,

is

very great

among Anglers
leaving

many

will travel during the night

I

to arrive first at a favourite place.

knew an Angler who

in the evening,

fre-

quently, in

Summer,

London

and stopping
his supper

at a village public-house near the river Lea,

would take

and pipe

remain there until the people of the house retired to bed,

sit

then walk to his favourite swim,

till

down, and wait

patiently

the

dawn of day enabled him

to use his angle rod.

to

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
leatherin large

are gregarious, and

what Anglers term, a

mouthed

Fish.

Barbel only breed and thrive

tide-rivers.

In the

Thames and

part of the river

:

Lea

there are many, very fine and large

knew

of one

taken at Shepperton, weighing nineteen pounds ten

ounces
is

they are a very handsome Fish, but their flesh

coarse,

and therefore considered but of

;

little

value

for the table

yet

am

told,

by several persons, that

they eat very well, especially

stuffing in their belly, as

when baked, with

split

veal

do the smaller ones

and
;

fried in batter, or with slices of pickled

pork or bacon
it

but the spawn of Barbel

is

not

fit

for food, as

gene-

rally acts as a strong cathartic,

and frequently as an

emetic.

The Barbel

is

prized for being a

game

Fish,

affording excellent sport to the Angler,

mixed with
of a large

some labour and much anxiety

size,

for

when

they are exceedingly crafty, sulky, and strong,

struggling a long time after they are hooked, often

lying motionless at the bottom for

some minutes, then

running under banks, or shelves, into large beds of

weeds, in
fact,

trying every possible

line,

way

to get off the will

is

hook, or break your

effect if

which they certainly

you are

deficient in skill, or your tackle

in

any respect

faulty.

The proper Tackle and Baits

described.

Barbel are usually angled for on the river Thames in

boats, called punts, with a stout rod, a
tackle, gut line, cork float, and No.

winch and running

j

7 or 8 hook

likewise

with the ledger

line,

which

is fitted

in the following

THE

r.ARBKL.

(jl

manner a
:

short solid rod, a winch, and about

float,

30 yards

of strong running tackle, without a

with hook

No. 6 or

7 tied

on twisted gut
j

some Anglers use a

double hook of the size No. 10 and others use 2 single

hooks, one hanging a foot above the other (further
particulars on
fitting

ledger,

when

treating on Eel

fishing) baited Avith a well scoweredlob, a large

marsh

worm,
hook
is

or with greaves.

About ten inches above the

flat lead, is
:

placed a piece of

perforated, (sold at
fixed a large
shot,

the tackle shops) betow which

to prevent the lead slipping

down

fasten this ledger

with a
is

slip

loop knot to

the running line, the bait

then cast in and

lies clear

on the ground
No.
2, fig.

Plate

of Angling Apparatus,

3.^

(See
^hold

the top of your rod over the side of the boat, nearly

touching the water,

line free
j

till

you

feel

bite,

keeping the

and when you

;

feel

the Fish pull, or tug,

strike

hard

but most good Anglers prefer using a

single gut line and a No. 9 or 10 hook, with a float,

a light rod, a winch,

killing

and

fine

running line
affords

as

Barbel, with such

tackle,

much
large

greater sport, and you also frequently catch

Roach and Dace whilst thus trying

so angling for

for Barbel.

When

Barbel, the running line should be

fine

about twenty yards long, of

is

platted silk, which

preferable to silk and hair, or twisted silk or India

twist,

because

it

is

stronger,

when

of the

same

size,

and not so

liable to

kink or tangle.
fish

In the river Lea, they generally

tackle
5

with

much

finer

the rod being either of

bamboo or

cane, with a

62

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

light stiff top, a small wiiicli, running tackle of fine plat-

ted silk line, fine gut line, quill float and No. 9 or 10

hook

when

a No. 10

hook

is

used, they are generally

those of a thicker substance than the usual kind, and are

seldom used by experienced Anglers

pose than Barbel fishing
,

for

any other pur-

those stout hooks are kept at

the principal tackle shops in London.

The reason
in

these
fish-

sort and small sized hooks are preferred

Barbel

ing

is,

that in fine weather and bright water they are

finest tackle

very shy in biting, and, therefore, require the

and smallest hook to beguile them

besides, the Barbel

has but a small mouth, and that so placed as to

make
5

it

somewhat difficult

to take quickly a large bait

and as

the chaps of Barbel are of such a strong leather substance, the smallest hook, if strong, will hold the largest

of them, which the experienced Angler knows, because

he

is

obliged to cut out the hook after having killed a

:

Barbel
bait

baits

red worms,

gentles,

and greaves.

The
keep
let

must always

touch, and, in strong

streams or thick
5

water, drag

two or three inches on the ground

float,

the top of your rod always over the

and do not

the line touch the water

mean
it

that part of the line

float,

between the top of the rod and the

be about two feet,
for, if

which should

longer,

bags, and hangs in the

water, and prevents your hitting a very quick bite or

pull
in

down

this

method should be followed

in

angling

streams for

all

kinds of Fish. Greaves are certainly

;

the most killing bait

but,

when

I fish for

Barbel, I

always take the three baits with me, alternately putting

worms

or gentles, or greaves

and a worm, on the hook

THE BARREL.
together,
as

63
enticing;.

they

sometimes want much

in

Never omit trying a worm

evening
in the
:

a wet or dark

muggy
all

they will frequently take red

also in the Spring,

worms
June.

day

Autumn, and
is

till

When

the water

coloured or thick, put two red

worms on
it

the liook in the following

manner

enter the point of

your hook in the

first

worm, near the head, and draw

tail,

up the shank
to cover the

then enter the other near the

and

carry the point

downwards

then draw the

first

down,
in.

whole bend of the hook, and cast

tail

Some Anglers bring the

the hook, thinking the

of the

worm

to the point of

worm

appears more tempting by

being so placed.
the other.

believe one

way answers

as well as

Barbel

may

also be taken in the

tumbling

bays, and at the

tail

of mills in this river, (the Lea)

with the ledger

line,

which the Angler manages while

Barbel will not take

standing on the shore, instead of fishing from a punt, as

in

the

Thames.

In Flanders,

greaves or gentles, but will bite freely at a piece of

half-boiled potatoe.

How

to

act

when you

see

bite,

and have hooked a

Barbel.

The Barbel bites very sharp, and pulls the float down very suddenly, therefore you must strike immediately
little,

you perceive
and
permit

it

raise the top of

your rod a

him

to

run

some considerable
check him
;

distance, before

you attempt

to turn or

then endeavour to keep your

fish

away from the shelves

;

under the bank, and from heavy beds of weeds

take

64

THE angler's guide.

the current into deep and
still

him from
as

water as soon
lost his

possible,

and play him

till

he has quite

strength, before you attempt to land him,

which

will

sometimes occupy near half an hour,

Fish,

if

a very heavy

and you are fishing with a gut

:

line

and

float,

and
is

small hook small

;

but be not afraid, though your hook

fairly fixed in his

for,

when

strong fleshy

lips, it

will never draw.

This makes Barbel fishing so plea-

sant to a good Angler,

tackle as above described, and killing a

when angling with such fine game Fish

for Barbel,

under the point of his rod.

Before

you begin to angle

throw

in

plenty of ground-bait, (you can hardly give

them too
soak-

much,) and continue

for

to

do so frequently, while fishing

is

them.

The

best ground-bait

made with

ed greaves, bran, and clay mixed together, as directed

in

page 26.

large quantity of worms, chopped

into pieces,

mixed with clay and bran, are likewise a

ground-bait,
especially
if

good and very enticing

thrown

in the night before.

The seasons

to fish for

Barbel, and where.

till

The Barbel

feed from

March

November,
:

all

the

day, but best in the

morning and evening

indeed, the

chance of success increases with the coming night.

They

will

even bite

all

night, and will feed very freely

is

after rain,

when

the water

thickened a

little.

is, hooked by some part of the body instead of the mouth, with-

Barbel are frequently caught foul, that

out their biting; for

when

they are

swimming

or

THE BARBEL.
floating about the

65
fins,

ground-bait, &c., their

body,

or

tail,

often strike against the lower

part of the
float

Angler's line or hook, which

bite
}

moves the
it

like a

the Angler, supposing

iish.

to

be

so, strikes,

and

generally hooks the

The chance

of this

way

of taking Barbel

is

increased by putting

two hooks on

the line, about eight, ten, or

especially

twelve inches apart,

thick,

when the water

is

and during the

night.

Remarks on

the Nature, Colour, Sfc, of Barbel.

in April or

The Barbel spawn

in eddies,

May, and are

in sea-

son about a month after.

They delight
in

to lie in deeps,

and near large beds of weeds, and under

light

waving weeds on the sharps,

at the

warm weather

and also
!?:

end of scow ers

in mill-pools, or mill-

reams, the

tails

of mills, and under banks, routing

their noses, like pigs
little
;

up the gravel or sand with

feeding on small worms, and the

Water- snail,

fresh-water Shrimp or Periwinkle, which they find

there.

fresh Water-snail,

when taken

out of the

shell, is a

good

bait,

when

ledger fishing, for Barbel.

Barbel have an oblong head, sharp, cunning pig

yes,

and four fleshy wattels about the mouth

the

])ackisofan olive-brownish colour, the belly white

silvery
;

the scales

all

over the body are placed in the

is

mcst exact order, the mouth

under-hung, and the

lips consist of a fleshy substance,

which they can prois

trude or contract at pleasure

the body

long, thick,
is

and

full

the

fins,

a pale red colour, the tail

forked,

the upper point being curiously curved, sharp pointed,

G 2

66

THK ANGLERS GUIDE.

;

and very strong

bel
is

with

this sharp -pointed ray the Baritself,

enabled to defend

break the Angler" s

tackle, &c.

The back,
Barbel,
a very

or dorsal fin has also a sharp

its

strong ray, which, doubtless, the Fish uses for

tection.

pro-

The
is

when

well

grown and

in sea-

son, I think,

handsome, noble looking Fish.

in the river Lea, all the

Very large Barbel are taken

way from Hackney Marshes

Waltham-abbey, particularly
at

as far

up

this

river as

in the subscription

water

Bleak-hall,

Edmonton, formerly
'

called

Cook's

ferry,

and

at

Shury's water, called Flander's Weir,

and so on

to

Waltham-abbey.

Barbel are very rarely

taken as high up as Broxbourn and Hoddesdon, on the

Lea.
In the river Thames, as far as the City of Lon-

don claims the right of Fishery, the heaviest are

taken at Staines, Chertsey-bridge, Shepperton, Walton, and

Hampton-deeps.
Ditton, Kingston,

Thames

They are also taken at Twickenham, and Richnumerous

in

mond

but seldom so large as at the first-mentioned Barbel are also

places.

Germany,

France, Spain, and Portugal.

Barbel grow to very large size in the river Thames.

I

knew

of one, in Hampton-deeps, in the year 1816,

al-

which had been hooked by several Anglers, but

ways broke
from
'^

their tackle.

The boatmen,

at

Hampton,
and

thought this must weigh near

its

thirty pounds,

bold and piratical practices, they

named him
Seward-

Paul Jones."
of,

The

largest in the river Lea, that I

at

know
stone,

was taken

Mr. Basset's

Mills,

weighing eighteen pounds.

THE CHUB.

67

The Chub.
The
fearful Clievin loves the shaded stream.

The Chub
mer

is

a river Fish, of the Carp species, rather

bony, and not very choice food, particularly in Sinn;

being firmer and better tasted

during

the

Spring,
affords

Autumn, and Winter months.

the

But the Chub

as
it

Angler
all

much amusement,
is

will

take a bait

the year round, and

a bold-biting

Fish, either at the top of the water or at the

therefore.

bottom

Chub
At the

fishing

is

much

followed by

many

Anglers.
flies,

top, he greedily takes

moths, large

cockchafers, bees, &c. (of which I shall fully

speak

when

treating on Fly-fishing

3)

but you must

observe, though the

arc a shy Fish, and

Chub
if

will bite boldly, yet they

they see you, they generally

3

leave the hole or place while you remain

therefore,

keep as

far off as

you can the whole time you are

68

THE ANGLER
;

GUIDE.
I

angling for or killing one

generally

make

it

practice, after having killed a brace or

in a hole or

two of Chub,

swim, to move to another place, the haunt

j

of Chub, and to a third

then returning to the

first,

and so on

those,

who

follow such a plan, will be re-

warded

for the extra trouble they

may have
is

taken.

When

angling for Chub, where you have reason to

clear of trees,

expect heavy Fish, and the water

heavy weeds, &c., use such a

tackle, as
river Lea,

rod, winch,

and running
in

recommended
Strike the

for

Barbel fishing
quill float,

the

and single gut-line,

and hook.

No. 8 or

9.

moment you
let
is

perceive a bite,
freely, for the
furi-

and give plenty of line to

him run

Chub, immediately
ously to
site side

it

hooked, generally runs

some heavy weed,

or to the middle, or oppo;

of the river or pool, without stopping

there-

fore

it

is

necessary to give plenty of

line,

otherwise

your Fish will break away

they generally do

in the first instance,

which

when you hook

a heavy one, and

are without a winch, or the

winch locked.

Chub

are

not so

game

a fish as the Barbel,

for, after his first

or

second

effort, in

running, and a few plunges, you

after,

may

venture to look at him, and, soon

the shore or landing netj but
if

bring him to
for Chub

you are fishing

between the stumps,

roots, or close to the

branches of

willows, &c., which frequently

or

hang over and touch,

grow under the water,

especially
in

places where

Chub

love to

lay,

cold weather, you should use a

stronger line, of a manageable length, without a winch,

and the moment you strike a

fish, at all

hazards, hold

THE CHUB.
against
its

69

getting

among
off,

those roots, branches, &c.

or he will surely get

line.

and generally break your

The Angler may

line,

fish in

such places as the above

float, if

with a rod and

in the' following

without a
;

he think proper,
line,

way

put a few shot on the

about
to

ten inches above the hook, which will be

enough

sink the bait

drop in the baited hook

roots, suffer
it

among

or be-

tween the branches or

bottom, then draw
continue to act
till
it

to sink to the

gently up near the surface, so

feel a bite,

you

then strike smart,

3

and get your Fish ashore quick as you can of angling is called " sink and draw."

this

way

The

baits for

Chub

are greaves, gentles, paste, red

worms, bullock's

brains,

and pith from the back bone.

You may,
worm,

occasionally, take heavy

Chub with

a lob-

either laid as a peg-line, at night time, or

with a
Eeh.

ledger in the day

see night lines

and ledger

lines for

Chub

are also

sometimes taken with a Roach or

Trolling or angling
is

Gudgeon, when
with a live

trolling for Jack.

Minnow

or a small frog

also often suc-

cessfully practised, particularly in the latter

end of

Spring, by which
(Troll

method many large Chub

Trout, which
are a

are taken.

the same as for

see.)
3

During
for the

April and May, red

worms

good

bait

two should
3

be put on the hook, the same as for Barbel

Chub

loves a large bait.

3

In the

gentles and greaves

during
3

Summer months, Summer and Autumn,

during Winter and in
is

greaves only are the best bait

March, bullock's brains and pith

bait with bullock's brains

a killing bait.

To
fol-

and pith, observe the

70
lowing rules
:

THE angler's guide.

take
it

some pith of the back-bone of

, i

an oxj and cut

into small pieces, nearly the size of

a cherry, to bait the hook.

to

The

bullock's brains are

be chewed, and

spit

out of your

mouth

into the

water, as ground-bait to entice the Chub.

depth, and fish close to the bottom
3

Plumb
more

the
kill
I

you may

some

at
;

mid-water or a
this

little

lower, but

at
,

bottom

method

is

practised during the Winter,

still

when Chub

retire to

deep

holes,

where you must

angle for them, and fear not taking very heavy Fish,
for, at this season.

above

bait.

Chub

are immoderately fond of the

^Note,

chewing and spitting out the

is

brains into the water for ground-bait,

called blowing

of brains

but as many Anglers feel great objection or

antipathy to the chewing of raw brains,

the case, they should prepare
as

when

that
:

is

them
them

as follows

take

many

bullock's, cow's, calf's, or sheep's brains as

fill

will nearly

a quart pan, cut

if

into small pieces

with a pair of scissars (and

in a mortar, afterwards, it will

you then pound them

3

be better)

now mix

the

brains carefully with bran and

cast
it

some house

sand, and
it

in the water, in small quantities,

and repeat

occasionally while you are angling.

If this bait
is

not to be procured, use the whitest

greaves you can get, or paste

made
is

of bread, cheese,

honey, &c. (see page 16) which

for killing.

the next in value

Before you begin to angle for Chub, throw

in plenty of ground-bait, and, frequently,

while you

are fishing, of the

same

sort as

used for Barbel, or

made with soaked

bread, pollard, and bran,

worked

THE CHUB.
together, but keep as

71
:

much

out of sight as you can

they bite during the whole day, but best in the morning and evening, in
night.

Summer

until quite dark,

and

all

Fish as near the middle of the stream as you

can in the Spring months, and also on the shallows

and scowers, but

the bait drag

in the

Winter, in deep holes

let

two or three inches on the ground.

From Michaelmas till May is the season for catching Chub by bottom fishing May, June, July, and August
:

are

the best

months

for angling

with

flies,

pioths,

bees, &c., at the top of the water.

Chub

will also

take a black snail in some waters early in the morning and late at evening,

when

it is

used as follows

take a black snail and cut through the skin at the

belly,

which
as to

is

white inside, and so

part,

fix it

on a No. 5

hook

shew the white

and dap therewith

same as directed with bees, &c., in that part of the work termed Fly Fishing. In Flanders, the inside of
a red cherry
is

found the most killing bait for Chub.

thrive well in ponds or canals, but in-

Chub never

crease and delight

much

in

deep holes, scowers, tum-

bling-bays, at the tail of mills, &c. in rivers, and will

grow
the

to the

weight of nine pounds and upwards

in

Autumn and

cold weather, they keep close in deep

dark holes, or in the shelves under banks, and in holes

that are shaded and secured

by the roots of large wil-

low and alder

dose to or
large

trees,

and bushes whose branches hang

in the water.

The

river

Lea

is

famous

for
all

Chub, from Temple-mills and Lea-bridge,

to

the

way

Hoddesdon and Ware.

The Chub

will feed

72
all

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

the year, and occasionally take your live or dead

bait

when you
is

are trolling for Jack

and, while alive,

;

they will continue to harbour in the same hole

true
hole,

so

the old saying

among
is

Anglers, " Once a Chub-

always a Chub-hole.'' not

Although the Chub

and colour,
four pounds

much

prized for the table*

they are a very bold handsome-looking Fish in form

until they attain the
;

weight of three or
in
size,

afterwards, as they increase

they diminish in
ticularly

the

symmetry of

their shape, par-

by the enlargement of the head, and the

enormous widthof the mouth.

and from two to four pounds

When

quite in season,

in weight, they greatly

resemble the Carp, (for which they are often taken,)

except the back
fin,

but they are rather longer in the

body, and their scales are also larger and of a lighter

colour
3

indeed,

when

small, their scales are so white

that they are often mistaken, by the superficial Angler,

for large

large

Dace but the greatest difference between Dace and small Chub is, that the upper part of
;

the dorsal

fin

and the end of the

engraving

tail
;)

of

Chub

are of

a dark purple, (see the

the

tail is also less

forked than the Dace, and the mouth and head larger,

and of a
in the

bluff or

round shape.

They generally spawn

it

beginning of May, and deposit

in

the sand

or gravel on the sharps and scowers, which points

out to the observing Angler where to

in the Spring.

fish for

them

Chub

eat better while full than after

they have spawned:

at this season will

the

spawn

fried with the Fish

be found very palatable, and per-

Tllb:

ROACH.
in the

fectly harmless

when stewed

same manner

as

Carp, they are far from indifferent food,

especially

during Winter and Spring.

CHAP.

X.

The Roach.
Unwary Roach
the sandy bottom choose.

Roach

are very

numerous

in

most

rivers in

England,
silly Fish,

and by some Avriters they are considered a

and easily to be taken

practice,

but

it

requires

much

skill

and

with a quick eye,

fine tackle,

and a steady
character

hand, before any one can pretend to the

of a

good Roach Angler.

I will

admit that in ponds,

easily taken.

where they are half-starved. Roach are

74

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
:

1
such times and

and also small ones

seasons

in rivers

at

they

may be
;

taken with almost any kind

of tackle or baits
little

but pond Roach-fishing affords

sport to the true and general-informed Angler,

and

little

more does taking those small ones on the

:

shallows in rivers

but the

taking

thirty

pounds

weight or more of Roach, from 6 or 8 ounces to a

pound or upwards each

Fish, out of a stream

from

6 to 10 feet deep, with a very light rod, single hair

line,
is

and No. 10 or 11 hook,

in a day's angling,

(which

frequently done by the

to

London
as

Anglers,) affords as
fish-

much amusement
ing
;

some

any other mode of

indeed, I

am

acquainted with

many Anglers who

it

seldom wet a

line

but for Roach, preferring

to every

other kind of fishing.

To

take heavy Roach (and those only are worth

taking) like an artist,

you must use a

light cane rod,

fine

from eighteen to near twenty feet long, with a

light stiff top, a single hair-line, a tip-capped float,

and No. 10 or

1 1

hook

-,

choose them very short in the

:

shank, as Roach's mouths are very small

observe,
float,

when
and
is

so fishing, that the line

which

is

above the

fastened to the top of the rod,

must not be more

than twelve or eighteen inches, or you will not hit

a fine bite, from the line being too long, and hanging
slack on the water
j

the line should be so shotted with

very small shot, that not

much more than an

;

eighth of
for

an inch of the

float

appears above the water

Roach

frequently (and very often the heaviest of them) bite

so fine or gently, that, without attending to the above

THE ROACH.
niceties in adjusting your line,

t >

you will lose the chance

of two bites out of three.

sitting posture
is

In angling for Roach, a

to be preferred, as,
:

by that means,

you are more out of their sight

of your rod up over the
float,

always keep the top

and so high that none

-,

of the line above the float lies on or touches the water

and when you see the least movement of the

either
strike

float,

by

its

being pulled down or thrown a

little

up,

quick but lightly, (the motion coming from

;

your wrist, not from the arm)

violent,

for if the jerk is too

you

will

break the

line,

which need not be haraise the

zarded, as the least jerk hooks those tender-mouthed

Fish.

If

you have

hit or

hooked a Fish,
as

top of your rod, keeping

as

him

much under

the top

you can, and the butt downwards, nearly touching

the ground, and by thus playing

him under the point

In this fine

of your rod, he will soon be your own.

fishing,
it is

best to take with you a landing net, par-

ticularly if

you

fish off a

high bank or wharfing, or

you

will hazard breaking the line or

hook

in

weigh-

Roach may be taken with larger hooks and stronger tackle than that which I have
ing the Fish out.
described
j

but they

who

fish finest will

succeed best,

besides the pleasure the Angler feels while killing a

Fish with the elasticity of a hair

rod.

line,

and light pliant

Those who

object to single hair lines, because

they will occasionally break, and cause trouble and

delay while at their sport,

must use the

finest

single

gut they can procure, which

to break,

are, certainly, less liable

float

and

fit

them with

hook, &c., as de-

76

THE ANGLER
:

GUIDE.
their

scribed with single hair

some Anglers make

Roach

lines half single hair,

and half two hairs twist-

ed, or as

much

single hair

from the hook as will nearand, in that case, having

it
:

ly reach to the float, because, in case the line breaks,

the single hair will go

first

the float on the twisted, you save

fitting

this

way
in

of

up hair

lines is superior to

any other^

my

opinion.

The

best bait for Roach, in

is

still

waters and gentle

streams,

paste

made

of second-day's baked white

bread (the crumb) slightly dipped in water, which

must be immediately squeezed out again

it

then place
it

in the

palm of your

left

hand, and knead

with

the

thumb and

finger of your right, for ten minutes,

;

or until of a proper consistence

or the

crumb of new
vermillion

bread without wetting. Roach will take this paste the

whole year round

or red ochre,
it

and,

by adding a

little

will

be of a pale pink or salmon colour,

;

which they sometimes prefer

also take gentles
-,

in

Summer, they
;

will

and

in the Spring, cads

in

Winter

and Autumn, baked and parboiled wheat, and small

marsh brandlings, blood and red worms, and

greaves
-,

also

but paste

is

the most killing bait for large

size of a

Roach.

Put a piece on the hook about the

marrow-fat pea, and before you begin to angle, plumb

the depth accurately, in the

way

directed in page 17,

drift

and

let

your bait gently touch or

river.

along the
it

bottom of the

Note,

always

make
let

a rule,

when

angling for Roach, Barbel, Chub,

and other
re-

Fish that require ground-baiting, to

your line

THE ROACH.

main with the plummet attached

to

it,

in the water,

while you are preparing and casting in ground-bait,

by which means the

and, consequently,

line gets stretched

and softened,

less likely

to break,
stiff

which gut
;

and hair frequently do, when dry and

occasionally,
float in

and

also,

while

fishing,

dip the line above the

especially in

the water for the

same reason,

hot dry weather.

During very warm weather. Roach occasionally

swim near

the surface of the water, and will then

sometimes take the bait at mid-water, or a house-fly,

better than at bottom
;

but this does not often occur,

therefore always begin to fish with the bait slightly

dragging or touching the bottom.

After trying this

at

way without
water
;

success,

you then may angle

fish at various

mid-

and you may also

depths
is

when
an-

angling in a tide-river, during the tide

making,

and until high-water.

gling in
rivers

And
that

further note,

when

and streams, especially

for

Roach,
it,

make

choice of a

swim

is

shoal at the end of

it

because, as the ground-bait separates,

drifts

down

the stream, and will lodge there, and keep the Fish

from going further

touch the bottom

and the baited hook will also

the

all

way

but

if

the end of a

swim
hook

is

deeper than the top or beginning, your baited

will not then

is

be at a proper depth as

it

proceeds,

which

material, as Roach, Chub, and

Dace geneif

rally bite at the

is

end of the swim, especially

the water

shallow or bright.

When

Roach-fishing, you should occasionally take

II

78

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
if

the depth again, particularly

feeding,

the Fish leave

off

which they
this

will

do

if

you have

lost the proper

depth

happens

in rivers,

from the water rising

;

or falling from tides, opening locks, mills, &c.

and

sometimes from the

of the
or
if

line

drawing through the caps

5

float.

Ground-bait plentifully before you begin

it is

the place be baited over night

better, with

small balls of the ground-bait, as described in page

25

and also while angling, cast

in that or

chewed
angling

bread frequently, close to the

for

float.

When

Roach
is

in a still hole,

or gentle stream or eddy,

nothing

so

good

for ground-bait as

chewed bread,
thrown

or bread and bran

made

into small pellets, and

gently in by 6 or 8 pieces together, close about the

place your float and baited hook

July and August,

moves in. During Roach may be taken in the follow-

ing manner with an ant-fly or a house-fly, and also

a cad, and sometimes with a gentle put on a No.
1

hook, and single hair-line to a

fine rod

put one small

shot on about four inches above the hook, to sink

the bait, then draw the baited hook gently or slowly

up

to the

surface of the water, and so continue

;

till

you
it

feel a bite

the

Roach generally take

the bait as

approaches the top.

When

fishing this way, try

round

piles, bridges, flood-gates,

and deep

still

holes,

where bushes and

found a

trees

grow over

the water.

have

Wasp

gentle a killing bait in

:

some waters,

but not so in

all

this bait is also difficult to procure.

For further account of

Wasp

gentles, see the Appendix,

half-

when

treating on cads,

worms, &c. In Flanders,

THE ROACH.

79

boiled potatoes or paste are the only baits used for

Roach, as they
that country.

will not touch a gentle or greaves in

Roach breed and

but best in rivers
:

thrive in canals, ponds, and lakes,

in rivers, they are

found on the

shallows and scowers during Spring, and

in

among weeds
in

Summer
:

in eddies

and

in

deep holes, during Win-

ter

also about bridges, piles,

and locks,

ponds

search for them near flood-gates, sluices, and at the

mouth of streams
gravelly, or sandy.

that run in and out of a pond,

and

also about those parts

where the bottom

in hot

is

clean,

They

bite, all the year, in rivers,

but

best

late

in the evening,
still

weather

in

ponds, docks, and

waters during

Summer

only, or

say from April to October.

The Roach

is

a species of Carp, with teeth at the

entrance of the throat, and,

when

in season,

is

a very

handsome Fish
until

they are in season from September

March,

at

which times

their scales are large

and

lie

very smooth, and are of a dark green or bluish

;

hue on the back

lour
;

nearer the belly a bright silver cofine eye,

they have a
the
tail is

and the

fins are

a bright

red

of a dusky red,
;

somewhat mixed with

a light purple hue

they spawn about the middle of

May

but

in

forward Summers, or after mild Winters,

they will cast their spawn in the latter end of April.

For some weeks

are

after,

they are very sickly; their scales

nearly as rough as oyster-shells, and they are

if

altogether unfit for food,

caught

but

at this

time

Roach

are not

much

disposed to take a bait, for they

so
then keep
latter

THE angler's guide.

1
Towards the
in health,

among and
more

feed on weeds.

end of July they begin to improve

freely take a bait
;

and
so

will

but they will do

much

better

some weeks

later in the season, after

leaving the weeds on which they have fed (which

begin to turn sour

in

September), and getting into

in

deep

water.

Roach seldom exceed two pounds

weight, though I have

known some taken weighing

are

more than three pounds, but such heavy Roach

not often

met

with.

In the

East and West-India

Docks, at Blackwall, Roach and Dace thrive well,

and are of a superior
I

size, flavour,

and

fatness,

which

consider principally to arise from their feeding on

;

Shrimps
for

with which
I

bait,

when

have been fishing

Perch,

have taken many heavy Roach and

Dace.sides,

Note,

when

large

Roach

are scored across the

and broiled with the scales on, they are con-

sidered
in the

by many as a well-flavoured Autumn and Winter seasons.

Fish, especially

THE DACE.

81

CHAP.

XI.

The Dace, or Dare.

The
silvery

Dace

in sharpest streams delight.

The Dace

is

a very handsome-shaped Fish

;

the scales
sil-

and fins are small

very colour
food.
3

the body long and of a bright

they are also considered a light nutritious

afford the

Dace

Angler
;

much

sport,

as they

generally bite very freely

and those of half a pound

lustily before

weight will struggle long and

safely bring

you can

them

to hand.

They
is

are angled for with

in

the same sort of tackle as

indeed,

used

Roach- fishing you

will fre-

where you

find
;

Roach

in rivers,

quently tak^ Dace

but they are more likely to be

met

with, and also the largest,

when you

are angling

for Barbel or

Chub, and baiting with greaves or a

82
red

THE angler's guide.

worm

strike smartly the

moment you
for Dace,

perceive a

bite, and act as directed in killing Roach.

Much amusewith two or

ment may be had by whipping

three artificial
flies

on a

line,

and

also with gentles,

particularly in the evening.

this

Dace may also be taken way by moon-light. The best places for this mode of angling are the sharps and rippling shallows
at mill-tails

and streams.

See,furtlier, on whipping for

Dace

in Fly-Fishing.

When

you angle

in a place
is

more

likely for

Dace

than Roach, which

scowers, and

in

rapid

currents,

sharps,

strong streams and eddies, especially

near mill-tails, and also in strong currents, and eddies at the

meeting of two stream, you may then

use a hook, one or two sizes larger than for Roach,

and a

fine

gut

line, particularly if

you bait with a red

worm, which Dace

are very fond of during Spring

and Autumn. In Summer, angle with two gentles on

your hook, or a small piece of greaves and a gentle

on the point of your hook

greaves

make

the best

bait for large Dace, especially in a wet,

gloomy day

towards the end of the

Summer and Autumn.

you intend fishing
plentifully

Let

your bait drag on the bottom, and strike the moment

you see a

bite.

Note, when

for

Dace
bait.J

with greaves,

ground-bait

with

greaves, bran, and clay.

fSee directions on groundfloat

In fishing for Dace without a

on your

line,

put a few small shot about nine inches above

;

the hook, to keep the bait on the ground the stream, and let your baited hook run

stand up
it,

down

(say

THE DACE.
twenty yards or more,) and when you
strike sliarp
5

83
feel a bite,

this

mode

of angling

is

called tripping,

or tripping a bait.

The Dace
ponds or
in the
1

is

river Fish,

and will not thrive

bite

in

still

waters.

They do not

much

later

season than October, for they then retire, like

5

Barbel, to deep waters until Spring

but you

may
the
;

begin to

fish for

them

in

March.

If the

swim you
Roach
in
5

are fishing in contain

Roach

as well as Dace,

Dace

will then take paste as free as the

such case, ground-bait same as when Roach fishing

but when you intend devoting a whole day to Dace

fishing,

you

will kill

more

fish

by angling
(say

in three or

more
hours

different
at

swims or

holes,

two or three
:

each place,) than continuing at one spot

at

such times, ground-bait with bran, greaves, and clay.

Remarks on Dace.

The Dare
but

or

Dace

are gregarious and lively Fish,

size,

never attain to great

seldom, I believe,

weighing a pound.

They

are of the Carp species,

in April
5

and generally cast their spawn early

vious to which time, they

pre-

come on the

gravelly shal-

lows

in great

numbers, and rub themselves on the

gravel,

where they remain, feeding on small worms,

which
will at

&c. until they have deposited their spawn,

they do

among

the loose light gravel.

Dace

this season take a red

worm freely
it

and as the water,

thick,

early in Spring,

is

generally

somewhat

from

recent floods and rains,

will allow the Angler to

84

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

use tolerably strong tackle.

Some Anglers then put

float,

on two No. 9 hooks, about ten inches apart, one above

the other, with a tolerably heavy

and

let

the

bottom hook drag two or three inches on the ground, and

with
fish in

strong eddies, at mill-tails, &c., and meet

sport,

much

sometimes taking Trout while so

fishing.

Note, cook large

Dace same way

as direct-

ed for Roach, in page 80.

CHAP.

XII.

The Tench.

The Tench
tinent

is

generally prized as a fine rich Fish in

it is

England, but
:

not so

much esteemed on
it

the con-

the Germans, in derision, call

the Shoe-

maker ; but they are very scarce

streams about London
5

in most rivers and some few are taken in the

THE TENCH

85

Spring and Summer, out of the rivers Thames and

Lea, and also in the Camberwell and Croydon canal.
I

have caught very

fine

Tench

in

the river Roding,

at Abridge,

Woodford-b ridge, and near the bridge,

Wanstead, particularly
in the
:

called Red-bridge, at

holes to the north of the bridge in the

meadows

the

ponds

in

Wanstead-park abound with Tench.

They

take red
too

worms

best in the Spring, and gentles, not

much

scoured, or sweet paste in the hot months.

Use a

fine gut-line, quill-float,

and No. 9 or 10 hook

fish close to

the bottom, and ground-bait with small

pellets of bread, or

chewed bread,

or bread and bran

mixed or throw
;

in

about half a dozen gentles, or pieces

float.

of worms, frequently, close to your

large

When
still

the

Tench take a
it
;

bait,

especially in

waters,

they take or suck

float straight

in slowly,

and generally draw the

it

down

strike

immediately

disappears.

The Tench
is

will breed in rivers, lakes,

and ponds,

but they thrive best in those ponds where the bottom

composed of loomy
;

clay,

or

mud, and
close,

in foul

and
all

weedy waters
day
in

they will sometimes bite very free

Summer, during warm,

dark weather,
;

particularly while small misty rain descends

at other

times, only late in the evening, or early in the

ing.

mornin

Your

bait should nearly touch the

little

ground

ponds, but must drag a

unless
it is

on the bottom
it

in rivers,
;

very

dull, sultry

weather, or
in

rains

very

few Tench are ever caught

good deal of

the day.

Just after a
will take

warm

rain has fallen.

Tench
is

the small white snail or slug,

I

which

then found in

86

THE angler's guide.

in

numbers on grass-plots
for

gardens

begin to angle

Tench

in

ponds,
until

or

still

waters, early in

May,
are

and continue

September.
in

In

rivers,

they

sometimes caught
chaelmas.
In

March

or April, and until Miwill get

Summer, Tench

weeds, and keep near the surface of the water,

among the when

you may take them with

rod, line,
little

and baited hook,

by dropping the

bait in

any

opening you observe

be without

among
a float
bait a
feel
;

a bed of weeds.

The

line should

put a few shot on the line just to sink the

in the water,

few inches

and when you see or

a bite, strike smart, and bring the Fish ashore.

In such places you connot play a heavy Fish, therefore use a short stout line,

and a No. 7 or 8 hook

float-fishing,

use the

same

baits

as

when

but

weU

scoured red

worms generally succeed

best

Baits for Tench, and the Seasons to use them.

During April and

May,
:

blood

worms and

red
ad-

worms

are the best baits

as the season further

vances, prefer baiting with gentles, rather green, and

sweet paste, and so continue to the end.

to thin a

If

you wish
of bul-

pond of Tench, get a bucket

therewith

full

lock's blood and fresh grains, well

mixed together,
night,
for se-

and
veral

ground-bait

over

succeeding nights, and

:

angle
also

the following

days

this

method and mixture

answers

for

Carp

fishing.

THE TENCH.
Remarks on Tench.

87

The Tench has

a few teeth

iii

his jaws,

and

is

of

the Carp species, but not a very handsome Fish in

shape, being short and thick, and
size nearly as
tail

when
;

of

a large

broad as they are long

their fins
;

and
their

are large and of

a purple violet colour

scales are very small

and

close,

and of a greenish
is

gold colour, and the whole body

covered

with a
all

balsamic quality, healing the wounded and sick of

the finny race
sick and
;

for

which purpose, writers

say, the

wounded rub themselves against the Tench,

:

and receive a cure

opinion, and, in

this

is

the general and received

is

consequence, the Tench

of the
Physician,

honoured
it

with

the

name

and

is

said

they are respected even by the all-devouring Pike.

Whether the forbearance

to be
its

of the Pike arises from

is

respect to the healing qualities of the Tench, or

attributed to a dislike of the slimy matter on

I

body,

know

not, but I believe the

Tench

is

per',

fectly free

from the persecution of Jack and Pike

at all

for I

have never taken one that has been

its fins, tail,

muti-

lated in

or any other part, or with any of

those wounds or scars on the body,

frequently

which are so
the small

met with by the

x4ngler,

among

Fish he takes.

The Eel

also forgoes his voracity, in

regard to the Tench, both by night and

day.

have known several trimmers to be

laid at night,

baited with live Fish, Roach, Dace, Bleak, and Tench,

each about six or seven inches long

and when those

88

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

trimmers were examined

in the

morning, both Eels

and Jack have been taken by the hooks baited with

any other Fish but the Tench, which

as

fomid as lively

when put

in the river the

:

preceding night, without

this has invariably
5

ever having been disturbed

the case during

been

my

experience

neither have I

met

with even one solitary instance to the contrary

ed by any of

relat-,

my

acquaintance,

who had numerous

opportunities of noticing the singular circumstances

of the perfect freedom the

of death or wounds, which

Tench enjoys over every other

other.

inhabitant of the
conflicts
in

liquid element, arising

from the continual

among each
June
:

Tench

generally

spawn

they are seldom caught so large as to weigh five

pounds.

The Carp.

The yellow Carp, with

scales bedropp'd with gold.

The Carp is a beautiful Fish, and much prized by many for the richness of its juices and blood. They

THE CARP.
are not very numerous,
either in the river

89

Thames
fine

or Lea, but

what are caught are remarkably

and

large, say to ten

fat

pounds weight, and they are also very

and rich in flavour.

The Carp
in

is

very

shy in

biting at a baited hook, particularly the large ones,

who seem
their

to increase
:

cunning and

craft

with

weight and age

in

angling for them, use a long

fine

light rod,

and a winch with

running tackle on,

single
5

a small fine tip-capped quill

line shotted

float, fine

gut
in-

with small shot, and a No. 9 hook

fish

deed you must

as

fine

as the
little

nature of the

stream will allow, or you have

Carp.

chance of taking
in
rivers, in
is

They
of

will begin
if

to

feed

the

month
more

February,

the

weather

seasonably

mild, from

which time

till

June, they generally bite

freely than at any other part of the season,

and

during those months they will take a bait at any

time of the day

after this time, June,

till

Michaelmas

you must not expect much sport

the day
time, but try for

in Carp-fishing in

them
until

early and late after

is

November, unless the weather

will

very mild.

Carp

seldom take

bait

the

following Fe-

bruary.

Carp seldom feed

in ponds, until the

begin-

ning of the month of May.

ly early in the season) is

The

best bait (particular-

blood

worms

in the

worms and Summer, half- scowered gentles,

well-scowered red
I

and parboiled marrowfat peas and paste.

bait

frequently
:

my hook with
worm on

a red

worm and

a gentle together

put the

first,

then the gentle to cover the point

and barb of the hook, and thhik it sometimes increases

I

90

THE ANGLEK
success during the
first

GUlDE.

I
Summer.

my

part of the

On

a wet

warm

evening, I have had sport

by baiting

with a

small

green
;

caterpillar,

found on bushes,

cabbage leaves, &c.

when you
-,

bait with red

worms,

put only one on your hook

three or four, and the

but when blood worms,

gentles.

same with
in honey,

The crumb
in

of
a

new bread dipped

stiff

and well worked into Carp

rivers,

paste,

is

a killing bait

for

or

still

waters, towards the

Autumn. You may use a

piece of it nearly as large as a small marble, for a bait,

with which cover the shank as well as other parts of

your hook.

When

fishing with
it

this paste,

in

still

water, the Carp will suck

off the

hook

so slyly, that,

without you keep a watchful eye, your bait will be

gone without your

your hook
greaves.

discoveijing a bite
j

Carp are also

on

very fond of a wasp gentle

:

put two or three

also they are fond of small pieces of white

In fishing for Carp, keep as far from

;

the

water as you can

ground-bait
the

and,

if

convenient, you should

place you

intend

angling

in,

the

night before, and also then

plumb

the depth, that

you may not have occasion

to disturb

the water,

when you begin

Those who are
labour.
day, in

to xingle

very early in the morning.

inclined, or

have an opportunity of

pursuing this plan, will find they have not lost their

Carp

will

seldom bite

in the

middle of the
descends
:

Summer, unless
is

soft light rain

the

best time
ter, in

as soon as

you can see your

float in the
3

wathey

the morning, and very late in the evening

all night.

will

even feed

When

angling in a stream.

THE CARP.
strike immediately

91
;

you see a

bite

but
or

if in

a pond or

very

still

water, wait a

moment

two before you

in

strike,

because Carp do not gorge so quickly

in

dead

water as
current,
is for

a stream where food passes on with the

to catch, or
it

which only allows time enough

^VTien you have

ever gone.

hooked a Carp,
patience, winding
quite exhausted
;

give line, use

him gently and with

till

him

in,

and letting out again,

he

is

for they are a very strong

and exceeding

artful Fish

in the water, especially in rivers,

and will try every

a

possible
pile

way

to

get

among heavy weeds, around

line,

or post,

or under the shelving banks,

so as to

endanger breaking the

hook's drawing, which

or get

away by the

Carp and Chub particularly

effecting,

have a wonderful knack of

when they

get

among heavy weeds,

of trees
ter.

or between branches and roots

which are under the surface of the waCarp

fishing,

When

and the place not having

then
25,

been previously

ground-baited,
see page

use

such as

when
in

Roach
and

fishing,

but

throw

it

gently,
:

in

small pieces, for Carp are soon

paste, frequently
;

alarmed

when angling with sweet

a few small pieces of
it

throw
let

in

close to your float

your bait swim about half an inch from the bottom,

in still

when angling bottom, when keep as much

stooping

water

but

it

should touch the

fishing in a river or stream.

Always

as possible out of the sight of Carp,

either

while angling for them,

by

sitting

down

or

behind weeds,

&c.

New-made

grains,

worms

cut into small pieces, and bruised green peas.

92

THE angler's guide.

in
in

mixed with bran and greaves, thrown

before,
still
is

the

night

good ground-bait, especially

it

ponds or
3

holes in rivers, where

will not drift

away

and

also parboiled barley or malt,

mixed with

treacle or

blood.
in the

The Angler must

morning, and
5

exert

himself very early

late in the evening,

ing for Carp

and

if

without success for

it

when fishmany hours,

he must not think

strange, (for this often occurs

that "
If

when angling for Carp,) always bearing in mind, Hope and Patience support the Fisherman."
you have been trying
no more
for

Carp without success,

in

for several hours,

bait, cast

and have thrown

in
it

much ground-

during the last two hours you

frequently happens in Carp fish-

angle for them, as

ing that they will not feed during the day time, but

towards
as

its

decline, they will take a bait freely

in

and

you have already thrown

enough
in,

to

keep thein

about the spot you are angling

is

the casting in

more

apt to alarm so shy a Fish as Carp are, and drive

them away.

When
I

fish for

Carp

in

ponds or any

still

waters,

generally use two

rods and lines, placing

;

them
so

within a few yards of each other

fully

then lay

my rods careiron,)

down,

(or resting

on a forked stick or
;

that the line can run free

first

drawing from the winch

it

a yard or

more of

line,

and laying
its

down

clear of
I

every thing that might impede

retire as far

course.

then

from the water as the seeing

my float will
two
in a

allow

as

by so keeping out of the sight of such shy

Fish

is

the only chance of killing a brace or

THE CARP.
(lay
:

93

the Angler should bear in mind, that Carp very

cautiously and slowly suck in the baited

hook

in still

waters

but when they have so done, and feel the

hook, they generally rush with extraordinary velocity

to the middle of the
is, if

pond or water
water

the consequence
free, the
is

any

thing prevents the line

running

rod

and

all is

drawn
whole
line

into the
is

and

if it

a large
If

piece, the

soon out of the Angler's reach.

it is

you use a

without running tackle,

quite ne-

cessary for you to fasten the rod to something by a

slip

knot

for if
in

you lay

it

down, and a heavy Carp

all is in

hooks himself,
water
;

an instant the rod and

the

and

if

you are fortunate enough to regain

is

your tackle, the Carp are so disturbed, that there

no chance

of getting another bite in that place for

twelve hours to come.

Sometimes, in very hot weather, you will hear Carp

sucking

among beds
;

of broad-leaved weeds in ponds

and moats
with a red

they are then to be taken by a dipping bait

or paste
:

worm

use a line without a

float

put one or two shot a few inches above your baited

hook

then, with extreme gentleness, drop your bait

let
it

betw een those weeds, and

inch in the water
;

hang

quietly, about

an

for

when you hear Carp

sometimes above
5

sucking,

they then are close to the surface of the water, and

part of their

bodies are

it,

but

covered by those broad leaves and weeds

not see you, and you

if

they do

manage your
which

tackle adroitly,

when
suck

so placing your baited hook. Carp will often

it in,

and gorge

it,

is

soon

known

to the

94

THE angler's guide.

if

Angler by their violent struggling,

he have hooked a

heavy Fish.

If

you cast among those weeds a few few hours before you begin
to angle,
fish

slices of bread, a
it

will

keep the Carp to the place.

line, in

When you
find that a

with a floated

a pond, for Carp, prefer the shal-

low

parts,

and especially where you

it
j

stream

or ditch runs into

till

those parts the Carp resort to

;

after

they spawn

then you

may

fish

in

deep

water, about flood-gates and piles.

In Flanders, the

usual baits for Carp are the inside of cherries, or halfboiled potatoes.

Remarks on Carp.
Writers on Natural History say, that Carp are a
long-lived Fish, and will continue to cast their
for

spawn
to tlie

more than
that
in

thirty years,

and that they grow

length of a yard, &c.

The

largest that I ever saw,

was one
House,

was taken out of the basin facing Tilney

3

Wanstead Park the Carp had much wasted,

to

apparently

me

from age, but

it

then weighed

eighteen pounds.

In respect to the taming and feed-

ing of Carp from the hand, which the writers on Natural History give

many

singular accounts

of,

as

Carp

coming

to the call or whistle of persons giving

them
a

food, &c., I doubt not the fact, because I

know

gentleman
tains

at

Maidstone who has a pond which con;

for years, to

many Carp those Carp have been in the habit, come near the sides of the bank to take
to

pieces of bread, which are narrow pieces of crumb,

and held

them

just below the surface of the water

THE CARP.
the Carp then hastily take
i:;entleman,
it,

95

and swim away. Another

lives in

Mr. Knight, who

Carp
in

Hackney, has

also several

a pond, which are very tame,

and will take food from the hand of those persons

they are in the habit of seeing daily, but are shy
of strangers.
I

saw a

visitor to this

gentleman

offer

bread to some Carp which were swimming near the

sides
;

but on their nearer approach, and not know-

ing him, they dived away.

Some time

after,

the said

gentleman

laid himself at length

on his stomach, and

3

offered a piece of bread just under the water

and a

Carp

rose, took

it,

and very leisurely swam away.

;

Carp, in form, are thick, with a short neck

they

have large

scales,

very regularly covering the whole

3

body, like trellis-work or fine netting

the upper part

-,

of the sides are a greenish golden yellow

part, a whitish colour
3

the lower

the

tail,

a sort of yellow violet 3

the
it
3

mouth

is

small, with
fin

two wattles hanging from

the dorsal
3

reaches nearly the whole length of

the back

they have neither teeth nor tongue, but a

fleshy palate.

Carp spa^vn early

in

June, and, some

I

say, again in August, (but, during

my observations,
their

have never known such a case

they are so intent in

to occur,) at
,

which time

depositing
side,

ova,

weeds, &c., near the shore

that they
in

among may be
pits,

sometimes caught with the hand,

small rivers,

and ponds.

They
no

are sometimes

drawn out of shallow

even

weedy ponds, with hay

at other times,

rakes, while spawning, though,

fish are

more

difficult to catch,

with nets, for they will escape the drag-net by leap-

96
ing over
it,

THE angler's guide.

or stick their heads in the

mud
Carp

while the
will thrive

cast or drag-net passes over them.

well in some rivers, though, only breed in

still

many

believe, they will

waters, canals, lakes, and ponds.

j

For
in

it is

very unusual to catch a small Carp in rivers

practice, 1

my own

have never taken one so small

as six ounces, in a river, although in ponds, canals, and

tnarl pits, I

have caught hundreds

less

than

four

ounces

in

weight.
in

Carp are found

rushes, on

deep holes by or near flood-gates,

or shallows, and in and near large beds of weeds and

which they

feed, sucking the juices there-

from
gler,
lips

in

doing which, they

may be

heard by the Antheir

from the noise made by the chopping of

and jaws.

Carp are very tenacious of

live longer in

life,

and

have found them

some damp grass

or

sags, rushes, &c., than any other Fish, after they are

removed from

their natural element. Eels excepted.

THE TENCH.

97

CHAP.

XIII.

The Trout.
Swift Trout, diversified with crimson spots.

The common Trout is a very beautiful form and colour, much like the Salmon
is

Fish, both in
in shape,

and

excelled

by none of the fresh-water

tribe as a deli-

cacy at table, the Salmon excepted.

cious, like the Pike,

They

are vora-

and destroy multitudes of Mintheir

nows, Loaches, and other small Fish,

jaws,

mouth, and tongue, being studded with teeth.

are a very strong and
gler
fine

Trout

game

Fish, affording the

Antheir

sport,

which

circumstance, with

being considered a delicacy at table, causes them to

be eagerly sought

for.

They

are caught with small

98
fish,

THE ANGLER
and
flies,

GUIDE.
artificial,

both natural and

and also

with worms and cads.

In angling for them, at botflexible top

tom, use a strong rod, long, and with a

running tackle, on a multiplying winch, and No. 6

or

7 hook

when you

bait with

worms, which are

at night, or in the

the best bait during Spring, especially hi the early

part
of the morning,
if

and late

day time,

the

water be much

coloured, and the

weather duU or boisterous, particularly in April and

May, angle without a

float, first

putting a sufficient

number of shot on the line to sink the bait, placing them about nine inches above the hook the line should be made of the choicest fine gut. Bait with either one
;

lob-worm, or a blue-head marl-worm, or two marsh,

or two tag-tail worms, well scowered, and very lively
for observe.
;

Trout will not touch a

worm

that

is

half

dead, or any

way mangled

Or dirty.

Put the two

worms on

the hook in the following

manner
first

run

the point of your hook in at the top of the

worm's
the

head, and bring

it
it

out about three parts

down

body, then draw

carefully up over the arming or

-,

whipping of the hook, while you put on the other

enter the point of your

hook in the second worm somewhat below the middle, and carry it near to the head, then draw the first worm down to join it if
;

one worm, put

it

on as follows

enter the point of

its

the hook about a quarter of an inch below

head,

and carry

it

down
tail,

to within a quarter of an inch of

the worm's

keep the point of the hook completeThis done, cast in your

bait.

ly hid in the

worm.

THE TROUT.

99

standing as far as possible from the water up the

stream, and let
it

gently trip on the bottom

bite,

-,

and
first

when
line

a Fish begins to

do not strike the

time you feel a slight tug, but rather slacken your

;

but

when you
and be not

feel

one or more sharp tugs toif

gether, then strike smartly, and

a heavy Fish, give

him

line,

in too great haste to land

him.

Note,

it is

necessary, in angling this way, to put as

many
hook
;

shot on your line as will readily sink the baited

because,

if

the stream be rapid,

it is

carried

away without touching

little

the ground, and you have but

bait.

chance then of a Trout taking your

While

thus angling with a tripping bait, keep as far from

the water as you can, and let the bait go with the

middle or roughest part of the stream.

Note,

in

some

small gravelly streams, cads are a more killing bait

than worms, especially

in the

months of April and May.

The Trout
lently
5

is

very strong, and struggles most vio-

and,

if

an old Fish, generally, as soon as he

feels the

hook, will leap out of the water more than a

foot high, and

on

falling again, will fly

and flounce

about in every direction, to the great alarm of the

Angler

for his rod, line, or hook.

:

Now bear
him
still,

in

mind

what the Poet Thomson says

*'

With

yielding hand, feeling

Yet

to his furious course give

way.

Till floating broad upon his breathless side,

You

safely drag your spangled prize

on shore."

The Minnow

is

a most killing bait for large old

100

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
it

Trout, particularly

when used by spinning

against
falls

the stream, or in the eddies, where the water

over into tumbling-bays, mill- tails, pools, &c.

are fitted on purpose for this

Hooks

mode

of angling by the
fishing, use strong-

tackle-makers.
tackle,

When

you are thus

and cast your

bait lightly in the water,

and

draw against the stream or eddy very near the

so that you can see the

surface,

Minnow.

If

you are angling

it

from a high bridge, or any eminence,

to let your bait be

will be best

some considerable
the water
is,

distance from

you, particularly

if

is

bright.

This way of

angling for Trout

often, very successful,

it.

and the
bite,

largest Fish are taken by

let

When

you have a

him run

little

before you strike.

When you
fin,

are

angling with a live

Minnow

for Trout,

hook the Minwith a No.

now by
water.

the lips, or beneath the back

6 hook, and let your bait

swim

rather below mid-

Deep dark

holes, surrounded with trees, &c.,

likelv

and

free

from an eddy or stream, are the most

in,

places to take a Trout

when

fishing with a live

Minnow.
cork
float,

Some Anglers put on their lines a small when fishing in a still hole. Trout are
flies,

also taken with

I shall describe

both natural and

artificial,

which

under the head of Fly-fishing.

to feed in

Trout will begin

fine

March,

if

the weather

is

for the season,

and continue

till

Michaelmas,
first

soon after which time they spawn.

three months

The

two or
;

are the best for bottom- fishing

the

Trout are then on the scowers and shallows, and

feed most at bottom, because the weather
is

frequently

THE TROUT,
cold and unsettled, so that few
flies

101
are found on the

water
cially,

till

April or May.

In the

Summer
lie in
;

season espe-

the large Trout love to

deep holes and

eddies,

near mill-tails,

and pools

sometimes close

to the apron,

which

is

a good place to drop in a

stones.

worm

bait,

also

under large

Note,
fishing

You
for

cannot be too early or late in bottom

Trout, especially during a hot dry

Summer.
Trolling or

Minnow Hook

the

Shank leaded for

Roving for Trout, Perch, and Chub.

Trolling, Roving, or

Dipping for Trout with a Minor

is

now Get such a hook as

the

Worms.
(all

represented in the cut

tied

principal Tackle Shops keep them,)

3

to

length of the best twisted gut

for your bait, use a

white middling-sized Minnow, in preference to the

spotted and big-bellied ones, which you put on the

hook exactly
which

in the

same way
;

as directed with the

gorge hook for Jack and Pike

needle,
is

only use a smaller

needle
is
;

called a

Minnow

fasten this
to

length of gut, to which the hook

tied,

your
S^c.J,

traces, C^ee a Cut of Traces in trolling for Jack,

which should be

fitted

in

the

following manner:

K 2

102
take

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

two

pieces,

of

about ten or twelve inches

each, of choice twisted gut, and join

them together
3

neatly and strong, with a small box swivel

at

then

one end of the traces make a loop, and at the

tie

other end
swivel, on

securely and neatly a loop

or

hook

which you hang the length of twisted

is

gut which
loop end

fixed

to the baited

hook

now

fix

the

of the traces to the

running line on a
as

light trolling

rod

draw nearly

much
in

line out as

your rod

is

long

-,

hold the rod

one hand and

about a yard of your line draw from the winch in

the other, which you let go
bait lightly in

when you

cast

in

your

search

-,

first

to the opposite side or

across the stream drawing over

the current, raising

feel a bite,

and falling your bait

top of your rod a

when you
;

lower the

little

wait two or three minutes

before you strike, that the

gorge the bait

handsomely.

Trout may have time to now wind up the slack line and strike This mode of fishing is generally
In dipping and

called roving or trolling for Trout.

drawing, your bait and tackle

is

is

the

same

but there

not occasion for quite so

rod,

from your
dropped

as the bait,

much line to be drawn when dipping, is only

in holes or

near large stones, and in eddies

near the bank you stand on.

the bottom, gently

When

the bait touches

draw

it

to the right, then the left,

and slowly
till

raise

it

to the surface,

and so continue
;

you get a
if

bite,

then act as directed in roving

dip,

but

you rove or

and draw and

bait with

worms.

THE TROUT.

103

use a plain No. G or 7 hook, instead of the leaded

hook,
it,

and put a few shot, about six inches above

to sink the bait,

which shoidd be a black or blue-

licad marl- worm, or a lob worm, or two well-scowered

marsh or two
tles
:

tag-tail

worms, or several wasp gen-

the

when you feel a sharp tug at your bait, give Fish a moment or two to gorge, and then strike
the point of the
it

smartly.

To bait with two worms, put

in the
little
first,

hook
out a
the

just

below the head, and bring

5

below the middle

then draw the

worm up
in the

line

above the shank of the hook, while you put on

;

the second

enter the point of the

its

hook

second
it

worm
the

near an inch below

its

tail,

and carry
it

to

within an inch of

head

there let

remain hid in

worm

then draw

down

the

first

worm
the

to join

or lay
as

over the

second, and angle

same way
fishing

when

roving, &c. with the

Minnow. AVhile

for Trout,

keep as
for

far

from the water and out of sight

as possible,

Trout are as timid and suspicious

:

as they are voracious and strong

this

method of
Perch and

angling for Trout

may be adopted
Chub.

for

Chub

indeed, while in search of Trout, you in

some

rivers frequently kill a Perch or

Note, the above

who
will

description of tackle for roving and dipping for Trout

is

of the cheapest kind

but the Angler

go

to the expense of having his

hook

link

and the two

other links

made

of the strongest and choicest single

gut fixed together with small box swivels, will assuredly find his advantage therein.

104

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

bringing

The London Angler has but seldom the pleasure of home a dish of Trout caught in either the for those rivers, hovi'ever fariver Thames or Lea
;

mous they may have

few
5

been, at present contain very

;

but those are very large and fat

some weighing

more than ten pounds. There

but they are
all

are, certainly,

many good

Trout streams within twenty miles of the metropolis,

private property.
is

Yet here the genfair fishing.

tleman Angler

seldom refused a day's

The

river

Wandle, particularly
fine

at Carshalton, in Sur-

rey, has

numerous
till

Trout
at

and, again, at Merton-

mills, &c.,

you arrive

Wandsworth.

The

little

river, called

Ravensbourn, running from or by Syden&c., to the Kent-road, Greenwich,

ham, Lewisham,
has Trout
5

also the Darent, or Dartford-creek,

;

may

boast of very fine Trout

and

at Crayford, Bexley,

Foot's Cray, Paul's Cray, &c., and near the powdermills,

through and near Darent, and Horton, to Farin

ningham,

Kent

also near Hertford, in the waters

belonging to Earl Cowper, Mr. Baker, and other gen-

tlemen
near

and

at

Wades-mill
-,

and

in the river Colne,

St.

Alban's

and

at

Whet Hamstead,

&c.

At
and

Rickman sworth and Watford,

its

in Hertfordshire,

neighbourhood, are several good Trout streams,

to Uxbridge,
in

and from thence

latter place, the
for Trout,

Middlesex

at the

Angler

may

indulge himself in angling

by paying

for board

and lodging,

at the

Crown and Cushion,

or at the

White Horse

inns.

THE TROUT.

105

Spinning a Minnow, and Bleak.

Having found, by long experience,

that spinning a

Minnow

or Bleak

is

the most killing

way

of angling

for the large or old Trout, in the rivers

Thames and
falls

Lea, or wherever there are heavy or rapid

of

water wherein Trout are found,

in the following pages, a

have therefore given,

very

full

and particular deand baiting

scription of the

method

of fitting tackle

hooks

for so desirable a purpose.

Minnow

baited for Spinning,

Some Anglers use two hooks, when they bait with a Minnow to spin others, use only one I shall de;
:

scribe both

methods

First,

with two hooks, prepare

in the following

your gut, swivels, and hooks,

manner
about

Take about nine

inches of strong, single or twisted

1
-,

gut, to which tie a long- shank liook. No.

three inches above this hook must be placed another piece of gut, about three inches long, to which you
will first tie a hook.

No. 8 or 9

this short piece

of

gut

is

then to be fastened to the nine-inch piece, as be-

fore directed, about three inches above the

hook No.

106

THE angler's guide.

1
:

No.

the hook No. 8 or 9 will then reach or hang

to the

down

shank of the aforesaid hook. No.

to

this nine-inch piece of

gut add another of the same

length, which

must be fastened together with small

by the fishing-tackle
pieces,
5

swivels, prepared for the purpose

makers

to those

two nine-inch

add a third
then place a

piece, fastened as before, with swivels

shot on the gut within half an inch of each swivel,

and

all

is

complete to receive a
bait,

Minnow

or small

Bleak for a

which

is

to
:

be placed on the hooks

in the following

manner

take the large hook, and

5

enter

it

in the
its

Minnow's or Bleak's mouth

carry

it

through

body, bringing the point and barb of the

;

hook out

at the side of the tail

you then take the

it

small hook, and enter the point of

part of the Minnow's chaps, passing
lips,

into the

under

it

through both

the point and barb coming out at the outside of

;

the nose
line.

now
1

all

is

ready to loop on the running

is

When

one hook only

:

used,

it

is

always the

large size. No.

enter the point of this

it

hook under

the chaps of the Minnow, and bring

side of its nose
;

out at the out-

draw the hook, and about two inches

quite through
it
5

of gut with

it,

then take the hook

in the

again, and pass

under and over the gut

it

Min-

now's mouth
hitch
:

having so done,

will

make

a half

now pass the hook through the body of the Minnow, and bring the point and barb out beside the
tail
;

then draw the gut at the mouth tight, and the

is

hook

baited.

In

making the

half hitch, you do

away

the necessity of using a second hook, for this hitch

THE TROUT.
keeps
all fust at

107
3

the bait's

mouth

but

it is

proper to
best to

observe, that in baiting a hook this way,

tie

it is

your hook to

tine plaited silk, because, in

is liable

making
Ano:

the half-hitch knot, the gut

ther

to break.
is

way

of baiting with a single hook,

as follows

enter the hook, as before described, under the chaps

and out

at the nosej

draw the Minnow up about

;

three inches on the line

then put the hook in

out at the
gill
3

its

mouth

again, and bring

into the

it

put the
it

hook again
the

Minnow's mouth, and pass

the mouth, tight
silk
3

through the body, bringing the point and barb out

tail tail
3

at
tie

draw the slack

line, at

the

and hook together with white

and

all is

complete.

Fasten the whole to your running

line, to

which

also a swivel should

be
:

fixed,
if

and

it

will spin

well, if

managed

as

follows

you

fish

across a

stream, throw to the opposite side, let the bait sink

about a foot, lower the top of your rod, and draw

gently across
3

if

you

fish

down

pool or stream,

standing on a bridge or wharfing, cast your bait in

near 3 let

it

sink about a foot, then

draw

it

up and
3

across with gentle tugs, about a yard at a time

the
till

next time,

throw further

out,

and so continue
If a

you have fished the whole water.

the bait,
itself
3

Trout takes
and hooks

it

generally takes
it is

it

at the tail,

but

best to strike

when you

either see or
in

feel a bite.

The Angler should bear

mind the
from the
3

shyness of Trout, and always

stand as far

water as the managing his tackle will permit

Eftethod I

this

pursue myself

in all

kind of angling, and

108

THE ANGLER
filled

GUIDE.
others, less care-

have often
ful,

my

basket,

when

have hardly killed a Fish.

When
will

you use a Minnow,

little

as a bait for spinning,

it

sometimes want a
tail,

bending or curving near

;

the

to

make

it

spin freely

this,

with attention,
of,

the young Angler

may

soon acquire the art

but

it

should be noticed, the straiter the

Minnow
bent.

or Bleak

lays on the hook, the better, as it appears

yet, if
it

most natural
Always

will not spin well,

it

must be
you
3

choose a white bright Minnow, in preference to a

large big-bellied one
let it
;

but

if

bait

with a Bleak,

be one of a middling

size

recollect, that unless

your baits are perfectly fresh and sweet, you must

not expect to
kill

a Trout.

These hooks, swivels,

&c., for spinning,

may be

purchased at the principal

fishing-tackle shops, ready fitted for the use of such

Anglers

who do

not choose to take the

trouble, or

have not the

leisure, to

prepare them.

THE TROUT.

109

Devil, an Artificial Spinning Bait for Trout.

In treating on baits, to

troll for

Jack and Pike,

in

another part of this work, some objections are

against using
artificial baits
;

made
I

but,

by no means do
spinning

feel inclined to
in

oppose the

fictitious

Minnow
This

angling for Trout,

much

less the Artificial Cater-

pillar or Devil, as
artificial

they are generally called.

bait has nearly superseded every other of

late years,

and

it

is,

most

certainly, very attractive

and

killing,

when used by
made

the skilful and experienced

Angler for heavy Trout.

Caterpillars, are

These Devils, or

Artificial

of leather, silk,

he;
is

of various

striped colours, and laced over with gold or brass,

and

silver thread or
tail,

wire

and the

tail

the shape

of a Fish's

made

either of silver or block tin.

About

this

Devil bait are placed several small hooks,

loose,

some hanging
which
it.

and

others fastened to

it.

have given an engraving of a Devil, with seven hooks,

1

consider the best

fix

way

of placing hooks about

:

To

those hooks, proceed as follows

take two

hooks, size No. 10, tied to a short piece of gut, and

L

110
fasten

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

them
size,

to the said Devil, so that they shall

its

hang

nearly half

way down

back, then two others of the

same

fixed so as to
tail
;

hang

to the bait's belly,

tie

reaching nearly to the

together, the
that they
is

and now
tix

three hooks

same

size,

and

them

to the Devil so
tail.

may hang

loose just

below the

There

a small brass staple, at the head of the bait, to

which yuu should fasten a very small box swivel, and

to
this swivel tie, neatly, a length of choice single

gut,

and then fasten the single gut to a length of

double twisted gut by another box swivel, and loop

the other end of
line.
it,

to

which you

fix

the running

(See the Cut.J'Note, the swivels are to enable

to spin the bait,

you

which so

excites the old Trout,

that they

seem

to lose their cunning,

and rush heed-

lessly to seize their prey.

You can

spin

a Devil to the greatest advantage

from a bridge, or some other eminence, especially

when

the wind

is

on your back.

The

top of your rod

should be somewhat lowered, and the bait kept in the

middle of the stream or current for some time, then

let
it drift

further

down

the stream, 30 or 40 yards.

is

At the
round,
late
5

tail
is

of a mill, whilst the wheel

turning

a very likely place for Trout, both early and

there drop in your bait, close to the apron of

it

the mill, and let

swim down some

if

distance, and

by playing

it

awhile,

any Trout are on the feed, be

5

assured they will take your bait

there

is

another

and most destructive way of fishing for Trout, called

cross-fishing.

{See Trimmer Angling.)

THE TROUT.

Ill

Note, the provincial Angler must not imagine that

the
for

London Angler

is

disappointed of a dish of Trout

skill to

want of the necessary

take them

neither

should he too hastily jeer or challenge the

Cockney
the inha-

sportsman, for the fact

is,

that the greatest adepts, in

the art of angling, are to be found

bitants of the metropolis.

among

Although Trout are not so

northward or

numerous near London,

westward, yet

as in the rivers

there are several killed

by angling,

every season, in the river Lea, weighing from three

to

more than ten pounds

each.

Every other species

of fresh-water Fish are found in the rivers and waters'

within a few miles of the capital, and thousands are

caught

annually,

with the angle, from one ounce

weight to Fish weighing more than twenty pounds

each.

Here the most experienced and ingenious me-

chanics are employed in furnishing the various tackle

for the Angler's use.

The

tackle shops also, for a

different kinds of choice
,

few pence, supply him with

worms,

gentles, greaves, &c., for baits

and there

are stage coaches going and

coming every hour of

enable the

the day, near several waters, frequented by hundreds

who

delight in angling

those

facilities

London Angler
with very
little

to pursue his

amusement of angling

trouble or expense, and with the best

chance of improvement, from the number of his associates.

Angling has

ever
or,

been a favourite sport

the time the

with the Londoners,

at least, since

worthy and respected Father of Anglers, Isack Walton,

wrote his admired work en Fish and Fishing

112

THE angler's guide.

left

who, as a man, a writer, and an Angler, has

name and
I

character, that his fellow-citizens of Lon-

don may well quote with pride and exultation.

And

am highly pleased, and much gratified, to see that the Work on Fishing, of the venerable author, has been,
of late
years, republished,
in a

enriched, illustrated, and

subject,

embellished

manner worthy the

artist,

and

equally creditable to the taste of the publisher, and

the talent of the

tions of Walton's

displayed in the recent edi-

" Complete Angler/' sent forth to

the public, by several spirited booksellers of the

tropolis.

me-

Remarks on Trout.
Trout delight most
in

sharp shallow streams, some-

times lying under a large stone or shelving clump, at

other times swimming, and, seemingly, striving against

the stream

they are also found in such cold water,

:

that no other fish can live therein

in clean

they will also live

gravelly and sandy-bottomed spring ponds,

with a stream running through, but will not thrive

so fast, or breed so well, as in rivers.
in

They spawn
retire

October in most streams, after which they

still

into deep

holes, and under shelving banks,

and

there remain during the Winter season, in the course

of which they
tiful

become very poor, and

worm,

lose the beau-

spots on their bodies, instead of which, they are

infested with a

much
and

or water-louse, and the

head of Trout
their

at this season
is

seems much too large,

lean, lank,

whole appearance
:

and

far

from

that of a beautiful Fish

but when the days lengthen,

THE TROUT.
and the sun gets
sufficient

113
to

power

warm and

in-

vigorate the elements, then the Trout seems to take

new

lease of his

life,

leaving his hiding-place, and

among the gravel in rapid parts of the streams, aad, with much hearty rubbing, speedily gets rid of his troublesome and filthy companions, who have so
getting

long infested, or stuck to him, and then soon recovers

his

former shape and colours.

;

Among

Trout,

it is

said,

there a few barren females

and though these females

do not conduce to replenish the waters, yet they are

always
fat,

and
:

fit

for the table.

There are several

is

species of Trout

the flesh of
;

some

of

pink co-

lour, others yellowish

and the

flesh of the large Trout,

found

in tide-rivers, is nearly white.

In Ireland, they

speak of Trout whose stomachs are as thick as a

fowl's gizzard.

In some parts of Wales, Trout are

found to be

all

crooked in the lower part of their

bodies, &c. &c.

114

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

CHAP. XIV,

The Bream, and Bream Dace Flat, or Red Eye.

The Bream
abound

is

a very bony Fish

they arc not very

numerous, either in. the river Thames or Lea, but

in the Trent,
;

Wey,

Byfleet,

and the Mole, and

several other rivers

in the

also ^in

Dagenham-breach, and

Wet-docks,

at Blackwall.

They

are frequently

taken in the Spring, during March, April, and May,

when angling
gling
float,

for

Carp with red worms.

gut-line, long

When
rod,

an-

for

Bream, use a

quill
;

and No. 9 hook, running-tackle, and winch

ground-bait with
clay,

new
;

grairis or

greaves, bran and

made

into balls
:

or chopped worms, thrown in

by handfuls

let the baited

hook drag half an inch

fish early in

on the ground
ing,

in streams,

and

the mornbite in

and very

late at night.

Bream seldom

BREAM, RED EYE, &C.

tlie
it

115
unless

middle of the day, during

fresh, or

Summer months,
rain descends
;

blow

when warm
all

they will
the place
;

then take a bait freely

day, especially

if

have been well ground-baited the night before

two red

worms, put on the hook, or one well-scowered marsh

worm,

is

the best bait for Bream, generally speakings

they will take gentles, and sometimes paste, and also

wheat and malt

slightly

baked or parboiled.

When

you angle for Bream

in a river fish out further in the

stream than when angling for Roach, and immediately

you observe a
still

bite, strike.

If

you be angling

in quite

water, you

may

use two rods and lines, to which

3

put small cork floats

cast the baited

first

hook a good
j

way

in the water,

having

plumbed the depth

the bait should

hang

just clear of the ground, that a

gentle breeze

may

slowly
3

move

it

lay the rod over

fix

some rushes, or sags

and

if

those be not there,

branch of tree with a forked top close to the water,

let the

rod rest on

it

stand back, and wait pa3

tiently

and quietly

for a bite

by

this

method, where
a basket, for

Bream

are plentiful,

you may soon

fill

they are a free-biting Fish, and, though generally

considered of

little

worth, they afford

in

much amusestill

ment

to the

Angler

bends and broad

places^,

parts of

rivers,

and not very deep

where the Bream

like to resort to most.

Remarks on Bream,

The Bream
what

is

a very broad Fish, with scales somecolour, and,

like the Carp, but lighter in

when

116
large, are

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

much

like a pair of bellows in

shape

the

head and mouth are small, with a large eye, and

forked
tail,
;

which

is

of a dull purple colour, as also

still

the fins

they will breed in

waters as well as in
loamy, as they prefer

rivers, if the
still

bottom be

clay, or

or sluggish streams to large or rapid rivers

they spawn in May, and will grow to the weight of

six pounds.

Bream
rivers
;

love such places as the Carp and

Tench do
baits,

in

they will also take the same

and, like the Carp, struggle hard, particularly

first feel

when they
Fishj
for,

the hook
to

therefore, give line

if

freely, before

you attempt

turn him,

a he9,vy

like

heavy Barbel, they are often very

for

sulky, and

hang on the bottom

some time, then

&c.

rush with violence under a bank,

among weeds,

There

is

a Fish in the Broads (which are large

pieces of water so called, in Norfolk)

Bream, which
Flats,

is

Dace, or

much like the known there by the name of Bream Red Eye it is a thicker Fish than
;

the Bream, and somewhat hog-backed, like the Perch,

and the

fins are

red

this

Fish
is
;

is

generally covered

with a slimy substance, and

different Fish for the

altogether a very in-

table

they are easily taken

with worms, gentles, or paste.

In looking into " Walton
s

complete Angler^'
:

I find,

he notices
in

Bream

for

breeding exceedingly

" Yea>

some ponds

so fast, as

to over- store thcca,

''

and
be

starve other Fish."

This observation of the

Father

of Anglers,"

have proved,

in several waters, to

founded

in fact, particularly in the East-India

Dock,

THE NERSLING, OR RUDD.

\M Blackwall, where, for the
last

117

two

years,

few large

Roach
fold.

are taken, but the

Bream have

increased ten-

The Nersling, or Rudd.

The Rudd,
a kind of Roach, all tinged with gold,

Strong, broad, and thick, most lovely to behold.

M. Brown.

The Rudd
as the flesh

is

a very indiflferent Fish for the table,

is soft,

and

full

of bones

in

shape and
-,

colour

it is

much
and

like the

Roach, but broader

the
:

body and
the belly,
lion, the

gills
fins,

are tinged
tail,

and bronzed with gold

are a bright red, or vermil-

eye more yellow than the Roaches.

They
in

thrive best in ponds, but seldom exceed a

pound

weight
tles,

they will take red worms, paste, and gen-

during

Summer

use a gut or hair

at

line, quill
;

float.

No. 10 or 11 hook, and angle

bottom

in

every respect, act the same as

or Dace.

when

fishing for

Roach

118
It
is

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

generally supposed that
the

Rudd

is

bred
|

between the Bream and Roach.

Roach, Rudd, and

alike
:

Bream
ters,

are

certainly
April,

very

much

the

Rudd
wafull

spawn about
of

and thrive

in ponds, or still

with gravelly bottoms, but get poor, and

filthy

green insects, in

or

muddy

ponds.

The

rivers

numbers
in the

Thames and Lea have Rudd, but not in great they abound in Dagenham Breach, and
5

ponds

in

Wanstead Park.
Remarks on Rudd.

have no doubt that the Fish called a Rudd

little

is

a true Roach, but a

altered in shape, &c.,

by
1

being put into ponds not congenial to their habits

and nature

for

have known ponds stocked with

Roach from

rivers, and, in a

few

years,

none were
to

to

be found but numerous Rudd.

Previous

the

Roach being put

never
fact I

into the

same pond, a Rudd was

This

seen,

neither were there any Bream.

have witnessed many times, particularly durI

;

ing the twenty years

have angled
I

in

the ponds in

Tilney Park, Wanstead

in rivers,
state,

have also caught Roach

when out of

season, and

when

in a sickly

extremely like the pond-Rudd, which makes

me

conclude, that they are really Roach, though de-

generated.

POPE, OR RUFF.

119

Pope, or Ruff.

The Pope
iiiich like

or RuiF

is

of
its

the Perch
habits, forni,

species,

and

the Perch in

and flavour,

)eing firm
50

and well-tasted, though they never grow

they are taken with

large

worms and

gentles,

jut are rarely to

be met with in the vicinity of London,

river
3

except in

the

little

Mole.
the river

There are many

n the Isis, near Oxford bridge

iver
ine,
:)ite
;

Cam, near Cam-

also in the Trent,

in Norfolk.
fish

and great numbers in the

Yare
and

Put two No. 9 hooks on the

:

within a foot of the bottom

they

from March tiU September, and spawn some-

iimes in April, but seldom

grow

to

the length of
eddies

seven inches

they delight in quick gravelly

Emd about wharfings.

The best

bait

is

a red

worm

ground-bait with handfuls of small gravel or roadsand thrown gently in, occasionally, at the spot where

you are fishing.

I

have caught a few Pope or RufF

at Shepperton,

on the shallows close to the ferry-boat, while angling

for

red
1

Gudgeons with a No. 10 hook, baited with a small worm fishing near the bottom with one hook
;

find

more successful than

in

using two
9,

if

two are
on the

used, let the

bottom one be No.

and gently touch

fixed

the bottom, the other No. IQ, and so

line as to

be about nine or ten inches above.

Pope
and

or RufF are a very lively free-biting little Fish,

afford the

Young Angler much amusement

fin,

the eye,

head, shoulders, and dorsal

(which

it

erects

when

120
alarmed) are

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

much

like the

Perch

the

tail

and

tail-

end of the body

is

shaped

and spotted or waved

in

exactly like a Gudgeon.

for

Note,

baiting

a hook well

Pope or RufF, take pains

to carry the
little
off.

worm
tail

up the hook and shank,

that but

of the

may

hang

loose, or

it

will be nibbled

See fishing for

Gudgeon.

The Bull-Head, or Millers Thumb.

This
is

most singular-formed
and
apparently

Fish, of the

Gud-

geon

species,

without scales, they

being very small, and are different from any other

fresh-water Fish I
is

am

acquainted with

the head

very large and

flat,

resembling a toad, the mouth

very wide, the eye large and projecting, the body and
tail

are of a dusky

brown

colour, and

waved or spotted
five

like a

Gudgeon
in length

they seldom
:

exceed
lie

or six
at

inches

they delight to

on stones

the bottom of shallow rivers, in hot weather, where

you may catch them with a small piece of red worm

put on a
little

hook, with a shot to sink the

bait,

which they
any fear
;

will very readily take,

without betraying

therefore,

any short

line

and rod does

for

THE EKL.
this sport.
ler

i'21

There are great many Bull-heads, or Mils-thumbs, in the New River. I have known more

than seven dozen taken in a day out of this river, near

Ware.

Some
off,

persons eat them

fried, after

having the

head cut

and speak of the dish with applause.

for baiting a night-line for Eels
;

They

will

answer

but

they should be alive, be procured.

when other small Fish

in

are not to

They spawn

May.

CHAP. XV.
The Eel.
The
Silver Eel in shining

volumes roU'd.

Eels are found

London,
size
line,

in all the rivers, canals, docks, &c., near in

in

great numbers, and remarkably fine

3

and flavour

they are taken with rod and floated

ledger line, night-lines, dead lines, and bobbing*

also with the spear,

and by sniggling.
line,

When
made
lire

angling for Eels with a floated

those

of twisted gut, strong single gut or twisted hair,

j

to be preferred

any

common

rod, of sufficient

length, will do, because Eels will generally gorge the

bait
line,

and hook themselves

put a cork

float

on the

and use a No. 8 hook, and

half a

bait with a piece of

lob

worm, or

marsh worm, or a whole red worm

122

THE angler's guide.

:

or small brandling

let

the

baited

hook lay on the

if

ground, which you

lies

may

tell is

the case

the

float

upon

its

side

on the water, instead of standing upj

When

Eels bite, they will draw the float under water

it

there let

remain a moment, then

prize.

strike,

and

lift

or

weigh out your

on your

If

you put more than one hook

foot apart.

line, place

them about a

^Note,

im-

mediately you get an Eel on shore, clap your foot on

it,

and there keep

it, till

you have separated

its

back-

bone with a knife, or a pair of scissors, which you should

always have ready, when fishing for Eels
diately an Eel
is
-,

for
it

imme-

taken from the water,

coils up,

and twists your

line in

numerous knots, which can

its

only be prevented by cutting through

back-bone

-,

you may then take away the hook without danger.

The body of Eels

is

covered with a slimy mucous

substance, so that you cannot hold

until they are disabled 3 for

them

in

your hand
sharp-

which purpose,

I find
;

pointed scissors more useful than a knife

and, as

Eels generally gorge the baited hook, therefore, without

much

care, if

you use a knife

to lay

open the Eel's

throat, &c.,

you are

likely to cut the gut, or

3

whatever

the hook

may

be tied to

but

if

you enter one blade

of the scissors inside of the Eel's mouth, the other on the outside, and cut

down

to

where the hook lodges,

you may dislodge

it,

without cutting the material to

which

it is

tied.

Ledger
follows

lines

may be used with much

success in fishif fitted

ing for Eels, both by day and night,

:

up as

first,

take a yard and a half of tolerable fine

THE EEL.
gimp, and make a loop
at

123
it
;

each end of
fine

then
:

tie

No. 7 hook to about a foot of

other end I
aforesaid

gimp
it

at

the

make

loop

then loop
of

on

to the
I

yard and
;

a half

gimp, which
is,

call

a ledger trace

about eighteen inches (that

from
fix

the end looped to the

hook length),
to the shot,

firmly

swan shot
a
flat

then pass, from the other end of the trace,

ledger lead

down

which shot

is

to

prevent the lead from slipping any lower down, or on

the bait
;

now fasten

the trace to a trolling line, with

as used for Jack-fishing

the

same rod and winch

bait the

hook with a well-scowered small lob or large marsh-worm, securely placed on 'the hook, that the

Eel

may

not be able to suck

it

off

without taking the

hook

in its

mouth.

Now,

cast in the baited

hook

in

the middle of a stream, or in strong eddies, where the

largest Eels that feed
cially

by day are

to

be found, espej

when

the waters are low, or very bright

in
it

such places, a floated line does not answer, because

is

carried

away by the

current, or engulphed in the

eddies.

In ledger-fishing, having cast in the bait, lay

down
you
rod,

your
will

rod

(having
a

first

unlocked the winch

3)

perceive

bite
line

by the shaking of the

;

and pulling of the

give plenty of time before

you
if

strike, for

Eels will generally hook themselves,

the hasty Angler does not draw the bait from them.

Several lines and rods

gler.

may be managed by one AnSome Anglers make their ledger lines of fine

124

THE angler's guide.

twisted small cord, and use a

a winch, for cheapness.

bank runner

instead, of

Note.-

For

all

kinds of Eel fishing,

many expefine

rienced Anglers

tie their

hooks to a very
off

gimp,

to prevent the Eels

from biting
if tied

the hook, which

they are enabled to do,

to gut or hair,

by their

numerous sharp

teeth, especially the larger Eels.

;

The
the

hardness of the gimp makes them soon desist

gimp

also is

much

less likely to

kink or tangle

the

vexation and loss of time caused by breaking and

entangling of the

line,

while Eel-fishing, every expefelt.

rienced Angler must have

When ledger-fishing,
you a small portable
your hook, &c.

at night,

you must carry with

you
to bait
it is

lantern, to enable

Note, while
line

so fishing at night,

advisable to bait with a small live Fish instead of a

worm,
Jack
3

if

the Eels are large, or the place contains

if

more than one

is

used, bait with dif-

ferent baits, or with such baits as

ing.
this

you

find

most

kill-

Trout, Barbel, Carp,

and Chub, are caught by

mode

of fishing, both by night and day, using

proper baits and tackle

see Barbel, Trout, &c.)

fit

for the purpose, (for

which

^Note,

when

short of small

Fish, for baits, I cut Bleak into three pieces to bait

for Eels
line, as
:

observe,

when

fishing for Eels with a ledger

well as a floated line, do not be in too

much
if

haste to strike

when you

see a bite, for Eels generally

gorge the

bait, and, consequently,

hook themselves,
if

you give them time (say a few moments) 3 but

you

BOBBING FOR EELS.

strike too soon,

125
j

you mostly miss hooking the Fish you cannot

3

but when you have hooked them, get them on shore

as soon as possible, for
tire

Eels by play-

ing them like other Fish

on the contrary, they very

always use

often get round weeds or rushes so tight that they

generally break your hook, line, or rod.
I

two hooks on

my

ledger, placing the top one about

;

two
from

feet
its

above the bottom

proper place,
fix

and

to prevent
it

it

moving
it,

a shot above
is

and below

in the

way which you

down,
Ledger-fishing

will see

done to prevent the

lead slipping
fig. 3.

in the cut of
is

Angling Apparatus,

a killing

mode

of angling

in large

deep waters, tide rivers, docks, sea harbours,

lines.

&c. Eels are also taken with dead

fishing.J

(See Flounder-

Bobbing for Eels.

Bobbing

for Eels

is

practised in a boat, with a large

bunch of worms suspended by a strong cord from a

pole or stout rod, in the following manner.
all,

First of

you

must procure a large quantity of worms,

lobs,
do,)

(marsh and blue-headed worms are better than

though small lobs will

or coarse thread, by

and string them on worsted

needle,

passing a

which you

fasten to coarse thread or worsted, through them from

head to

tail,

until

you have
as a

as

many strung

as will
3

form a bunch as large

fasten

good sized turnip

then

them on the
level.

lines, so that all

is

the ends

may

hang
of a

In the middle

placed a piece of lead,

conical or bell form, the

broad end

down-

M 2

126
wards, which
shops,

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

may be
for

got at any of the fishing tackle

;

made

the purpose

thus
let

prepared, cast
to the

the baits into the water gently

them sink

bottom, and then keep

raising

them a few inches

until

from the ground, and dropping them again,

have a
bite,

you

which
:

is easily perceived, as the

Eel tugs
at the

very strongly

be as expert as possible, and,

in raising
off,

same time, steady

Fish, in

your

line, so that

your

dropping

may

fall into

the boat.

Im-

mense numbers

are taken by this method.

or

During
or

the hot weather, always fish

rather shallow water, and

bob

in shoal,
5

out of the stream

dur-

ing the night most are taken, but they will lay hold
freely in the

day time.

Rivers, in

which the

tide

flows, afford the best success, particularly during ebbtide.

^Note, those

of threadling red

who will take the additional trouble worms instead of any others, will

increase their sport four-fold.

Spearing and Sniggling or BrogUng for Eels.

By

sniggling,

many good

Eels are taken in rivers

and other waters, during

the

Spring and

Summer
is

months; they are also taken by spearing, which

and

done by striking or jobbing the spear among weeds

soft

sandy bottoms of rivers, ponds, and ditches

Eels are procured by this method.
all

many
are

fine

Those

spears are sold at

the fishing tackle shops, and

Eel-spears.

known by

the

name of

SNIGGLING FOR EELS.

12/

Sniggling for Eels.

The
scribe
5

art of sniggling is

somewhat

difficult to de-

yet as

it is

most valuable, and, indeed, the

only way, that can be practised in the day time to

take large Eels by baits, I shall bestow every pains
to explain the

method pursued

in sniggling,

and

illus-

trate the same with cuts representing the needle, line,

&c.,

employed

in this species of fishing.

is

In place of

a hook, a stout needle

used

that kind with

which

tailors stitch button-holes,

and the small needle, used

;

by sail-makers, are the best

they should not exceed

two inches

in length

before you use them, break off

point,
it

about the eighth of an inch of the

strengthens the needle, and
still

which

leaves

sufficiently

sharp for the purpose of sniggling.

few yards of

whip, or any small cord,

or any thing else,
is

wound on

a thumb-winder,
;

sufficient for the line

but the

same quantity of stout

trolling for Pike,
is

platted silk, such as

:

is

used in

far superior

for a rod, a
is

branch

of willow, or hazel, near three yards long,

generally

used

the small end being bent nearly to a half-circle,

to that shape

and confined
'

by tying a string near the

point,

and fastening the other end of it near the middle

of the rod.
rod,

A friend

of mine has

much improved

the

by using about half a yard of

which does away

stout bell-wire,

either of copper, brass, or iron, for the bend, or circle

at the top,

entirely the necessity of

tying across with strings and this wire also passes

through the water with less resistance than wood

128

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

I
and you can have a fine point
to the wire,

consequently
con-

you are not so

veying
it

liable to injure the

worm when

to the hole.

You
to

can bend the wire-top to

the shape

most proper
often

convey your bait to a hole,

diffi-

which

is

wanted when sniggling, from the

culty of getting near the place

to be.
reel

where an Eel

is

thought

(See the Cut of a

line.)

Rod with a wire

top,

Thumb-

and

Heron,

SNIGGLING FOR EELS.

129

CO

<

^ o o 1

130
Note.
are

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

The preceding
simple

cuts of sniggling-rods, &c.

the most

apparatus for

taking

Eels

by sniggling.

In respect to tops for sniggling-rods,

six-

some Anglers use them^ made of hickery, about

teen inches long, which consists of three pieces join-

ed together, with two neat brass hinges, similar to

those used in making folding rules those hinges, these tops
-,

by the aid of
or bent to

may be formed
is

any shape most

the

likely to enable the

Angler to place
lay.

worm where
is

an Eel

suspected to
for,

This

top
it

very convenient to carry,

when

folded up,

will lay in your pocket tackle-book.

Those who
fit

use these folding tops, have them made to

the

second top joint of their general fishing rod, so that

the same rod can be used for every kind of angling,

except whipping with

flies.

Those who prefer the

conveniently carry a
I

wire for sniggling-tops,

length or two
in

may

the butt of their rods.

have killed
for

many

Eels by sniggling, using

my
:

walking stick
it

the rod, after tying to the thin end of

about half a

yard of the said stout bell-wire

lacerating the

to prevent the wire

it

worm too much,

it

while conducting
tie

in

search of an Eel,

should be blunted, or

a silk or
it

thread round the point end, which will prevent

penetrating too far

tle

in,

destroying your worm.

lit-

experience in sniggling will enable the Angler to

select

which he thinks the best among those tops

enumerated.

TO TIE ON THE NEEDLE, &C.

131

How
To whip
some
silk,

to tie

on the Needle, and halt

it.

or

tie

the needle to the line

is

clone
first

with

waxed with shoe-maker's wax,

laying

the end of the line nearly half-way

down

the needle,

within a quarter of an inch of the eye or thick end,

and tying

it

strongly on

the line will then

hang from

about the middle of the needle, leaving the smaller

end quite bare, and also a quarter of an inch of the

larger.

In baiting the needle, enter the thick end

tail,

thereof into the worm, near the

and carry
as

near to the head

then draw the

worm
;

it down much back

as will completely cover the needle

the line will

then hang from the

tail,

and the head will be presentis

ed to the Eel.

The

best rod for sniggling

about

two yards of
tie

light stiff

bamboo

to the top of

which

about half a yard of wire, as before described,

to the

which you can readily bend

shape most conve-

nient for carrying the bait to any place you wish.

Some

Snigglers put the needle into the

tail
is

worm

near

the head, so that the

presented to the Eel,

which, from
is

its

moving

or twisting about, they think

more

likely to entice the Eel to bite.

The worms

proper for sniggling are tough and well-scowered lob

worms, marl worms, or very large marsh worms,

equally tough and well scowered, for those large Eels
will

seldom take a
j

worm
if

that

is

just

dug from the

earth

and besides,

not well scowered, the

it

worm

is

apt to break while you are preparing

needle.

with the

132

THE anglek's guide.

Places where large Eels

lie,

and the way

to take them.

During t^he Spring and Summer months, especially when the water, in rivers, lakes, ponds, ditches, &c., is much decreased, is the time to expect most sport by
sniggling
;

for, at

such times. Eels

lie in

holes in the

banks of
surface,

rivers,

and other waters, not

far

below the
and be-

and between the planks of wharfings, the

mill-tails,

boards that form the aprons of

tween any planks and boards about woo den -ridges,

and flood-gates
mill-pools,
3

under and between large stones about

in ditches

and also

which are nearly

dry,

and have communication with rivers and streams.

The places in the banks proper to offer a bait at, may be known by observing holes, some nearly as large
as rat holes, and

some

smaller.

While sniggling,
Some-

present your bait to every hole and crevice you meet

with, a
little

below the surface of the water.

it

times, after

you have hooked an Eel,

is

will prove too

large to be pulled out, recourse

then had to digor

ging him out,

planks,
it is

if in

a bank

if

between boards

often found necessary to

saw or

force

asunder those obstructions.

likely to contain

Having met with

hand, and

a place
di-

an Eel, bait the needle as before

your
left
fix

rected

hold

it

in

the point of

the wire, or the point of the bent rod, lightly into the

worm,

at the tail end,

and convey the head end of the

crevice,

worm

just within the hole or

lies, (all

where you

suspect an Eel

the while holding the line in

EELS.

133
as
is

your

left

hand, loosening as

much
if

necessary to

let the bait

reach the said hole or crevice,) hold your

the Eel
is

bait

still
it,

a few minutes, and

inclined to

take

you

will feel

him dragging the worm further

hold of your worm,
the rod, which, as before obof to convey the bait to

in the hole.
it

When the- Eel takes

slips off

immediately
is

served,

only

made use
bite,

the place where you expect to find an Eel.

This,
is,

which

is

called a

in other

modes of angling,

in this case, called a take-off,

from the Eel taking or

slipping the

worm

off the point of the rod.

Do

not

check

it,

but give him two minutes or more to gorge,

fix

then strike smartly, and you will

his

the needle across

stomach or

throat.

Dc

not pull, but only hold

the line tight, and they, generally, soon

make

their

appearance

you then
in

will,

of course,

lift

the Eel out,

and secure him

your bag or basket.

fish for
is

The
soft

best time to

Eels

is

in the day,

immeafter a

diately the water

settled after a flood,

and during

showery and hot gloomy weather, and

night of thunder and lightning, &c.

Recollect,

when
it,

you have caught an Eel,

sever the

to put your foot

on

and

back bone, near the head, with a knife,

disables

which completely
the line clear
till

him

you may then

;

kjeep

you have unhooked him

for they

are covered with a slimy substance,

which prevents

your holding them, and unless speedily disabled by

cutting, as above,
J

they entangle the line in endless

of

confusion.

The month

May

is

the best

month
till

in

the year for catching Eels, from morning

nighty

134

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

all

and

night.

Large Eels, especially those caught

to be hard of digestion

in rivers,

are considered nutritious food, but, at the

;

same time, are known

fore, those

there-

who

attend to their health as well as gra-

tifying their palate, should be careful that this Fish

is

well dressed, or thoroughly done, before

it is

eaten j

to effect which, they should

he parboiled before they

called

are spit-chucked,
fried, broiled, or

(commonly
in

pitch-cocked,)

baked

pie.

Observations on Eels.

Eels live

many

years, and

grow to a very large

in length,

size^

even to measure a yard and a half

and

weighing more than

of water with a

fifteen

pounds.

They

are fond

they do not love

they prefer the
stones, and

muddy or sandy bottom, but yet muddy water and, if in a river,

;

still

parts, lying

under large chalk-

stumps or roots of

trees,

between

piles,

planking, or in holes in the banks, from which they

seldom move during the day.

themselves up, and
in the
lie in

In Winter, they coil

numbers together, buried

the
that they will

mud and

sand, in a torpid state, until

life,

Spring.
live

So tenacious are Eels of

many

days out of water and without food, until

they are almost putrid atid become offensive to the

olfactory nerve.

NIGHT LINES, &C., FOR EELS.

135

CHAP. XVI.

Directions for fitting, baiting and laying Night and

Chain Lines, for Eels.

Large Eels very seldom take a

except they are sniggled
for,

bait in the day time,

but run and feed freely

dark)
;

during the night, (especially

fore,

when very

there-

the Angler

who

wishes to furnish his own, or

friend's table,

with

fine Eels,

must take the trouble

fitted, baited, &c.,

of laying night lines for them,

the following

in

manner

For the peg or single

chalk
line, laid cord,

line,

take about ten yards of

;

or strong whip cord

but four
line

strands of

Dutch twine, platted together, make a

is

much much
to

superior to any other for strength, and

less inclined to kinkle or tangle.
fix

also

Tie the line

firmly in the

a stout peg stick, which you

ground, then fasten the length of ten inches of gimp,

platted silk, or three strands of platted
or

Dutch twine,
you
your

whatever your hook

is

tied to, to the line, either

j

with a loop or a draw slip-knot

line

but

if

fit

with a stout hook swivel, to hang the hook link

13
on,
it is

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

better than any other

way

-,

about two or

three inches above the loop or swivel, place a bullet

or a ledger lead on the line, to sink the bait, and a

swan shot before

down.
(See the

it,

to

keep the bullet from slipping

Cut.J

The proper hooks

for this

mode

of Eel-fishing, are single or double small-sized

Eel hooks.

The
is

single,

when
;

worm

or piece of

Lamprey

is

used for a bait

and the double, when

Small Roach, Dace,
all

a small Fish

used for a

bait.

Bleak, or Gudgeons, about four inches long, are

proper baits, and also Miller

s
-,

Thumb, Stone Loach,

but small Gudgeons
finding

and pieces of Lamprey Eels

and Bleak

I prefer, for baits, to every other,

them

a killing bait in

most waters.

Note,
if

the inis

tent of putting a perforated bullet or ledger lead,

to suffer the Eel to take the bait without feeling any

m
'

check, which would not be the case

not a hole through
it
;

the lead had

for, in

that case,

when

the Eel
lead,
;

draws the

bait,

it

would

feel the

weight of the
it

and, probably, would be alarmed, and leave

but

when
away

there

is

a hole through the bullet or ledger

line

lead, the bait

and

then moves without dragging

either the perforated bullet or ledger.

When

you bait the hook with either of the above

fix it to

enumerated Fish, take a baiting needle and

the loop of the gimp, or

what the hook

and draw
each

is

tied to

enter the point of the needle in the bait-fish's mouth,

and bring

it

out at the

tail,

till

the hooks

are brought to lay close on

side

the

bait's

mouth

(See the Cat);

now

tie the bait-fish just

above

NIGHT LINES, &C., FOR EELS.

the
tail

13/

with some strong thread, to keep the gimp*

or whatever the hooks are fastened to, from drawing

the hooks out of their proper place, or position, and

aU

will

be right.

If

you bait with Lamprey, they

should be pieces about one or two inches long.

Note.

That part which contains the roe are the most

I

enticing pieces.

have not found Lamprey a good

bait for Eels in any other rivers but those into

which
j

the tide flows, yet, in them,

it is

a very killing bait

neither do they answer in any ponds

where

have tried

them.

If

you use worms for

;

baits,

they should be

well scowered

large lob worms, put on a single hook,

in the following

manner
to

but observe, that a short

:

shanked hook
!

is

be preferred

Take

a long

minnow

baiting-needle, and fix

is

it

to

the gimp, or

what the hook

head

tied to

enter the point

of the needle close to the

it

tail
till

of the

worm, and bring

is

out at

its

draw

the shank of the hook

completely covered, taking care also that the point

and barb of the hook are hid or covered in the

but
let

worm worm hang loose from the point of the hook for, when much
5

no more than a quarter of an inch of the

j

is

left loose.

Eels are apt to nibble

it

off,

and avoid

taking the part which contains the hook.

glers bait their
at the
prefer,

Some Anwhich
I

hook by entering the point of the needle

tail,

head of the worm, instead of the

because the hook then lays in the thickest part

of the worm, and, therefore, the point and barb are less
likely to

show or be

felt,

while the Eel

is

sucking in

the bait.

Note,

hooks baited with worms are very

n2

138

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

frequently bit and mutilated by small Eels, Minnows,

&c., therefore prefer Fish for baits, unless the water

you lay

in,

abounds with Trout, Carp, or Chub, who

worm-bait
at night;

will all take a

bait

in

which

case,

some of the hooks with worms, and others with

have taken large Eels with live frogs
it

Fish.

In ponds,
for a bait,
I

but have not found

to

answer

in rivers

have, also, used about two inch pieces of fowl's

guts put on
pieces of

my

hooks, same
:

way
it

as described with

Lampreys

Eels will certainly take this bait

in ponds, but I

have not tried

To

much

in rivers.

lay Eel Lines.

Choose those parts of

baited hook
is

rivers or waters

where the

not likely to be buried in the mud, or

;

entangled in heavy and strong beds of weeds

and,

if

the lines were fastened to bank- runners, instead of

peg-sticks, the Angler would sustain

much

less loss

of lines, hooks, and Eels, as the line gives

way

gra-

dually from the runner^ and, in consequence, seldom

gets twisted, or checks a Fish

bait,
coils.

when he

is

taking the
is

which

will occur

when

the spare line

laid in

Though

Eels generally lay, during the day,

among weeds,

in holes or in the

mud,

yet,

run, and are on the feed at night, they

when they come to the

clean scowers, and on the sandy or gravelly part of

the stream, near beds of weeds, chalk stones, large

lumps of earth that have parted from the banks^ &c.

in

-,

such parts lay your

lines.

Some Anglers

will take

the trouble to clear a sufficient space in the middle

CHAIN LINES FOR EELS.

of a Large bed of

139
iri;,

weeds

to lay lines
3

and they are

generally well paid for their trouble

lay

and those

who
lay

twenty hooks baited, and each hook fastened to a

single line, will take

more Eels than those who

lines are laid, there
lines,

twice the
line.

number

of baited hooks, fastened to a chain

is

Note, when chain

on the

no occa-

sion for bullets

turfs

because the bricks or

keep them
or ground.

in their places,

which

is

on the bot-

tom

(See the Cut.)

(^
Chain Line.

The Chain Line

of

is

so

named, from having a number

to
it,

hooks baited and tied

:

and

is fitted in

the

fol-

lowing manner

take from twelve to twenty yards,

according to the number of hooks you intend to fasten

to
it,

of stout cord, about the size of line

;

which sash

windows are hung with

some Anglers
3

these sash lines are used by

others use thin clothes' lines, or roast:

ing jack line, either of which will do

of the line
turf,

fasten one end

by a loop

to a brick, or a piece of square

:

cut from a field or bank (See the Cut)

to bait should

the hooks

which you intend

be tied to about half

a yard, or less, of trolling line, gimp, platted

Dutch

twine, breeches-makers' thread, or

thin cord,

some other strong

and baited

in

the same manner as already

described for the single, or peg-line, fastening the

140

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

baited hooks to the large stout line, about three feet

a-part, with a slip

draw knot, when the hooks will

j

hang
and

free

from each other

then fasten the other end

of the large line to another brick, or clump of turf,

all
is

ready to cast or lay in the water.

Note,

Eels will run and take a bait at night from

the latter end of November, unless
shines very bright, during

March until when the moon

dark

which nights the Angler

and baits
in store for

had better keep

his lines
first

nights, especially the

week

of a

new moon, and

the last of an old one, at which time he will do well

to lay his lines every night.

To

cast in Chain Lines,

and take them up.

If the nights are cold, cast

your

line in so that

it

will lay near the

side of or

under the bank, rather

i

than in a shallow, or current, because the Eels can then see the
bait,

and take

it

close to their holes, for

far,

they will not

move

or run
lines in

during cold nights.

in

When
the

you lay chain

running waters, cast

first

brick up the stream, the other

down

the

current will then keep the hooks hanging free from

each other.

When
must
first

you

come

to

take up

chain lines,

you

provide yourself with stout drag hooks

(sold at all the fishing-tackle shops) fastened to plenty

of strong cord

throw

in the

hooks over the part

and draW
in

where you have placed the

it

line in the water,

to the shore.

Single lines

may be drawn

by the

hand, or taken in by a forked stick, or trimmer rod.

NIGHT LINES, &C. FOR EeLS.

by putting the fork under the
hoisting
it

141

line near the hookS;

and

up.

On

laying

Lines for Eels ; also on Baits, Hooks, and

to

the

proper time
S;c.

lay

and take them up,

to

dry,

cleanse them,

In directing the Angler to fasten his chain line to

bricks, stones, or
to

lumps of

earth,

it

applies chiefly

rivers

and other waters that are public or

much

attended by Anglers, boat fishermen, bargemen, &c.

because, in such waters, he
is

likely to

have his lines

discovered

if

they are fastened to piles, branches of

;

trees, or stakes

therefore, the fastening to bricks,

&c.,

is

the
feels

safest

way^ but
all

in waters

where the
can

Angler

confident

will

be secure, he

often lay his baited chain lines to

more advantage
a
boat,

with
&c.

the assistance of a second person in

If the baits

are well taken

line, bricks

by good Eels, they

all,

will often drag the

and

a considerin,

able distance from the place they were cast

if

and

they do not tear or twist themselves

off,

they will

often entangle the line, hooks, and themselves

among
the

heavy beds of weeds, and give

Angler
in

infinite trouble to

recovering and fitting his line for another

night's fishing.

Therefore, those
lines,

who

live near

where they lay

their
after

had better begin

;

to

take

them up soon
if

twelve at pight

for

by that hour,
bait,

Eels run, they

line,

H
J
I

will certainly

have taken the

little

and then the

;

hooks, &c., are but

confused

neither

will a

142

THE angler's guide.

to get away, for

good Eel have had time

you should

know, they never cease

trying, for ^^many hours after

they are hooked, to escape, which they frequently do

when hooked

in the throat or

mouth

for,

hy

their

continually twisting and struggling, they rip the

hook
3

through the tender parts of the throat or mouth

but
if

they have

it

in their

maw

or stomach, and the

tackle be good, their most violent exertions will be

in vain.

In large ditches and narrow

streams, that have

to

communication with
bo found
3

rivers,

good Eels are often

and

if

not broader than the Angler can

leap with the assistance of a leaping pole, and the

said ditch or stream
is

protected, the Angler should

lay bis line right across, fastening each end to stakes

on the opposite banks.

Note.
in

In putting
line,

in those stakes,

do not

fix

them

a direct

opposite each other, but a yard or

to the

more (according
(^f

number of hooks and length

line

line

you use) below, so that the

across

and hooks

may
room
line
;

lay obliquely
for

the water, which allows

if

more baited hooks than

also, I

laid in a straight

and

have found

my baited hooks
This

do more
side

execution, thus laid, for the Eels run

more on the

of sharp streams than in the middle.

fastening lines to

way

of

stakes should always be preferred,

j

where

it

can be done

or

when

laying at the end of

mill-tail streams, or in the shallow parts or pools of

water, formed from

flood gates, &c.
3

falls

of water over precipices,

in

such places, with a boat, you can

NIGHT LINES, &C. FOR EELS.'

place the baited

143

hooks to the best advantage,

to search for

and

you know where

;toe
,Qften
J

them without

loss of

for,

when

fastened to any thing moveable, you

in recovering

have a great deal of trouble

and
that frequently
laid
it
3

your

iine,

fifty

yards or

more from

whence you have

it

and when you have brought

to hand,

it is

such a confused mass of weeds. Eels,

oflf,

and the slime from those which have twisted

Jtardly

that

any other than the most patient of Anglers

find

would

resolution

enough

to untwist

or disen-

iangle the number of knots, which his line and hooks

are tied in
ly,
-,

but this ought to be done immediateline cleared

and the

and washed from

it

all

impu-

rities,

and carefully dried, or

soon

rots.

When
which
is

you cast

in

the

water your
or

chain line,
else,

made

fast

to

bricks,

any thing

past in the first brick underhanded,

up the stream,
stream
j

and

the other
a note in

down

or

across the

then

make
find
it

your pocket-book of something on

object, that

the bank, or
again.

some other

you may readily

When
Stake,
f)ff

laying lines from a boat, fasten one end of

all

the line (having

brick, or

your hooks

first
3

baited) to a

whatever you intend

then push
the water,
until

the boat, and let the hooks drop

in

regularly, as the boat goes

down

the stream,

they are
lihe.

all

out
is

then fasten the other end of your

This

the

way the

fishermen,

on various

puts of the sea

trots.

coast,

lay their

short lines, called

lines, after

In regard

to

baits for

Eel

much

144
prp.ctice

THE ANGLER
and experience,
to
I

GUIDE.

can

aver,
for

that
killing

worms
large

are the least

Eels, and that

be depended on

when
if

the Angler lays in large rivers,

or tide rivers,

he can procure small Gudgeons, Dace,

Bleak,

large white

not be with spawn,) and

sesses the best and

Minnows (the Minnows should Lamprey Eels, he then poskilling baits.

in

most

have
the

killed

a great

many large Eels

in

docks,

among

ship-

ping, and also

ponds, by baiting

my night lines
salt

with

chicken's guts, which

I first parboil,

and then sprinkle

beef,
it

with

salt

and also with boiled

which

cut in shape like a Fish, before I put

on

my

hook.
j

Some Anglers think Fish

but this opinion
sport
is

object to every thing salt

erroneous, for I have had excellent

laid
first

when
let

have

my

fish-baits, (that

have not
night,

been touched the

having

night,) on the second

all

them

lay separate
salt.

day,

first

having

sprinkled

them with

Note.

In

choosing Eel hooks, prefer the single

is

ones whose shank

similar to the
;

Kirby hook,

to

those which have a loop shank

especially with a
also
is
it.

because when baited,

worm,
be
felt

it

tears the bait less, and

is

less likely to

while the Eel

swallow-

ing

And

further observe, to choose hooks that

are narrow in the bend, and never use

for

them

too large

hooks well manufactured and of good shape, of

6, for

the sizes No.

7, single for

baiting with Fish, or those of No.

will kill Eels of

worms,

any

size,

while

larger hooks tear or mutilate the bait, and standing

rank frequently cause alarm or suspicion in the Eels,

EEL FISHING.
and they then often suck part of the
very
bait

145
away, but
their

seldom
I

suffer

the

hook

to

come within

mouths. Eel
lines,

have seen pieces of sharp thorn tied to

as a needle
is

same

to a sniggling line, and

baited with worms, laid at night in the

Thames, and
is

both Eels and Flounders caught with them, which

done by the thorn getting across the throat or stomach

of the Eel or Flounder,

when swallowed.
is

Note.

The proper time to lay or put single or chain

water for Eels, &c.,
just as the sun
is
3

lines in the

setting

at

which time. Eels

search of food

(large ones especially)

begin to -move from their holes, or other places of

shelter, in
;

therefore,

according to

the

number

of baited hooks you intend laying, begin

in time,

to bait

them

because

it

takes

a considerit is

able time to bait

some score of hooks, and

ne-

cessary they should be in the water at sun set, for

you must know that the fore part of the night

is

better than the latter, and, as I have before observed,

the sooner after twelve o'clock the lines are taken

up the

better.

Lamprey

Eel.

The Lamprey Eel

or Seven Eyes, but

is

of the shape of the Lamprey,

of a

much

larger
;

size, being-

taken sometimes nearly three feet long

the skin
5

is

of a blackish colour, and full of lightish spots

it

has

no bones, but

it

has a gristle
to

down

the back.

They
rivers,
in,

come from the sea

in the

spawn

in fresh

water

month of March, and

deposit their

spawn

146
holes

THE angler's guide.

sandy bottom. In the month

made

in a gravelly,

of April, after leaving their

spawn
:

safely,

they quit

the fresh water again for the sea

in

about three

months, the spawn becomes a brood of Lampreys,

about four or
five inches long.

The Lamprey Eel is

frequently caught in the river Severn, near Gloucester,

while angling for Gudgeons, Perch, Flounders,

&c., with a

worm.

The Lamprey, Lampern, or Seven Eyes.

This Fish
is

about a foot long

the back
silver

is
:

dark,

and belly white, much resembling the

have seven holes,
head.
ford,

Eel

they

like shot holes,

on each side of the

They

are found in the

Richmond, and other

places, in

Thames about BrentMarch and April,

not

when they

are in the best state, but they are

;

considered wholesome food

their bodies, not

they have no bones in

in its place,
is

even a back bone, but,

a sort of gristly substance.

killing bait for Eels, put
in pieces

The Lamprey
line or
:

a most

on a night

trimmer,
they
are,

about an inch and a half long

sometimes, caught by the Angler in the Thames, and

other large rivers, that have a communication with the
sea, (to

which the Lamprey more properly belongs,)

in the Spring,

when

fishing with a

worm

but they
I

are never angled for

purposely in any place that

am

acquainted with.

After spawning, they hasten

again to the sea, leaving their brood in the sand or

gravel of rivers.

This Fish, Pliny informs us,

will

FLOUNDER AND SMELT FISHING.

live sixty years,
.quite

147

and may be trained so as to become

tame

the

Roman

ladies used

them

as pets,
gills.

and

suspended jewels and ear-rings to their

tensius, the orator,
also kept a

Hor-

tame one, and wept

at its death.

Naturalists reckon eight species of Lampreys, but

three only are noticed in general by Anglers, viz. the

the

Lamprey or Seven Eyes, the Blind Lamprey, and Lamprey Eel. The Blind Lamprey is very small,
not larger than a lob-worm
j

the body
is
:

is

divided into

rings, like
it

worms

its

mouth

round and open, but

it

has neither teeth nor tongue

has a hole on the

is

head, and seven on each side.

This Lamprey

only

valuable as a bait for Eels, laid as night lines.

Lam-

preys

the Spotted

may be bought of the Thames Fishermen, at Dog public-house. Strand-lane, in the

^

Strand

and are certainly the best bait

in

for Eels laid

with lines at night,

some

parts

of the Lea, say

within ten miles of London.

CHAP. XVII.
The Fluke, or Flounder, and Smelt.

The Flounder
flows, or those

is

only found in rivers where the tide

sea.

which have connection with the

148
as

THE ANGLER
they are properly a sea
:

GUIDE.
only leave
it

fish,

to

spawn

they are generally considered a very sweet

Fish, light

and easy of digestion.

In the creeks

from Blackwall to Bromley, Stratford, and West-

Ham,
and
of the

also in the Docks,

and the canal

at

Limehouse,

in

the

other Docks, &c., on the opposie side

river,

they are taken either with dead-lines

the

or floated, in

same manner

as

Eelsj in

fact,

when you angle

Flounders

for Eels in this part,

you angle

for

also, as

they will both take the same baits,

;

and

at the

same season

it

also frequently

happens

that you take both Flounders and Eels, promiscuously,

when

fishing for Eels with a floated line, on

which

you may put two or three hooks, about nine inches

above each other.

line.

See fishing for Eels with a floated

The

colour of the Flounder

:

is

generally a dark mot-

tled olive

they spawn about March, and are in sea-

son until Winter.

are
to

Those caught
;

in the river
I

Thames
superior
sea.

very

sweet and firm

and,
to

think,

any that are brought

delight to
:

market from the

They

lie

among

sand, gravelly banks,

and bottoms

they will likewise thrive in clean gra-

velly ponds, particularly if a

it.

stream runs through

Note, when angling

we
find

for

Flounders in rivers near

the sea, you will meet with Flounders

much

larger

than those
case, use a

take near London

therefore, in

such

hook of No. 6 or

7> for, in

some

tide rivers,

you may

Flounders weighing from one to two

HOW

TO ANGLE FOR SMELTS, &C.

3

149

pounds a piece

and they will take a bait during

almost every montli in the year.

How

to

angle for Smelts, and Observations thereon.

Smelts are well

the
table.

known

as a

most

delicious Fish for

They

are of an elegant shape, covered

;

with loose white scales

the back

is

of a dark hue,

but the sides and belly are ahnost transparent, and

5hine like silver
;

the eyes have also the same silvery

appearance

their

jaws and tongue have many teeth,

and very large

and July,

for so small a Fish.

rive twice every year in the

yet,
it

Thames, that

Though they aris, in March

arrive,

is

said,

they do not get above Lon-

don Bridge during

if

their last visit.

AVhen they

the season be favourable for the Fishermen to

work

their nets, they then take, or rather used to take, an

immense quantity

of them,

which enables the poor

Fisherman to discharge some of the debts he unavoidably contracts in Winter, in consequence of his

not being able to labour in his vocation.

Between

London Bridge and Lambeth,

for taking Smelts in nets
;

is

the principal place

but, for the last twenty

years past, those poor Fishermen have been deprived

of their resourse for paying off the debts of Winter,

by the Smelts not making their annual appearance

in

the river Thames, previous to the time above alluded

to.
\

The

river

used to swarm with

this delicious Fish.

In July,
various

we

used to begin angling for Smelts, in the

3

wet docks, below bridge

o 2

but at the floating

150

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

timber, laying at Limehouse-hole, was a favorite place

for

Smelt -fishing

from those timbers a hundred

in

dozen have frequently been taken

again. Perry's Dock, Blackwall,

a day.

Then,
to the

now belonging

East India Company, what a place for Smelts

days
!

^From

in those

this place,

it

was noways unusual for an

expert Angler to carry away upwards of twenty dozen

of fine Smelts.
six
I

have, very frequently, taken five or

in the

dozen before eight o'clock

morning, and

returned

home

to

breakfast, then residing about

;

two

miles from the spot

river, is nearly

but this dock, as well as the

;

deserted by the Smelts

in fact, there

has been so few, for several years past, that myself

and many others, have entirely declined

ourselves about them.

troubling

Th^ only
and few
in

place, at present,

they are sought

after, is
size,

in the City Canal,

but they
I

are very small in

number.

have

made much

inquiry on the subject of the Smelts not

visiting, as usual, the river

Thames, but without any

in the following

satisfactory result.

Smelts are caught by angling

ner
:

man-

you must have an exceeding strong and

line,

flexible

top to your rod, strong gut

ten to twelve or

heavy

float,

and from

more hooks, about eight

will stand better

or nine inches
line
if

apart
tied

the hooks
on a
or 9 hooks
j

from the

fine bristle,

about six inches long.

Use

No.

8.

the best baits are a small piece of

the belly of an Eel, and pieces of a Smelt, the bottom

hook touching the ground.

they throw the
float

Note,

when

they
it

bite,
;

up

all

other Fish pull

down

HOW

TO ANGLE FOR SMELTS, &C.

strike immediately

and strong.

Smelts will some-

times take blood worms. Shrimps, or pieces of Lobsters, &c.,

and also red worms.

The

pieces of Smelt

or Eel for bait, should be about the size of a fingernail.*

They

are very frequently fished for without a float,

but with hooks, lines, &c. as

above described, and

with a small piece of lead at bottom, which you occasionally let dip or touch the ground, gently raising

and sinking
fishing,

it,

till

you

feel a bite

this is called dip-

from the name of the

lead,
is

(which

may be

procured at the tackle- shops,) and

tive

the

most destruc-

way

of killing Smelts.

You

always find Smelts

is

in deep water, therefore a long line

necessary.
is in

The
the

best place to catch these Fish, near London,

canal that runs from Limehouse-hole to Blackwall,

through the
taken
off

Isle of

Dogs

they are also, sometimes,

all

the logs lying in the Thames, and in

the

wet docks below London-bridge.

early and late

You may

fish for

Smelts from July to November and December

is

very

the most suvicessful time

take twenty or thirty dozen in a day.

many will Note, when

you angle with a dip instead of a

you do not

float,

put a small

piece of white feather at the top of your rod, you will

then see,

if

feel,

a bite.

* Smelts will bite, although the hook shows through the bait

which

is

fortunate for the Angler, because every time he strikes,

the points of the hooks are forced through the bait, in consequence

of his being obliged to strike with

much

force

and quickness, or

he loses a

bite.

152

THE ANGLER
its

GUIDE.

From

peculiar smell, which greatly resembles

its name known by the

that of a cucmnber, this delicate Fish takes

in this country,

but in Germany

it

is

name

of the Stink-Jisck.

They spawn the

latter end

of March, and immediately afterwards they

go down'

the river towards the sea.

They

are generally about

seven inches long, but will grow to the weight of

nearly half a pound.

In salt water,

have caught

Smelts, by angling in Portsmouth harbour, and in

various salt water docks, by the
in the

same method

as used

Thames.

Dead

Lines.

A
dead

great
lines,

many

Eels, Flounders, &c., are taken with

in

between Blackwall and Old Ford,

the

several creeks
Mills,

round Bromley, West-Ham, Abbeytide flows

and Stratford, where the

from the

river

Thames.

The dead

line

is

made

of whipcord,
affix-

generally about six yards in length, to which are

ed

five or

six

hooks, which should be tied on pieces

of bristle, twisted hair, or gut, not

more than

four

inches long, with a loop at the end.

rally

The hook gene;

chosen for this purpose

is

a No. 8

but in fishing

for

Flounders in brackish waters, where they generally

run large, you

7.

may

use a hook of the size of No. 6 or

the line (beginning at the botj

Loop the hooks on

tom) about afoot and a half apart

the ground, as every hook must

close to every

hook

put a large shot, or piece of lead, to keep the bait on

lie at

the bottom, for

which purpose you should throw

sufficient length of

OBSERVATIONS ON FLOUNDER TACKLE^ &C.

line into the water.

153

Flounders and Eels seldom take

bait, unless

it

lies

on the ground

the best bait

is

red

worm, or

a live Shrimp.

Fishing in this way, you

may use
in

half a dozen lines at a time,

by casting them

a few yards from each other, and tying the line to a

weed, or a small stick stuck in the ground, or bank.

It is necessary to

have a short rod with you, three or

is

four yards long, to the top of which

fixed a small iron

crutch, or fork, in shape like the letter

with this rod

:

you take up the

lines in the following

manner
forward

take

the line in your left hand, and with the right pass the
crutch, or fork, under the line, pushing
it

in the

water some distance, by which means you can easily

lift

out your line over weeds, or any other impediment.

this rod, or crutch,

Without
to drag

you would be compelled

the lines up the side or bank, where the

baits,

hooks would catch the weeds, &c., and spoil the

and occasion you
infinite trouble.

number of Flounders, Eels, Perch, Roach, Dace, and Gudgeons, are caught by this method of fishing, in
great
those creeks I have named, especially from an hour
after

high-water,
:

until

the

time the tide

is

quite

run out
latter

you may begin to use dead

lines in the

end of January, and meet with success until

night.

December, day and

If

you

fish for

Eels

among

the shipping in the river

Thames,

act in the following

manner: get some stoutish

it

lay-cord, say about twenty yards, and fasten on

from

three to six hooks, about half a yard apart from each

other,

and about the same distance above the top hook

154

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
flat lead,

fasten a very large ledger lead, or a piece of

which should weigh nearly a pound,

and
line

to

keep the hooks

6, tied

from drifting

use hooks of the size No.

to twisted gut, silk, or fine gimp,

and bait with pieces

of lean corned boiled beef, about the size of a broad

bean.
If

you hold the

;

line

in

your hand, you will

feel a bite

snatch the line sharp, and with force, and

you will hook the Eel.

quite low water.

Note,

this

mode

of fishing

should be practised from the ebbing of the tide until

it is

The Grayling, or Umber.

The

Grayling, or

Umber,

is

not to be

met with

in the

rivers about

London, but abounds

in the river

Tem,

about nine miles from Ludlow, and in the Severn, the

Wye, and the Trent the nearest river I have found them in to London, is the Avon, at Salisbury they
;
:

delight in

rapid streams, and,

so

swift

are

their

movements, that the Roman poet, Decius Ausonius

says of them.

THE GRAYLING, OR UMBER.

**

155

The Umbra

swift, escapes the quickest eye."

This Fish spawns the latter end of May, and

sel-

dom exceeds
large,

a pound in

weighty

the head, gills,

-,

and back are brown, dappled with black

the belly

is

handsome, and of a white colour

the body long

and round, over which runs several lines from the

head
i

to the tailj the

is

middle

line

is

spotted with black

the back fin

very large, and regularly spotted or

erect,

waved with dark brown, and stands

1

like that

of a Perch.

They have

teeth in the jaws and gullet

they feed on worms,

flies,

and small

insects,

and are
flies,

angled for the same as for Trout in respect to

particularly the camlet

and palmer

fly

but

if

worm
the
if

or gentle

is

used,

which they are very fond

of, in

Spring and early part of a Summer's morning,

the
foot
line,

water

is

somewhat coloured, then angle within a

Grayling,
or

from the bottom, and use a No. 9 hook to your

but no
float.

Umber,

arc fearless in

taking a bait, and will often bite while a loose hook

hangs
lost a

in their

mouths, which the Angler

;

may have
hooked
imgeneit

minute before but, when you have

is

fairly
:

tim, like the Chub, he

soon subdued

strike
is

mediately you see or feel a bite.

rally called

This Fish

a Grayling, until full grown, then

is

entitled to the

name

of

Umber.

In the river Severn,

with these Grayling you often take a small beautiful

Fish called a Spring, of the Salmon species
:

in the

North, this Fish

Gravellings
;

is

called

Salmon Peel

in the

West,

and

in the South,

we

call

them Skeggers.

15G

THE ANGLER

GUIDE

Grayling emit a most grateful fragrant smell from

their body,

much

like

that

which

arises

from the

wild thyme growing on the Downs, in Sussex.

The Salmon.

The Salmon

is

a Fish which

is

seldom taken by the

Angler in South Britain.

In Ireland and Wales, as

well as in North Britain, the art of angling for Salmon

is

much

practised,

and well understood

but the An-

gler of the South, or

who

can cast^ or throw, dub, dress,

in either of

busk a

fly,

need not fear having sport

little
:

those countries, by paying a

attention to the

methods there pursued

ficial flies

in fishing

indeed, the arti-

used, are neither numerous nor diflScult to

fly

make

the
fly,

most depended on
and

is

a large yellowred

bodied

made on a No. 2 hook, with brownish

;

double wings
fly,

also the green drake, the stone

all

and the owlet moth,

made double
Salmon

the size a^
in

when used
North.

for Trout, will kiU

any

river,

from the Severn,

in the

West, to the Tweed,

in the river

in the

Salmon are found

Thames,

and,

THE SALMON. I
believe,

157
to

are justly

considered

be superior in

flavour to any bred in other rivers.

Salmon

are an-

gled for at the top

ii,enerally,

with

artificial flies

of a

very large

size,

of

brown and glaring

colours,

made
They
and

of peacock's feathers, &c., nearly as big as a large

butterfly.
sife also,

(See Angling Apparatus, Plate 4.J

perchance, fished for at bottom, both in the

ledger-line,
is

Thames and Medway, with a strong

a No.
1

hook

tied

on gimp, which

whipped over
:

with

silk,

waxed with shoemaker's wax

the bait

is

raw muscle, prawn, or

shell.

cockle, taken clear from the

as

is

They will sometimes take a small Fish, such used when trolling with a live-bait for Pike, and
which put twa
for the rivers

also large well- scowered lob- worms, of

on at a time.

Salmon leave the sea

in
j

Thames and Lea

about Christmas

August, and deposit their spawn

the Spring, they return again to

in

the sea, generally dividing the year in fresh and salt

water.

During the

first

year, they are called

Salmon

Smelts, then

Morts, Half Fish, &c.

In

Scotland,
is

small Salmon are called Grilts.

The Pink Trout

thought, in the North, to be bred from a female Sal-

mon's spawn being impregnated by a Trout.

The Salmon

is

unknown

in the Mediterranean sea,

is

^d
up

other
;

warm

climates, but

found in northern
salt^

Waters

it

lives in fresh

water as well as

going

rivers, in

Autumn, hundreds of miles

:

to

deposit

their
i^p

spawn

intent only on this object, they spring

cataracts,

and over objects of great height.

in their

When
journey,

they are

unexpectedly obstructed
p

158

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

they swim back a few paces, then, collecting aU their

force, with an astonishing spring, over-leap every obstacle.
like a bow

His

tail

takes in his mouth,

full

and bending
aloft

That's to

compass drawn,

himself does throw.

After they have spawned, they return to the sea

very lean, but soon recover, and become more than

twice or thrice their weight in a few months.

party
sale,

Among the regulations to protect who catch and send Salmon

the produce of any fishery of
forfeits five

this

Fish, the
for
six

to

London
than

less

pounds weight,

pounds

the said penalty

also attaches to the seller

and buyer of the Fish.

CHAP.

XVIII.

Angling for Salt-water Fish.

For
sure,

the information of the lovers of angling,

who may
plea-

reside

on the sea

coast, or those

whose business,

ill

health, or any other cause,

may

occasion a
sea,. I

visit,

voyage, or residence on the shores of the

(to the

have subjoined

"Art of Angling
ways practised
line.

for Freshin catching

water Fish,") the

diflferent

Fish in the sea, with hook and

&c., are concisely

The tackle, baits,

and practically described.

SEA-FISHING.

159

General Remarks on Lines, Hooks, Baits,

8^c.

The
and
cord,

lines

used for fishing in the sea, when a rod

float is

not attached to them, are

at the fishing-tackle

made

of hempen

and sold
of

shops, under the

name

Cod and Mackarel

lines

but

when

fishing

from a

pier, either

Ramsgate, Dover, or any other, or

from a head-land, &c., during tolerable calm weather,

I

always use a strong platted

silk line,

of a dark co-

lour,

and upwards of seventy yards long, wound on

the largest size multiplying winch, which I fasten on a very stout

bamboo
its

trolling rod,

twenty feet long

on

this line I place

one of the largest size cork

proper depth, that
is,

floats,

to sink

which to
I

three parts
is

under water,

put on as

many

large split shot as

necessary for the purpose, in preference to a ledger

lead,

and

fish

with a hnnk

No

or

tied

on

fine

and
silk

strong platted

silk, or treble gut,

but think the

much

the best.

The

baits, generally used, are

lug or

sand worms, which

worms

are got

by digging with
the tide
is

a three-prong fork in the sand,

when

out

the places to find

them

are easily discovered,

is

by obj

serving where the sand

raised in small hillocks

the other baits are well scowered lob-worms, small

pieces of fresh Fish, Lampreys, Eels, Muscles, Shrimps,

&c.,* the

bait always touching or drifting

on the

have sometimes seen pieces of the Sword-fish cut into the

shape and size of a

the

Minnow, and hooked by

the part representing

freely.

Up as a

bait,

which the Codlings have taken very

160

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

bottom. Ledger-fishing also answers very well in seaharbours, and from the rocks.

Note, when

you

bait

with a lug-worm, pass

of the hook, so that

it

well up, and over the shank

of
it

little

remains hanging below

it off,

the point of the hook, or the Fish will get

withI

out being hooked.

Whiting.
"\hitings are very

numerous around the southern

for,

shore of England ;,they are angled

generally, in a

boat, a few miles from the shore, but they

may be
in

caught from
boats,
it is

piers, &c.

When

they are fished for

usual to hire a boat and a

man for

the pur-

pose

',

the Boat-man finds tackle and baits, which are

lug-worms, a large hairy worm, dug from the sea

sands
:

to the baits I have nothing to object

but their

hooks, in general, are miserably bad.

essay, in this

After

my

first

mode

of angling, I always provided

1

my

own

hooks, which are the No.

and

2, tied to

about

nine inches of treble gut or platted

at the end,

silk,

with a loop
in
it,

and

always found

my account

gene-

rally killing three Fish or

more

to other Anglers' two,

when we have gone

ing for Whiting,
party the rusty
I,

in a party, for

the purpose of

fish-

using

my own
fishing for

tackle, the other

Cod

or Mackarel hooks of the Boatin

men.
boat,

The
is

line

used

Whiting from a
line,

a small strong cord or Mackarel

is

to the

bottom of which
dip,

fastened a piece of lead, called a

prepared for the purpose, to be bought at the

-,

tackle-shops

two or more hooks are used, fastened

TAKING WHITING.

161

by looping to pieces of whalebone, which are suspended from the dip lead, so that the hooks and baits do

not hang or twist together, the dip lead hanging be-

tween the hooks

having anchored the boat, and bait-

ed your hooks, put

them overboard
till

close to the side

feel the dip lead

of the boat

let

them sink
5

you

touch the bottom

hold the line between the thumb

and fore

finger, lay the

back of your hand or wrist

your thumb

on the side of the boat,

and fingers

inclining to the water, keeping raising the line and

hooks gently a few inches from the bottom, letting

it

fall

occasionally on

the ground,

which

is

easily
5

discovered by

the dip
it

lead touching

the ground

but do not

let

remain there, for Whiting bite

;

more a few inches above

dip to touch the

only

recommend the

bottom occasionally, that you may

:

judge the
feel

distance

when
;

the Fish bite you will

a sudden snatch or jerk

line
;

immediately

strike,

and

draw up your
for

sometimes you may loose the Fish

It

want of sharp hooks.

those

ought to be noticed,
to
fish

that

who

are not

accustomed

from
it

boat, frequently think they

have a bite -when

;

is

only the motion or rolling of the boat

practice will soon enable

but a

little

the Angler to distinguish

fishing
for Whitings,

the

difference.

When

thus

you frequently catch

Plaice,

Dabs, &c., as well as

^Vhitings, sometimes a

Whiting on one hook and

;

Dab on another, at the same time I have caught many a bucket full of those Fish near Margate, at The Hastings, at Weymouth, &c., from a boat.
p 2

162
places I

THE ANGLER
have

GUIDE.

been in the habit of

line are

angling
at

for

Whiting with rod and

from the piers

purpose
fit

Ramsabout

gate and Dover, for which

as

your tackle
rod,

follows

provide a

strong

trolling

twenty

feet long, with a stout ring

;

on each

joint,

the top joint should have two

fasten a multiplying

winch, of the largest

size,

(which ought to contain

seventy or eighty yards of the strongest platted silk

line,)

to the butt of the rod

draw

as

much

of the
rod,

line

from the winch, through the rings on the

necessary
floats,
j

as

is

put on the line one of the largest

size cork

and within a foot of the hook

the float

as

many

large

shot as will sink

three parts

under water.

Then
tied

fasten the hook, or rather the

silk

length of treble gut or platted

hook, a No.
or by a
1, is

to

which the
which

on the
;

line,

either with a loop

draw knot

plumb the
is
3

depth,

for

purpose a larger plummet

is

necessary than what

let

used in river or pond fishing

your bait lightly

.Irag the

bottom

the best baits are fresh lug-worms,

pieces

of Smelts, or any fresh white Fish, or well

3

scowered lob-worms
large

many

sea Fish will also take a

bunch of gentles put on the hook, or a piece

These persons, who seldom angle
for

of greaves.

any but salt-water Fish, are not so attentive to clean

good

baits,

or covering the point of the hook, &c.

as the fresh- water Anglers are, but those

who pay
of
is

little

more

attention

to the

mode

of baiting the

hooks, &c., will be amply

5port.

repaid

by increase

Note, the best

time for salt-water fishing

COD.
in
^varnl weather,
is

163

and always during- the time the

tide

flowing, or, as

some term

it,

rising.

Whiting
food
j

are

universally considered as light nutritious

they seldom exceed a pound and a half in weight}

In shape, this Fish
is

long and slender

in the body,
sil-

Imt large and bony about the head, the colour

very.-

and the skin almost transparent.

Whiting Polthough larger

all
j

lack, are, I believe, of the

same
;

species,

the Whiting Pout

in the

is

smaller

they are

angled for

same way.
Cod.

This Fish
Britain,

is

caught on the coast

all

round Great
;

and on the coast of Buchan,

in Scotland

on

the Frith of Forth, the Clyde, and on both sides of

the Frith of Murray.

The

chief place
is

where Cod are

to say, fresh

caught
Cod,
is

for the

London-market, that

on the north-east part of Ireland during the

or rather from Spring
till

Summer,
also
tiU

Michaelmas, and

on the north-east coast of England, from Spring

I

Midsummer.
&c.,

have caught small Cod with the

&c,, as described in angling

same tackle, rod,

Piers,

float,

from

for WTiiting, particularly

from between

the rocks and small headlands near Water-Bay and

West-gate Bay, near Birchington

that

is,

on the

Kentish coast, between the Reculvers and Margate.

I

have been most successfulwhenmy hook was baited

a piece of Whiting, about the size of a large

iWith

nut

they will also take bullock's liver, lug-worms,

lob-worms, pieces of Lobsters, Shrimp, &c.

Always

164
fish at

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
is

bottom, and when the tide

holes,

making

in,

and
is

in

still

between rocks, where the bottom

;

sandy and clear from weeds

small, seldom weighing

the

Cod

so caught are
called,

two pounds, and are

It is

on

the

coast. Codlings.

well known,

the

great

supply of salt Cod comes from the banks of Newfoundland,

some weighing more than

thirty pounds.

At

Ramsgate, a boatman may be

hired,

who will take you

where you

at a proper time of tide, &c., into the bay,

may sometimes
few hours.

take a score or two of Codlings in a

Plaice.

The
flats

best of this species of Fish

is

called

Downs

Plaice, being chiefly caught in the

Downs, or on the

which are

in

the sea, between Folkestone and

Hastings, weighing from one to between five and six

pounds weight

of course, you must angle from a boat.

On

the coast of
;

HoUand they

are caught considerably

eighteeii
Plaice.

larger

I
;

have heard of some that weighed

the large Plaice are called

pounds

Dutch

The

Plaice bite very freely at a lug-worm, lob-worm,

a piece of fresh Salmon, half an Oyster, a raw Muscle,

or Shrimps
:

this

Fish has but a small mouth, there4, is quite large

fore a hook.

No. 3 or

enough, whe-

ther you use a line held by the hand, or fish with a

rod to the line

if

the weather be calm, you

line,

may
as

angle with the same rod,

for Whiting,

and tackle as described

:

but note, smaller hooks are required

difl'erence

there

is

much

between the

size of

the

TURBOT.

165

mouth of a ^Vhiting and

'you

Plaice,

and

also

in

the

strength thereof, by giving the Plaice plenty of line,

may

kill

very heavy Fish with a No. 4 hook, and

;

^receive
ilftlf

much amusement

those Fish will feed at

Plaice are

or mid-water, as well as at bottom.

considered a very wholesome, light food, and,

dressed and eat, fresh caught
ehoice Fish.

when

on the sea-coast, are a

Turbot.

The London market

I>utch coast, or
lare

is

chiefly supplied

with Turbot

by the Dutch fishermen, or with those caught on the

Dogger Bank, though The most

a great

many

caught on the coasts of Cornwall and Devon,

Torbay, &c.
killing bait for
;

jaibout
.re

Turbot

Lampreys, cut into pieces

&c. The mouth

they are also caught

Smelts, bullock's
is

iwith pieces of Whiting, Herrings,

ifiver,

of the Turbot

small, therefore

xtse the
for

same

size

hook

as for Plaice, with strong line,

size,

Turbot are sometimes hooked of a large

Weighing near twenty pounds, but they are generally

rikbout

from

six to ten

pounds.

The
is

larger

come from
flats

the Dutch coast.

The Turbot

found on

and

shallows, or sandy shelves, &c., similar to the Plaice,

Dabs, and other Flat Fish.

it is

When angling
The
flesh of

for Turbot,
is

always from a boat.

Turbot
if

very

white and firm, and doubtless wholesome,

to excess
3

not taken

many

prefer the Turbot to any other Fish

the ocean or fresh waters produce.

166

THE angler's guide.

Grey Mullet.

So

called,

from

its

silvery, white, blue,

and green

colours.

Mullets
in the

visit the

south and west coasts of

England

beginning of Summer, and enter the

creeks and rivers, particularly about Arundel and Chichester, in Sussex*, and Barnstaple, in Devonshire,

and leave them generally the

latter

end of August.

At those
gling, of

places. Mullet are seldom caught,

by

anare

more than two pounds, though they

occasionally taken weighing six pounds.

When

an-

gling

for Mullet, your tackle

must be

strong, for

they struggle very hard

when they

feel the hook.

Your

line

and

rod,

also,

must be long, unless you

to

have a winch and running tackle fixed

in the deep holes

your rod
best,

and pools you will succeed

by

letting your baited

water.
float
:

hook hang about three feet under Use a hook of the size No. 6 or 7, and a cork the best bait for Mullet is the sand, or sea worm,
as

which should be drawn

much up
of

the shank of your

hook

as

you can, that

little

its tail

may hang

loose,
tail

for Mullet are a

sucking Fish, and apt to get the

off,

end of the
their

worm
is

without taking the hook within

mouth.
considered fine and delicious, being
:

This Fish

esteemed both by the moderns and ancients

* About two miles from Arundel there
is

in shape,

a house of entertain-

ment
will

for Sportsmen, called the Rabbits, near

which the Angler

meet with good sport

in fishing for

Roach, Bream, Jack,

Pike, &c., in the river Aruiu

MACKAREL.
they are long and thick
blunt
;

167
flat
;

head square and

lines
j

nose
is

sides

marked with dusky

back

the body

covered with larger scales than any other sea Fish I

know
ance

of

the

is

of a dusky blue and green

j

the scales are of a silvery white

is, I

the whole appear-

think, like an

overgrown Dace.

Mullet are

very lively and sportive in fine weather, and

show

themselves in shoals, and are then frequently caught

with a

fly,

in Sussex.

Mullet spawn in the sea, con-

trary to the Salmon,

and come

into the fresh river to

recover and strengthen themselves.

Mackarel.

This

weU-known Fish

first

appears in the Channel

about April, continuing to advance to the Downs, as

far

as the

Goodwin Sands

they are caught in im-

mense numbers on the Cornwall, Devon, Sussex, and

Kentish coasts, during

May

and June,

in nets,

by

fish-

ermen

they are equally plentiful on the opposite

:

French coast

have caught many with the angle

on the northern coast, particularly of Yarmouth and

Scarborough, towards the latter end of the Summer.

Mackarel may be caught with a small

a Maclvarel
line,

line, called

held in the hand, baited with a piece

3

of any kind of fresh Fish

they are a bold-biting Fish,

angle for them, and are not
3

and,

when you begin

to

provided with baits, use a small piece of red cloth

if

they are on the feed, you

it

wiU soon

kill a

Fish
fish

you
from

should then cut

up

foi

baits.

When

you

the stern of a ship, while she lays at anchor, let out

168

THE ANGLER
to

GUIDE.
line,

ii
will swim,
;

from ten

twenty yards of

which

away with
which

the current, and your bait will keep in

th,

rippling of the stream,

is
:

some

little

below the

surface^

the proper place, forMackarel feed near the

best time

when the water and weather is bright, is the when you feel a bite, strike smartly, and draw the Fish in. You may angle for Mackarel with
surface
3

rod and line, the

either

same

as

described for ^Vhiting,

or from a boat,

from a ship
is

at anchor,

when

the weather

calm.

Two

hooks may be used with

, v.

advantage,

if

placed twelve or fourteen inches apart

perchance

have hooked a Herring when fishing

;

oflF

Scarborough, and further north

but no person goes

expressly to angle for Herrings, therefore I conceive

it

'

does not

come within my plan

to say

any more of

this Fish.

Halibut.

I
them's

Halibut are caught in the British^ as well as in

German
is

ocean.

The

usual baits are pieces of fresh

Fish, Mullets, Oysters, Wilks, and Eels.

The Halibut

the largest of flat-fish

they are frequently taken

near a yard in length, weighing from eighty to a

hundred pounds, consequently very strong hooks and

lines are necessary
;

when

a bite

is felt,

it

is

usual

to give line, and a few minutes to pouch, before you

strike.
fine as

By many
Turbot.

persons. Halibut

is

considered as

SKATE, SAND EEL OR LAUNCE, SMELTS.

169

Skate.

Skate abound on the sea-coast

&c. and they

all

round England,

may be caught

near the shore with a

strong long cod line and hook, baited with a piece of

any kind of fresh Fish, Muscles, Oysters, Wilks, &c.

When
pouch
Skate,

a bite, you will feel

them tug

let

them

pull

several times, give line and a few minutes' time to

;

angle at bottom and during a breeze of wind.

not too large and are crimped, are thought
;

when

good eating by some

but

when they

are very large,

taste.

many

object to

them

as

having a rank

Skate

are caught sometimes that

weigh upwards of two

hundred pounds. The Fishermen on the sea-coast use

the flesh of Skate to bait for Lobsters, &c.

Sand
This Fish
in
is

Eel, or Launce.

found buried about six or eight inches

is

sand on the sea-beach, and

taken by turning up

tl)e

sand with a three-pronged fork, such as are used

for digging out

for

lug-worms.

The
is

best time to search

them
:

is

immediately after the tide leaves the

of a delicate flavour,
for.

sands

the flesh of this Fish

and worth the trouble of digging

Smelts.

Smelts are caught

in

many harbours and wet docks

:

on the sea-coast, with the angle

fine

have caught very

ones in Portsmouth harbour.

170

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

Eel Pout, or Burbot.

This Fish partakes

scales,

burying
are

itself

much of the Eel, being without among loose sands, weeds, &c.
as far as the tide flows

They

numerous

up the

Severn, Trent, and the Mersey rivers, where they are

caught with a hook tied to gimp, and baited with

worms, Minnows, small Gudgeons, kc; they are considered sweet nutritious food
-,

in

length the sizes vary

from twelve to upwards of twenty inches.

Surmullet.

The Surmullet

is

a scarce Fish in this country

have caught some when fishing from the wharfs and

quays at Plymouth harbour

w ith an

angle rod and

line,

same

as described fishing for Whiting, &c. only using

8, tied to

a smaller hook, a No.

twisted gut, baited

| ]

with lob-worms, pieces of fresh Salmon, Shrimps, or

shell-fish
:

they are a singularly marked Fish, having

3

the appearance of a painted artificial Fish

some

are
3

of a dark blue and white, others of faded yellow hue

some

are mottled about the Ijack,

fins,

&c. with a

bright scarlet and yellow, almost as gaudy as the plu-^J

mage of

a paroquet

in shape,

broad and thick towards

the head.

Groupers and Snappers.

Tliese Fish are'well

^1
Ja-

known

at the

Havannah and

maica, where they are angled for with line and hook.
In Jamaica, parties go in boats from Kingston and

BASS.

171

^ort Royal to the Pallisades, where

and Snappers are caught,

tackle
for
is

many Groupers and frequently Mullet. The

used in Europe in fishing

similar to

what
is

is

Wliiting, which

held over the boat's side and

suffered to descend to the bottom, from

raise
it

which you

a few inches again, letting

till

it

touch the bot-

tom, so continuing

you

feel a bite.

The

baits

generally used here are Shrimps, pieces of Fish, and

the small shell-fish.

Bass,

This Fish

is

generally considered a sea-fish, though

:

they will live in rivers and fresh waters

they are
in colour,

much like Salmon in

shape, a Perch or

Dace
at

especially the smaller or

young Bass,

which time

they have some few black spots on their backs, and

large white scales on the sides, silvery belly, and a

blueish back.

The Bass

are taken from five to fifteen

pounds weight, and are thought by some persons a

well-flavoured Fish
tasted,
;

but

think them indiflferently

and certainly much

inferior to

Salmon

they

are caught in the Severn, and around the coast near

Bristol,
killed

&c.

chiefly

with nets, but are sometimes

is

by the Angler when he

fishing for Mullet, as

they frequent such places as are agreeable to the

Mullet, and will take the same baits.
fSee Mullet J

Great numbers of small Bass are taken in the river

*Taw, near Barnstaple in Devonshire
feed freely during the
:

those small Bass

3

months of April and May

they

vary in size from one to ten or twelve ounces each.

172
Note.

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

When angling

in the sea, as well as in fresh

waters, early in the morning and late in the evening, during the long days,

and hot weather,

is

by

far

the most likely time to have good sport.

observe, that

And

further

when

the sea- water

is

very bright, from

neap-tides and long calms, you

sport,

must not expect much

leeward

when angling from

the rocks or close in shore,

for the Fish are then shy,

and

retire further

but when the weather and water are somewhat

after a storm. Codlings, &c. will

settled,!
oiir

be found strong

the feed.

PART

II.

THE TROLLER'S GUIDE.

The And

Pike's

my joy,

of

all

the scaly shoal:

of

all

fishing instruments, the Troll."

The Angler, a Poem,

174

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

CHAP.

I.

No.

1,

Live-Bait Kettle.

No.

2,

Book or Case

for Trolling Tackle.

No.

3,

Telescope-handle Landing Hook.

Lucium

Piscicnlo inescare.

Prefatory Remarks on Trolling for Jack or Pike,

The

art of Jack Fishing, or

is

taking Jack or Pike with

j

a hook, line, and rod,

properly termed Trolling

is

but this branch of angling

described,
viz.

generally divided and

by Anglers^ under the three following heads,

sense of the word, means
;

Trolling, Live -Bait-fishing, and Snap-fishing.

Trolling, in the limited

taking Jack or Pike with the gorge hook

fishing,

Live-Bait

when

a floated line

is

used

and Snap-fishing,

when

the Angler so places his baited hooks, that, imbite,

mediately he feels a

he strikes with

much

force,

and generally throws over his head, or drags the Jack

or Pike on shore, instead of playing his victim
till

he

TROLLIXG FOR JACK OR PIKE.

is

175
different

exhausted.

shall fully
in

explain

those

modes of angling

Chap. X., with observations on

the advantages and merits of each.

Trolling I consider a valuable branch of fishing,
aflfording the

Angler several months' amusement durit may be practised without danger when every other mode of angling
;

^lg the year, and

to

the health,

ceases to be either profitable or prudent to follow

for, as the

Winter approaches. Fish seldom

for the

rise to the

surface of the water, but leave the sharps, shallows,

and scowers,

more deep and

;

still

parts of

ri-

vers or other waters

the fly-fisherman
is

may

then lay

by his tackle

till

the ensuing Spring

well advanced.

Barbel, Carp, Tench, Perch, Eels, Gudgeon, and

Dace

also refuse the choicest bait the wily Angler can offer

them when

the Winter

commences

and, though

Chub

and Roach will certainly take a

bait very freely at

bottom, during the whole Winter, yet the Angler, who

is

subject to the cramp, or rheumatic affections, or

is

.advancing in years, should not hazard his health by

sitting or standing in

one place by the river side for

a good dish

several hours together in the Winter tnonths, which

he certainly must do
tOf

if

he expect to

kill

Roach

but when properly clothed, especially

.?ibout

the feet and legs, and

wiU take the trouble of

feel

dressing his boots or shoes with the following compo.sition,

he will seldom get wet, or even

dampness,
rain or
suet,

^fter being exposed for many hours

in the

swampy
five

places.

Take half a pound

of

mutton

ounces of bees' wax, cut into small pieces, to

l76

THE troller's guide.

resin

which add an ounce of black

melted and well mixed.
render
it

powdered
fire,

simmer
all is
it,

the whole in a pipkin over a moderate

till

When

you wish
it

to use

liquid

by melting, and rub

Note.

leather with a brush.

well into the

^This

mixture appears
if

yellow on the boots or shoes, and

to,

that

is

objected

put

among

it

half an ounce of

powder blacking.
trolling

He may then indulge himself with a few hours'

whenever the water
trolling
is

is

fit

for the purpose, because

strong exercise, from moving continually

to another further
kills

from one part of a river or water

on
J

and

if

the Fish are well on the feed, and he

two or three brace of heavy Pike, the Angler

find that

will

the exertions he has

made

in

casting the

bait, playing, killing,

and landing those Fish, and the

to

carrying them

home, nearly approach

labour;

and as labour

is

generally considered conducive to, or

little to

rather the price of health, the Troller has but

fear

on that score, but

may allow

himself the pleasure

of killing a few brace of Jack or Pike for his

ble, or for the ally

own

ta-

more pleasing

gratification of occasion-

supplying that of a friend.

cursorily discoursed

Having thus

on the nature of

Trolling, or Jack Fishing, &c., I shall

instruct the reader

now proceed

to

how

to choose hooks, lines, rods,

and other tackle

by Anglers
fishing,

fit

for the various

methods practised

who
full

excel in the art of Trolling or Jack-

with

and clear directions

how

to bait the
illus-

hooks, accompanied with cuts or engravings to

trate the same.

THE GORGE HOOK.

177

CHAP.

II.
to bait
it.

The Gorge Hook, and how

The gorge hook

consists of two, or

what

is
is

called a

double Eel hook: to the shank of the hook

fastened

about two or three inches of brass wire twisted, the

end of which forms a loop

inches of

to this loop about nine

gimp

is tied,

the other end of the

gimp beon

ing turned and

tied into a loop, to be ready to loop

the traces or trolling line, either to a swivel or by a

slip or loop

knot

but those Anglers

who

will take the

trouble to add a box- swivel to the gorge hook in the

following manner, will find

it

assist

much
it
:

in spinning
First,

the bait, and enticing the Jacks to take

take
it

a piece of gimp, about three inches long, and fasten

to the wire of the

hook

and to the other end,

fix

box swivel

then take another piece of gimp, about

six inches in length,

and fasten one end of

it

to the

aforesaid swivel

and make a loop

at the other to fix

on the traces or

trolling line.

To make

this

hook

sink, or of a sufficient

weight

to be cast to any distance, the shank of the

hook and

part of the brass wire

is

neatly covered with lead,

some

of a long octagon shape, others of a round or barrel

form,

(I prefer

the latter,) and

I also

generally re-

move about
1

a third of the lead from the brass of those

I find
;

hooks which
tackle shops

kept ready for sale at the fishingI

because

have found, when the lead

lays nearly the whole length of the bait-fish, and

178
especially
if

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

a Bleak or thin Roach, that

it,

when

the

Jack

strikes

his

teeth pierces through the flesh

;

and touches the lead

bait.

he then immediately drops the

a part of the lead as above
!

Now, by removing

directed, the remainder the Angler will find to be suf;

ficientfor sinking, &c. his bait,

and

it

will lay at the

|

bottom of the

throat, or only a little

lower

and

as
|

Jack generally seize their prey by or across the middie, in

such case his teeth seldom come in contact

fear^ retires to his

with the lead, and he then, without

haunt, and soon pouches the whole.

Having described the nature of a gorge hook, we

will

now

instruct the reader

how
:

to bait the same.

Notice the cuts beneath this

.1

=3.
No.
1.

Gorge Hook baited.

Gorge Hook.

3.

Baiting Needle.

To

bait the gorge hook, take a baiting needle, and

it

hook the curved end of

which the hook
is

to the loop of the gimp, (to

tied;) then introduce the point of the

it

needle into a dead bait's mouth, and bring

the middle of the fork of
lie
its
tail,

out at

the lead will then

hid inside the bait's belly, and the shank of the

its

hooks will be inside

mouth, the barbs and points

THE GORGE HOOK.

outside
points

179

and turning upwards

some Anglers turn the

it,

downwards.

Now,

to

keep the bait steady on

just above the fork,

the hooks, tie the tail-part of

to the

gimp with white

and thread
is

thread,

silk,

or cotton

but

if

a needle

passed through the flesh of each

tail,

side of the bait,

about half an inch above the

so

as to encircle the

gimp and then

tied, it

is

a neater

and better

way than
is

tying around the outside.

The baited hook

line to, to
is

now complete

to fix
;

ihe trolling
however,
it

go

in search of

Jack or Pike

necessary that the reader should

know that Anglers

for

use Fish for baits

when

trolling

with the gorge hook,

3

varying in size from one to four ounces in weight

which reason,

it is

proper to have an assortment of

the different sizes of

gorge hooks, that you

may

al-

ways have a hook proportionate

fish

to the size of the baitj

your judgment leads you to select

for

you must

notice, that the

barbs and points of the hook should

sides of the bait's
if

not project

from the

mouth, but

should lay very close, because,

ject,

the points, &c. profelt

they are very likely to be

in the act of

by Jack or Pike
they do, they

when they are

changing the position of

it
;

the bait-fish in order to

pouch
it

if

wiU then immediately blow

also
bait,

out of their

mouth and
3

when

casting, dipping, drawing, and spinning the

those projecting part^ of the hook frequently

catch hold of weeds, &c.

by which misfortune the

and the
bait-fish

hook
^either
i

is

drawn from

its

position,

much
is

mutilated or entirely spoiled.

difference of opinion

There

some

among Anglers

180

THE TROLLEr's GUIDE.

jn respect to sewing up the

mouth
sewed

of the bait-fish

but after the hook has been placed in a proper manner,

and the
there

tail-part tied or
is

to the gimp,

think

little

occasion for stitching up the

it
j

mouth, and therefore never do

seen

but

have certainly

many Jack and Pike

of the bait-fish, I

killed

with the mouth of the

to cutting off the
it is

bait stitched or
fins

sown up. In regard

am

decidedly of opinion,
all close

to

the Angler's advantage to cut them

away,
in

because the bait will then spin or twirl more freely

the water

when

sinking or being drawn

;

up,

than

when

the fins are left on

and further, the

bait-fish

when the fins are left on, they frequently catch or hang among weeds and when this
will last longer, for
,

occurs the
part of
its

bait- fish is
scales,

generally torn, or deprived

of

and of course soon ceases tp be an

is

enticing bait. This

ler

of great consequence to the Trol-

who may be
remain

short of baits, and also far from a

;

place where he can replenish his bait box

bait-fish
in tolerable preservation,

for if the or

and Jack

Pike are strong on the feed, with care and

skill the

Angler

may

frequently kill a brace or

more with one

bait-fish.

SNAP-FISHING.
the
first 5

191

this

way does
;

not look so neat certainly as

is

the above described

for

but that

of

little

consequence,

snap-fishing,

altogether,

depends more on the

strength of

arm and

tackle than on skill or science.

Dead Snap,

with a Gorge

Hook and Double Hook.

To
bait's

bait this snap, first introduce the gorge into the

mouth, the leaded part laying

in its belly ex-

actly as
(see

when you

intend trolling with a gorge hook,

Gorge Hook
5,

baitedj.

Then

take a double hook. No.

4 or

which must be

tied to a piece of

gimp about

three inches long, with a small loop at the end 3

now
it

take your baiting needle and enter the point of the bait's back just where the back
it

in

fin is,

(but note,

is

the best
fin,)

way

to cut off the said fin

it

and every
first

Other

and bring

out at the
to

tail

having

put
tied

the loop of the

gimp

which the hooks are

through the curve or eye of the baiting needle, draw

the loop out at the tail of the bait, the hooks will then
lay close over the bait's back, one

on each

side. After

you have placed the hooks properly, take the loop end
of the
it

gimp

to

which the gorge hook

is tied,

and pass

through the loop of the gimp to which the other

192

THE TROLLER
tied 5
fast
tail,

GUIDE.
tail,

hooks are

draw
and

all

close to the bait's

silk

and

tie

them very
above the
your

with waxed
all is

round the Fish, just

to fasten

now complete
tie

on

to to

line; in this case, if

you wish or think proper

strengthen your tackle,

of the
tied,

those two hooks to gimp

same length

as that to

which the gorge

is

and fasten both loops together with the trolling

line or trace.

The
in the

superiority of this

method of using a snap con-

sists in all

the hooks laying close to the bait, and also

line

gimp and

coming from the

is

tail

instead of)
i

from the mouth or back, which

very material, for

hooks so placed will allow the bait to appear more

like a live Fish

swimming

or spinning about in the

fin

water, than

if it

be hooked by the back

or side

-,

in

which

case,

much

of the hooks are exposed, the gim{||i

sticks up, &c.

CSee the Cut above.)

Over the

bait-fish

are represented the two hooks, with the short piece of

gut,

and below the

bait-fish the

gorge hook, and

in

the middle the bait-fish, with the hooks

placed in

it.

properly

^Note, I

always carry some double hooks

tied to short pieces of

gimp, when

I troll

with a gorge,

because,

when I

find

Jack will move and seize

I

my bait
little
i

but will not pouch

convert

it,

put on those back hooks and

is

my

gorge to a snap, which

3

done with

trouble or loss of time

is

and, of course,

when my bait
many

so altered, I strike immediately I feel a run; for the

find,

Angler will

during his practice, that after

if

hours' trolling, and several runs,

to pouch, a snap
is

he cannot get a Fish

then his only resource.

BAITING HOOK, &C.

183

Fig. 2.

Double and Treble Hooks for Live-bait Fishing.

Provide two hooks, either brazed together or made on one shank, tied to about eight or nine inches

of gimp, with a loop at the end of the gimp

or

you may

tie

two

single hooks

back

to
;

back on a
then take
thfe

piece of gimp, instead of the double ones

a baiting needle, and hook the curve end into

loop of the

gimp

now
it

enter the point of the baiting

needle just under the skin of the live-bait-fish, close

to the gills, guiding

upwards, and bring

it

out close
fin,

to the back, at the extremity of the

back

and

draw the gimp

ready to
^Note.
fix

after

till

the bend of the hooks are

all

brought to the place where the needle entered, and

is

the troUing line.

fSee the last Cut.J

Use hooks

of such a size that the points and

barbs do not project over the belly or shoulder of the

bait-fish, unless
hait-fishing,

you intend tliem

as a snap, fsee Live-

Chap. IX.J that

when

a Jack or Pike seizes

the bait he

may

not feel them.

Hooks double

as

184

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

above described^ of various

sizes, are

kept ready for

sale at all the principal fishing-tackle shops.

The

reader will notice, that the

gimp and shank of

the hooks are to lay under the skin of the bait-fish, and
therefore be careful to carry the baiting-needle cautiously, so as not to
feel

wound

the bait' s-flesh, and

it

will

very

little

inconvenience from the operation, but

the water with the

will

swim

nearly as strong in
it

hooks attached to
in

as without.

Observe, by casting

and drawing out a bait so hooked several times,

is

the skin of the bait-fish

apt to strip downwards,^

lose
their

and in consequence the hooks

place
;

proper
tied to
it

to prevent which, I use a

No. 9 hook,

about an inch of gut, with a loop to the end of

pass the loop over the

gimp

that

is

tied to the double

;

hook, and bring

the hook
is

it

to the

bends of them

now when
and
lip
5

baited, take hold of the small hook,

run the point and barb into the bait-fish's under

this prevents the skin

from stripping down, as before

alluded to, and the bait remains also

much

livelier,

and tempting to a Jack or Pike.

This method of baiting hooks
in live-bait-fishing,
is

a most killing

way

and

to

be preferred to every other.

illustrate this description.

Again observe the Cut, to

Note.
when

When

the double

hook above described

is

used, the sizes No. 4 or 5 will be found most proper,

tied to

gimpj but when

tied

to twisted gut,

those of the size No. 6 should be preferred.

TREBLE HOOK,

[k<2.

185

Treble Hook, Five Hooks, and Spring Snap.

To
tie

fit

this treble

hook, take two hooks that are

half

made on one shank, and about

the

way up

the shank

a smaller size hook, a No. 7 or

8.

fSee the hooks, in

Cut above.J

Now
;

tie

the whole to about nine

all is

inches of gimp, with a loop at the end, and

ready to be baited

having a
its

live-bait-fish, enter the

fin,

small hook beneath

back

(avoid touching the

back bone,) and bring the point and barb out on the
other side
j

the two large hooks will then

lie

close

to the side of the bait.

fSee the Cut above,)

Some
to

Anglers add two more hooks to the three above described,

by tying two hooks made on one shank

the other on which the three hooks are

tied, so as to

aUow
size,

the hooks to hang

5

down
tie

the other side of the

bait-fish

other Anglers

four single hooks. No. ^

to four pieces of
;

gimp, each piece about an

inch long

then

tie

those four short pieces to about

nine inches of very stout gimp, and in the middle of

]S6

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

those four large hooks they have one of the size No.
7, tied to a piece of gut, the top of which is tied

the four large ones.

to

(See the Cut.)

bait's

among The small one is

as already deloose,

hook through the

back
will

fin,

scribed,

and the large hooks

it.

hang

two on

each side of

Spring Snap.
If the Angler chooses to use

a spring snap with

three hooks, fas represented in the Cut above,) in prefer-

ence to the plain,

or,

as

some term them, the dead

snap, (terms synonymous, meaning a snap without a

spring,)

which

by no means recommend, he has only

given on baiting the dead or
the

to follow the directions

plain snap.

Note.

The engraver has not drawn

;

hooks high up enough

for

it is

not proper the large

hooks should hang below the

represented in the cut,
fig. 3,

bait-fish's belly,

but as

page 185.

BEAD-riOOK.

187

Bead Hook.

The bead-hook
chase them

is

formed of two single hooks,

tied

back to back on nine inches of gimp, or you may pur-

made

of one piece of wire

is

betw een the

lower part of the shanks

fastened a small link or

two of

chains, having a piece of lead of a conical

it

form, or like a drop-bead, (from which

takes

its

name,) linked by a staple to

lead
is

it

(see the

Cut above.) The

is

put into the live-bait's mouth, (a Gudgeon

is

the best bait,) which

slightly
live

sewed up with white

thread
for

the bait will

:

still

and swim very strong

many hours
I

but

cannot recommend this hook,

I

because

have frequently found, when

and you must
bait,

have had a

run, the Fish has generally dropped the bait, instead of

pouching

it

see, that unless the

Jack

pouches the

you have no chance of

killing

him

this often arises

from the hooks hanging loose

in

to each

other,

and thereby creating an alarm

the Jack or

Pike.
to
is

And

again, those loose hooks frequently

:

hang

weeds, &c.

on the whole,

think the bead-hook

not worthy a place

therefore shall not again

'

place thereof, will

among the Troller's tackle, make mention of \i; but in inform you of one much better.

188

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

An
them

excellent Live-bait Snap.

Take two hooks of the

size

No.

3,

and

tie

each of
;

to about an inch and a quarter of twisted wire

8,

then take a hook of the size No.

inches of

and about ten

gimp

put one end of the gimp to the wire

j

that the aforesaid hooks are tied to

lay the

hook No. 8

on the wire and gimp, and

together J then

tie

the whole very securely

make
is

a loop at the other end of the

gimp, and the whole

the Cut.)

ready to receive the

bait.

(See

To
live

bait this snap, act as follows

-take a proper sized

fin,

Gudgeon, Roach, or Dace, and run the small hook

flesh just

through the

under the back

and

let the

two large hooks hang one on each

and
all is

side of the bait-fish,

complete.
off,

When

a Jack seizes your bait

and runs

strike smartly,

and you will seldom

fail

hooking him.

Note. When tying the hooks and gimp

SNAP-FISHING.

189

together, place the large hooks so that the point of one

of

them

shall stand

towards the head of the

tail.
\

bait-fish,

and the other towards the

CHAP.
Snap-Fishing, and how

IV.
to bait the

Hooks.

Dead-Snap, with Two or Four Hooks.

Take about twelve inches of

at

stout gimp,
tie

make
tie

a loop

one end, at the other end

a hook, size No. 2,

and about an inch further up the gimp

another

hook of the same

size

procure a drop-bead lead,

which the fishing-tackle shops keep fixed to a small

ring or two.

Now,

to bait the hooks, proceed as folgill

lows

put the loop of the gimp under the

of a

dead-bait-fish,

and bring

it

out at

its

mouth

draw the

gimp

till

the hook at the bottom comes just behind

190
the back
slightly
fin

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

of the bait, and the point and barb pierces

it
j

through the skin of

to

keep the hook

steady, then pass the ring of the drop -bead lead over

the loop of the gimp, and fix the lead inside the baitfish's all is

mouth, and sew the mouth up,

ready to fasten to the
to the

fsee the Cut, J

and

trolling line.

If

you add
will

two more hooks

two already described, you

3

then have a very killing snap

to

fit

which, take a

piece of stout gimp, about four inches long, and

make

a small loop at one end, and then

same

size

and

in

two hooks of the the same manner as the first two j

tie

after the first

two and the lead are

in their places,

and

mouth is sewed up, pass the loop of the short piece of gimp under the gill and out of the mouth of the bait, and draw till the hooks are in the same situation on that side as the other j now pass the loop of thie long piece of gimp through
before the bait's

the loop of the short one, and draw

the two pieces of

all straight

tie

gimp together close to the bait's mouth, and sew that up or you may tie the short piece of gimp to the long one instead of having a loop at
5

the end. fSee the Cut offour hooks.J If you do so, you

must pass the hooks

and out
of the

first

through the

bait-fish's

mouth

at the gills, instead of in at the gills

;

and out

mouth

then slightly

fix

bait's skin just to

keep them

in their places

them through the. and when

j

you

feel a bite

and

strike, they clear

themselves and

hook firmly

into the

Jack or Pike 3

or, if

you wish

to

increase the strength of your tackle, tie the second

two hooks

to a piece of

gimp of the same length

as

TYING ON HOOKS.

181

CHAP.

Ill

Fig.

1.

Single Hooks for Live-Bait fishing

to

bait

them ; with

Directionsfor tying or whipping Hooks to Gimp.

When

a single hook
:

is

used,

it is

baited in the

two

following ways

pass the point and barb of the hook

lips of the live-bait fish,

through the two

on the side
it

of the mouth, which does not distress the bait as

would do by passing them through the middle or nose

part of the Fish.

The other way

it

is,

to pass the point

fin

and barb of the hook under the back

Fish, and bring

of the bait(See the

out on the other side.

Cut above.)
the back

Be

careful,
it

when you pass

the hook under

fin,

that

does not go too deep, so as to

;

touch or injure the back bone

fish

for, if it does, the baitdie.

cannot swim strong, and will soon

Note.
or
to
;

When
5.
tie

you use a single hook

for Jack-fishing, in the

way above described,

It is

prefer those of the

number 4

necessary the TroUer should

know how

or

whip on the hooks himself,

in case of accident
it

therefore, I shall direct

him
R

to do

in as plain

and

182
concise a

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.
tie

manner

as possible

To

a hook to gimp,

take some strong fine floss

silk, (that sort

used by wig-

makers
the

is

also excellent,) well

wax

it

with shoeit

makers' wax, then take the hook and hold

between

thumb and
silk

finger of the

left-hand,

and whip
top,

round the shank, from the bend to the

with

waxed

then lay the gimp on the inside part of

it

the shank of the hook, and whip

close and tightly

down, carrying your whipping

point of the
;

till

nearly opposite the

hook then turn back the point of your silk,

and hold be

it

down with your thumb,

the silk will then

or

in a loop,

which you must pass or lap over three

four times the end you hold under your

thumb

now

take that end and draw

it

gradually until the lappings

lie

which were passed over

cut off the spare

close and firm,

:

and then

waxed

silk

this

is

called the hid-

den or finishing knot, and will not draw.

Anglers rub a
ping, which
serve
it
5

Some

little

hog s
it

lard or suet over the whip-

makes
little
is

smooth, and also helps to preoil- varnish,

but a
This

good

or liquid tar,

is

superior.

the best

way

can describe to

tie

or

whip on a hook, though, probably, not so

as

intelli-

gible

might be wished

but any experienced

Angler^ or the persons keeping fishing-tackle shops,

can teach the novice in two or three minutes

how

to
to

whip or

tie

on a hook, which he would do well

avail himself of the first opportunity.

]>liAl>

SNAP,

193

Dead Snap,

with one Hook.

To
and
fix

bait this snap, take a

long-shanked No.

hook,

tie it to

about twelve inches of strong gimp ; then

the baiting needle to the loop of the

gimp

enter

the point of the needle just below the end on the side

of the back
fully just

fin

of the dead bait-fish, carrying

;

it

care-

beneath the skin

bring

it

out about a quar-

ter of an inch before

'

you reach the

gill,

then enter the

it

needle under the of the mouth

;

gill

of the bait-fish, and bring

after until the
bait, as

out

draw the gimp

bend point

and barb of the hook lay on the

the cut
;

represented in

now

take a bead-drop lead, such as described

it

in baiting a

snap with four hooks in page 188, pass

is

over the loop of the gimp to which the hook

tied,

and place
the said

it

inside the

mouth of the
is
is

bait-fish,
fix to

and sew

mouth

up, and all

ready to

the trol-

ling line.

Note.

The

lead

placed in the

mouth

of

the bait to add to its weight,

gler to cast his bait with
cular spot, the

which enables the Ancertainty to any partiis

more

gimp

to

which the hook

tied

being

directed to lay only just under the skin of the baitfish

;

so that

when

the Angler feels a bite and strikes,

s

194
the

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.
fix

gimp then

rips

away, and enables the hook to

;

firmly into either the Jack or Pike

lessly placed too

but

if it

be care-

deep when

yoii strike^ the

hook gets

fixed, or nearly buried in the

body of

the bait, instead

of the Jack, &c. Therefore, recollect, in baiting for the

snap,

where the hooks lay outside the

bait- fish, that

they are so placed as to easily clear themselves, and thereby get firm hold of the prey^ but
if

the Angler

would take the trouble of introducing another hook,

of the same size, exactly in the same manner, under
the skin of the bait-fish on the other side, he would

then have a very neat and effective snap, and also one
very easily baited.

Note.

You may have

gimp
it is
it

the second

hook
bait's

tied to a short piece of

just to reach the

^

mouth, and fasten

to the first piece

or, if

both pieces of gimp are long,

because
fine tackle is

of no consequence,

not requisite

when

snap-fishing.

Barb or Spear Hook,

The shank of
end of
it is

this

hook

is

loaded with lead

one

like a dart or harpoon, the other end a

single hook.
bait's
is

Introduce the barb or dart end into the

it

mouth, and bring

out near the

tail

the lead
its

then in the bait's belly, and the hook just within

mouth, which must be sewed up with some white

thread.
I

have noticed

this

hook, and given a cut of

DEAD SNAP.
it,

195

merely because they are become scarce, the hook

all

being generally rejected by

experienced Trollers of

the present day, as not worth notice.

Dead Snap
This snap
is fitted

with three Hooks.

:

as follows

take three hooks of

back to back,
in a loop, (see

the size No. 2, and tie

them

altogether,

firmly on one end of about twelve inches of strong

gimp

let the other

end be formed

the

Cut); then having provided a dead-bait Fish,

now

take your baiting needle, and hang the loop of the gimp
to
it
;

then enter the point of the needle in the vent of

the bait, (but do not penetrate too deep in the body,)

and bring
until the

it

out at

its

mouth

draw the gimp

-,

after,

hooks lay

at the bait-fish's vent

now

pass

over the gimp a bead drop-lead, and place

bait's

it

inside the
all is

mouth, which must then be sewed up, and

ready for fixing to the trolling-line.

Note. This snap

should be baited with a large bait-fish either a Roach

or Dace, say from six to eight ounces weight, and in
extensive pieces of water which contain heavy Pike,
especially at the time

when

the weeds are rotten or

gone

this snap, so baited, will

be found effective and

worthy the Angler's attention.

196

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

Dead Snap

with two Hooks.

Mt

this

snap in the following

size

manner: tie two

hooks of the

No.

1,

very firmly to about twelve

inches of stout gimp, which should have a loop at the

other end

now

take a baiting needle and

fix it to

the

loop of the gimp, and enter the point of the needle into
a large dead-bait
fish's

vent

but do not penetrate too

deep in
are

its

body, for when so, and you strike, the hooks

confined, and do not fix so firmly in Jack
is

somewhat
if

or Pike as

they laid nearer the skin, which

in striking;

torn

away with a strong jerk

its

bring

it

out at

mouth, and

fix

the lead in the bait's mouth, and

sew the same up,

(as described in the preceding article,

;)

baiting with three hooks

and

all is

now

ready to fas-

ten to the trolling

baited in the Cut.)

line.

(See the hooks, and the same

Now

having described various and as many hooks,

with the best

way

to bait

them

for killing

Jack and

DEAD SNAP HOOKS.

197

Pike, as I think are worth notice, I shall next direct the

reader

how to choose the

trolling line, rod, winch, &c.

bait-fish for

also, discourse

on the nature of

Jack and

Pike-fishing, pointing out the reason

why

Gudgeon

should be preferred (generally) to a Roach, Dace, or

Bleak, for trolling with the gorge hook, or for Livebait-fishing
;

also

when Roach, Dace,

them

or Bleak, are

useful baits

with

full directions to select

the same, in

respect to size, and to keep

fishing, or to preserve those

alive during a day's

fresh,
ai;id

which are dead,

sweet,

when going a distance from home, either

;

to troll

with the gorge or Snap-fishing

for

which purpose, a

proper bait-kettle and box are recommended, with cuts

of the same, accompanied with directions to select baits

proper for every season of the year.

VII. VIII. and IX.

See C^hapters

Dace.

198

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

CHAP.

V.

Nc.

1,

Multiplying Winch.
4,

No.

2,

Bank Runner.
No.
5,

No.

3,

Thumb Winder.

No.

Trace with three Swan Shot.

Trace with Dip Lead.

Trolling Lines,

Winch and Thumb Winders, Bank

Runners, Traces,
&;c.

Trolling
hairj or

lines are

made

of

silk,

and also of

silk

and

mohair of various lengths and strength, by

toge-

platting, spinning, or twisting several strands

ther.

There are

silk lines, called India twist, sold at the

fishing-tackle shops, and at

some of the china

This India twist

shops,

and other shops

in

London.

may

be

bought of any length and degree of strength and

ness, at

fine-

something

less per yard

;

than what

is

manu-

factured in this country

but

it is

much

inferior in

strength and value, because

it is

full of

gum when you

TROLLING TACKLE.
II

199

first

purchase
is

it,

and
;

after

some

little

wear and

tear

the

gum

gone

the line then soon untwists and be-

comes
I

rotten, therefore very unfit for

Jack and Pike-

Ij

fishing.
in

The

platted silk lines are the best for trolling,

;

every sense of the word

they are stronger than

those which are twisted.

Let the twisted be made

Platted

wholly of

silk,

or silk and hair, or mohair.

silk lines are also less inclined to

I

kink or tangle than

the twisted, which every TroUer

knows
is

is

of some

consequence
self

therefore,

my

advice

to provide your-

with a platted

silk line, (the colour immaterial,)

fifty

made of about
to sixty yards.

eight strands, and in length from

If

you wish

to

make your
manner
on
:

line water-

proof, dress
in coils, in

it

in the following

lay the line

a large tumbler or basin, and pour as

oil
it

much

cold-drawn double-boiled linseed

the whole
last
;

as will cover

let it lay a

few minutes, then take the end

all

put

in,

and gradually draw

it

the line out of the

it

tumbler or basin, and pass

through or wipe

with

a piece of woollen cloth or flannel,

which

will

make

the surface smooth, and the whole line will be alike

saturated with the
,

oil.
it

Hang

the line up for a few

fit

days in dry

air,

and

will then be

for use.
it

Note.

Some

Trollers think this dressing a line causes

;

soona line

er to rot

but
is

am

not of that opinion.

I find

so dressed

less likely to kinkle, or stick to the rod,

it,

than those without

and also that the dressed

line

passes quicker through the rings

cast, in
p
I

consequence of
its

its

not

when you make a imbibing much water,

:

and from

being a

little

stiflf

.when choosing a

'200

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

winch, prefer one without a lock or stop^ and also those

which

are
to

made

to tie on the rod, because

you can

tie

on such

any sized joint or rod, or have them

is

let in

a groove and fastened by brass ferules, which

case with those

not the

made with

a hoop and screw

for if the

rod be too large to pass through the hoop, or the hoop

too large for the rod,

ced

those

made

to tie

much inconvenience is experienon may also be fixed to the

on a wooden thumb-

butt by brass ferules, which the tackle-makers provide.

Some Anglers keep

winder,

their line

{see the Cut, Fig. 3,)

and others use a bank

;

runner, (see the Cut, Fig. 2,) for the same purpose
I

but

prefer a winch, because I have

it

my line and rod more

high sags,

compact, and

enables

me

to troll over

rushes, bushes, &c.

which are often met with about

;

the sides of rivers, and large pieces of water

and un-

der the cover or shade of such places. Jack and Pike

are often found.

The

Angler, having provided himself with

line,

winch, &c., should

Cut, Figs.

now

fit

up some

traces, {see the

it

4 and

5,)

or get his tackle-maker to do

for him, in the following

manner

take two pieces of

gimp, about ten inches each

in length,

and join them

j

together very neatly and strong, with a box swivel

then

tie

on

at one

end of the gimp a hook swivel, and

3

at the other

end make a loop of the gimp

observe-

the hook swivel should be

larly the
off the
tied.

made very

strong, particu-

hook part of
to

it,

because, in putting on and

loop of gimp

which the hook or hooks are

Anglers, from the hurry of the moment, some-

TROLLING TACKLE.
times use more violence than what
besides,
laid
is

201
necessary
5

and

when

a heavy Fish

is

hooked,
it.

on

this swivel while killing

much

stress is

^Note.

For

live-

bait- fishing, a trace,

made of

a foot of gut, looped at

one end, and a hook swivel on the other, answers as

well as two swivel traces, and
is

more

easily

made

and used.

When
float

you use a live-bait for Jack-fishing, and a

line,

on the trolling

and to which

line

you

fix

traces, those traces

float to

must be leaded

so as to sink the

a certain depth j for which purpose, you

5

may

use a dip-leadj or three or four swan shots

lead or shot should be
fixed just

the dip-

above the hook

swivel, as represented in the Cut at the

head of the
with the no lead
is is

Chapter, fsee Cuts 4 and 5 J

When

trolling
bait,

gorge-hook, or snap-fishing with a dead

wanted on the
on the shank
;

traces,

because the gorge-hook

leaded

and

all

hooks that are used^ baited with

seen by a reference to the Cuts

a dead bait in snap-fishing, have a drop-lead attached

to

them, which

may be

of

them
I

in

Chap. IV.
it

make

a rule always to have a spare trace or two

in

my

tackle book, ready fitted, of

gimp and twisted

lose no time in

gut, either for trolling, snap-fishing, or live-bait-fishing,

that, in case of accident, I

may

repairing, &c.
for

when

at

my

sport, but leave that job

a rainy day at home.

In the

Summer months,
I

when

the waters get low and bright, from a continuI

ance of dry weather,

have found, when

used traces

made of

the choicest twisted gut, instead of gimp.

202

THE TROLLERS GUIDE.

tied to twisted gut, that I

and hooks also

have

killed

more Jack and

gorge, or

Pike, either

when
is

trolling
I

with the
if I

when live-bait-fishing, than

you are to observe^

could

used

gimp J
feed,

this,

only during the

Summer, when Jack and Pike

and the water very bright
3
j

are not

much on

the

they then seem shy

of coarse tackle

but not so in Winter and Spring, for

then they are well on the feed, and the water generally

somewhat
I
if it

discoloured, at

which time and

sea-

sons

believe Jack and Pike

would take a baited

Those

hook

was

tied to a clothes' line or rope.

Anglers
traces,

who object to the trouble of fitting or using may certainly kill both Jack and Pike without
by looping, hanging it to a swivel, draw-bow knot. The Angler who uses the

them, by simply fixing their baited hook-link to the

trolling line, either

or by a

knot should be careful and examine his line frequently,

because the drawing and undrawing the said knot,

soon injures the

strength
is

line,
;

and

at that part

where much

wanted

therefore, a
it is

few inches must be

used, or the An-

cut off the line before

too

much

gler will, probably, lose a Jack or Pike, with hooks,

gimp, &c.

Swivels and traces enable the TroUer

to

cause his bait to have a twirling or spinning motion,

which frequently stimulates a Jack or Pike

at
it J

to strike
is

used.

this particularly applies

^Note.

when

a dead bait

That traces made with the best salmon-

gut, twisted, cause the bait to spin

if

much

better than

made of gimp, and

are sufficiently strong to kill a

;

Pike almost of any size

and further observe, on

TROLLING TACKLE.
traces, that the

203

play of the swivels also eases the

stress

on the rod while you are killing a heavy

If

Fish.

Note.

you

live-bait fish for

Jack or Pike
is

with a floated

line,

without traces, a dip-lead

float,

better

than shot to sink the

fput

because the

float is first
it

on the
;

trolling line, then the shot

below

on the
float

said line
oflf

and when so done, you cannot get the

again without the trouble of removing the shot,

for they will not pass through either the ring or cap
of the float
;

but

if

you use a dip-lead,

in

it is

put on

the line and

removed

an instant.

Dip-leads are

made of a long barrel shape, with a hole through

them, and are kept ready for sale, of various sizes, by

most of the fishing-tackle makers and shops in London: but

tvith,

if

those dip-leads are not easily to be

met
al-

one or two small pistol-bullets, cast with a hole

hrough them, will be found a good substitute,

hough they do not look

quite so neat on the line as

nther split shot or dip-leads.

hat I have directed the traces to be

)ieces

The Angler will notice made of two

5

each, about ten inches long

and also note, be

hat the hooks used for live-bait-fishing should

ied to lengths of

gimp

of eight or nine inches longj

)ecause, if the traces

loat

and hook-lengths are longer, the

traces,

must be placed on the

which looks awk-

vard and clumsy.

rolling

In respect to traces used

when
is

with the gorge, or at the snap, the length

immaterial.

204

THE troller's guide.

Rods proper for Trolling or Jack and

and how
to Troll

Pike-Jishing,

without a Rod.

A GOOD

trolling-rod should be

stout and well- seasoned

made of bamboo cane

3
;

the choicest
in length
it

should not be shorter than fourteen feet

is

but sixteen

more

desirable,

if

your tackle-maker can furnish

purpose of striking true,
strong
;

cane every

way

fit

for the

and not too heavy, yet

sufficiently

but

if

bamboo, of a

sufficient length,

&c.,

be

not

to be
for

procured, the tackle-makers use other light

wood

the butt, generally well-seasoned willow

those Anrod,

who are indifferent may have them made of

glers

about the weight of a

solid

wood,

in four joints,
3

each measuring nearly a yard and a half

ling rods will ahuost last for ever.

such

trol-

When

trolling
is

with the gorge, or live-bait-fishing, a long rod

ne-

cessary, to enable the Angler to drop in his baited

hook over high

ter be bright,
it

sags, rushes, &c.

and also
far

if

the wa-

he should then keep as

as he possibly can,

which a

away from long rod enables him to

;

do, while dipping, casting, or spinning his bait

for

if

TROLLING RODS.
either a Jack or a Pike see him,
that he will then take the bait.
longit is

^05
very rare indeed
again, with a

And

rod you will be able to drop your baited hook in

likely place for

some very

Jack or Pike

to lay,

such

as a small hole, division, or clear place,

among

a bed

of weeds, in a river, or any other water,

where there

are

many weeds
among

but

if

your rod be too short for that

falls

purpose, your baited hook frequently

cast, or

short

when

the weeds, instead of the open place

it

which you

desire or wish

to fall into

in

such case,

Jack or Pike are alarmed, and your chance of getting

a run (a run, in Jack or Pike fishing,
is

a bite)

is lost,

and frequently the

bait

is

spoiled or
3

much

injured by

catching or hanging to the weeds

bait

you then have to

;

your hook afresh, losing time, &c.

from which

mishaps, you are, perchance, sometimes near losing

your temper, forgetting that hope and patience support the Fisherman.

There

is

some

difference of opinion

among Anglers
;

about the number of rings necessary for trolling rods

those

who have their

line

on a thumb-winder, or on a

bank-runner, seldom place more than two or three

rings on their rod, and others have only a large ring
,at

the top

but

if

a winch

is

used, there should be a

5

ring to every joint, except the butt

that

is,

fasten

the winch to the butt, about

a foot from the bottom,

all

and

let that

joint

be

without a ring, and

the

other joints,

except the top, to have a ring,

each

iinade of double brass wire, fixed so as always to stand

out,

and nearly large enough

to

admit the top of your

206
little

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

finger j the top joint should

have two rings

the

top one nearly three times the size of the other.

the cut, Chap. VI. of a Trolling Rod, Line,

(See

and Traces, with

gorge-hook baited.) This prevents any obstruction to the

line running,

which

is

of material consequence.

have

two tops
Avith

to
in

my
with

trolling rod,

which

I
:

always carry

me,

case of breaking one, &c.

one

is

made

very
feet

flexible,

wood and

a whalebone

tip,

about two
I

long

to this, for strength

and security,

have a

ring on the

wood
tip
:

part as well as the large one at the

whalebone

this

top

always use

when

trolling
3

with the gorge-bait, or when fishing with live-bait

the other top
is

one foot

made wholly of stout whalebone, about long this I only use when snap-fishing,
;

which
and

it is

well calculated

for,

by

its

superior strength

stiffness.

Those Anglers who may object

to

have such large

rings as I have described fastened on their rods, so as

always to stand out instead of laying close to the rod,

because they prevent the several joints packing one

within another, and, in consequence, augment the bulk
to

be

carried,

going to and from

trolling,

can have such

close,

rings, if they prefer

them

to those to
fit

which lay

fixed to metal ferrels,

made

each joint of the rod,

which they may carry

or off at the

in their pocket,

and put theni on

or

commencement, and leaving off trolling

Jack-fishing, excepting the top joint, which, with the rings on, will pack in the butt or largest joint of the
trolling rod J or, by using such rings and ferrels, a Roach-

rod

may be used

for trolling, leaving out the

weak

top

TROLLING RODS.
joint.

207

Some Anglers
sewed

use a few small brass curtain-

rings

to loops of leather,

and pass the loop over

each joint of a stout walking-cane rod,

joints,

made with long

these

and without rings, the rings hanging outwards,

line runs
;

through which rings the trolling

leather loops are

made

in

a similar manner to those

which you may see

over, as the

in the fishing-tackle shops,

passed

means of keeping together,

and other common fishing
troll

the several
rods.

joints of hazel

There are a few Anglers that

from the shore

without a rod, only using a poll or stick, with a forked

top
;

they carry their line on a bank-runner or a hand:

winder

after baiting the

line,

hook and letting out a proper

length of
poll

they then pass the fork of the stick or

line,

under the

about a yard above the baited hook,

and cast out

in search,

and occasionally use the said

fork to hoist the line over, &c. the high sags, sedges,
rushes, or whatever else

may impede

their progress.

This

mode

of Jack or Pike-fishing can be resorted to

by an Angler who may beat a water which promises

sport,

and he, unfortunately,

is

without a proper rod

unless this happens, I think few Anglers would so troll

or

fish for

Jack or Pike but, when trolling from a boat,

j

this

method of Jack-fishing

is,

in

some

cases, certainly

useful,

and can be then more conveniently practised.

discoursed, I hope, both plainly and suifici-

Having

ently on hooks, lines, and rods, I shall

direct the reader
^

now proceed

to

how

to select the best and

most proper

baits for trolling or Jack-fishing, during the different

seasons of the year.

iOS

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

CHAP.

VII.

Baits for Trolling or Jack-fishing.

The

Fish which Jack and Pike chiefly feed on, are

Gudgeons, Roach, Dace, Bleak, Minnows, and small

Trout, and

Chub

they will certainly take any other

;

sort of Fish,

Tench excepted

(see the reason for this

opinion, in the observation on Jack, &c. in Chap. X.)

and they will even feed on their own species, and, occasionally, attack the Perch, notwithstanding its formida-

ble

back

fin.

But when the Angler can get

a sufficient

number of Gudgeons, Roach,

or Dace, of a proper size,

either alive or very fresh, to bait his

hooks with, he

may rest assured that he possesses the best baits for trol ling or Jack-fishing that the waters produce. Among
those three choice
baits, the

Gudgeon

is

the

most

useful, either for trolling with the gorge-hook, or in

live-bait fishing
;

for,

in trolling, the

Gudgeon
its
its

spins

better in the water, from the rotundity of

shape,

than Roach or Dace, and

it is

also thicker in

body,
it,

and, therefore, the Jack or Pike,

when they
its

strike at

are not so likely to feel the lead in the

belly or throat

Gudgeon

is

also a very clean-feeding Fish,

and

is

always so sweet, or well-flavoured, that the experienced Angler knows

;

when Jack
it,

or Pike strike a

Gud-

geon they less seldom blow it out of their mouths again

instead of pouching

than any other

bait.
;

The same
moreover.

reason holds in respect to live-bait fishing

RAITS FOR TROLLING.

209
on the
water
;

Gudgeons

Avill

swim

strongciv,

and

live longer
in the

hook than other Fish, and also keep low

whereas Roach, Dace, and,
i)articulaily.

Bleak, endea;

vour to reach or swim near the surface of the water

and

if

the Jack or Pike follows and sees the Angler,

they generally refuse the bait, and retire.

The next best bait,

the
in

I consider, is a

Roach, and, "during

I

months of January, February, and March,

use

it

preference to a

Gudgeon

the best size to choose

Gudgeon, Roach, or Dace

for trolling

with the gorge,

is

or in live-bait-fishing for or six inches in length

a larger bait
I

Jack or Pike,

about

five

but

when you go

snap-fishing

is

preferable, because Jack or Pike will

frequently seize a large bait, though they will not

ii

pouch
ler

it,

which

is

a losing
;

game

for the

gorge

trol-

or live-bait Fisher

but not so with the snap

Angler, because, the instant the Jack or Pike strikes his

bait, the

Angler, with a strong jerk, fixes the hook into

is

either

Pike or Jack, and as a large bait

most

attractit

ing, of course

the snap-Fisher should prefer

to a

small one.

The next
four baits,

bait in value to
:

Gudgeons and Roach

are

Dace and Bleak

if

you cannot procure any of those

you may take any small Fish (Tench exBut, note

cepted)

you can procure, and with any of them you

Jack or Pike.
bait, it
if
;

may

kill

if

you ever use a

Jack for a

should not exceed half a pound in

bait your

weight
'

and

you

hook with a Perch, be

very close to the back
I

sure to cut

away the dorsal

T 2

fin

before you begin fishing with

it.

have killed Jack

210
in the

THE TROLLERS GUIDE.

ponds inTilney Park, Wanstead, by baiting snap:

hooks with a Smelt, and also with a Sprat

this

has

happened

in the winter

months, at which season Jack

for food in

and Pike are much distressed

ponds

and

have been told they have been killed by baiting with

a small-sized fresh herring, of which
I

doubt not.
still

Jack

are, also,

sometimes taken

in

ponds and other

waters, (but seldom in rapid rivers,) by baiting with a

dead frog

to

do which, put the loop of the gimp into

it

the frog's mouth, and draw the same as

if it

out at
;

its

tail,

exactly

were a

fish-bait

then draw the hook

(which should be a small gorge-hook) close to the

mouth, and
ready to

tie its

hind legs to the gimp, and

If

all is

fix to

the trolling line.

you use a frog

5 hook,

for
fix
it
;

live-bait-fishing, use a single

it

No. 4 or

and

to the side of the frog's lip, or rather

through

the frog then will live a long time in the water and

swim
it

strong.

If a frog is

used for a snap-bait, hook

through the skin, on the back.

Trusting the reader
is

now made

sufficiently ac-

quainted with the

materials for Trolling,

we wiU
art

immediately proceed to the practical part of the

of taking Jack and Pike with rod, line, and hook
first, let
:

but,

me

inform the London Angler, that the two

places most to be depended upon for purchasing live

Gudgeons, Minnows, &c. are

at

Mr. Turpin's,
;

fishing-

tackle shop, close to Sadler's Wells

and Mr. Jacob's,

Fishmonger, No. 30, Duke Street, Aldgate.

*?;

THE TROLLKR

D \Y.

211

CHAP.

VIII.
J

THE TROLLEr's DAY

Accompanied with Directions how and where

to

Winch on

the

Rod

take Jack or

To Baited Gorge-hook To To land and unhook them, Pike

cast the
&;c.

place the

About ten
tober,
trolling,

o'clock^ the latter

end of the month of Ocvery favourable for

I

1818, the weather

bemg

and the water of a good colour,

walked

to

the river Lea; w^here, by appointment, I

met a young

Angler, with a haversack slung over his shoulder, a

troUing-rod under his arm, and, in his pocket, a book

of trolling- tackle fsee the Cut, Fig. 2, Chap. I.J, consisting of

hooks of various

sizes, baiting-needles, silk,

;

thread, a disgorger, scissars, &c.

also a box, with

;

half a dozen bait-fish in

it,

well sprinkled with bran

and inside

his jacket (on the left-hand side)

he had

placed a landing-hook (the point of which was stuck

fast into a cork,

to prevent

it

accidentally injuring
fixed to a telescope-

him

in

case of a slip or

fall),

jointed rod.

Some Anglers hang

the

hook through a
from

button-hole, on the left-hand side of their coat or

jacket, always taking care to secure the point

injuring them.

My

young

friend

was waiting very

anxiously for

my

arrival.

On

looking at

my

watch, I
to

found
\\

it

not yet quite the time

we agreed

meet
line, I

however, perceiving his impatience to wet a

spent but
little

time in complimenting him on the

212
punctuality

THE TROLLERS GUIDE.

of his keeping the time agreed on to
all

meet, and on his having

fish, &c., in

the necessary tackle, bait-

the best order, but immediately directed

him

to proceed in the following

manner

First,

put your rod together,

j

fix

the joints one within

the other firmly

and mind, while so doing, that the

rings on the different joints are in a direct line with

each other to the large ring at the top

by which
free than

means, the

line

from the winch

will then run in a

straight direction, consequently,

if

much more

the rings w^ere in a zig-zag or crooked line.

Now,

fix

the winch about ten inches up the butt of the rod,

in

line

with the rings on the other

joints,

and draw
it

some draw

of the line from the winch, passing

through

every ring, and out of the top large one.

as

Continue to

much

line out, as

about half the length of

the rod to the end of the line, and

trace to the trolling line
;

now

fasten your
;

that

is

right

all

very

weU.

Next, bait a gorge-hook, in the following

:

manner

take
it

a baiting-needle and hook

to the loop

-,

tie

the

curved end of
the hook
is

of the

gimp

(to

which
out

tied),

then introduce the point of the

it

needle into the bait-fish's mouth, and bring

at the

middle of the fork part of

its

tail

the lead

will

then be hid inside

of the

the bait's
iiiside

belly,
its

and the

shank

hook

will lie

mouth, the

barbs and points outside, turning upwards.

the bait steady on the hooks,
tie

To keep
it

the

tail

part of

just

above the fork

to

the gimp, with white thread, or

through the

flesh,

about half an inch above the

tail,

THE TROLLEr's DAY,

incircling the

^13

gimp, the thread passing under and

fix it to

over

it,

and then

the loop-swivel of the trace,

and

all will

be ready

for casting in search of

Jack or

Pike, fsee the Cut, Chap. Yl.J.

Now,

take the rod in

your right hand, grasping

it

just above the winch,

fsee the Cut of Trolling with the gorge),

and

rest the

butt end of

it

against the lower side of your stomach,

or the upper part of your thigh, and with your left

hand draw a yard more of the

trolling line
until,

from the

winch, which you must hold lightly,

with a jerk
in the

from the right arm, you cast the baited hook

water (see the Cut of Trolling with the gorge).
the jerk
left
is

When

given, let the line which you hold in the

its

hand pass from

hold gradually, that the baited

cast out,

hook may not be checked, when

the line too fast
3

by holding
let

or that

it

may

fall

short of where you

if

wish to place

it,

which

it

will do,

you

go of

it

altogether, immediately
it

you have made a

jerk, or cast

fiom the right arm.

By
to

noticing these observations, and with a

little

practice,

you may, without labour,

cast a baited

hook

many

yards distance, and almost to an inch of the

spot you think likely to harbour a Jack or Pike.

Many

Anglers

troll

with the rod held in their hand,

instead of letting the butt end rest against them3 but

they cannot cast out their baited hook,

ing the rod, with so
exertion, as those

when so carrymuch precision, nor with so little who rest it against their stomach
cast in

or thigh.

Now

you have every thing ready,

the baited-hook just over and beyond those candock

214

THE TROLLRR
3

GUIDE.

weeds

let

the bait sink, nearly to touching the botit

tom
it it

now draw

gradually upwards,
;

till

it

is

near

the surface of the water

let

it

sink again j

now draw
-,

upwards, and also a

sink again, and

little to
it

the right and left

let

draw

up slowly, and step back a

but no luck
the next

little

from the water, and gradually draw the bait

:

nearer the shore

cast-in-search,

all

very

fair,

throw a few yards further out: very

sink, as before, to the right

well

draw and
but

and

left,

&c.

yet, I see,

you cannot move

Aye, here
!

a Fish.

We

will try another place.

is

a likely place, on

my word, to find a
bay of the river
;

Fish

Observe, the sags and rushes

are very thick, and reach nearly all round this

bend or

and

I see there are a

few weeds, but

they do not appear very strong, and the current and

eddy

is

only strong enough to keep the water lively.

bait,

Now
see
J

put on a fresh
threadle this

a choice one.
;

Ah

let

me
two

Gudgeon

think this spot deserves

every attention.

Now

cast in your bait, about

I

yards beyond those sags, directly where

stand.

Very

well

that

is

a neat and

fair

throw

draw up slowly

and. carefully.
line violently,

Something has snatched or pulled your

you say ?

^Bravo

you have a rim

lower the point of your rod towards the water, and, at

the same time, draw the line, with your
dually from the winch, that nothing
line
left

hapd, grathe
;

may impede

from running

free, or

check the Jack or Pike

either one or the other of which, at a certainty, has

taken your baited hook.

Ah

the Fish stops

see

he has not run more than two yards of line

out, there-

THE TROLLEK
fore

DAY.

215
I

you found him

he has
little
;

at

home.

Now, by my watch,

see

hiid still

seven minutes

very well

but

have a
shakes

more

patience.

Oh

now

all is right.

Ah

he moves

I see the line

^he

runs

wind

up the slack

line,

turn the rod, that the winch

may
little
still,
:

be uppermost instead of underneath, and strike, but

not violently
raised, for I
;

and keep the point of your rod a

his laying so

have no doubt, by

long

that he has got the hooks safe

enough

in his

pouch

he makes towards the middle of the

inclined to

river,

and seems

go up stream.
j

You

say he feels heavy

;

and swims low

a

all is

right again

believe me, he

is

good Fish

I see there are

some very strong canto the

dock- weeds a-head, and he appears desirous of gaining

them
left

try

and turn him, by holding your rod

instead of the right, and lead

him back
is still

to the

place from

whence he
:

started.

That

fortunate,
;

he turns kindly
well, let

ah

now he
line

strikes off again

:

veryis off;
it

him go
;

now, wind him again again he

steady, steady

mind your

do not distress

by

keeping

it

too tight on your Fish.

Now

he makes

shorter journeys,
shore.
little

and seems inclined to come on

Very

well,

you may now wind, and hold a

if

tighter on him, and feel

he will allow you to

raise

and show him

is

but be collected and careful.

That

well done

I see,

he

is

a Fish worth bagging 3

all free, for

but keep steady, and have your line

will, for

he

a short time, be

more

violent than ever.

Try
I

and lead him down to yon opening, at which place,

see,

the water

is

nearly on a level with the

marsh

(a

9,16

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

famous
Angler

place, indeed, to land a Fish, especially if the

is

alone,

and without a landing hook)

is

he
not

seems a good deal weakened, yet the danger

at
all

'

passed.
raise

Now

draw him nearer the

little

shore,
air.

and again

and give him a

fresh

Ah

now he

is

angry, and growing desperate

but
See,

keep steady,

for I think

we

are all over right.

how he
merous
serve,

extends his monstrous jaws, shewing his nuteeth, red gills, and capacious throat.

Ob-

how he

shakes his head, and flings himself over

if

and out of the water, as

he was determined to break

;

and destroy the strongest tackle

clear
still

but steady ; keep

all

and

free.

Now

bring him

near shore again;

he shakes himself violently, and has thrown ano:

ther somerset in the air

it is all

very well

Give him
;

a few turns more, and he will be tame enough

now
lit-

draw him
and
tle

close in shore. I see

he
;

is

quite exhausted,

floats

motionless on his side

hold his head a

up, that the

jaw

or gills do not touch or

hang

fo a

THE TROLLERS DAY.

weed.

217

That

is it.

Now

grasp him with both hands

gills,

just below the

head and shoulders, behind the

and hoist or chuck him a few yards on the grass.

Well done, and a handsome Fish you have got

your pains
:

for

it is

a female Pike, I see,

it

and

in excellent

condition, and I believe

weighs eight pounds, at least.

Fish,

Now, my

boy,
;

bag the

and put on another

recollect, it fre-

baited hook

for, I

would have you

quently happens, that you will find a brace of Pike in

such a place as
ferent sexes.

this, of a similar size,

though of

dif-

After a few throws,

my young

Angler

had another
Fish,
half a

run,

and was fortunate enough

to kill the

which proved a male Pike, seemingly within

pound weight of the female.

this day's trolling,
:

During the

re-

mainder of

about four pounds weight

not distress the water.

We

we bagged a third Fish do then said, Enough now withdrew to a comj

;

fortable inn, on the river side, for refreshment

and
I

while taking our wine^ and at other opportunities,

gave him further information on Trolling and Jackfishing,

which the reader may

find in this

and the

fol-

lowing Chapters.

218

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

Trollins: continued.

When
keep as

trolling for
far

Jack or Pike, make

it

a rule to

from the water as you can, and always

casting in search near the shore side,
at

commence by
with the wind

your back
fish

but

if

the water and

weather be very bright,

trying closely,

against the wind.

After
in

make your
line

next throw further

the

water, and draw and sink the baited hook, by pulling

and casting the

with your

left

hand, while raisit

ing and lowering the rod with your right, drawing

straight upwards, near the surface of the water, and

also to the right

and

left,

searching carefully every

bait against

foot of water, and

draw your
it

and across and then.

the stream, which causes

to twirl or spin 3

TROLLING.
by
its

219
it is

glistening, &c. in the water,

sure to attract
it
5

aiicl

excite either

Jack or Pike to seize

very bright,
it is

and note,

w hen the water

is

absolutely neces-

sary that your tackle should be of the finest and neatest sort
3

and that you draw and spin the baited hook

<martly and quickly against and across the stream,

or

you will not be successful, for coarse tackle, and

merely sinking and drawing at such times, will not

do.

Be

particularly careful, in drawing

up or taking
to do
it

the baited
hastily,

hook out of the water, not

find,

too

because you will

by experience,

that the

Jack or Pike strike or seize your bait more frequently

when you
sinking.

are drawing

it

upwards, than when

it

is

And,

also, further observe, that

if

when drawand

ing your bait slowly upwards,

lightly shake the rod,
it

you occasionally

will cause the bait to spin

is

twirl about, which, as before observed,

to attract either

very likely

Jack or Pike.

In the bends of rivers, and those parts out of the

rapid current. Jack and Pike generally lay, and also

where there are many weeds

in your baited

and when you you

find a

hole or opening between them, then cautiously drop

hook

and

if

feel, in this
is

or any

other place, a sudden tug or snatch, (which

or run,) give line, as before directed
j

a bite

and when fne

line

Jack or Pike ceases to take or run out your

lay
still,

and

do not strike

in less

time than ten minutes

little

after, for, if

you strike too soon, you have

chance

but

if

the Jack or Pike has pouched, he cannot get

if

away,

he

is

not struck for an hour after he has

220
taken the bait
after they
:

THE TROLLEr's GUIDE.

but
if

they shake the line and move,

still

have remained

about two or three mi-

nutes,
bait,

you may conclude the Fish has pouched the

feels the

and

hooks

then wind up your slack

j

line,

and

strike,

but not violently

and always mind to keep

while you are playif

the point of your rod a

little raised,

ing and killing your Fish.

On

the other hand,

for a

you
so,

have a run, and the Fish lays

still

minute or

and moves a

little

way and

stops,

and perhaps moves a

third time, do not strike, for he has not yet

let

pouched but
5

him remain

ten minutes, for, perhaps, he

may be

disturbed by a larger Fish

and, in consequence, he
first

making

his

appearance,

endeavours to get away,

fearing the larger will dispossess

therefore, in such cases,
it

him of

his prey

is

the safest

way

to give

time, or put on a snap-hook.

When
to place

you have a run, and the Fish lays

to lay your rod

still,

and

you are disposed

it,

down, be careful so
line

that nothing can

impede the winch and

acting freely, and stand handy to act as circumstances

may

require

for,

sometimes, a heavy Fish, when he

feels the hook, will

make

a sudden and most violent

5

rush towards the middle, or up the river

instant, rod,

and, in an

winch, and

all,

are

drawn

into the water,

or the line broken.

When

you have hooked or played a Fish

until

he

is

quite weakened, and there are high sags or rushes before you, in
self,

which he

will

endeavour to entangle him-

or you are on a high bank, the safest

is,

way

to land

your prize then

by fixing a landing hook

in

him.

p
'.'ither

TROLLING.

22i

through his

lips,

or under his lower

jaw; be-

cause, while weighing out or lifting up a heavy Fish,

and he

is

slightly hooked, perhaps in the brittle part

gills,

of his throat, mouth, or

its

the
is

hook

will tear

from

hold, or, if he struggles, he

5

very likely to break

either rod or line

out,

or,

probably, his pouch

;

may draw
The
the

and you thereby lose your prize

therefore, yc^

should always carry a hook of this kind with you.

most portable are those made

to

screw into a
I.J

jointet'
all
3

telescope-rod, (see the Cut in Chap.

principal fishing-tackle shops
as,

which

keep ready

for sale

and

sometimes, you

may want

to increase the length of

it

this,

you should have the end of

made of

a size to
rod.

fit

in the

two strongest joints of your trolling

Some
fit

Trollers carry, also,

a large-sized landing-net with

is

them, the

worm
it

or screw of which
for,

made

to

the

landing-hook rod 3
Used,
I

when

a net can be convenien^l

think

much

the safer

way

and, as the neti

are placed on jointed hoops, they take

up but

little
it is

room, either

in the

pocket or elsewhere, therefore

advisable to carry both hook and net.

this landing

You may carry

to the in-

hook very conveniently slung

side of your jacket or coat, on the left side thereof,

having a narrow long pocket made to receive

it

or

hanging from or through a button-hole, only

special care to prevent an accident,

takinii;

by securing the

point in a stout piece of cork.

Observe, when Trolling, Live-bait-fishing, or SnanpSshing,

\,

you should

bait the

hook the

last

thing

tiut

after

you have put the

rod, line, &c. together, be-

222
cause
it is

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

essential to offer the

;

Jack or Pike a bait

exceedingly fresh and sweet

a fresh bait on
or

also,

make

it

a rule to put

when you

find the present one is torn,

;

becomes water-sopped

and be careful to remove

any piece of weed, &c. that

may have hung

to a bait

before you cast in again, for Jack or Pike will seldom

take a stale or sopped bait, nor one on which hang

weeds, grass, or any thing

else.

When

you go

for a

day's trolling with the gorge, provide a tin box, sufficiently large to hold six Fish-baits laying at their full

length, and put under, between, and over

them some
and

clean bran, which will absorb the moisture from their

bodies, and

keep them sweet

for a

long time
stiff.

they will also remain longer firm and

rally

gene-

use a square tin box, with hinges and a

slip clasp,

of the following dimensions, viz. from seven to eight

inches long, about five inches broad, and

two deep

the inside of the

four parts

box should be divided

into three or

by

slips of tin that fall into grooves, (see the

it

Cut.)

By

placing the baits in those divisions,

;

keeps

them

straight

and by sprinkling them well with bran

(which absorbs the moisture of their bodies,) the

baits will

keep of their natural shape, and remain

takes the trouble so to pre-

sweet.

The TroUer, who

serve his baits, will find his success greatly exceed

those

who

carelessly

wrap

their bait-fish

up

in paper
it

the box for baits should be japanned, otherwise

soon

becomes
keep
it

rusty,

and then requires

fit

much

trouble to

in a clean state

to receive bait-fish.

Note.

large-sized Sandwich box, (sold at all the principal

TO MANAGE BAITS,
tin

223

shops,) with the iiHdition of the sliding partitions,

excellent bait-box.

make an

By

taking out those

partitions, the

box

is

easily

cleaned, which should

always be done immediately after you return from

trolling.

When
|have

have been obliged to

start early in a

mornand

ing from town to a distance, for a day's trolling, I

packed

my
it

baits the last thing over night,

little salt,

sprinkled

them with a

as well as with bran,

and thought
for use.

kept them longer^ and in a better state

When you
that either

are trolling with the gorge,

will

you

will find

Jack or Pike
it

sometimes take your bait

eagerly,
their

and hold

several minutes

by

its

body across

mouth, (see

the Cut ;)

and then throw, drop, or

Jack taking a bait.

olow

it

from them, instead of pouching

it.

You, pos;

sibly, try

another kind of bait, and cast in again

;

you

have a run, but you are disappointed

will not

the Jack or Pike

pouch the

bait,

but drop

it

when

this occurs.

224

THE troller's guide.

you may be assured the Fish are more on the play

than on the feed.
This being the case, convert your
in the

gorge to a snap,

manner

directed in Chap. IV.

the dead snap with four hooks, and you will generally

succeed in taking or killing the tantalizer.

Note.

Among my

trolling- tackle, I

always carry

with

me two

or three pieces of stick, from

two to

three
either

inches long, to use as a gag

when I have hooked

I

Jack or Pike

in the throat

can then easily get

my

hook away without cutting or disfiguring the Jack or

Pike, (supposing the hook to be a favourite one, and I
prefer using
his
it

to

any other,) by gagging or keeping

a piece of stick.
I

mouth open, with

can then,

with a disgorger about nine or ten inches long, (which

you may have made either of

the

ivory, brass, or iron, for

common
fingers

bone-disgorgers are not long enough for

the Troller's purpose,) get

away the hook, and save

;

my
is

from the Fish's teeth

but

if

the Jack or

Pike has pouched, the better way then to unhook him^

to

make an opening

in his belly, near the throat,

and carefully cut away the parts to which the hooks

hang, and draw the hooks and gimp out of the opening.

If this operation

is

done neatly, and

it

is

very

easy so to do with a sharp-pointed knife, the Jack or

Pike will be very

little disfigured.
it

In landing heavy Jack or Pike,

is

best to use a

landing hook, or to grasp them firmly with both hands

just

below the

gills

for,

though

it is

generally recom-

mended
and so

to press your

lift

thumb and finger in their eyes, them, yet I have known many instances of

LANDING JACK OR PIKE.

226
;

good Fish being

lost

by

this

method

for,

if

they

struggle much, very few can hold

them by a thumb

and
eye.

finger,

which

is

placed in the socket of the Pike's

;

This method does very well with small Jack

I

but even those

have seen dropped and

lost

by the
an

momentary alarm caused by the Jack (which seemed

quite

exhausted)

suddenly

gasping, twisting,

struggling.

Note.
;

When

Jack-fishing with a winch

attached to a Rod, cast out your bait with the wincu

hanging under your hand, as represented

of Trolling
rests

in the plate

because,

when

the rod

is

so held, the line

free,

wholly upon the rings, and runs

if

which

it

will not always do

held the reverse way, especially

it is

when

the line becomes wet, as

j

then apt to stick

to the rod, &c.

but when you have a run, and are

about to strike, turn the rod, that the winch

may be
'

uppermost, because the weight, &c. of the Fish,

v<^

you are playing him,

the winch
is

will

be then on the rod

but

ii

underneath, the whole rests on the rings,

some of which may probably break away from the

whipping and entangle the
to endanger the loss
line,

or chafe

it,

so as

of the Jack or Pike you have

hooked.

2-26

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

CHAP.

IX.

Full Directions for taking Jack and Pike, with a Live-

Bait and Floated Line

ing Live- Baits described

Hooks explained

and

Proper for carry Various ways of using SnapKettles, ^c.

the most proper Seasons

and

Weather, ^c. for Trolling, pointed out.

When

you intend going to Live-bait Fish

for

Jack

and Pike, you should adjust your tackle

ing manner
:

in the follow-

first, fix

a winch to the rod, and draw

the line through the rings thereof, as directed in the

preceding

article, (trolling
float

with the gorge-hook,) and

I

then put the cork

on the troUing-line.
quill, in

prefer a

cork without either a plug or

I use a piece of ivory, or in its place, after

place of which

whalebone, to keep the line

it

having passed

and the

line

through

the cork

for which purpose, put the piece of ivory.

FLOATS, TRACES, &C.

or whalebone, in the hole, at the top of the cork,

I^'Z

by

way of a

plug, and only let about a quarter of an inch

I

appear above the cork.

cribbage-pegs,

have found the large-sized

toy-shops,

made of ivory, and sold at the

the best thing for the purpose.

float is

By

this contrivance the

considerably shortened, which is also of consebecause, when a Jack has taken your bait, and among weeds to pouch it, a long float often gets
;

quence
retires

entangled therein, and checks or alarms the Jack, and

he then drops the
bait, instead

of pouching

it.

^Note.

float

of a size that will

swim with about

half an

ounce of lead, and a

bait-fish of five or six inches in

length, will be found, generally speaking, the

ful
;

most use-

but

when very small

baits are used,

float will

and twisted
-,

gut instead of gimp, a smaller

be requisite

then take the traces, (which are described in Chap. V.)

fasten the line to the traces with a

bow-draw knot
fix that

-,

and, after having baited

your hook,
all
is

to the

hook-swivel of the traces, and

search.
all

ready to cast in

Note. Cork
j

floats sold at

the tackle-shops are

bored through

therefore,
I

if

you choose

to use

them with a

plug, as

have recommended and de-

scribed above, you have only to

remove the

quill at

the top, and the plug at the bottom, and you have

then a cork

fit

for the purpose.

is

When
that
in
it

the float

fixed at a proper distance

from

the baited hook, which

as a general rule, observe,

;

should be something less than three feet

but

very shoal water, or where there are

feet

many weeds,

two

above the hook will be a more proper distance

228
to fix the float
it
3

THE TROLLER
and
in

GUIDE.
I

no case do

ever find or think

right to fix the float above the baited

hook

at a

greater distance than between three or four feet.

If
float,

you choose to

fish

without traces, adjust the

this

line,

and baited hooks

;

way

first,

put the

float

on

the line

next put a dip-lead, or as

is

many swan-shot on
;

the line as

proper for the size of the float

dip-leads

are to be preferred, because they are put on and off in

an instant
whereas,
line,

fsee Dip-Leads described in

Chap.

V.J

it

takes

some time

to put the shot

on the

and more

to take

them

off again,

which must be
float

done, otherwise you cannot remove the

from the

Hue, because the shot will be found too large to pass

through the ring

at the top.

at the

bottom of the

float,

or the cap
is

Now,

all this

trouble and delay

obvia-

ted by using a dip-lead, or the traces fitted with swivels,

&c. as described in Chap. V.

However, whether
suppose the
in the sefig. 2.J

traces, dip-lead, or shot, are used, I will

hooks to be baited
cond
article,

in the

manner described

(Chap. III. and the Cut,

and the
at

float fixed in its

proper place, &c. and the Angler

if possible,

the water side, having,

the wind

at his

back

he must hold his rod and

in the

line exactly as de-

scribed

preceding

article,
in

(trolling with the

gorge-hook,) and as represented

the cut at the head

of this Chapter, excepting the hand represented as

grasping the rod above the winch

but

it

may be held
Angler
finds

below the winch

it

in live-bait fishing, if the to

more convenient

manage.

Cast your bait in very gently, and near the shore

CAST TIIK BAIT.

first,

2!2j>

always standing as far back from the water as you

can, being able at the

after a
little

same time

to see

your

float

if,

few minutes, you have no success, advance a

nearer, and

make another
left.

cast further in the

water, or to the right or

will

If the bait

be

lively, it

swim strong

about, and

make

for the weeds,

and

there entangle

itself,

which you must prevent by draw-

ing

it

gently away, but not out of the water.

When

the bait-fish becomes weak, which you will discover

by the

float

not bobbing about much, you should draw

to

him gently
rod a
seize
it is

and

fro, at

the

same time shaking your

escape

little,
it,

which

will

sometimes stimulate a Jack to

its
3

fearing

it is

making
is

though,

w hile
it,

stationary, the

Jack

seldom

in a

hurry about

which proves the advantage of strong lively baits over

the

weak and languid

still

cast in search in all the bends,

pools,

bays, and
&c.,

parts of rivers, and in ponds,

and also near and among beds of candock weeds,

rushes, sedges, and retired places, in preference to ra-

pid currents or whirling eddies, for such unsettled places Jack and Pike like not.

Observe, when you take your bait out of the water

to cast
it

into another place, that

you draw

it

slowly

and gradually
snatch
it

to the surface for that purpose,

and not

out

because Jack and Pike, when not very

much on
seems
to

the feed, will only strike at the bait

be escaping from them

those

when it who take their

often find a

line out without the

above caution,

Avill

Jack strike

at their bait, and, in their eagerness,

it

some3

times throw themselves out of the water after

but,

230

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

by the quick movement of the Angler, the Jack seldom

hits the bait
;

and

if

he does, he

is

generally so alarm-

ed, that he drops

it

again immediately.

This fact

is

well

known

to old Anglers.

When

a Jack or Pike

seizes

your
is

live-bait,

it

is

generally with violence, and the float

instantly

drawn

under watery
steadily

therefore, be sure to

keep your eye

line free,

on

it,

and also keep your winch and

always holding a yard or two of slack line in your left

hand, that nothing

may
it

stop or impede the Jack or

bait,

Pike when he has seized the

his haunt to

and

is

making
left

for

pouch
line

if

he run very violently, keep

hand,
to the

drawing the
that he

from the winch with your

;

may

not be checked

when he has got

still,

desired place, and then lays

in less
if

do not disturb him

;

time than ten minutes after he has so laid

little

or

you give him a

;

longer time,
that

it

may

not be

amiss

for

you are
but

to

know

when

a Jack has got

it

the baited hook in his pouch, he cannot possibly get

out again

if

you

strike before he has so done,

you
the

generally pull the bait from his

mouth without

hooks touching him

therefore, the only chance of

losing either Jack or Pike after they have taken the

bait
is,

in not giving

them time enough

;

to

pouch

it,

supposing them to be disposed to pouch

contrary,

but,

on the

when you have

a run, and the Jack or Pike

goes some distance and stops a few moments, then

moves

again, stops a few

moments

as before, and a

third time

moves
he

his quarters,
is

you must not expect he

will pouch, for

then

more on the play than on

WHEN
the feed
;

TO STRIKE.

531

or there are larger Jack or Pike abpiit the

spot, that prevents the one

which

lias

taken your bait

from

stopping', for fear of the stronger taking his prey

from him.
curs, as

However
it

it

may

be,

when such

a case oc-

somethnes
line,

will,

with the third movement,

wind up your

and strike smartly the contrary way

may probably hook him in the chaps, throat, or gills or you may change the hook and use a snap with a live-bait, when you find the Fish will not pouch. Further recollect, when you have a
the Jack runs, and you
;
:

run, and the Jack or Pike remains

still

(after

having

taken the bait and gone a certain distance) for three

minutes or more, and then shakes and tugs the line

and moves away, wind up the slack

but not with

line

and

strike,
if ei-

much

force

because, you will find,

still

ther a Jack or Pike has laid

for three

minutes or

more, and then becomes

bait,
it,)

restless,

he has pouched the

(which they sometimes do the moment they take

to feel the hooks.
live-bait-fishis,

and begins

When

you have hooked a Fish while

ing, act as directed with the gorge-hook, that

do

not strain on

him

too hard

keep him from heavy

weeds and dangerous places

lastly,

as

much

as

you can

and

when bringing him

(either

Jack or Pike) to a

convenient place for landing, and he becomes very

quiet,

be prepared to expect he

will,

when almost
gills,
3

in

your hands,

make some

desperate plunges, shaking his

head, opening his mouth, shewing his red

''

&c.

Prepare for this probable case with coolness

and

when such

occurs, let Mr. Jack or Pike have a few

"232

THE TROLLER
turns in his

GUIDE.

more

becomes tractable, you

ging him.

own element and when he again may be more sanguine of bagYou are to note, that many very heavy
;

Fish are lost through the anxiety of getting them on

shore, and especially at the time the \iolent strug-

gling takes place, which

have described
;

for then

the Troller should yield to the Fish

trary, the

but,

on the condrag

young Angler redoubles

;

his efforts to

the unwilling Fish on shore

but he frequently, by

using such improper force, either breaks his tackle or

draws the Pouch out of the Jack or Pike's stomach,

and of course,
fish

in either case, loses his prize.

If

you

with one hook fixed to the

III.

bait's gills, in the

1,

man-

ner described in Chap.

the

fig.

you must pursue

same method
but

as described in respect to giving the

bait

Jack or Pike time to pouch the

run
;

when you have

and
4,

if

you use a single hook, or three or

III.
fig. 1, 3,

five

hooks, as described in Chap.

you
to

then fish at snap

pouch,

and instead of giving time

when you

see your float taken down,

by a Jack which

or Pike having seized your

live bait, observe

way he
hooks

goes, and after he has run a yard or so of line

out, strike

him with

a lusty stroke, that

;

some of the
and land

may

get a firm hold

then play,

kill,

him, secundum artem.

Note.
tied, if

one, three, or five hooks,

When fishing with those just described, you may fix

you prefer
it

the necessary weight of shot or lead on the gimp, to

which the hooks are

to putting

them on the
and
off those

traces or trolling line, because

you put on

hooks to the traces or

line,

the

gimp

not

THE BEST
j.assing-

BAITS.
bait-fish, as

23li

under the skin of the

must be

done when the hooks are threadled, or lay on the side

or shoulder of the bait, as represented in the Cut^
fig.

2,

Chap.

III.

for if the
it

gimp be

leaded, and

drawn under the

of the
baitj

bait's skin,
is

rips nearly all the flesh

which

much

disfigured, and soon dies.

'^^Tien

you go out

for a day's live-bait-fishing,

you

should take about a dozen live Fish with you, principally GudgeonS;, if

you can procure them

because
will

Gudgeons

are a hardy strong Fish,

swim w ell, and

bear more rough usage than any other bait-fish.

lect all

Sefive

your baits from four and a half to about

in length,

and a half inches

but not larger

and put

them

into a full-sized kettle,

which should be painted

or japanned white inside, that you

may

easily select
3

the bait you like without hurting the others

quently, during your excursion, give

fre-

them fresh water,

in the water,
let it there

and place the kettle out of the sun, or

where you can conveniently get

remain
I
till

to

itj

and

you move or want a

bait.

have found, that in putting

my hand

in the kettle,

the bait-fish therein struggle and bounce about, and

by so doing, rub the scales

each other; therefore,
I

off,

and otherwise injure

net, not

have a very small

much more

than half the size of those used to take

gold and silver Fish out of globes, &c.

carry very conveniently in

This net

my
at

fish-kettle,

by having

a piece of the

lid

cut

away

one corner, where a few

;

inches of the handle of the net projects

but^ instead

of the hole at the corner,

have found since a kettle,

X 2

234
-,vith

THE troller's guide.

a rim about an inch wide, fixed
all

round the

upper part of the inside of the

kettle, prevents the

water from splashing out better than any other way,

particularly if you are going any distance, and have
to carry your live-baits either for Jack or
ing.

Perch

fish-

When
may

I use such a kettle, I carry the net in

my

basket or pocket.
bait I

By

using this net,

I select

which

think proper, without

much
I

disturbing the

others, or distressing them,

by putting a hot hand

prefer a longish

among

these cool-blooded animals.

square kettle to a round one, and always have mine

japanned white inside and brown out

less agitated in such a

for the

water

is

shaped kettle, when you are

j

carrying

it,

than

in a

round one

and

it is

more conI,J

venient to carry, or to pack in a basket, &c. for a

journey

fsee the

Cut in the

first

Chapter, Jig.

than

those of a round form.

Observe, that you

the last thing, after
line^

make
all is

it

a rule to bait your hook

in respect to flout,

complete
lively

&c.

for the

more

and strong the bait

swims, the greater the chance you have of a run, and

the Fish pouching, instead of blowing
it

out

-,

which,

sometimes,

is

the case

when Jack when

or Pike are not

much on
tempting.

the feed, and the bait-fish not very lively or

Also, recollect, that
trolling

with the

gorge, the snap, or live-bait-fishing, in a place very

likely for

Jack or Pike

to lay,
if

do not leave after a

throw or two, especially

you have seen a Fish move

if

there at any former day, or

this place,

you have had a run

left

in

and the Jack or Pike

your bait without

SXAP-FISIIING

WITH DEAD

BAITS.

235

pouching

but contiiuie to cast

;ind fish
if

every foot of

water for a considerable time, and

try the

not successful,

same place on your

return, or, as the

gunner

says, try back.

Snip-Ji^hiugfor Jtick or Pike with

Dead

Baits.

When
baits, for

you intend

using-

snap-hooks, with dead

it is

Jack or Pike

fishing,

better to have a
in

very stout top on your rod, (such as recommended

Chap. IV.)
striking

because

much

strength
5

is

required

in

when you

feel a

run

for

it

de[)ends entirely

upoH the firm hold you have of the Fish, by one or

more of

the hooks having passed into or through

some part
other part
stout.
I
:

of the Jack or Pike's

gills,

jaws, or some

your gimp and

line should also

be very

have described various kinds of hooks, and

how
in
all

to bait

them with

a dead Fish, for snap-fishing,

Chap. IV.

Draw

the line from the winch through

the rings of the rod, as directed in trolling with

;

the gorge

loop on the traces

(if

you use traces) to the

;

line, or fix

then bait

them by a draw-knot, which you please your hook or hooks, and hang it on the
;

hook- swivel, at the bottom of the trace, by the loop

if

you do not use

I

traces,

then you loop the gimp to the

it

trolling line,

or fasten

thereto with a slip drawAll

is
;

knot,
or

which ever you

in search of

like.

ready

now

to cast

throw

Jack or Pike

but mind you hold

the rod and line firmly grasped, that

abled, the instant

you may be enquick and

you

feel a touch, to strike

with force

then, proceed to play,

and

kill,

and land

236

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

your prize, as directed

in trolling

with the gorge.

di-

Note. Carry several baits with you in a box, as

rected
in

Chap. VIII.
to

Seasons and Weather proper for Trolling, and how

bring Jack or Pike ashore.

Jack and Pike will take a bait

October, which
troll
;

in

every month dutill

ring the year, but seldom very freely

is

September or
season to

quite early

enough

in the

because, though Jack and Pike spawn in March,

yet they remain a long time after, very languid, weak,

and

sickly,

and their bodies are long and

little for

thin,

and

their

heads large, caring

food until the cool morn-

ings, evenings, and nights, of the

Autumn approach

they then rapidly recover their appetite and strength,

and soon become

fat

and well-flavoured, and are

till

in

the best state for the table, from Michaelmas

the

middle of February.

It is

with real regret, that the

true sporting or gentleman Angler puts his trolling

tackle together before September

is,

but the misfortune

that all the waters, within a considerable distance

of London, are continually fished by poachers, and, in

consequence of such practices, the different subscription waters allow trolling to

commence

in

June or

July.

The Angler, from

necessity, avails himself of

this liberty to troll,

because he argues, that he

well kill a few Jack himself, as to pay an annual

to a water,

and leave them

to the unfair
in

may as sum Angler, who

at the

will kill all

he can, and laugh,

his sleeve,

other's forbearance.

In September, the weeds, rushes,

WEATHER PROPER FOR TROLLING.

237

Uc. have lost their sweetness and nutritious properties,

and begin

to

grow

thin, affording
;

but

little

har-

bour, shelter, and food, for Fish

and, as the Winter

approaches,

those

sedges, weeds, rushes,

&e. rot,

waste, and sink, or drift

yih'ich time,

away with the floods; during

left

small Fish, Gudgeons especially, have

he

shallows, and retired to deep holes under banks,

bhelves, piles, &c.,

which occasions Jack and Pike

to

be on the

alert, finding

much

difficulty to satisfy their

^ow

ever-craving appetite.

Therefore, at this season,

every favourable day should be embraced by the lovers of trolling during the period above alluded
to.

Note. Jack and Pike will take a bait

in

March

but as

they are then very

full,

and their spawn being also

gentleman-sportsman will

very unfit for food,

surely

the

now

desist

from

trolling.

The most favourable w eather for

trolling, is Avhen a

smartish breeze blows from the South to West, and

^
i

day cloudy or dull

at

such times, keep the wind

in front
:

gtt

your back, and the water

but

if

the water

and weather be very bright,

fish against the

wind.

From September
I

to the beginning of

November, Jack
till

and Pike will take a bait best from ten o'clock

one, and

again from three

till

dusk

but after the

nights
5

become very long and

cold, the

Angler should

then prefer the middle and warmest parts of the day 3

for,

at that season of the year, neither

Jack or any

other Fish will

move much

at

any other time.

Thick

water

is

not favourable for trolling, for,

during a flood.

^38

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

which causes a coloured water. Jack and Pike keep

very close in-shore,

among

the sags, sedges, or rushes

still

which lay near the banks, or in the

to

bends of rivers,

keep out of the heavy waters and rapid currents,

until the waters clear to try for

where they remain stationary

and subside.
them, must

The Angler, who then chooses

troll close,

even to the touching of those

sags and rushes, &c., or he will seldom

move

a Fish

but immediately the water

clears,

then comes the

for

TroUer

turn, for the

Jack and Pike having been,

some time, on

short allowance, are

now bold, voracious,

and fearlessly take the baited hook.

When
him
him
till

you hav hooked a Jack or Pike, and played

is

he

quite exhausted, and you are drawing

it

ashore,

make

a rule to float

him on

his side,

and

keep the head a

little

raised above the surface of the

water, that the nose or gills

may not hang to, or catch

sometimes, you cannot
;

hold of weeds, &c. while you are thus engaged bringing

your prize to the shore

avoid drawing over or

for,

Pike touch and get

among weeds and I have seen a and before it entangled this way
;

could be disentangled,
tion or stupor,

it

recovered from

its

exhaus-

and occasioned

much

trouble and ha-

zard before

it

could be again subdued.

Note.

It is asserted,

by some Anglers, that Jack or

Pike will not take a bait when the

moon shows

itself

during the day-time

and they declare, they have so

frequently and invariably found that to be the case,

that,

when

the

moon shines on

the water, let the hour

OBSKRVATIONS ON JACK AND PIKE-FISHINC:.

of the day he

239
I

what

it

may, they cease

trolling.

have

nothing to say on the subject, but leave the inquisitive

Angler

to satisfy himself

by observation.

CHAP.
Jack and Pike

X.

Observations on the different ways practised in Fishing for

Also,

on

Trimmers.
8^c.

Concluding
and

with Remarks on the Nature,

of Jack and Pike.

Having explained the

different

ways generally prac-

ised by Anglers in trolling or fishing for Jack

?ike, I shall

now

proceed to give an opinion on the

nerits of each different way, resulting

from

my own

experience,

and the practice of many old friends and

3

)rothers of the angle

beginning

first

with the

Gorge-Hook.
In Trolling with the baited gorge-hook,
le

have had

most success, and with

shows well

it

killed the heaviest Fish.

?his bait

in the water,

and turns or spins,

it

[specially
|at

when you
is

are in the act of drawing

up,

which time Jack or Pike generally take

also possesses another

it,)

and
This

msequently
|ait

very attracting to Jack or Pike.

advantage over any other,

jamely, the closeness of the hooks in the bait's mouth,

le

points only just shcving themselves,

which

is

mahold

?rial in

bright

M^^iter,

and also less

liable to catch

240

THE TROI-LEr's GtlDK.

of weedS;, or any thing else that might displace the

hooks or disfigure the bait

ing so

and, again, the hooks be-

much

hid and out of the way, by being within

the bait's mouth, and the

gimp coming from

for

the

tail,

there

is

nothing to check the Jack or Pike

when

they

are changing the bait to

pouch

it is

well

known
first

that those Fish generally seize the bait, in the

instance, across
sition,
its

body, afterwards changing

it

its
;

po-

and swallow or pouch

head foremost

conin

sequently, while so doing, the

gimp and hooks

is

most other

baits are liable to offend or create fear and

suspicion in the Fish, and the bait

then frequently
i

blown or dropped out of

pouched.
I

its

mouth, instead of being

twenty yards
live-bait,

have known instances where a dozen

at a distance of

trimmers have been laid

apart, each

trimmer baited with a choice

have then

and
of

after

remaining many hours

:

in the water, neither

them have been touched

trolled

be-

tween them with the gorge, and have had runs, and
killed
all
it
;

my

Fish.

Some Anglers

think, that cutting

off'

the fins of the bait-fish for the gorge-hook disfigures

but Jack or Pike are indifferent about

is

it

and

it

certainly

the best method, particularly as

it

keeps

the bait from catching or hanging on weeds, and the

bait also spins better

when

the fins are all cut close

away

in

consequence,
tail

I cut

away

all

the

fins,

but

leave the

on.
I

From
say that

the reasons above stated,

I

do not hesitate

to

consider trolling with a gorge-hook to be

the most sportsman-like^ as well as the most killing

LIVE-BAIT FISHING.

24i

way

of fishing for Jack or Pike

yet, at a certain seait

son of the year, the Angler will find

to use a live-bait than a dead
;

more

profitable

but, to take the

I

whole

season for Jack and Pike-fishing,

firmly believe, he
v/ill
thiiii

who
kill

confines himself to trolling with the gorge

twice the

number

or weight of Jack and Pike,

fishes only

he who, for the whole season,

bait.^

with a live-

Live-halt Fishing.

Fishing for Jack with a live-bait, and a cork

float

on the

line, is certainly
it

an enticing way; but! do not

consider

so successful as trolling with the gorge-

hook
this

neither have I ever killed such heavy Fish

by

method of live-bait
I

fishing as with the gorge-bait;

yet

know, from
killed

practice, that

more Jack and Pike

may be

by angling for them with a live -bait aad

a floated line, than any other way, except trolling with

the gorge-hook

and the

little

labour or exertion re-

quired to take Jack and Pike by this

is,

mode of
it,

fishing,

doubtless, the cause of

many

preferring

as

it al-

lows them frequent opportunities of resting when they

*

An

instance, in corroboration of this opinion, occurred to

two

friends of
fishing

mine

in the

mouth of November, 1822, who were Jack-

with

live

and dead-baits, in the River Lea, near Cheshunt.

In the afternoon, the Fish were strong on the feed, during which

lime they bagged near

sixty pounds' weight of

Jack and Pike, the

;

whole of which they killed with dead-baits, and the gorge-hook

but not a Fish with the livc-oait, although they had two lines
baited,

and

in the

water

all

day.

242
reach a clear

THE troller's guide.

still

place, either in rivers or ponds, with

the pleasure of observing their float dance about by the live-bait sailing to and
fro^

which

certainly does

have the

effect of

drawing the Jack or Pike to the bait

it

but they often blow, drop, or throw

out of their

mouths

again, from the

gimp

or

hook touching them

it.

when
occurs

shifting the bait to

pouch

This frequently
lip,

when

the bait

is

hooked by the

which

is

my

principal reason for preferring the hooks laying on

the side, and

gimp coming out below

the back
is

fin.

fSee Fig. 2. Chap. III.J

I

When

the water

very bright,

use a strong No. 6 hook, tied to twisted gut, instead

kill

of gimp, and a very small bait, with which I

many

Jack and Perch that would not take a bait fixed to

gimp-tackle in very bright or
lows, during the
fine water,

or in shal-

Summer.
fishing
is,

The most proper time for live-bait

daily

when

the heavy weeds, rushes, and sedges, are rotten, and

wasting and being washed away by

floods, frosts,
;

&c., which generally

commence

in

November

from
live-

which time
bait

until April,

Jack and Pike will take a

more

freely than at

any other time of the year.

Snap-Fishing.

Snap-fishing for Jack and Pike

fic,

is

neither so scienti-

gentlemanly, or sportsman-like a
;

way

of angling,
it

as with the gorge or live-bait

nor does

afford so

much amusement
raises,

or profit

for,

when
in

the hook or

hooks are baited, the Angler casts

and sinks his
bait, until

search, draws,
;

he

feels a bite

he

SNAP-FISHING.

21:

then strikes with

much

violence, and instantly drags

or throws his victim, nolens volens, on shore, (and then

almost wonders

how

the devil he

came

there,)

which
in

he

is

enabled to do, because the hooks used for the

Snap are of the largest and strongest kind used

fresh-water fishing.

But

this hurried

and unsports-

mun-like
value the

way of taking Fish can only please those who game more than the sport afforded by killing
skill

a Jack or Pike with tackle, which gives the Fish a

chance of escaping, and excites the Angler's

patience,

and

mixed with a

certain pleasing anxiety, lest

he escapes, and the reward of his hopes by killing the

fish,

which

is

the true sportsman's delight.

Neither

has the snap-fisher so good a chance of success, unless

he angle

in a

pond or piece of water, where the Jack

or Pike are very numerous^ or half starved, and will

hazard their lives for almost any thing that comes

the

in

way

but in rivers where they are well fed, worth

killing,

and rather scarce, the coarse snap-tackle, large

:

hooks, &c. generally alarm them

think
it is

on the whole,

I
;

two

to one against the snap, in

most rivers

and

if

there are

many weeds

in the water, the large

hooks of the snap, by standing rank, are continually

getting foul, damaging the bait, and causing
trouble and loss of time.
artificial bait, called

much

Jack are also killed by the

a Devil, which should be about

three inches long

they are kept ready

fitted

at the

fishing-tackle shops. (See Devil for Trout, page 109 J

244

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

Two-Hdnded, or Cross- Fishing.

In the North of England, two-handed or cross-fish-

ing

is

practised for Salmon, Trout, and also for Jack

this

and Pike, though

method of
Indeed,
it is
it

fishing

is

but

little

practised elsewhere.
fair fishing
j

can hardly be called

and, as such,

generally forbid by the

proprietors of private waters,

who seldom deny

fair

sportsman a day's angling, under

restrictions.
is

This two-handed Snap-fishing for Jack and Pike

practised in the following

manner

take about

forty

or fifty yards of strong cord, sash, or jack line, and

fasten each end to poles about seven or eight feet long j

and on each pole fasten a large winch that will hold

fifty

yards of the strongest platted silk trolling-line^

in the

middle of the strong line (which

tie

is

fastened to
;

the poles)

on a small brass or wooden pulley

then
it

draw the

trolling line
j

from the winches, and pass

and

through the pulley

now, bait a snap-hook or hooks

fix it to

with a fuU-sized
and
all is

bait-fish,

the troUing-line,

ready to

The
ters,

parties

commence two-handed Snap-fishing. managing the poles, proceed directly opwain places

posite each other, on the banks of rivers or other

and drop their baited hooks

j

where they
one strikes

expect to find

and when they

feel a bite,

very smartly, and his companion then lowers or other-

ways manages
on shore.
fishing,

his pole, so as to give

him any or every

assistance while killing and getting the Jack or Pike

When the

gorge-hook

is

used

in this

way

of

it is

then proper to have two pulleys fastened

TWO-HANDED FISHING.
to the thick cord, near the centre of
it,

245
at

about a yard

apart

because,

when one Angler

all still

feels a run, the other

should immediately keep

es
:

while the Fish pouch-

this

cannot be so well done

:

when both

lines pass
if

through one pulley

and the Troller knows that

feed, they will
;

Jack or Pike are not well on the

be only one pulley, then only one
In

throw
there

or drop the bait from the least check or alarm

line

if

should be used.

some
to

places, the country people get a strong small

rope or clothes line, and tie one or

more snap-baited

hooks

it,

and take hold one at each end of the rope,

and walk opposite each other, on the banks of small

rivers

and ponds, letting the baited hooks drag

3

in the

water, until they feel a bite

the one strikes and im-

mediately drags the Jack on shore, the other person

slacks the line he holds, while his

companion

is

so

doing.

Various other ways are practised for taking Jack

and Pike, by night

lines,

trimmers, &c.

but such

methods

are justly reprobated

by the true Angler who

exercises his skill and art for

profit
;

amusement more than

on
this
in

therefore, I

shall say but very little

part of the subject.

The trimmers mostly used

lakes, meers, broads, pools,

and large ponds, are taken

up from a boat
'

if

the place be not too broad, you

or with a large

may

get

them with the drag hooks,

stone, fastened to plenty of strong cord, being

thrown
of

over the trimmer line

^strong thin

these trimmers are

made

hempen
is

cord, with a

hook

tied to brass

wire (but

gimp

better),

and wound on a large piece

Y 2

246
of
flat

TIIi;

TROLLER

GUIDE.

cork, about five or six inches in diameter, witli

:

a groove to admit the line

the

hook
;

is

baited with a

Gudgeon, Roach, or some small Fish

as

you then draw

much

line out as

admits the bait to hang about a

foot

from the bottom.

There

is

a small

slit
it

in the

cork, that you pass the line in, to prevent

unwindbait, the

ing

as soon as the

Jack or Pike seizes the

line loosens,
free,

and runs from the groove of the cork

retire to his haunt,

and allows the Fish to

at leisure.

and

pouch

These

floating

trimmers are named,

by some, the man-of-war trimmers, from the largeness

of the cork
j

and, by others, fox-hounds ; and

all

may be
tie

purchased at

the principal fishing-tackle shops.

Some use

only a wisp of straw or rushes, and

two

or three yards of string to a baited hook, then throw

the whole in the water, and often kill with a trimmer

so rudely constructed.

1.

Rod

to place

and take up trimmers and dead

lines.

2.

Bank-runner trimmers, baited with a live

bait.

The Bank-Runner, Trimmer,

8^c.

The bank-runner
the Angler
is

is

mostly used in the day, while

fishing for

Roach, Barbel, &c.

These

*l

TO TAKE PIKE WITH A BLADDER, &C.

^i^l ^

liimmers are stuck

in

the bank, the bottom being

strong turned wood, sharpened for the purpose, with

a winder at top for the line, which should be from
sixteen to twenty feet long,
thin cord, or platted

made of
;

silk trolling line,

Dutch twine
;

but you must have

a cork and bullet to the line

(See the Cut.)

The

cork used for a wine-bottle does very well after the

edges are pared round the top and bottom

with a
live Fish, as described in the Cut,

and bait

which should
it

swim about
will

a foot or

two from the ground, which

fSee the Cut.)

by the aid of the cork.

rod,
fig.
1,

When
left

you use the

hold the line with your

hand, and, with your right, pass the forked part under the
line, just

above the bullet

you may then

place the baited hook in the water, where you please,

by a jerk of the
go from your

rod, at the

same time

letting the line

left

hand.
or Bottle.

To take Jack and Pike, with Hook, Bladder,

Jack and Pike are also taken
pieces of water,

in lakes, and other large

by baiting with a
j

full-sized Dace,

Gudgeon, or a Roach
is

nearly half a pound weight

best.

Use strong snap-hooks, with two lengths of

silk troUing-line

gimp, and two swivels, which must be fastened to

about a yard of the stoutest platted
then
tie
:

the line very secure to the neck of a large

it

bladder, and launch

if

in the

water with a brisk wind

the Fish are on the feed, you will soon perceive the
in the

water agitated

most violent manner

-,

and, after

an amusing and desperate struggle, the bladder will

4
248
kill

THE troller's guide.

the heaviest Pike, provided your hooks and tackle
In

are good.
is

Ramsey Meer, Huntingdonshire,

there

an annual exhibition, called a bottle-race, and often

betting on the event of which bottle kills a
:

much
Pike

first

the baits and hooks are

as with a bladder
;

managed
the line

in the

same manner
bottle)
is

the bottle (a wine

;

used in place of a bladder

is

tied

round the neck.

When

several are so pre])ared, they

all

are ranged in a row, and

nal
',

launched at a given
is

sig-

and much amusement and delight

afforded the
bottles

spectators,

by the Jack and Pike dragging the

two come
is

about, and often

in

contact.

If the Fish

feed well, which

generally the case, for this exten-

sive piece of water

abounds with Jack and very large

Pike,

some

fasten their trimmer lines to large bricks,

or heavy pieces of stone, or clods of earth, to prevent

them being

noticed, and throw

them

into the water.

Snaring, or Haltering, of Jack and Pike.

In the Spring and Summer, Jack and Pike will

quently
lie

fre-

dozing near the surface of the water,

es-

pecially in large ditches, connected with rivers and

ponds, also

among weeds

they are then taken in an

unsportsmanlike manner, by making a running noose

of wire

gimp

troUing-line, or treble-twisted gut fas;

tened to a strong line and rod, or pole

the noose

should be very carefully drawn over the Fish's head

beyond the

gills,
;

then, with a strong jerk, he

is

se-

curely caught

lift

him out immediately.

in a similar

Fish

may

be taken, when found lying

manner

to that

REMARKS, &C.

249

already described, by putting two or three strong

hooks at the bottom of your

sink under the Fish
j

line,

and letting them

then strike smartly, and you will

generally be successful.

Remarks on

the Nature, Haunts, Habits, Shape, Colour,

8ic.

of Jack and Pike.

Gudgeons, Roaches
fair,

Beware, ye

flirting

And
Or

all

who

breathe the lucid crystal of the lakes.

lively sport,

between the dashing wheels

;

Of river

mills

beware

the Tyrant comes

Grim death awaits you

in his

gaping jaws.

And

lurks behind his hungry fangs.

See M'Quin's Descriptions of three hundred Animals.

Jack and Pike have a

is

flattish

head 3 the under jaw

5

something longer than the upper one

the

mouth

is

extremely wide, the tongue very large, and studded

with teeth, the lower jaw
is

set

round with large

crooked canine teeth

the expanse of mouth, jaws,

and teeth, enables

this merciless

Fish to hold
is

fast,

and

quickly destroy the victim that

to

so unfortunate as

come within

its

long, and cased in

The body of a Jack is very small hard scales, and, when

reach.

they are in season,

Isubstance
;

it is

covered with a mucous or slimy

the back and upper part of the sides are

of a greenish golden hue, and the belly of an indifferent white colour

3

the eyes are of a bright yellow, and

sunk low
ble the

in

the sockets, but are so placed as to enato look

Jack

upwards, which should teach the

Angler not to sink his bait too low in the water.

<250

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.

After Jack and Pike have fully

recovered from

spawning, they then have many beautiful spots on their

bodies, of a bright white and yellowish colour 3 their
tails

and

fins

have also on them numerous dusky spots

and waved

lines.

Jack and Pike, when on the

all

feed,

are as bold as they are voracious, attacking

kinds

of Fish, except the Tench.

Pike,

fell

tyrant of the liquid plain,

his fellow train
;

With ravenous waste devours

Yet, howsoe'er with raging famine pin'd,

The Tench he

spares, a medicinal kind

For when by wounds

distress'd, or sore disease,

He

courts the salutary Fish for ease

Close to his scales the kind Physician glides.

And

sweats the healing balsam from his sides.

Pope.
\

When much
rats,

distressed for food, they will seize the

smaller of their

own

species,

and also ducks, water-

mice, frogs, or any other small animal they can

:

meet with

they will often seize a small Fish, which

is

the Angler has hooked, while he

drawing

it

out of

the water, leaping above the surface for that purpose.

I

have known many instances of

their
is

swallowing the

leaden plummet that the Angler

taking his depth,

with

and once, ^hile

was plumbing the depth

(preparatory to fishing for

Chub

in

the winter) with a||

folding plummet, having a No. 8 hook and a gut-line,

a Jack of about two pounds immediately pouched

my
this

plummet

the hook, hanging over the side of

GROWTH, SHAPE, &C. OF JACK AND

PIKE.

251

folding plummet, got sufficient hold of the Jack, that

I held

him, and soon killed and landed this hungry

intruder.

Perch (the large ones especiaUy) seem but

little

intimidated by the appearance of Jack or Pike, for they

continue to
ed.

swim about

as before those tyrants appear-

The

following singular
friend,

circumstance occurred
laid a

with

my

Mr. R. Robinson, who

trimmer

baited with a stone loach, which a Perch, of about

half a

pound weight, took and gorged ; a Pike^ then

finding the Perch

I

somewhat embarrassed,
;

seized him,
fin

and attempted to pouch him

Perch stuck so

but the dorsal

of the

fast across the throat of the Pike, that

j

he could not extricate himself

by which means, Mr.

It is,

R. secured both Perch and Pike.

ent
dart

however,

differ-

with other Fish, as they immediately swim or

away with the greatest

velocity,

and the Eel)

suddenly sink and bury themselves in the mud, or lay

close under thick
It is

and heavy beds of weeds.

generally supposed, that Jack will increase in

in a year, for the

weight something more than a pound

first

four or five years, and, during that time, continue

in

to

grow
in

length

but, after that period, they

more

depth or breadth and thickness.

grow Some writers

two or
size of

on Natural History affirm that Pike

three hundred years, and

will live

grow
as to

to the

amazing

a hundred and
ISO

fifty

pounds, or more, and that they are

wonderfully

prolific,

produce more than a

in

hundred and

fifty

thousand eggs

one

roe.

Of those

circumstances, respecting the age, &c.

of Jack and

259
Pike, I

THE troller's guide.

must

confess, I

know but little

therefore shall

say nothing more on the subject, leaving the curioas

to consult Natural History of fishes, &c. during unfa-

vorable weather

but, instead thereof, will inform the

is

Angler where he

likely to find both old

and young,

large and small Jack and Pike, so that he

much

loss of time

and

fruitless labour,

may avoid when in search

of them.

Jack and Pike are partial to quiet retired places

where the water

is

rather shallow than deep, forming

re-

a bend or bay in rivers and large waters, and also

moved from

strong currents, especially

if

those bends

or bays abound with their favorite weed, the pickerell,

(on which they are said to feed,) also the candock or

water

lily,

and the shore

sides are shaded with tall

\

sedgy sags.

Among
is

those sedges. Jack and Pike lay

(especially during floods,

heavy runs of water, and

while the water

face,

thick) a foOt or

two below the

sur-

with their noses just projecting from the sedges,

looking up stream for what

reach as food
;

therefore the Angler,

may come within their when he trolls in

and the water of
a

thick heavy water,

must

try close in-shore.

is

But when the weather

fine,

proper colour. Jack and Pike occasionally go some

yards from their haunts in search of food, particularly
to the sharps, shallows,

and parts of waters where

;

the

bottom

is

clean, sandy, or gravelly

because, in such
delight

places. Gudgeons, Dace,

to resort.

and other small Fish,

(if

In February,

mild for the season,) Jack

situations,

and Pike begin to move from their retired

COLOUR AND HABITS OF JACK AND

uiid

I'IKE.

253

from natural

feelings, they congregate in those

parts of pools, and rivers, canals, lakes, or ponds,

where small streams and ditches empty themselves,

or run into larger waters.

In the

month of March
spawn

they spawn, retiring for that purpose, in pairs, to the

stillest

part of the waters, and deposit their

among and on

those weeds which are of the nature of

rushes, having thick stems, such as the candock and

water-lily, and, in default of which, about the roots or

lower parts of bull-rushes or sedges.

From March till

in a vigo-

August or September, Jack and Pike are not

rous state, seeming

more

inclined to doze and bask in

;

the sun nearly out of water, than feed

for at those

times

it

is

not unusual to see numerous small Fish

this

swimming and playing around

dreaded enemy of

the finny race for hours, without his disturbing them.

At such times. Jack and Pike will refuse the choicest

bait the
as to

Angler can select

and

if it

be placed so close
it,

touch his nose, he will not take

little

but generally
if

draws himself a

back from

it

and

you perse-

vere in placing or drawing the bait (either live or dead)

to

him, he will sink or plunge away in anger

if

in fact.

Jack and Pike are among,

not the longest of any

Fish, in recovering their health, flesh,

after the act
a bait freely,

and appetite,
will take

of procreation

for

few of them
fit

nor are they often

for the table before

first
j

September or October.

For during the

part of

Summer, they remain long, thin, and lanky the various

spots and golden tinge
lose

on their sides and back

now

much

of their brightness or brilliancy, and their

254

THE TROLLER

GUIDE.
thei

heads appear unseemly large, because they have

lost that

depth and rotundity of body (especially about

the vent-fin) which they possess

Pike, that weigh ten pounds
vigour,

when in season for when in full health and

-,

would not weigh more than seven or eight

while out of season or condition j which they certainly

arci

and so remain (generally speaking)

in all rivers,

lakes, meers, or ponds,

from the month of

April, until
will

September or October.
be

Note.

Jack or Pike
if

much

firmer,

and of better flavour,

salt

they are gut-

ted,

and a handful of

put in

its

place,

and

left

there for some, say twelve, hours, laying the Fish in a

dish to drain before
it is

cooked.

PART

III.

FLY FISHING

May-Fly.

Palmer.

Brown Moth-Fly.

Ant and

Gnat-Flies.

White Moth-Fly.

Red Spinner.

256

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

CHAP.
Artificial-Fly fishing,

I.

and Fly -making for Trout,

8^c.

Salmon,
" Silent

along the mazy margin stray,

fly

And

with the fur-wrought

delude the prey."

Fishing with an

artificial fly is, certainly,

a very pleais

sant and gentlemanly

way

of angling, and

attended

with
ing.

much less labour and trouble than bottom-fishThe Fly-fisherman has but little to carry, either
weight
3

in bulk or

nor has he the dirty work of dig-

ing clay, making ground-baits, &c. &c.

vel for miles, with a

He may traand a
4

book of

flies in

his pocket,

light rod in his hand, and cast in his bait, as he roves

on the banks of a
is,

river,

without soiling his fingers

it

therefore, preferred

by many to every other way of

is

angling.

Yet

fly-fishing

not without

its

disadvan-

tages, for there are

many
all

kinds of Fish that will not

the different species which

take a

fly

whereas,

the fresh waters produce, will take a bait at bottom,

at

some season of the year

and

it

is

also

worthy of

notice, that the

Angler who

fishes at

bottom has many

the Fish will so

months and days

feed
5

in the year

when

consequently, he has frequent opportunities of

is

enjoying his amusement, when the Fly- fisherman

entirely deprived of the chance of sport

by very

cold

or wet weather, the Winter season, &c.

Many good
;

Jack and Pike are taken

at Christmas

but, at that

season of the year, neither Trout nor

Chub

are likely

ARTIFICIAL-FLY FISHING, &C.

to rise for a
fly,

^57
or thrown.

however

skilfully

made

Fly-fishing certainly partakes

more

of science than

bottom-fishing, and, of course, requires

much

time,

study, and practice, before the Angler can

become
j

any thing like an adept

indeed, artificial-fly
learn,

at

making

but more

difficult

making or casting a fly is somewhat difficult to The young to describe.

information on the
is

Angler would gain

subject,

much more
artificial-fly

by attending

a Fly-fisherman, while he
;

casting or

making an

if

he cannot avail

himself of such knowledge, he must persevere, and

strictly

follow the
in

directions

shall

offer
fly.

to his

notice,

both making and casting a

excellent Fly-fishermen

There

are

many

who

never trouble

"themselves to

make

fly,

yet kill Trout, in every

Trout stream they

fish,

with

flies

bought

at

the
fly

London

tackle -shops,

where the Angler may get a

3

made
it is

to

any pattern, colour, or shape, he chooses

in

truth, flies are

now made

so well at those shops, that

not worth the Angler's trouble to

make them.

Note.

The

artificial flies,

sold at the fishing-tackle

shops, are principally

made from
3

the directions given

by Bowlker, of Shrewsbury
but
little

and, perhaps, have been

last

improved during the

century

but,

among the modern writers on Fly-fishing, the Angler may consult Captain Williamson s Angler s Fade Mecum,

and Bainbridges Fly-Fishers

Guide, probably,

with some advantage.

*

should, certainly,

recommend

the

young

Fly-fishartificial

erman,

in the first instance, to

purchase his

z2

25S
flies
J

THE angler's guide.

but after some experience in the art, to
;

make his
the

own

and, to enable

him

to do so properly, I ball mi-

nutely describe the method of

making them, and

materials of which they should respectively be formed,

as will enable him, at all times, to supply himself,

should he prefer making them to buying them at the

tackle-shops
imitate any
;

the
that

Angler will then be enabled

to

fly

may be
;

a killing one, where they

are not to be purchased

far

this

sometimes occurs when

flies, it

from home.

In purchasing artificial

would
fish-

be proper to apply for them at some respectable

ing-tackle-shop, that the novice
will receive those for

may

feel assured

he

which he asks.
:

The following
ant-flies, the

will be proper to select

red and black palmers, red

and black hackles, grouse-red and black

yellow may-fly or green-drake, stone-fly, small black

gnat-flies, the red-spinner,

and white-moth.
flies,

Having

purchased the above assortment of

should
ral

the Angler

make

himself well acquainted with their seve-

forms, the

number of wings, and every other parti-

cular, that

he may be able to know every diiference

between the several kinds, thereby guarding against

having
flies

imposed on him of a species

to order.

different to
flies

what he may think proper

enumerated are
all

The
;

above

of established credit

their re-

spective merits, the

way and
flies

materials of which they

are made, will be found under their different names.

In

many places,

certain

are preferred

the bean or

thistle-fly

has been considered a secret in some part

of Wales, and

much

valued-

There

is

fly

used

HOW
very

TO MAKE ARTIFICIAL FLIES.

259

much

at

Watford, in Herts, called Harding' s-fly,

,

or the Coachman's
rience will teach

the merits of such

to appreciate.

flies
:

expeit

how

Note

make

an invariable rule to try a red or black palmer,

in the

first

morning and
j

last in the evening,

when whipping
flies.

for

Trout
is

the other part of the day, winged

This

following

nature,

as Fish

seek for food

by

instinct,

expecting winged insects in the day time,

caterpillar in the cool

and the palmer or

and damp of

the mornings and evenings.

Concise Directions for making an Artificial Fly.

Take some

fine

silk,

of
;

the proper colour, and

wax
left

it

well with bees'

wax

then hold the bend of

the hook between the fore-finger and

thumb of the
it

hand, and with the right give the silk two or

j

three turns round the shank, and fasten

then take
fly

a small feather, of the colour you intend the should be, strip
quill,
off

some of

the fibres towards the

and leave a

sufficient quantity for the

wings,

holding the point of the feather between your finger

and thumb

turn back most of the remaining fibres,

and laying the point end of the feather upon the

hook, give a few more laps round
it

with your

silk,

and fasten

then twirl the feather round the hook

tiU all the fibres are

wrapped upon

it

which done,
5

fasten and cut off the

two ends of the feather

then,

with dubbing of the proper colour twisted round the

remaining
silk,

warp from the wings towards the

till

bend of the hook,

the

fly is

the

size

required.

^60

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
at dressing or

Before the young

artist tries his skill

making a

fly,

(suppose a green-drake,) he should

carefully take an artificial one to pieces, and observe

how

it is

formed.

Thus, having learnt

the hook, the
is first

how

to apply his materials to

knowledge how to make the may- flies

3

requisite to be understood

for these flies are

of so

much

value to the Angler, that every one

in Fly-fishing,

wishes to excel

should learn

who how to
flies"

make them
for sale

as soon as possible.

There are several

artificial

persons in London
;

who manufacture
Angler

and among those professed fly-makers, some,

in the

for a gratuity, will instruct the

whole
of
I

art

and mystery of fly-making.

The manufacture
it is

the green-drake, grey-drake, and stone-fly, in par-,

ticular,

should be well understood, as

sometimes
;

difficult to

procure, or preserve the natural ones

in

and,

moreover, a proficiency

the art of

making

these

will enable any person to

make
it

fly to

any pattern;

an art highly necessary,

Trout will refuse every

for
fly

will often

happen that

you may have with you^

is,

and the only resource then

one resembling, as

to sit

down and make

which

s'

much

as possible, those

51

you may

find flying

about the spot.

Angler would prepare,
:

When
Nor

artful flies the

This task of all deserves his utmost care

verse nor prose can ever teach

him well
tell
;

What

masters only know, and practice

I

Yet thus at large

venture to support,

Natui'e best followed best secures the sport

ARTIFICIAL FLIES.

26-

Of

flies

the kinds, their seasons, and the breed.

:

Their shapes, their hue, with nice observance heed

Which most

the Trout admires, and

where obtain 'd,

Experience will teach, or perchance some friend.

Thus sung Moses Brown, an old

To make
the Artificial

Piscator.

Green-Drake, or Yellow May-Fly,

and

others.
ii

Make
little

the body of seal's fur, or yellow mohair,

wool^, or camel's

cub fox-down, or hog's

and

bear's-hair
silk

mixed

warp with pale yellow and green

fly's

waxed

to imitate the joints of the

:

body

under the wings

the wings to be

made
j

of a mallard,
to do

or wild drake's feather, dyed yellow

})ut

which

a handful of horse-radish leaves into a pint of

;

water

to

which add a piece of alum the

;

size of a

small walnut

simmer the whole

for

some

time,
;

and

it

will then dye feathers, silk,

&c. a yellow

of

any shade and fast colour j* three whisks for the

tail

from a sable muff, or the whiskers of a black

cat,

or a horse's beard, or hairs

this

from a dog's
it

tail.

When

green-drake

is

made

small,

is

then generally

termed the yellow may-fly.

the may-fly
:

Another way to make

make

the wings of the feathers from a

5

mallard's breast, dyed yellow

the body of ambertail

coloured mohair, thinly put on, with a two-forked

*

Those Anglers who may

wish for further information in

I

the art of dyeing feathers, wool, hair, &c.

to consult

should

recommend

Packer's Dyer's Guide.

262

THE ANGLER
as above described,
5

GUIDE.

made

and the legs of a grizzle

cock's hackle

hook No.

6.

GREY-DRAKE.

Make
herl}

the body from a white

ostrich's
tail,

feather

the end of the body, towards the

of peacock's

warping of ash-colour, with

;

silver twist,

and

black hackle
mallard.

wings of a dark-grey feather of a

STONE-FLY.

To form
a
little

the body of this

fly,

take bear's dun, and

so

brown and yellow camlet well mixed, but

fly

placed that the

may be more

yellow on the belly,

j

towards the

tail

underneath, than in any other part

place two or three hairs of a black cat or dog, beard

or whiskers, or the fibres of a dark hackle, or the
bristles that

grow under the

chin of horses on the

top of your hook, in the arming, so as to be turned

up when you warp on your dubbing, and

with yellow

to stand
j

almost upright, branching one from the other

silk
5

rib

make

the wings large and long, of

the dark-grey feather of a mallard.

As the formation of these

be rendered not only
easier,

artificial

may-flies will

but more perfect, by an

I shall

intimate acquaintance with the natural ones,

here give such a description of them as will, at least,

lead the

young Angler

to

a careful observation of

them, when on his fishing excursions.

NATURAL

FLIES.

263

NATURAL MAY-FLIES.
Ephemera, vulgate May-fly, or Green-Drake.
This may-fly
is

bred from the cad-worm, and

is

found in numbers beside most small gravelly rivers,

near the banks where bushes
the water, to which places they

fly

grow and overhang when they change

from
stand
i

their chrysalis state

its

wings, which are single,

high on the back like the butterfly.

The
fine

curious observer

may

be gratified daily, during

weather the latter end of May, by seeing

insect break through the case of dried

this singular

weed

or straw

rushes, in which

it

has been incased while in the state

of a maggot, and, by the wonderful power of the

*

Creator,

become completely transformed

this fly
is

into a

fly.

The body of
than
others,)

a yellow, (some are darker

ribbed

across

with green

the

tail

consists of three small wisks, quite dark, and turned

upwards
mallard
:

to

the back,

like

the

tail

of a drake or
its

from the green stripes on the body, and

tail,

turned-up

this

may- fly receives the name of

places
is
it

green-drake;

in

some
tail,

is

also called the

cock-up or tilt-up

as

also the grey drake.

GREY-DRAKE.

The

grey-drake,

in

shape and

size, is

like

the

green-drake, but different in colour, being a lighter

yellow, and striped with black

down
like

its

body; the

wings are glossy black, and thin

a cob-web.

264

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

Stone- Fly, called the Water- Cricket, or Creeper, while

the state orforrn of a maggot.

in

The
his
to fly,

stone-fly escapes

from the husk or case before

grown, so
as to enable
in

wings are

sufficiently

him

and creeps to the crevices of stones^

which

places they

may be
name
is

found, and from which circum-

stance

the
all

derived

they

are found

in

almost

Trout streams, or stony

rivers,

and

are
3
s

known by
therefore

the Angler for Trout as a killing bait

many

take the trouble of placing stones

one on the other, so as to leave a hollow between,

that the fly

may be

sheltered from the

wind

until his
in
3

wings are

full

grown, which always occurs early

is

May. The body of the stone-fly of a brown colour, ribbed with

whisks
at the tail,

long and

thick,-,

yellow,

and
his

ha^.s

and two small horns on

head
i

when

full

grown, the wings are double, and of a

This
fly

dusky dark-brown colour.

has several

legs,,

and uses them more than his wings, as you may

often find

them padding on the top of the water,

only moving their legs.

The

three

flies

have just

described, namely, the green-drake, the grey-drake,

and the

stone-fly,

are all

known by
all

the

name

of

the may-fly.

Although the green-drake, the greytermed may-flies, yet

apprised,
that

drake, and the stone-fly, are

the young Fly-fisherman

should be

when

the may-fly

is

spoken of among Anglers, they

it,

generally

mean

the green-drake, or, as some call

j

the yellow may-fly, from the colour of its wings

and

THE PALMEU.
it

2G5
j

certainly

is

the most general killing may-tiy

is

yet

the stone-fly
l)laces,

found to be the best

in

some few

more

especially about Carshalton, and also

j

in

very stony small rivers

these

flies

are the best,

either natural or artificial,

that Ccan be used until

^Midsummer,

in

most waters.

Trout are immoder-

ately fond of the may-flies,

and nature has been very

bountiful in providing millions of

them

from feeding

on which, the Trout soon recovers his strength and

beauty, and also

becomes very

fat.

Directions for making a Plain Palmer or Hackle.

First, provide

a short length of gut, about fifteen

8,

inches long, and a hook No. 7 or

some red

silk

well

waxed with
the

red wax, a fine red hackle, and

:

some
with

ostrich feathers
fore-finger

hold the hook by the bend, between

and thumb of the

left

hand,

the shank towards the right hand, and with the point

and beard of your hook nearly parallel with the tops

of your fingers
5

then take the length of silk about

the middle, and lay the one half along the inside of
the

hook towards your

;

left

hand, the other to the

right

next, take that part of the silk that lies towards

your right hand, between the fore-finger and

of that hand,

thumb
left

and holding that part towards your

tight along the inside of the hook,

right, three

whip that

to the

or four times round the shank of the

;

hook, towards the right hand

gut, and lay one end of
it

after which, take the

along the inside of the

to the

shank of the hook

till it

come near
2 A

bend

then

266
hold the hook,
finger and

THE angler's guide.

silk,

and gut tight between the

fore-

thumb

of your left hand, and, afterwards,

silk, to

give that part of the

or four whips

your right hand, three

gut,
till
it

more over the hook and

end of the shank
-,

come nearly
and fasten
silk,

to the
it

make

a loop

tight

then whip
it

it

neatly again over

gut, and hook,

till

come near

the bend of
it

it

after which,

make

another loop, and fasten

again

then,
off,

if

the gut reach farther than the bend, cut

will

it

and your hook

be whipped on, and the parts

it
:

of the silk will hang from the bed of

then

wax

the longest ends of the silk again, and take three

or four strands of an ostrich's feather, and holding

them and the hook

to the left hand,

as in the first position, the feathers

in the
last,

and the roots of them

silk

bend

of the hook, with the

you waxed
:

whip

them three
fasten

or four times round

tight
;

make

a loop, and

them

then, turning the strands to the

right hand, and twisting

>vith

them and the

silk together,

the fore-finger and

thumb

of the right hand,

till

Wind them round the shank of the hook

to the place

you come
a loop

where you

fastened, then

make

and fasten them again.

If the strands should not be

it

long enough to wind as far as

the shank,
others on

is

necessary round

when
;

the silk gets bare, you

must

twist

it

after

which, take a pair of small-pointed

sharp scissors, and cut the palmer's body to an oval

form, taking care not to cut away too

much

of the

dubbing.

Both ends of the

silk

being separated at

the bend and shank end of the hook,

wax them

both

TUE
again;

PAJ.MER.

267

then take the hackle;

hold the small end

left

between the fore-finger and thumb of your

and stroke the
to
fibres of
it

hand,

with your right contrarywise

;

which they are formed

position,

keep your hold as

in the
in

first its

and place the point of the hackle

bend, with that side which grows nearest the cock

it

upward, then whip

it,

tight to the

hook

in fastening
:

avoid tying

in

the fibres as
it

much

as possible

the

hackle being fastened, take

by the large end, and

left

keeping the side nearest the cock to the

begin with your right hand to wind
it

hand,

up the shank
turn,

upon the dubbing, stopping every second

holding what you have
fingers, whilst,

and

wound

tight with your left

with a needle, you pick what fibres

taken in
:

may have been

until

proceed

in

this
first

manner
fastened,

you come

to the place

where you
is,

and where an end of the

off the hackle

silk

then clip those fibres

fore-

which you hold between your

to

finger

and thumb, close

the stem, and hold the stem

close to the

hook

afterwards, take the silk in your

quite fast to
it,

right hand, and

whip the stem

it

then

make
and
if

a loop and fasten

tight.

Take a sharp

knife,

that part of the stem next the shank of the

is

hook

be as long as the part of the hook which

it

bare, pare

fine

wax your
;

silk,

and bind neatly over the bare

part of the hook

then fasten the silk tight, and spread

lightly

shoe-maker's
clip off the

wax

on the

last

binding

then

remaining

silk at

the shank and bend of

the hook

and, also, any fibres that

may

stand amiss.

Captain Williamson,

author

of

the

Anglers

Fade

268

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

Mecum, makes a
lowing
lent

plain or palmer-hackle in the folis

manner, which
:

both an easy and excelfor a

way

First,

whipping the hook on

few

laps and lapping in the ends of a long fibre, and of

a

hackle at the same place

far as

then, lapping
is

down
and

the
in

whole length as

the shank
at

straight,

making the half hitches

platting
is

bottom a small piece of

round
fibres,

lapped

in

this done, carry the fibre

the hook very close, adding a second or

if

more

requisite,
:

to

complete down to the end of the

it is

whipping

when

completed thereto, lap

it

under

the platting, which

is

now
when

to

be carried round from

the bottom to the top, leaving a very small interval

between each round

the platting

is

brought up

completely, let the hackle be passed round progressively

left

downwards, so as nearly
;

to

fill

up the

intervals

by the platting
;

fasten off at the

bottom with
stiff

two half hitches

fibres, the
])illars

if

the hackle have very long

palmer will resemble those hairy caterare found in

which

gardens and

fields,

on

leaves, grass, &c.

CHAP.
The dubbing

II.

Directions for making a Golden or Silver Palmer.

the same as the palmer, ribbed with

all.

gold or silver twist, with a red hackle over

When

you whip the end of the hackle

hook, you must do the same
to

to the

bend of the

the gold or silver

THE DUB-FLY.
twist, first

winding either of them on the dubbing,

lie flat

observing that they

on

it,

and then fasten

off

then proceed, as before directed, with the hackle.

Some wind
the

the hackle on the dubbing

first,

and

rib

body afterwards.
in every

Those hacklers, or palmers, will kill Trout

month during the whole

ings that are
fit

year, in

mornings and evenand

in

for fly-fishing,

every water

where

have known them used.

to try a larger

Those who wish

I

palmer than what

have described, have only to increase the dubbing,

8cc.

on a No. 6 hook

but the smaller the hook

is,

the neater will the fly look,

and the greater will be

far
off,

your sport.

To

fish

fine

and

is

the ne plus

ultra of fly-fishing.

How
Ill

to

make a Dub-Fly.
artificial fly is

Another method of making an

follows, W'hich
Sir

as

John Hawkins,

in

his notes

on

Charles Cotton, considers superior to any others and,

as

many Anglers
it is

continue to

make

their fly
it,

by that

direction, I

have been induced to insert

being of

opinion, that

not material by which direction the

young

artist practises

making a

fly

for

comes so much master of the

will

art as to

when he bemake a fly, he

soon be able to judge of the merits of any written

or verbal description relative to artificial fly-making.

Hold the hook between the fore-finger and thumb of

the left hand, with the back of the shank upwards,

and the point towards your fingers' ends

then take a

2 A 2

270
strong
silk,
it

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
fly

of the colour of the

you intend

to
|

make, wax

well, with wax of the same

colour, (you
it

should have

wax

of all colours with you,) and draw

'

betwixt your finger and thumb to the head of the

shank, and whip
it

twice or thrice about the bare

also
)|

hook, which

is

done both to preveiU slipping, and

to prevent the

shank of the hook cutting the

it

fibres of
will
fin-

your hair or gut, which, sometimes,

otherwise

do

then take your line and draw

it

betwixt your

ger and thumb, holding the hook so as only to

it

suffer

to pass by, until

you have the knot of your

hair or

gut almost to the middle of the shank of the hook on

the inside
;

then whip your silk twice or thrice about

line, as

both hook and

will permit,

hard as the strength of the

silk

which being done,

strip the feathers, for

the wings, of a proportionable bigness for the size of the

fly,

placing that side downwards^ which grew upso

'

permost before, upon the back of the hook, leaving

much

as only to serve for the length of the wings of

of

the point of the plume, lying reversed from the end

the shank upwards
:

then whip your silk twice

or

thrice about the root end

of the feather, hook, and

clip off the root
3

hair or gut

which being done,

end of

the feather, close by the arming

silk firmly

and then whip the

until you
3

round the hook, and hair or gut,

come

to the

bend of the hook, but no further

dubbing, which
as

which
it,

being done, cut away the hair or gut, and fasten

and take
of your
it

off the

is

to

make
3

the body

fly

as

much

you think proper

and holding'

lightly with the hook, betwixt the finger

and thumb

THE DUB-FLY.
of your left hand, take your silk with the
\

271
riiz;ht,

and

twisting

it

betwixt the linger and thumb of that hand,

;

the dubbing will spin itself about the silk

which,

when
I

it

has so done, whip

it

about the armed hook,

j

backward, until you come to the setting on the wings

and then take the feather

for the wings,

and divide

it

equally in two parts, and turn

them back towards

the

bend, the one on the one side, and the other on the
I

other, of the shank, holding

them

fiist

in that posture,
left

betwixt the fore-finger and thumb of your

hand

which done, wrap them down so

|i

as to stand slopingly
to the

towards the bend of the hook, and warped up

ends of the shanks.
finger and

Hold the
left

fly fast

between. the

li

thumb of your

hand, and take the silk

betwixt the finger and thumb of your right hand, and

where the warping ends, pinch or nip with the thumbnail against

your finger, and

strip
;

away

the remainder

of the dubbing from the silk

and then, with the

bare

silk,

whip
in

it

once or twice about, to make the

fasten,

wings stand
after which,

due order, then

and cut

it

ofFj

with the point of a needle, raise up the dub3

bing gently from the warp

hairs of your

twitch off the superfluous

dubbing
fly

leave the wings of an ecjual

will never

length, or else your

swim

true.

The
to to
;

Angler

^^ ill

perceive,

by

this description of
:

making an

artificial fly,

he has ten rules to observe

;

first,

hold the hook and line

secondly and thirdly,

join
j

how how how

whip around the bare hook, and

fourthly,

hook and
fifthly,

line

how

to put

on the wings
;

to

twirl and lap

on the dubbing

sixthly,

how

to

work

27^
it

THE ANGLER
;

GUIDE.

seventhly, how to part the how to nip off the superfluous dubbing ninthly, how to fasten tenthly, how to trim and adjust the fly for use. And note, those flies

up towards the head

;

wings
5

eighthly,

whose bodies
if

are without wings, are

;

termed palmers

with wings, palmer-flies

those whose bodies are

;

made chiefly of wool or mohair, are called dub-flies if made principally of feathers, they are then named hackle-flies. The feelers or horns of artificial flies may
be made with the
Small
flies

fine fibres of feathers.

are

most proper
;

for clear shallow water,

during a bright sky

and the larger

sort for

dark

weather, and thicker or deeper waters.

Materials for making Artificial Flies.

Get
also,

seals',

moles', squirrels', and water-rats' furs

mohairs,
;

black, blue,
also,

and purple

also,
;

white

and violet

camlets, of every hue and colour

5

and fur

from the neck and ears of hares

bears'

hogs' down, and

hair

hackle-feathers (hackles are long

tender feathers, which hang from the head of a cock,

down

his neck)

get
:

them

of the following colours,

but not too large

perfect black.
flies,

red,

dun, yellowish, white, and

Feathers, to form the wings, &c. of

are got from the mallard and partridge, especi-

ally those red

ones in the
tail
;

tail

feathers from a cock-

pheasant's breast and

bird, the
rail,

the wings from the black-

brown-hen, the

starling, the jay, the land-

the thrush, the fieldfare, the swallow, and the

3

water-coot

the feathers from the

crown of a plover.

MATERIALS FOR MAKING ARTIFICIAL FLIES.

green and copper-coloured
trich's herlj
-,

273

peacock's and black-os-

and feathers from the heron's neck and

wings.
ther
is is

In most instances, where the mallard's feadirected to be used, that from the starling's

wing
lours

generally preferred.

You

must,

also,

be proall

vided with marking-silk,

;

fine,

strong, and of

co-

flaw-silk, gold

and
all

silver flatted wire or twist,

sizes,

a sharp knife, hooks of

shoe-maker's wax, a

large needle, to raise your dubbing

when

flattened,

and a pair of sharp-pointed

vice
is

scissors.

little

portable

necessary to

fix

on the

table, to

which you

may
fly.

occasionally fasten your

hook while dressing a

Be

particular in imitating the belly of the

is

fly,

as

that part

most

in the fish's sight,

and make your

fly

wings always of an equal length, to insure your

to

swim

true.

Note.

When

you put or whip on a hackle, place

it

so that the upper side of the feather

may be
;

next the

head, because

it is

always the brightest

and also that

sheep stare and starling means the same thing.

Most of those materials

for

fly-making

may

be pur-

chased at the principal fishing-tackle shops in London.

The
follows

articles for

making

artificial flies are prettily

described by Gay, in his

:

Poem on Rural

Sports, as

To frame

the

little

animal, provide

All the gay hues that wait on female pride

Let nature guide thee.

Sometimes, golden wire

fly

The

shining bellies of the

require.

274
The
Nor

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
fail,

peacock's plumes thy tackle must not

the dear purchase of the sable's
tail

Each gaudy bird some slender

tribute brings,

And

lends the growing insect proper wings

Silks, of all colours,

must their aid impart,

And

every fur promote the fisher's art.

So the gay lady, with expensive care,

Borrows the pride of land, of sea, of

air

Furs, pearls, and plumes the glittering thing displays

Dazzles our eyes, and easy hearts betrays.

CHAP.
A
List of Palmers,
or

in.
Flies,

Hackle

with and without

Wings, for Flyfishing in every

beginning with April.

Month during the Season,

Many
fly,

Anglers object to the palmer being termed a

in its natural state, is first a

because a palmer,
or caterpillar,

worm

some of them being covered with

others have a

a rough woolly substance, from which they are called

wool-beds, in some places

legs,

number

of

and from their continual rambling over branches,

leaves of trees, cabbages, &c. they receive the general

name
lours,

of palmers or pilgrims

they are of various co-

some
5

red,

some

black, and others of variegated

colours

those found in gardens, about the leaves of

are, generally,

bushes and vegetables,

supposed to be

FLY-FISHING.

275

bred from the eggs of variegated butterflies; those that

are green,

from the white or yellow butterfly

those

beautifully spotted and found on willow trees, are bred

from eggs deposited by large moths.

are called dub-flies,

Artificial flies

of wool or

when the body is principally made mohair when chiefly made of feathers,
;

they are called hackle

flies.

If the

body be
it

like a

palmer, to which
called a

is

added wings, then

is

properly

palmer

fly.

There are upwards of a hundred

flies

different kinds of

made

for fly-fishing

a selection of

which

I shall
3

describe, suitable for every

month during the season

at a small

and which may be purchased

expense at the

tackle shops, should the Angler decline himself.

making them
little

Some Anglers
sport
is

fish

with a

fly in

Winter, but
if

ever met

with before April, (and

fit

Fish are
later

killed,

they are not

for the table,)

or

much

than Michaelmas, unless the weather be unusually

mild.
I shall,
list

however,

in the

succeeding Chapter'

give a

of

artificial flies for

the winter months^ with

directions

how

to

make them.
fly

April.
first

The

cow-dung
is

may be used from

fly to the end. fly in

the

of this month, and

is

a killing

The
The

brown or dun drake

a good

the middle of the

day, particularly if the weather prove gloomy.

horse-fly will also take Fish during the

whole of

April,

but best late in the evening.

May.

The

stone-fly

may be

used aU this month

in

with much success, but more particularly

the morn-

27^
ings.

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
the green-

The yellow

may-fly,

commonly called

tlrake, is a killing fly, especially in the evenings,

.

du-

ring the whole of this month, and part of June.

The

black caterpillar -fly

is

a good

fly,

and so

is

the black-

thorn-fly, this month, in small rivers

it

and Trout streams

kills

best in those days that succeed very hot morn-

ings.

The
all

fly,

called the camlet,

may be

used with

success
Fish.

the day until the middle of June, for small

June.

The

lady-fly

is

now

a good one, particularly

when

the water begins to brighten after a flood.

is

The

black gnat-fly

killing in an evening, especially if the

weather has been

warm and showery

only used

during the day.

is

The

blue gnat

is

when the water

very fine

The red- spinner is an excellent fly, but most killing when the water is dark, and late in the evening. July. The orange-fly is an excellent bait, particularly if this month prove close, hot, and gloomy. The large red ant-fly is killing, for some hours in the middle
and low.

of the day.
this

The badger-fly

is

good

in the early part of

month, and

in the coolest days.

ant-flies are

August.
sometimes

The small red and black

till

good

killers, for three or four

hours in the afternoon, and

it

sun-set,

if

be occasionally obscured.

The

hazel-fly,

by some called the Welshman's button,

is

or button-fly,

valuable

all this

month

to
is

dap with.

The small fly, most fly-fishers

afternoon,
if

called the light-blue-fly,

to

known

to
till

be a killing bait from morning

the weather be at all favourable.

September.

^The willow-fly

is

most to be depended

FLY-FISHINO.
Oil

^77
:

this

month, and for the remainder of the season

any of those noticed for July or August may also be

used occasionally.
for killing

All the
j

flies I

have enumerated are

also take

Trout

but you

may

Chub and
used
also

Dace with them, and, perchance, a Salmon. For making

these
seal's
flies,

mohair of various colours

camel's
hair,

is

wool, bear's and

sheep's wool'
all

badger's hair, hog's down, camlets of

fur of hares, squirrels,

colours, the

and foxes, feathers from the neck

;

of the game-cock, called hackles

likewise, feathers

from the peacock, mallard, the domestic hen, &c.

I

shall take the liberty of closing this part of

my

subject with

Thomson's just and beautiful description

of the cunning of an old Trout.

Should you lure

From

his dark haunt, beneath the tangled roots

trees, the

Of pendant

monarch of the brook,

finest art
fly.

Behoves you then to ply your

Long time he, following, cautious scans the

And oft attempts to seize it, but as oft The dimpled water speaks his jealous fear
At
last,

while haply o'er the shaded sun

Passes a cloud, he desperate takes the bait

With

sullen plunge

at once

he darts along,
lengthen'd line,

Deep struck, and runs out

all the

Then

seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed,

The

cavern'd bank, his old secure abode.

flies aloft,

And

and flounces round the pool.

Indignant of the guile.

9,

27S

THE angler's guide.

CHAP.
List of Artificial Flies,
kill,

IV.
way
to

and

the

make them

to

from Christmas
Red

till

Michaelmas,

Fhj.

This

fly is

much used
made

in

Wales and Herefordshire,

body
-,

but better known there by the name of the Coch-ahondde

;

it is

of a drake's feather, and the

of a red hackle, and the red part of squirrel's fur

it

has four wings lying

flat

on

its

back

it

may be varied
This bait
is

by a black cock's hackle and

or ten o'clock in the morning,

silver twist.
kill till

taken during February, and will

June, from nine

till

three in the afternoon.

Green Peacock-Hackle.

The greenish herl of a peacock

and a black hackle over
till

warping green

silk,

all

this fly is
is

taken from eight

eleven during March, as

the

Ash-coloured Dun.

Dub
feather.

with the roots of a fox cub's

;

tail

warp with
starling's

pale yellow silk

wings of the pale part of a

This

fly,

which

is

also called the violet-dun,

:

and blue-dun,

is

found on most rivers

it

varies

much
In
it

in its colours, according to the season of the year.

March and September,

it is

called the violet-dun, for

it

has often that hue 3 in April,

assumes a pale ash-

FLY-FISHING.
-olour
in
in

279

May, a

beautiful lemon, both body and

it is

wings
time

June and July,

a blue-black
till

from

this

it

gradually becomes a violet-dun

the

month

of September.

Pearl, or

Heron-Dun.

This
April
\vith
:

fly is

taken both before and after noon, during

;

dub the ash-coloured herl of a heron

;

warp

ash-coloured silk

wings from the short feather

of a heron or coot's wing, of an ash-colour.

The Spider-Fhj
appears about the middle of April,
-^'orward,
if

the season be

and

is

a good

fly all

the remainder of the

aionth

the wings are

;

made

of woodcock's feathers,

from under the wing

the body

of lead-coloured
shape of an

silk^

with a black cock's hackle wrapped twice or thrice

round
In

the body

is

made
is

in the

ant-fly.

warm, sunny weather,

this fly

particularly

towards the

end of April,

found in clusters, on beds

of gravel, by the sides of rivers.

The
is

Silver- Twist-Hackle
till

a good bait from about nine

especially
if

eleven, in the
is

month of May,
dark-green
hackle over
silk
all.

the weather

showery
and warp

dub with the herl of an

ostrich's feather,

and silver twist,

and black cock's

280

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

The Oak, Ash, Woodcock, Hawthorn, or Cannon- Flij,

are one and the same Jiy.

This

is

the

fly

which

is

so mvich seen during the

months of
ash,

April,

May, and June, on the trunks of oak,

trees,

and willow
sides,

and on the thorn-bushes, near

piles, rails,

water
It is
it

and also about

and bridges.

found, always, with the head pointing a good

fly,

downwards
from

is

but

difficult to

imitate,

its

numerous mixed colours.

water
;

It

seldom

dro()s

on the
that
it

from which,

it

is

generally believed

does not

come from a
Its

cadis,

but

it

is

bred in the

oak apple.

wings are

large,
fly
;

and

lie flat
is

on the

back, like the blue-bottle

the head

large and

of an ash-colour ;

the upper part of the body greyish,

green, and

with a

little

light-blue,

bright brown,

mixed
ture.

the tail-part greenish, with an orange mixis

No. 10 hook

large enough to

make

this fly

on

the mottled brown feather of a partridge

makes
put

the best wings.

Two
in

of these

flies,

when

alive,

on a No. 8 hook, are a good bait to use when

dapping for Trout,

May.
Huzzard.

This

fly is

larger than the green-drake

fine
its

the body
it

and wings are of a

wings lying close to
those
flies
;

lemon-colour j

has four

back:

few

rivers produce

but,

where they

do, they

show themselves
rise for

at the latter

end of April, and the Trout will

freely
;

them very
water-fly,

this

is

supposed to be a true
cadis.

and bred from a large

Dub

with

FLY-FISHING.

281

lemon-coloured mohair^, or yellow ostrich's feather

warp with yellow gold

all

twist,

and yellow hackle over

wings of a pale mallard's feather, yellow or

:

lemon-colour
the body, and

the wings must be large, longer than

made

to lie fiat

on the back.

This

is

a killing fly on a blustering or

windy day,

until the

may-fly appear.

The Orle-Fly

may be
good
in

seen in June playing on the water, and

is

killing fly

from ten or eleven o'clock

all
it

till

four,

very

warm

weather,

the month, especially after

the may-fly
to the back,

is

gone

has four wings lying close

which should be made of a dark grizzled

;

cock's hackle

the body

of

a peacock's herl, with

dark-red

silk.

The Pismire-Fly
is

good during July and August,

calf's hair
3

for

Trout and Chub

body of
silk to

twisted on pale yellow silk

the

be visible

wings

of a mallard's
tail,

feather.

Middling Brown-Fly.

The body

of a cock-pheasant's
it,

a peacock's
silk
;

heii to be twisted with

and warp with ruddy

wings, the light part of a starling's feather, and to

be made longer than the body.

The Foetid Light- Brown- Fly

is

a good killer in the morning, during September^

b2

282

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

especially for Chub, in the River

seal's fur of the

Lea
;

the body.

natural
;

colour

wings

of of ruddysilk.

brown, long and large

warp with ruddy

CHAP.
Natural
Fly-fishing,

V.

Dapping and Whipping for

Trout,
8^c.

Mark

well the various seasons of the year,

the succeeding insect-race appear.

How
Natural
a light
line,

fly-fishing
is

is

generally termed dibbing or

dapping, and
stiff

practised with a stoutish rod, having

top,

running tackle, strong gut or hair

for

and No. 7 or 8 hook,

Trout and Chub.

When

dapping with a may-fly, put two or three on the hook

together,

which should be carried through the thick

fly's

part of the

body under the wings, with

their

heads standing different ways, and pass your hook

through them under the wings, about the middle of

the insect's body, and take care that your fingers are

always dry,
the bait.
in

when

baiting, or

you soon

kill or

spoil

Bait the same way with

in July, use the
;

the black ant-fly

;

June

wasp-fly

in

August, the

hazel, or button-fly
in

in

September, the badger-fly

stone-flies.

March and April, the thorn-fly, yellow, dun and The stone-fly, when in the state of a
is

maggot,

called the water-cricket,

or creeper, and

FLY-FISHING.
is

283
rivers or

to be found in

most small stony

Trout
In

streams in April, lying under hollow stones.

those waters where this cricket
is

found,
:

it

will prove

an excellent bait the latter end of April

three on a No. 9 hook, and use
it

put two or

as a tripping bait, in

the middle of the stream. I have heard that the cricket

is

a good bait to dap with, about noon

;

in the said

month
that

and, also, to sink and

draw

with.

In this

mode

of fishing,

it

is

absolutely necessary
tree, bush,

you kneel down or stand behind a

high

weeds, or something to hide your person, or

fly

the Fish will not rise at your

or bait.

When
is

such

a cover can be met with on a stream, this

a killing:

way of angling, particularly late You must draw out as much line as
with the top of your rod a
in

in

the

evening.

will just let your

)

baited hook reach the surface of the water

little raised,

then.

keep the bait

motion just over and upon the surface of the

vvater,

by gently

raising and lowering the top part of

the rod, and drawing to

and

fro

and

if

you see

several Fish, cautiously guide your bait to the largest

play

it

little,

an inch or two above the water, by

;

gently shaking the rod

the Fish.

then

let it

drop just before

bait,

When
strike

a Fish takes
if

your
not

after

moment,

smartly, and,
lift

too

large to
\

endanger breaking,

him out immediately

for,

by playing them while dapping, you are very

to

like

scare

away the
j

others by the

exposing yourself to
brisk,

their sight
sufficiently

but

if

wind be

and you stand

high on a bank or bridge, then you should

284

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

use a long rod, with a finer top and line

several yards of line out, or as far
to play the bait.
as

and

let

you can see

With such

a long rod and line, and

a breeze at his back, the Angler

may

play his bait on

is

the top of the water, in streams whose water

nearly

level with the bank, with success, because he

may
to

keep

far

from the water, the wind carrying his bait

see a rise or bite.

where he wishes, and yet

Baits for Chub,

&;c.

The
is

best bait in June, July, and August, for Chub,

the humble-bee, during the day, and, late in the

evening, a large white moth, bred in willow trees.

Artificial

moths, bees, butterflies, cockchafers, grass-

hoppers, &c.
I

may be purchased

at the tackle-shops.
in

have had much success (particularly

in

the river

Lea)

whipping with a
;

humble-bee, both with

this
I
is

the natural and artificial

my

usual bait

till

towards dusk,

for

Chub, when

use a small black

fly,

which

will also kill Dace.

is

The humble,

or large

wild humble-bee,
in

found on flowers and blossoms,

gardens, and on hedges, also in bean and clover

fields,

from April

to

Michaelmas.Note. When you

it

bait

with a

live bee,
is

is

necessary

first

to extract

its sting,

which

easily

done

in the following

manner

hold the sides of the head and shoulders of the bee

between the thumb and fore-finger of your

hand, and with the thumb and finger of
squeeze the
its

right
left

the

tail

end of the bee until

it

shoots out

sting

then

lift

your right hand, and with your

Dipping

or

Dapping

for

Chub.

FLY-FISHING.
nails, or a

285

small pair of pliers, draw

violence as

away the

sting

with as

little

may

be, and the bee will

j

remain nearly as lively as before the operation

if

but
it

the bee be killed immediately

it is

caught,

is

equally as good a bait.

They
its

will also

take the
this

cockchafer or
insect

may-bug, (but before you put

on the hook, take away

fly

upper horny wings,;

grasshoppers, the

called Father or

Harry long-legs,*
;

and

all

kinds of moths, and small butterflies

flies,
:

also

large blue

bees, and wasps, generally preferring

the largest
legs,

put two grasshoppers, or ftither-longat a time,

on a No. 7 hook

same way

as directed

for Trout.

These

baits

are

readily procured

by

persons residing in the country, and easily kept alive,

in a

gentle box, with

some green
to find

leaves.

prefer
rivers.
willo'<^'.

the live-bait,

and seldom use any other

in

You may always expect

alder,
lie

Chub where
under

and pollard

trees,

grow,

which they

in the

evening, waiting for any unlucky

settle

which may chance to

on the water.

moth Chub
a

may

be taken

all

dark nights while the moths are

on wing, by dapping with them.

You must have

* This
v/ings
;

fly

has a long thin body, six long legs, and two short
is

the whole appearance

;

move
it

like a grasshopper than

any other winged insect

it

in colour,

is

a light

brown or dun

is

found

in

all

meadows,

flitting

about,

especially

tow^ards
it

evening, in the months of August and September, and

killing bait at that season,

is

both for Chub and Trout

puc two on

the hook, one to run up and cover the shank, the other to cover
the point and bend.

^86

THE angler's guide.

let

dark lanthorn, and

the light
will

one side be open, to throw

where you play the moth, and the Chub

to
it.

come

Note. AVhen dapping with an

its fluttering,

artificial

bee, I put a live fly (of any sort I can catch) on the

point of the hook, which, by

makes the
to seize
live

whole appear
it
5

alive,

which entices the Fish

for
is

you ought

to

know, that dapping with a

bait

more

killing than with an artificial one.

For Dace,
the best bait
is

the

common

house-fly

you may
should be

put two on a No. 10 hook.

These

flies

kept
size

in a bottle.

Dace are caught of the largest

as for

by dapping, concealing yourself

Trout and

Chub.

Whipping
to

for

Dace

frequently will tend

much

improve the Fly-fisherman.

The best

arti-

ficial flies

are the black ant and gnat-flies on a

No.
it is

10 hook

the time, the last three hours before

dark

you may use two or three hooks

at a time, tied

on about three inches of hair or

fine gut,

and fastened
At Thames

on the

line,

about fourteen inches apart.

Ditton, the Angler

may

get good sport, whipping for

Dace and Chub.

See Ditton.

For Bleak,
one

common

flesh

or house-fly on a No. 11 or 12
also caught

hook.

Dace and Bleak are

artificial
fly
;

by whipping

with an

sometimes, your sport will be

increased by putting a gentle on the tip of the hook,

when whipping

for

Dace with an

artificial fly.

RODS AND LINES.

Note.

287
for

Some

Anglers,

when whipping
fly

Chub and

Dace,

in

the same stream, confine themselves to the

of a dusky or dunit

red-spinner, the gnat-fly, and a

colour, all on No. 9 hooks,

making

a rule to use the

darkest
are

fly last.

In the river Lea, where few Trout

met

with, but

which abounds with

fine

Chub and

Dace, together on the same sharps and shallows, those

flies

will be

found to answer well.

CHAP.

VI.

Rods and Lines.

In respect to fly-rods, I believe the

London

tackle-

makers can furnish

sale
3

as

good

as

any that are made for

are partial to
parts of

though

know some gentlemen

those manufactured in the

North and West

England.

have purchased rods

at Exeter, for fishing

in

in the river

Ex, the Tamar, and other Trout streams

Devonshire, in compliance with the request of some

friends

who

reside in those parts

but

never expe-

rienced any advantage, in using them, over what I

carried with

me from
made

the metropolis.

Fly-rods are

of bamboo, cane, hickery, hazel,

;

&c. from fifteen to eighteen feet long

hazel rod

the

common
in a

may be

used by the

Young

Angler, during

his noviciate, to practise

field,

throwing a

fly

on land,

or any other convenient place, which practice I

2SS
should
ter.

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

recommend

before he casts his bait on the wait

While so practising,

is

better to break
its

away
in the

the point and barb of the hook, to prevent

laying

hold of grass, weeds, or any thing that

may be

way, which would either break the

fly

line, or

prevent the

being thrown with any precision.

Lines

are manufactured of hair, &c. wove, spun, twisted,

mixed, and platted, of various lengths and strengths,

purposely for fly-fishing
;

some exceedingly
;

fine

and

long, tapering gradually to the end

and some,

after
;

ten yards, again taper, and to almost any length

line

should not be less than thirty yards.

fine

A
To

yard or
is

two of

gut, to
line,
is

which the hooks are fastened,

added to the

and called the bottom.

fastened the
fly
;

the end

of this bottom,

and, sometimes, at
;

certain distances

(above) two more

is

in

which

case,

the

fly

at the

bottom

termed the stretcher, the

others droppers.

The

learner should,
fly

by no means,
on
at a time.

attempt to

fish

with more than one

When

fly-fishing,

use as light a winch as you can, but

always prefer the multiplying one.

Whipping, Casting, or Throwing the Line and Bait.
With
Learn
pliant rod,

upon the pebbled brook.

hook.

skilfully to cast the feathered

In casting or throwing a
serve the following rules
:

fly,

while yet a novice, ob-

having fixed the winch on

all

the butt of your rod, draw the line through

the rings

NATURAL FLY-FISHING.
of the rod to the top
;

^89

and, then again, as

much more

as will reach within a yard of your butt-end from the

top

the line will then, of course, be nearly as long as

the rod, which will be quite as

for a learner to

throw

indeed,

much as is necessary when you have attained

any given

the art of throwing a

spot,

fly thirty yards, to

you

may

use line ad libitum.

Having fastened
finger

your bottom
in the left

v^nth the line,

hold the hook, by the bend,

hand, between your

thumb and

the

rod in the right hand,

pointing to the leftj bring

the top of the rod gently round to the right,

making

sweep over your right shoulder, casting forward the

fly,

which you
j

let

go the moment you are

in the act of
at

throwing

practise this,

with a moderate wind

till

your

back, either on land or in water,

the
art.
:

you have gained

Some
raise

prefer the following

method of casting
circle,

fly

your arm, and forming nearly a

left shoulder,

round your head, from the

rod, cast the line

by waving the
and gently

from you before you return your arm

fly

from the head

then draw the

j

lightly

towards the shore your bait

;

have a quick and attentive eye to

it,

for, if

a Fish rises at

and you omit that

of the wrist
for

moment
is

striking, (a very slight

movement

sufficient to

hook the

Fish,) the Fish

is lost,

they

immediately discover the fraud, and throw the bait

from their mouth.

in search,

Thus continue

to cast in

your line

and

fish

every yard of water likely to afford

;

sport,
it

and never despair of success

for,

sometimes,

so happens, that after

many

fruitless hours, spent

2 c

290

THE ANGLER
at

GUIDE.
fly,

without a Fish ever rising

your

you will

fill

your

bag or basket during

the last hour.

The

lighter your fly

and

line descends
;

on the water,

the greater the chance of a bite

for thereon

depends

much

of the advantage the experienced Angler has

is

over the novice, and which

practice,

only to be acquired by

and love of the

art.

Never use more than

till

one hook on your line at a time,

you

feel fully

confident you can throw your line with one, to any

given distance or place

when you commence

at

fishing

any water, endeavour to keep the wind

as
it

your back,

it
;

enables you to stand farther out of the Fish's

sight

and you have the additional advantage of fishif

ing both sides of the stream,

not very broad.

is

In

small streams, where the middle

shallow, you will

in the shallow

always find a rippling on the surface,

part.

When
it

you cast

in your bait,
side,
float
fly,

always take care

it

to

throw

on the opposite
it

and draw

slowly
j

to the rippling, letting

down some

distance

and
it
;

if

the Fish like your

they will certainly take

or, if

you see a Fish

in,

rise in

any part of the water

you are fishing

immediately throw your bait just

fly

above

it,

draw the
if

gently over the spot where the

Fish rose, and,

done quickly and neatly, you will ge-

nerally take the Fish.

" Upon
With

the curling surface let

nat'ral

it

glide,

motion from your hand supply'd.

Against the stream

now

gently let

it

play,

Now,

in

the rapid eddy, float away."

NATURAL FLYFISHING.

291
flies,

Having given a

select list of artificial

and also

enumerated several natural ones, accompanied with

observations on their respective qualities and merits,

how
the

to cast or

throw a

fly,

&c.

I shall finally

take

leave of the subject of fly-fishing, by

recommending
laid

young Angler, during

his noviciate, to feel confiI

dent in pursuing the rules which

his practice,

have
I

down

for
3

and in the use of

flies

have selected

and not

to

be easily put

oiF his purpose,

fly is unfit

by any person

who may
water, as

say that such a

for this or that

some people
or,

are apt to speak hastily, from

want of experience,
for
it

perhaps, from local prejudice

that the fly

wiU frequently happen,

shall

which

is

the

least praised,

be found the most killing bait:

therefore, learn to cast your fly skilfully,

and expect
Aided by

sport in every stream

you

cast a bait in.

hope and patience, and a favourable breeze, you will

seldom
may-fly
the
fail
is

taking a dish of Fish

unless, while the

3

on, there should

be very heavy rains

into

if so,

flies

are then beat

down
days

the water,

and

the Trout glut themselves therewith,

and will not

notwith-

take a bait for

several

afterwards,

standing
All arts and shapes, the wily Angler tries,

To

cloak his fraud, atid tempt the finny prize.

APPENDIX
Gentles and Worms.

Gentles J or maggots, may be bred from any animal

substance, either
least worthy,)
fish, flesh,

or fowl, (those
it

from

fish are

by exposing

to

flies,

to

blow on during
flies in

the Spring and

Summer.

(I

have found

Winter,
3

among
on a
I

ivy, in walls that are fronting the

3

South

and,

warm day, have procured them by which means,

flesh

have had

blown by

flies,

and bred gentles

in

every month during Winter.)

size,

After they are of a full

:

put them in a vessel, with some house-sand

but,

some use bran,

tles

from

its

heating quality, the genit,

sooner turn, as Anglers term

that

is,

become a
no use.

chrysalis, in

which

state they are of little or

In London,
tles, for as

it is

not worth the trouble of breeding genas will serve a day's fishing

many

may be

purchased at any of the tackle-shops for a few pence.

The
to

least

troublesome method

am
is

acquainted with,
to get

keep gentles during the Winter,

some

full-

grown

ones, as late in the season as possible, and put

294

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

them with fresh mould, and

vessel

half-dried cow-dung, into a

two

or three feet in depth,

which vessel must be

kept

in a cool cellar or out-house, occasionally sprink-

ling a little water over

I

them

by adopting

this plan,

am seldom

without gentles in February, March, and

bait.

April, in

which montlis they are a valuable

at this season of the year,

When

you use any

(during the

Spring) take only as

many

as

you are

likely to want,

and keep them cool and

a chrysalis,
if

close, or they will soon turn to

air
;

exposed to the

therefore, close im:

mediately up the place you take them from

of attending to this caution,

for

want

many

lose their preserved

stock in a few days.

In the

Summer season, when on

I

a fishing excursion

from home,

take a quantity of gentles, rather green,

with me, and daily give them a small piece of fresh

flesh or liver, or a small fish
-,

the small gentles then

increase in size, and keep

up

my stock of a
damp
3

proper

size.

When

you go out

for a day's angling,

with gentles,
for, if

put them in sand or earth, rather

a box, with bran, they

put in

may

turn brown.

Note. Carp,

Tench, Barbel, and Chub, prefer gentles that are some-

what green
scent,

they are then of a higher flavour and

is

which

very enticing to most Fish.

the country may,
all
if

Anglers

who live in
:

they choose, I
:|

breed and preserve gentles,

ing manner

the year, in the followli-

get the whole, or part, of a bullock's

ver, in October, or the heads of sheep, with pare of the

|
'

wool on

cut gashes in them, and let

flies.

them be well
become

blown by the

When

the fly-blows are

GENTLES DESCRIBED.

295

full-grown gentles, put them, and the remains of the

liver,

or heads, into a tight cask or tub, having first

put into the tub or cask about a peck of fresh mould,

from the

fields

to which,

add half the quantity of

half-dried cow-dung, and then put the

same quantity
in a cool

of mould and
place,

dung over them

keep them
at the top,
it.

and when the mould, &c.,

becomes
liver or

dry, sprinkle a little water over

Using

heads, I think less disagreeable than having a dead

animal blown on by

flies

but those

who prefer

a rabdi-

bit or hare, or cat or dog,

have only to follow the

rections given above, and they will have gentles at all

times.

Those who may object

to

keep the gentles

in

the house,

may

preserve them in the garden, by put-

ting the liver, or other substance, with the gentles,

mould, or dung, in a hole about three feet deep

note, this hole

but

must be plastered round, and

I find those

at

bottom,

with strong clay, or the gentles will penetrate into the

earth, to a great distance.
bits, or hares, or

bred from rab-

heads, less likely to burrow in the

earth, because the skin

and wool keeps longer moist,

and also

affords

them

food.

When

you open the

air

store,

do it carefully, for when the cool Spring

gentles, they quickly
is

reaches the

become

a chrysalis.

Horse-dung
as

too hot for gentles, but

cow-dung nourishes them,

gentles, in the

will hog's-dung also, but in a less degree.

The

best

way to keep
sell

Summer,

is

to

put them in a salmon

the people

kit,

(which

may be bought

of

who

pickled salmon,) with

some house-

sand, and sprinkle, daily, a handful of dampish sand

296

THE ANGLER
little

GUIDE.

over them, or a very

water, and they will keep

if

from changing to a chrysalis much longer that

in a

kept

box or bag

for the kit being very broad at the

bottom, enables the gentles to move about and keep

themselves cool

but

when they

are laid on each

other, in heaps, in a

box or bag, they soon become

so valuable a bait, the
little

heated, and, in consequence, soon change to the chrysalis state.

As gentles are

An-

gler should not object taking a

trouble to keep

them.

have

tried

many ways, and

the above direc-

tions are the result of

my

experience.

Worms.
Cleanse them from
filth, to give

a tempting gloss

Cherish the sullied reptile with

damp moss
toil.

Amid

the verdant bed they twine, they

their bodies,

And, from

wipe their native

soil.

Gay.

Worms
most
fit

are a very useful and general bait for Fish.

I shall, therefore, carefully describe those

which are

for the Angler's purpose, consisting of six dif-

ferent kinds,

namely the

lob, the

marsh, the brandling,

the red, the blood, and the tag-tail

worm

there are

small worms found about the roots of dock- weeds, cabbages, turnips, potatoes, &c.,
inferior to either blood or red

but they are

much

worms, and,

in conse-

quence, but

little

used.

WORMS DESCRIBED.

!297

Loh-Worms, large and small;

Ry some
called the

Dew

or Garden

worm, by

others, the

Twatchellor

Squirrel-tail.

These worms, which are the largest used

are generally found in gardens, and

in angling,

may be gathered damp evening, during the Spring and Summer, when they come out of the ground, or by digging for them where much manure has been laid they may also be got by laying straw on the ground and pouring water over it they then soon come near the surface they may also be forced out of the ground,
in great

numbers

in a

by pouring a strong mixture of

or by forcing a

salt

and water on

it,

dung

fork or spade in the ground, and

is

shaking and loosening the earth therewith. The lob

a good bait for Trout, Barbel, Eels, and Perch, particularly for night-lines, during the early part of the

Summer.
with a

Note.
tail

The largest lob-worms

;

are of a dirty

yellow whitish colour

flat

the smaller, a brownish red,

like

something

a squirrel}

always

prefer the large lob.

Marsh-Worms,

or Blue Heads,
in

Are very common, particularly

marsh

lands,

and

may be found under

fields

every lump of cow-dung in the

fields,

or

commons, or dug out of gardens,

j

or

dung-hills
find

in fact,

wherever you

find earth,

you may
in

marsh-worms, especially
:

in the

spring and

marsh-earthy-mould

in colour, they

are of a dark

brown, with a blueish gloss, of a fleshy substance, or

298
fat
is
J

THE angler's guide.

and when well scoured, they lose the earth that
its

withinside them, and

fat
3

place

is filled

with a sort of

white

they are an excellent bait for Trout, Perch,

and most large Fish.

London

tackle-shops with worms, get a great

The poor people who supply the number

of marsh-worms on Kennington

Common

in the night,

using a candle and lanthorn to see them.

is

This method

practised in Spring and

Summer,

particularly after

warm rain has

fallen in the evenings.

Brandlings

Are found in great numbers

ly in those

in dunghills, particular-

which have

lain

some time, and become very

This

rotten
is

they are used for Carp, Perch, &c.

worm

striped with red and yellow across the

whole body-

Brandlings are more used by provincial than by the

London Anglers

-,

they should be kept several days in

moss, to scour out the bitter pungent mixture with

which they abound.

Red Worms.

Some

red

also breed

worms are found in old dunghills, and they among the bark after it has been used by
;

tanners and thrown out in heaps

but the principal

places where they are found, are the banks of the great

common

sewers,

near the metropolis

from which
;

places the tackle-shops are chiefly supplied

as those

banks close

to the
in

water breed

lob,

marsh, brandling,

and red worms

immense numbers. Several poor peoby procuring these worms,

ple get part of their living

WORMS DESCRIBED.
which they
dred.
sell to

299

the

London tackle-shops, at per hunscoured,

is

The red-worm, when well

of a fine
it is

bright red colour, with aknot or belt in the middle j

the best and most killing

worm for Carp, Tench, Barbel,

Chub, Dace, Perch, Gudgeons, Eels, Flounders, Bream,

&c. Too
red

much cannot be said in praise of well-scoured worms two on a hook are very enticing to Perch,
;

Barbel, Carp, Chub, Tench, &c.

Indeed, hardly any

Fish will refuse them, especially during the Spring,

Autumn, and Winter

in the evenings of

in

Summer, you may use them

at

wet days, because

such times

worms move

not so in dry hot weather, and the Fish

then expect them on the banks, from which they frequently drop into the water.

Blood Worms.
This worm,
or rather maggot, for
it

seems to be
last
is

covered with a case or chrysalis, and at

becomes
found at

a gnat-fly, (the smallest used in angling,)

the bottom of shallow ponds, in cow-layers, or yards,

and

is

bred from the excrements of the cows and other

cattle; by gathering the earth, sand, and dung from these ponds, innumerable blood worms may be found some are also to be met with in the ditches or

horned

drains that run from houses, farm yards, &c. but they

are not so large as those found in the cow-layers

in

the ditches, drains, and sewers, the curious

so

may

find

many blood-worms, that certain parts appear a mass

;

of blood, over which innumerable gnats are playing

they are about an inch long, and not

much thicker than

300

THE ANGLERS GUIDE.

a worsted needle, and of a blood-red colour, from

which they take

April
for
;

their
is

name

they generally appear in

this

worm

very lively, and a most killing bait

many

Fish, particularly

Gudgeons, Carp, Roach,

to-

Dace, &c. when two or three are put on the hook

gether.
earth,

To

preserve them alive, keep them in some

little

mixed with a

damp cow,
soil

horse, or pig

dung
in,

or they

may

be kept in the
the ponds.

you

find

them

when taken from

Marl, or Tag-Tail, Worm.

This

worm

is

so called

from

its

having a yellow

tail

they are found in marley lands and clayey banks.

clean light red coloured

It Is a

worm, with a deep head, very

little

strong and lively on the hook, and requires but

scouring.

One

or

two of them put on a No. 6 hook are

during the
is

the most killing worm-bait for Trout in the morning

early,

and

late in the evening, particularly

month of April, and

tle

after rain, while the

water

lit-

coloured

so are the smaller size for Dace, Roach,

Perch, and Gudgeons.

Note.

During the Spring

months

this

worm
in
ou'.

cannot be too

much

prized.

Lug-worms,

some

parts called sand

worms, are
left

worms dug
it

of the sea sand

when

the tide has

dry.

Shrimps.

Live or dead Shrimps are a good bait for Perch,

Eels, RufFs

or

Pope, and Flounders.

off before

If

dead, the

shell or case

must be taken

you use them.

When you

use Shrimps for a bait, enter the point of

HOW
your hook

TO CLEANSE AND KEEP WORMS.

near the back, and bring

301
it

in its side,

to

the side of the

head, near the eye.

During the

Summer months,
Minnow
Note.

the canal crossing the Isle of

Dogs

abounds with Shrimps, which are

or tine landing-net.

easily taken with a

When angling

for Perch, Carp, Pike, Barbel,

Chub, Roach, &c. during the months of June, July,

August, and September, you must not expect them to
feed in the middle of the day, say from eleven
till

four

o'clock in the afternoon, unless the weather be very

dark and gloomy, during drizzling rain or a light

breeze of wind
3

therefore, fish early and late, or

you

lose your time and labour.

TO CLEANSE AND KEEP WORMS.

The

best

method of cleansing or scouring worms

filth, is

from their
persons
to get
fields,

by putting them
trouble, as

into
it
it

damp moss
in

who

live in the country

little

have

in their

power
most

moss with

grows

on commons, and on banks.

it is

About February

and March

in the best state,

and again towards

as

Michaelmas,

at

which time

generally procure
:

much as will last me for it may be purchased at

vegetable markets.

a twelve-month

in

London,

the herb-shops in CoventI believe, in all the

Garden Market, Fleet-Market, and,

Worms
larger,
find

should
;

lie in

moss two or three days before

they are used

they will then be

lively than

much

brighter,
:

and more

when

first

taken

if

you

any of them bruised, mutilated, or

2 D

sickly,

throw

30*^2

THE angler's guide.

5

them away
spoil the

for, if

they

die, their

bodies soon corrupt,

;

moss, and will occasion the death of others

therefore
or

make

it

a rule,

when you

leave off angling,

it,

when you have

returned from

to look over

your worms, cast away the diseased, and give the

remainder some fresh
old net or coarse

damp moss, hempen cloth.

or a piece of

damp

Some

writers and Anglers speak of

bait

more enticing
moss, or
dipping the

worms being a when put among fennel instead of by putting camphor among the moss, or

worm

in tar-water
I

immediately before
I

you put

it

on the hook.

can truly affirm,

have
sport,

never found any of those methods increase

my

but have well-grounded reasons to suppose that Fish

refused

my worm when
freely
if

so doctored, but

would have
box scented

taken

it

offered in a clean scoured state.

to be put in a

Some recommend worms

with
also
oil

of ivy

this I

never

tried.

Brandling will

keep

lively

and

fit

for use a considerable time, in

a mixture of

damp garden mould and

rotten bark

taken from the dung, or bark heaps, found in and

about tan-yards.

By

practising this method,

for a

you may preserve your

is

worms

few weeks, which

material
to

when on
day, that

an excursion, as worms are

difficult

get in dry

weather

if

you

find,

when

out angling

all

the worms, you have with you, seem sickly, gather a

little

will

grass and damp it, and put it among them, which much refresh them some dip their bag of worms in water, but it is a bad practice, for it fre;

quently kills them

all.

TO PRESERVE WORMS, To preserve a stock of Worms

all the ijear.

303

Take about a pound

small pieces, and put

of mutton-suet, chopped into

into a saucepan, containing
let
it

it
3

about a quart of water

suet
is

boil slowly, until the

this liquor, dip

dissolved,

and then, into

some
old,

pieces of coarse
is

hempen

sacking, or cloth, such as

called coarse

wrapper by the linen-drapers, or

and coarse

coarse, worn-out towels, or old nets

nail

bags, (though the

before
it is

new
it

cloth

is

best,

if

very coarse, and,

it

used,

be well washed to free

from the
;

oil or dressing which

may

adhere to

it

from the loom

when
and

the cloths are well saturated with the fat liquor,

are

become

cold, then

mix some

fresh

mould with

them, and put the whole into a deep earthen vessel or

small tub
;

into this, pour a

good stock of marsh, or

tie

red worms, and over the top

a cloth to prevent their

escaping, and in which there should be a few very

small holes to admit

cool dark cellar, the

air.

If the vessel

be placed

in a

worms

will feed
fit

and cleanse

themselves, and keep lively and

for use, for

many

months.
of
at

It is

advisable to keep the different species

worms

in separate vessels, so that the

Angler can,

any time, select the sort and quantity necessary, be placed

in

to

moss, preparatory to his using them.

in

During the time your worms are

will be proper,

pans or tubs,

it

when

the earth they are

among

gets

very dry at the top, to place those vessels, for a few

minutes, in a gentle shower of rain, or to dip your

hand

in water,

and sprinkle some on

is,

it

but

soft rain

refreshes

worms amazingly, and

therefore, to be

304

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

preferred. Brandlings will live,

some months,

in

pans

or tubs half

filled

with dung from a pig-stye, mixed

with yellow gravel, changed, once a month, as follows

turn the pan or tub upside down, put in fresh dung

and gravel
dead, cast

then put the

worms

in

again

if

any are

them away.

The March

best time to collect a stock of

or April, for, at

worms
are

is in

that season, they

very

healthy, and

may be kept more

than twelve months,

by following the
I

directions here given.

to take a

would advise the Angler always

few red

worms with him, when he goes

intends to try for

to fish, even if he
;

Roach or any other Fish

for,

although

paste

is

the proper bait for Roach, yet, sometimes, a

Perch will make his appearance among the Roach

which he may have collected about

and his sport
bait
is is

his baited hook,

will instantly cease

for,

in that case, a
it,

worm-

the best remedy,

on applying
:

the distur-

ber

generally soon taken

a change of weather, by

the wind
to

getting up, will, also,

sometimes put an end

fine for

Roach- fishing, and yet the day be

roving

for Perch, which, without a

few well-scoured worms,

cannot be practised.

Lob, marsh, brandling,

red,

and blood-worms,

may
in

be purchased London,
at

at

most of the fishing-tackle shops

from three-pence

to sixpence per hundred.

WORMS DESCRIBED.

305

The breed of Wasps, Bobs, Clap-baits, Cads, Cadis, or

Case-worms, and Maggots, described.

The young wasp

maggot,
Trout
;

or bee,

when

in the state of

is

an excellent dapping and tripping bait for

this

maggot

is

much
:

like the

common
let

gentle,

but considerably larger

use a No. 8 hook, and put a

good bunch of them on

at a time,

and

them swim
There are

down

the current, touching the bottom.

two other kinds of maggots, which were much used

by Anglers formerly, but the experienced, of the
present
day,

very

properly
call

reject

them.

These

maggots,

or, as

some

them, bobs and grubs^ are

in

found when turned up by the plough, particularly

the Spring, and in a sandy
as big as a gentle, and
soil
;

they are three times

:

have a red head

;

they are

the breed of insects called cock-chafers

they afford

food for rooks,

who

will closely follow the plough in

search of them, and, during the season,

grow very

fat

upon them.

The

other
j

is

called the

cow-dung bob,

grub, or clap-bait

they

may be

found, early in the

Spring months and parts of Summer, under half-dry

cow-dung,

in

meadows, grass commons, &c.

This

maggot
which

is

the produce of the blue, or cow-beetle,

flies

about in the

Summer

evenings, and fre-

quently smites the patient Angler on the face, in his

return from his favorite amusement.

The colour of this

some have a
angling with

maggot

is

a dusky yellowish white, and

dark-coloured head.

The only

success

have met with

2 D 2

in

306

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

these bobs or grubs (Note, grubs or maggots are used

chiefly

by country Anglers
3

in still waters, especially

for

Perch

they are found in light mould, and under

and about cabbages, potatoes, &c. they are very tough,

and will
or light
live a

long while
;

mould
I

they vary in colours, some are

among half-dried cow-dung grey

which

have found the best

others

green and

brown) has been while fishing for Perch in the months

of July
waters,

and August, especially in ponds and

still

when

they

refused a
3

generally been

small Fish

worm, but they have there are also two or

the

three other insects,

known by

names of

cad-bait.

Cads, cadis, or straw case-worms, which

may be kept
;

and scoured

in a

box or bag,

in

damp house-sand

but they are hardly worth the trouble of getting or

preserving for Roach-fishing while gentles can be
procured.
First, the

cad in a husk or case

secondly.

No.

1 ,

in the Husk.

No.

2, Perfect.

No.

3,

on the Wing.

a complete
stone-fly,

fly

thirdly,

on the wing.
3

This

fly is

the

by some called the cad-fly

the green and

WORMS DESCRIBED.
grey drake are similarly incased

307

in pieces of rushes,

dried stems of weeds, &c. until they

become

flies

those look like maggots or grubs, of a yellowish

colour, that are found in cases, or husks of wood,

and

stones

and those incased

in

rushy or weedy husks,

are, invariably, green.

Case-worms, rough-coats, &c.

in angling for

which were formerly used

and Chub,
fishing,

Roach, Dace,

but,

in

respect to their value as bait for

use,

compared with what the modern anglers

they are hardly worth naming or describing, yet are

extremely curious as a natural production.

The cad

may be found on
of the

the margin of small rivers (the banks

New

River and the Lea abound with them)

little

adhering to the bank sides, or a

face,

below the sur-

and, sometimes, on the top, during the Spring

months.

This insect

is

about three quarters of an

inch long, enclosed in a rough husk or case, the size

of a large tobacco-pipe stem, and has the appearance

of small pieces of decayed sticks, &c.

As the weather

becomes warm, they break through

a complete
fly.

the case, and are

Note. In
I
it

other small streams,

the New River, and some have found the Roach take a
will,

cad freely in the month of April, and also Trout

sometimes, prefer
cad, break the

to a
in

worm. When you

it is

bait with a

husk

which
it

enclosed^ carefully
in

take out the cad and place

on the hook,
3

same
two

way you do

a gentle for

Roach

but, for Trout, put

on, one to cover the shank of the hook, and the other
to cover the point

and bend.

308
The New River.

THE angler's guide.

Juvenile Anglers and angling

many
Fish in
all its

described.
it^

The
shire

New

River has

parts of

from Islington to
3

som'ce, near

Ware,

in Hertford-

though they are not so large as those caught

in the

Thames
it is

or Lea, this river being perfectly free

for all persons to angle in,

(and very narrow near

for

London,)

particularly well calculated

the

young Angler to
Roach, Dace,

practise in.

He may here

take Chub,

Perch,

Gudgeons, Bleak, Eels, and

In the

Minnows, within a mile of the metropolis.

preserved
parts,

about

Southgate,

Enfield-Park,

Enfield, and Winclimore-Hill, the

New

River can

boast of several good Carp, Jack, Roach, Chub, large

Gudgeons, and Eels, but

in the

more exposed

or open

free parts of this stream the Fish are very small.

The
often

curious

little

Fish, called

Stone Loach,

is

caught

in this

River while angling for Gudgeons.

stream
is

This fine
length,

artificial

near forty miles in

and has upwards

:

of two

hundred bridges
it,

and forty-three sluices

over and under

many

small brooks and water-courses have their passage

between the bason

at Chadwell,

New

River

is

a nursery for

and London. The London Anglers, where

his
first

the juvenile Angler

makes

essay to take

small Perch, Gudgeons, Roach, Bleak, &c. either at

bottom with worms, gentles, cads, or paste, or

at top

dapping with a house-fly or whipping with a small

black
artificial gnat-fly.

From

this place,

he proceeds

to the River Lea, where, with attention, he

may become

a complete Angler, and boldly challenge the world to

LONDON ANGLERS DESCRIBED.

a
trial

309

of

skill.
is

The Angler who

practises in the

New

River,

the butt of the superficial and unre-.

fleeting Fisherman,

who
-.

does not consider that the

is

practice of taking very small Fish

the only

way

to

make

good Angler

here, the little school-boy

com-

mences angling, and immediately

and a
float to carry

sees the necessity

of using the smallest hooks, a fine light pliable rod

one or two small shot, to which

line, or

is

added a single hair

as

he has no chance of killing

many

Fish as those about him, and the banks of

this

stream are generally well studded with young

Anglers.

The New -River Angler,

wrist, or

also,

soon finds that

he must strike sharp, but with a certain slight of

hand from the

tackle
:

he soon destroys his fragile

finest

thus, being early accustomed to the

way

of angling, he notes the superiority of striking

3

a Fish

and when he

tries his skill in

waters which
is

abound with Fish, either large or small, he

convinced that art
is

soon

superior to strength, and thus

becomes a good Angler, from habit and experience.

Cads are very numerous
found,
in the

New

River.

They

are

during Summer, adhering to bricks, large

stones, or

sunken pieces of wood, planks, and posts,

For a cut of Cads, and the nature and

under water.

value of them as Baits, &c. see pages 305 and 306.

Staines

Ciiertsez

/^jJjIpTBulham

RIVER THAMES.

311

Punt-fishing.

The River Thames,"^ and

The noble Thames,
for ships

its

Fishery.

and Fishes fam'd.

The Queen

of Rivers, by the poet nam'd.

This river

consists, principaUy, of the united streams

of the Isis and

Thame.

The former,
little to

rising

on the

confines of Gloucestershire, a

the south-west
:

of Cirencester, becomes navigable at Lechdale

near
its

Oxford

it

receives the Charwel, and, continuing

course by Abingdon to Dorchester, unites with the

Thame.
tinues
its

After this junction, the united stream con-

course by Wallingford, Reading, Marlow,

Henley, Eton, Windsor, Hampton, Richmond, Kew,

and Brentford, to London

is

and, below London-bridge,

covered, for several miles, with vast numbers of

* The white marks,
in the

annexed map of

tlie

River Thames,
in the middle,

across, are bridges

and the white dots or marks,

aights.

are islands,

commonly called

312
ships

THE angler's guide.

from
all nations.

Proceeding on to the
;

sea,

it

passes Greenwich, Woolwich, and Gravesend

below

which,

it

becomes of vast magnitude, and receives the

far

Medway, not
mence

from

its

mouth.
I

In describing the river Thames' fishery,

at Staines, a pleasant

shall

comse-

market-town, about
-,

venteen miles west of London

jurisdiction of the

to

which

place, the

Lord Mayor of London over the

other parts of the Thames,
is

Thames

extends, for the preservation of the river and

all

Fish. At this place, and

under the above jurisdiction, bottom-angling

hibited,
line,

pro-

under the penalty of 9,0, and

first

loss of rod

and

from the

of

March

imtil the first of June.

March, April, and May, are caWed fence-months ; during

which

time, all fresh-water Fish cast their spawn. Carp

and Trout excepted (Trout spawns about October.)

These months

are,

therefore, properly held sacred,

that the future Fish

may

not be destroyed.

The principal House at Staines is the Bush. Boats may be hired here, and good sport met with in angling near the bridge many Barbel, w eighing near twenty
:

pounds each, have been caught here. Between Staines

and Laleham, are some places suited

Ldleham
is

to bank-fishing.

a small village,

but extremely
river
is

rural,

and

plea-

santly situated.
in this part.

The

very narrow and shallow

On

these shallows,

many

Fish are taken

by whipping, particularly a delicious Fish called the

Skegger, supposed to be of the Salmon species.

You

RIVER TlIAMEts.

313 and No. 10

is,

whip

for

them with a

fly-rod, light line,

j

hook, baited with a gentle

a red-palmer

also,

good

bait.

These Fish are allowed to be caught durprobably never to return, as

is

ing the fence-months, on the principle that they are

going to leave the

river,

the time of their migration

during the fence-months.

In the Summer, Chub and Dace are taken here in

the same
gentle.

way

of angling, substituting a

fly for

the

Between Laleham and Chertsey-bridge, good

Barbel, Roach, &c. are caught in a beat, and from the

banks.
Chertsey- Bridge
is

about twenty miles from London, some distance from

:

the town

the house most frequented by Anglers, for-

merly, was the Cricketers, situated between the bridge

and Chertsey, but there are several other houses,

in

the neighbourhood, affording good accommodation.

Boats

may be

hired here for angling in the deeps (and

tackle, if a visitor should be deficient), with a boat-

man

to attend.

The customary
is five

charge, on these oc-

casions, for the day,

shillings,

and a dinner, &c.

for the

man.
about the bridge, and

Chertsey-deeps contain plenty of fine Barbel, Roach,

Dace, &c.
there
is

also,

its

wharfings,

good angling, which may be practised with-

out a boat.

Here you may take Perch, Roach, Dace,

Chub, Bleak, and, sometimes, a Trout.

From hence

to

Shepperton, through the meadows, you will find several capital swims,

where

have had excellent sport

2e

314

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
late

with Chub and Perch, both early and

also,

and have,

take many Roach, Dace, and Bleak,

the water was a
little

in the eddies,

when

coloured.

Shepperton
is

near nineteen miles from London

village, yet the

and, though a

sifliall

Angler will

find every

accom-

modation and comfort he can

inns in the village
5

desire.

There are two

is

the Anchor, which

an excellent

house, and the King's Arms, one of the second order of inns.

Shepperton-deeps are well stored with Fish

the
of

new
swim

deep, particularly,

is

a fine steady swim,

:

full

heavy Barbel, Chub, Roach, and Dace

are

above

this

Gudgeon scowers, which, with

the deeps,

are fished in a boat.

to the ferry, is

From

opposite the deeps,

for Perch,

down

good bank-fishing
:

Roach,

Dace, and Chub

near the ferry, on the shallows, I

have taken several Pope or RufF, and some Trout.

From

this ferry, to

Walton-bridge,
;

is

good Perch-fish-

ing from the banks

and, in the dead water, close to

the pailing of Oatlands' Park, the Angler will find

Jack, Perch, and other Fish, which have been driven

from the
cularly,

river, in

time of floods

in the Spring, parti-

many good Jack and Perch

south side of the river,
is

are taken here.

On the
tiful

Oatlands, the beau-

park and seat of His Royal Highness the

:

of York, about a mile from Shepperton

Duke Her Royal

Highness, the late Duchess, sometimes used to take the

diversion of angling
;

and one of the boatmen, resid-

RIVER THAMKS.

315

ing in this village, named Dabler^ received an annual

salary for attending
casions.
for

Her Royal Highness on those

oc-

The family

of the Perdues, (boatmen) has,

many

years, deservedly stood well in the estima-

tion of the Anglers visiting Shepperton.

On
Ship
is

the north side, between Shepperton and Walis

ton-bridge,

Halliford, a small scattered place.

The

the house generally used by the Anglers

who

lish in this

neighbourhood.

At Walton, likewise, there are some good deeps

and swims
;

and, on the opposite side to

Hampton, by
boats, or

Sunbury, are

many good places for angling in

on the

side of the river, for Perch,

Roach, Chub, &c.,

particularly one deep hole and eddy, near Walton-

bridge, on the Sunbury side,

where Roach are

killed,

both numerous and heavy.

At Walton, the Duke's

-,

Head

is

the house mostly resorted to by Anglers

there are, also,

boats and experienced boatmen always

ready, at Walton, to attend the sportsman.

Hampton
is

a most delightful village, pleasantly situated on a

rise,

commanding

beautiful views over the

;

Thames,

Moulsey-hurst, and the adjacent country

only fifteen miles from town,
Anglers,
is

and, being

frequently visited by

who

find every

comfort and accommodation

the Bell.

they can wish at the

is

Red Lion, and at

There

also a circulating library, and a fishing-tackle shop

at

Hampton, with several boats and boatmen, ever

let their

ready to attend, or

boats to Anglers.

THE ANGLKR

GUIDR

Hampton-deeps are
and Dace

justly

famous

for a variety of

large Fish, particularly Barbel^ Chub, Perch, Roach,

;

Trout are also frequently taken.

Near

to

the side of the late Mr. Garrick's lawn and gardens,

and

in the

meadows,

at a short distance

from the west

swims, and

side of the town, there are

some

fine holes,

eddies, abounding with Perch, Chub, Roach, and

some

small Barbel, which can be fished

ently,

for,

very conveni;

from the banks without the assistance of a boat

is

and when the water

in the evening,

a little coloured, or
Fish

if it

be late

many good

may be taken.

These

holes

may

be easily found by strangers, from observ-

RIVER THAMES.

3ir

mg
for
tlie

the places in the banks

where clay has been dug

mixing ground-bait, and also by noticing Avhere

ground

is

a good deal trodden.

HaDipton- Court.

Two

miles nearer

London

is

Hampton-Court and

bridge, where, in a very deep water, called the

Gallery, not
fiir

Water
is

from the well-known Toy Tavern,

excellent Roach, and especially Perch-fishing, either

from the bank or a boat.

Thanies-Ditton

Swan, at Ditton.

is

opposite Hampton-Court, on the other side of the

river, a

very i>leasant place, about thirteen miles from

2 E 2

318

THE ANGLER
is

GUIDE.
:

London, and

generally well attended by Anglers

many good Fish are taken

chiefly Barbel,
is

here in boat or punt-fishing,

Chub, Roach, and Dace.

The Swan
-,

the house most frequented

by Anglers

and Mr.

Lock has
take

the merit of giving general satisfaction to

his visitors,

and the pleasure of seeing them frequently

of Fish.

away many pounds' weight

Kingston and Hampton- Wick.

Kingston

is

a good market-town,

twelve miles

from London, parted by the Thames from Hampton-

Wick.

Much good

sport

is

met with by Anglers

Gudgeon,
both
in the

who
for

resort here for Barbel, Roach, Perch,

and Dace-fishing, particularly

Gudgeon-season,
at

which purpose several boats are kept

these places.

Between here and Twickenham is some good Winter and Spring fishing, from the banks,
in

particularly

Teddington

meadows, where

the

Fisherman, by noticing where his

brother-anglers

have tracked and trodden the ground, will readily

find several favourite holes

and swims well stored

;

with Roach, Dace, Perch, and Gijdgeons

the

but during

Summer months,
:

these holes are generally choked

is

with weeds

then, punt-fishing

the most successful

way.
Twickenham.
This
is

a charming spot, about eleven miles from

the metropolis, and has

two good houses, where the

atteji-

Angler

may

take up his abode, and have every

RIVER TflAMES.
tioft

319

paid

him

namely, the King's Head and the

at

George.
in boats,

Angling

Twickenham
by inquiring

is

mostly practised

which are

easily procured, with baits, lines,

at

and other

requisites,
:

your inn, or for

a boatman

the lover of

Roach and Dace-fishing

;

may here
season
is

find the best sport

a few Barbel are occa-

sionally taken, but not large.

The

best part of the

retire

the

Autumn, when Roach and Dace

to the deeps, which are extensive^ off

Twickenham.

The next

place

is

Richmond,

where Barbel, Roach, Dace, Perch, and Gudgeons, are

caught from the banks as well as in boats
;

from

hence to Isleworth, and

fishing.

its

vicinity, is

good

Perfch-

Roach and Dace

horse-path

are also taken all the

way
the

from Richmond-bridge to Kew-bridge, by angling

off

the

but

it

is

necessary

that

Angler should be apprised, that the

tide flows
its

up as

high as Teddington, and that during

at

flowing, and

high water, few Fish of any kind are taken.

Yet

the tide certainly does not affect the water much,

except at the

full

and new moon, at which time,

five

it is
;

high

water at Richmond about

o'clock

by

noticing this, the Angler, from London,

may

avoid

being disappointed in his expectation of sport, and

save himself a profitless journey.

The

best place for bank-fishing, at Richmond,

is
:

between the bridge and the Pigeons public-house

this part

has lately been cleansed and deepened for

320

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
of Buccleugh's lawn.
in

punt-fishing, close to the

Duke

Good
taken.

sport

is

often

met with

angling here for

Roach, Dace, Perch, &c

Barbel are also frequently

is

Brown,

the boatman, of this town,

very

attentive to the lovers of angling, and reasonable in

his charges.

Kew and Putney

Bridges.

Under the arches of both these

Roach
is

bridges, very fine

are taken

the proper time to angle here

at

or

near, or

say

two hours

before,
is

low water.
bank-

From

the bridges to London, there

but

little

fishing,

from the strength of the

tie

tide

and current.

Formerly, Anglers used to

the end of a strong
line,

several large hooks to

and sink to the bottom, when

the tide was falling, and

struck
;

when Fish touched

it

they

this

was

called scratching for Barbel.

i
Battersea, Westminster,

and Blackfriars Bridges.

Under and about the

starlings of all these bridges,

many

large Roach, and also

some Barbel and Dace,

Fishing
in

are caught, at or near

low water.

these

places, of course, can only be accomplished in a boat,

which you may

hire for a shilling an hour.

Note.

Let your baited hook always touch the bottom, while

angling under these Bridges.

Thames and Lea are the chief sources whence the London Anglers derive their amusement, I shall state the seasons when the Fish feed best in
As the
rivers

each

river,

and by attending

to

which the inexperi-

RIVER LEA.

321

enced Angler

know

best

may save many how to divide his

in

fruitless journies,

and
his

time, and enjoy

first,

amusement,
Angling

both

rivers.

And,

of the Thames.

is

prohibited (as before observed) in the

April,

Thames, during the months of March,

and May.

In June, commences Gudgeon-fishing, and continues

till

the latter end of July, during which time innufine

merable

Gudgeons are taken, frequently from

dozen
in

thirty to fifty

a day's angling,

and also

many Perch and Dace.

And from Michaelmas
the River Thames.

In the latter end of July, the

till

Barbel begin to feed, and so continue

till

November.
the most
in

Christmas

is

likely time of the year for taking

heavy Roach,

.-rC^^

The River Lea and

The
gulfy

its

Fisheries described.

Lea

its

sedgy tresses rears.

The
*

river

Lea

takes

its rise

in

Leagrave Marsh,

in

the south of Bedfordshire, and runs into Hertfordshire,

and

is

navigable from the county town of Hertford to

322

THE angler's guide.

This
river,

Blackwall and Limehouse.

small stream

though but a

when compared with

the

Thames, de-

serves the admiration of the natural philosopher, and

the lover of angling, for the beauty of the surround-

ing country, and the valuable Fish

it

contains.
is

The
most
and
on

vaUey through which

delightfully
seats

it

flows, for
j

many miles,

picturesque

the

towns, villages,

on the west, the forest-scenery, and bold

hills

the east, are not surpassed by any I

am

acquainted

with

many hundred Jack and Pike

are taken in this

river,

annually, by trolling, several of which

weigh

from ten to upwards of sixteen pounds each.

The
in this,

Fish, I believe,

is

better protected and fed

than in most other navigable rivers,

art
;

both

by nature and

several miles of the river

Lea
in
j

are preserved for the Angler's diversion, for

which
:

he pays an annual sum, by way of subscription

some waters,
take

it is

a guinea

in others, half that

sum

and the proprietors of those subscription waters

every possible
care
to

preserve
size

the

Fish,

therein,

from poachers.

The

and
Eels,
that

fine flavour

of the Pike, Trout,

Carp,
species,

Perch,

Gudgeons,
nature

and various other

prove

has

not been sparing in providing for the finny inhabitants of the river Lea.

This river does not afford

it

very great amusement to the Fly-fisher, because

cannot boast of numerous Trout

satisfied

yet, those

who

are

with whipping or dapping for Chub, Dace,

and Bleak,

may meet with much

sport in various

parts of the River Lea.

\JtyeHoNSC
iivtrSlm'

Ibddesdon
Pages Wdier

BroxbcuinBridye

T\</jm/ey

WaMcini
.ALOey

Enfield Wa^/i

THE
ILEA
BlettkJIall or [CocAsferry

'

TBowerliankss Wafer

Totffiiham

iBanmsters
I

MUU<i

Water

Leu\3ridge

ytratford

Eiaekwall

RIVER LEA.

323

Hertford
is

a borough, and the county- town of Hertfordshire,

twenty-one miles from London, a place of great note

formerly, but exceedingly dull, except at the assize
time, or

takes

pla'^e.

when an election for a member of parliament The Angler may take some good Trout
in this

Dace, &c.

neighbourhood, and
distant.

fish the

River

Lea

to

Ware, about a mile

Ware
is

a large and populous market-town, on the

High

North Road, twenty miles from London, situated

close to the River Lea, and has

many fine
is

Trout, Eels,

&c. in the water round

it.

This river

a free fishery,

from Ware

to Stanstead.

Kings

Arr}is.
is

The next

place to Stanstead,

Mr. Shepherd's, the

At
this place, I

Kings-Arms, near the Rye-House.

would strongly recommend the Angler

quarters, as

to take

up

his

long as convenience will allow him, for

here he will meet with good sport in fishing, and the

.

best accommodation at the house, which

inn,

is

a neat

and

much

frequented by the lovers of angling.

its

In consequence of

distance from the metropolis

(eighteen miles), the company which use this house,

is

more

select than at

many

others nearer London.

The house has a very

inviting and pretty appearance,

324
as

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

you approach it, in passing over the New River, and the charming corn-fields or downs, near Hoddesdon, from which it is distant about a mile. This
land rural walks and rides
cient ruins in

house and water are surrounded by numerous wood3

there are, also, some an-

the neighbourhood, worth the antiqua-

rian's research.

King's Arms.

The whole
still

of this water

is

well stored with a vari-

ety of Fish, and the Angler will

meet with many deep

he possesses
fine

holes, swims, and eddies j where, if

tolerable skill, he cannot fail getting

some

weU-

fed Jack, Pike, Chub, Gudgeons, Roach, Perch, Eels,

RIVER LEA.
&c.

325

The

several dates and drawings in the house will

Fish, in point of size, the Angler
in

show what kind of

is

likely to

meet with

this

water.

The people
likely to

belonging to the house generally direct the stranger to

those parts of the river where he
sport.
is

have

That part of the Lea between Shepherd's House and

the River Stort,
is

a fine piece of deep water, and

never without

fine Jack,

&c.

In this water. Roach are

caught with black

scurf, or spots,

on their

gills

and

bodies, diflferent from any of the species I have ever

met with elsewhere. There

is,

also,

good Roach-fishing
;

from the barge-path, between the four clap -stiles

and by Crane's lock, there

and
5

again in the pool or tumbling bay, called Black Pool

is

generally a heavy Trout

or two, and on the East side of the waters called

tree field,

Oakr,\

the water

is

well worth fishing, especially

Spring, for Jack, Pike, Chub, and Roach.

Hoddesdon
Is a cheerful, clean, healthy town,

seventeen miles

from London, and most pleasantly situated, commanding several

fine views.

Here

is

a circulating library,
j

well stocked with books, stationery, &c.

inns
:

several good
is

and,

among

others. Batty' s, the Black Lion,

noted for home-brewed ale *of a superior strength and

flavour. Stage coaches pass
liour,

through here almost every

lively

which gives

to the

town a bustling and

appearance.

Many

Anglers

who visit

these parts put

up

at

Hoddesdon, and go

to Shepherd's, near the

Rye-

2 F

S26

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
fish

house, or other parts of the river Lea,

during the

day, and return, in the evening, to their respective inns.

If the
lines,

Angler should meet with loss by breaking of

hooks, &c.
w^hile

fishing in the waters near

Hoddesdon, he may get assistance from an ingenious

tradesman and good Angler in the town, named Sherrall,

who is
line,

ever ready to relieve a brother of the rod

in distress.

and

when

The Eel and Pike, Pages Water. This water joins Shepherd's.
lic-house,
is

Page's, though a pubsuited for the lodgis

lonely, and not

much

ing and accommodation of the Angler j yet there

fishinghere, at

good

some seasons of the year, for Pike, Chub,

in

Roach, &c. and also

river,

the stream called the Mill-

running across the meads to the westward of the

This stream supplies Hoddesitself into

Lea, particularly at a place called Calais-point, or

Breeches-maker's hole.

don and Broxbourn-mills, and empties

Lea, near Broxbourn-bridge.

the

Between Page's Water

good trolling and Perch-

and Scorer's,
to

at

Broxbourn, part of the river belongs

Nazing

parish, in

which

is

fishing, particularly in that part called the Gull.

The

Eel and Pike,

Anglers,
fifty

am

told,

was much frequented by

or sixty years since, then kept by the

parents of the present occupier.

RIVER LEA.
Broxbourn.

327

The Crown,
to the river,

at

Broxbourn-bridge,

is

situated close

and presents a cheerful,

it,

rural, inviting ap-

pearance as you approach

fowls, pigeons, cows, &c.

from the number of

feeding around the house.

The Angler and contemplative man may here find a home every attention is paid to render his situation
;

comfortable, by the most obliging behaviour, with excellent fare,

liness,

good cooking, wine, home-brewed

ale, clean-

&c. of the proprietors, Mrs. Scorer and Sons,

who

rent the waters above and below the

Crown, the

former containing the Carthagena or Lock pool, and

meeting the Gull water

Weir,

the latter

down

to the King's

Wormly

the whole of which waters are well

stored with Jack, Pike, Chub, Perch, Roach, Dace,

Eels, &c. and

some heavv Trout.

3^8

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

Cheshuntj fValtham Abbey, and Chinkford,

From the King's Weir, Wormly, to Waltham Abbey, you may take Jack, Pike, Trout, Chub, Roach, &c.
Note.

The

river,

from the King's Weir to the Gois

vernment water, Waltham Abbey,

water
there
;

now a

subscription

and from Waltham Abbey to Flander's Weir

no particular place to detain the Angler, since

is

Swan and Pike public-house and water have become private or Government property, the several
the
proprietors not being very willing to grant permission
to the

Angler to try his

skill.

To

the

left,

near Se-

wardstone-mills, stands the deserted unlicensed public-house, the Crown, formerly much frequented
:

about

a mile further, near Chinkford,

or Flander's

is

Shury Carpenter's,

Weir

subscription- water and house, at a

5

guinea per

annum

which water

is

well stored with

Gudgeons, Roach, Dace, Perch, Barbel, Chub, numerous heavy Eels, Jack, and Pike.

friend of

mine

(Mr. Finer) lately took a Trout in this water, which

weighed eight pounds

a live Gudgeon was

the bait.

Bleak Hall, or Cook's Ferry,

is

a public-house kept by Mr. Wicks, for the

is

ac-

commodation of Anglers, and

river, in a

situated close to the

sequestered rural spot, at the bottom of

is

Water Lane, which

years well
angling.

opposite the Angel Inn,

ton, say about six miles

from London, and

for

Edmonmany

known

to,

and frequented by, the lovers of

are stored with Carp, Barbel,

The waters

Chub, Jack, Pike, Roach, Gudgeon, Perch, Eels, &c.

RIVER LEA.

329 and amusement

which are preserved,

for the diversion

of Angiers, at the annual subscription of a guinea.

Before the bridge was built at this place,

ferry,

it

was a
ferry.

known, formerly, by the name of Cook's

and eccentricity, and
for

Old Matthew Cook was well known to the old Anglers

for his rudeness
for his love of

the feline race

the house,
his guests
:

he used

to

keep many cats about

and inconvenience of
fourteen.

much
is

to the vexation

the average

number was

Next

to this

The Blue House and

Fishenj, formerly Bowerbank's,

now

kept by Mr. Ford.

This Fishery was private property, abounding with

fine Barbel,

Chub, Roach, Dace, &c. but

;

is

now

subscription-water for angling

to

and across

it is

a ferry

Walthamstow and Higham-hill.

s

Late Bannister

Water

now, Hewss, the Ferry House.

Below
nister's

this

is

a division of the river Lea, called Banlate-

Water, now rented by Mr. Hews, who has

it

ly

made

a subscription- water
it,

it

has a public house

belonging to

situated on the cross-road

from Tot-

tenham High
Epping-forest.

Cross to Walthamstow, Woodford, and

There are many Jack, Pike, Perch,

Eels, Chub, and other Fish, taken in the waters round

this house, during the

Summer

season, which

is

then

well frequented,

it

being but a few miles distance from

town.

From

thence to the Horse and Groom, at Leais

bridge, the river

free for angling.

2 F 2

330

THE angler's guide.

The Horse and Groom Subscription-House

is

most pleasantly situated a short distance from Lea-

bridge, close to the river-side,

commanding extensive
the latter place
is

views over the marshes to Walthamstow, EppingForest,

Low-Layton, &c.
ride, in

To

charming
larly

Summer, over the marshes, particuduring hay-making after which season, the
;

marshes are well stocked with oxen, cows, horses,

and other
cattle,

which much enliven the scene

during the remainder of the Summer.

The Horse

and Groom being so short a distance from the metropolis (about three miles

and a half only,) induces

the lovers of angling and rural scenery often to visit

this house,

which may be done with

little

expense,

either of time or

money
in

the Clapton stages

coming

within a half mile of Lea-bridge, every hour in the

day,

from nine

the

morning

till

nine at night,

thereby enabling the London Angler to

favourite

enjoy his

amusement

for a

few hours

daily, of

which

he would otherwise be deprived, from the distance of

other waters.

Although
Fish,

this

water contains a great variety of

fine

and possesses so many holes, swims, and sources

for their protection, feed, &c. yet I

must not hide from

skill to kill

my

readers that

it

requires

much

Fish

here, for the Fish are

so well fed

by nature, that
bait, unless

they are not easily induced to take a

of

the most choice kind, and attached to the best and

finest tackle
j

and again,

as birds
at,

grow wild and shy

by being frequently shot

so the Fish, in this and

RIVER LEA.
all

331

other waters that are daily angled,

become timid
unskilful

and suspicious.

Many

are

hooked by

Anglers and get away again, consequently they are

not so ready to take a bait another time
;

and

it

often

happens

that,

when

a good Fish
it

is
it

taken, you will

find several

marks about

where

has before been

hooked.

Yet a good Angler would

feel

more

gratili-

cation in killing, a brace

of heavy

Fish

(suppose

Barbel) in such a water, than in killing twenty while

sitting confined in a

punt on the Thames, and angling

little

with a leger
tackle
is

line,

where

more than strength of

requisite.

The following Fish

water
:

are taken by angling in this

Jack,

Pike,

Carp,

Tench,

Perch,

Barbel,

Chub, Bream, Roach, Dace, Bleak, Gudgeon, Eels,

and, perchance, a Trout.

White-House Water, kept by Mr. Beresford.

This

is

a subscription- water

formerly, this

was a

favourite and well-frequented place by the lovers of

angling of the old school.

Carp,

This water contains fine

Eels,

Gudgeons, Barbel, Chub, Jack, Pike,

This water runs to Stratford.

Roach, &c.

At

Stratford,

Bromley, and West-Ham, a great

Flounders, &c. are taken, in
5

many good Roach, Dace,

the mill-pools and waters around

but

it is

very un-

pleasant fishing, the tide leaving the banks extremely

dirty and slippery
:

and the Angler

is

also continually

annoyed by the many passengers, as

"

to

"

What sport

Do

the Fish

bite ?"

and other rude interrogations.

at Blackwall, the river

About a mile below Bromley,

332

THE ANGLER
is

GUIDE.

I
Fishing in the
;

Lea
river

lost in the majestic

is

Thames,

Lea

an excellent finishing school for Anglers

and the water
is

for the Fish are shy,

fished

by the

best and most experienced Anglers (which the less

experienced

may

daily see,

mix

with, and study)

the

finest tackle is also used,

and

all that art

and

skill is

capable

of,

must be put

in requisition to kill Fish in

this river, particularly in those parts nearest the

tropolis.

The advantages

that

the

meLondon Angler

possesses; are the facility with

which he can supply

himself with the best of tackle, baits, &c. and, also,

his frequently

mixing with Anglers from

;

different

parts of the empire

the different

modes pursued by

the Angler from the north and west are discussed by

the southern Angler
;

of course,

much

information

may be gained by
of the art.

the attentive and

inquiring lover

After attaining the practical knowledge

of killing Fish in this river, the

find

London Angler

will

no

difficulty in

supplying his table, or that of a

in the

friend,

with Fish from any other river or water

United Kingdom.

VARIOUS RIVERS.
Rivers Severn, Trent, Dove,

333
^c. described.

Medway,

In England and Wales,

of three hundred rivers.

it is

said, there are

upwards

I shall, hov^^ever,

only notice

a few of the most considerable, and describe their

course,

and the Fish with which they

takes
its

chiefly abound.
in

The Severn
shire,

rise in

Montgomeryshire,

Wales, and runs through part of Shropshire, Stafford

and Worcestershire, passes below Worcester,

city of Gloucesterthis

and runs on to the

river

abounds with Salmon, Trout, Eels, and other Fish.

The Trent
to

first

shows

itself in Staffordshire, and,

in its course, passes

Nottingham, Newark, and Hull,

it

Gainsborough, where

loses its

name by mixing

in the

Humber, which
:

falls into

the sea, at Flambo-

rough-head

this

is

a noble river, and well stocked

with Jack, Carp, Bream, Eels, Barbel, Chub, Perch,

Roach, Flounders, &c.

Many
its

small rivers help to

supply the Trent', during

course, (all well stored

with Trout and Grayling,) namely, the Dove, the

Sour, the Idle, the Leen, &c.

THE mole and COLNE.

The
sullen Mole, that hides his diving flood.
is

This

riv'er

so called from

its
is

running under
very famous for

ground

in a part of its course,

and

Pike, Jack, Perch, Trout, Chub, Carp, Roach, Dace,

Bream, Gudgeons, and other

itself into

Fish.

The Mole empties

in Surrey.

the

Thames

at

East Moulsey,

The Angler

will find

good

sport, particularly in the

334

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
to

neighbourhood of Esher, and Leatherhead, on

Cobham, Dorking, and Ryegate.

The

river

and branches of the Colne are much

in the

fre-

quented by the London Anglers

of Uxbridge, Iver, Longford,

neighbourhood

&c. for Trout, Jack,

rises in Hertfordshire

Roach, Chub, &c.

The Colne

and divides Middlesex from Buckinghamshire, passing

Watford, Uxbridge, &c. and
Staines.
falls into

the Thames, at

The Dove
the Trent

rises

near the Three Shire Stones, in Der-

byshire, passes on to Ashburn, from thence falls into

:

this little river

abounds with Trout, and

through which county

also Grayling.

The Medway
and Kent
it

rises in Sussex,

flows to Rochester and Chatham, passing

is

by Maidstone, &c. and

well stored with Flounders,

Pike, Eels, Perch, and a few

Salmon and other

Fish.

The Stour
and continues
empties

rises in

Kent, runs past Ashford, round

to to
:

Canterbury, from
its

thence
course

Hackington Forditch,
Sandwich, and there
river

itself into the sea

this

abounds with

Roach, Trout, Eels, &c.

flesh Trout,
is

the Forditch, or large Whitealso in this river.

met with
rises in

The OusE

Oxfordshire proceeds to Buck-

ingham, gliding on to Bedford and Huntingdon, from

thence to Ely, and
folk.
falls into
is

the sea at Lynn, in Norstored with

The Ouse

well

Jack, Pike,

Perch, Eels, &c.

The Cam

rises in

Cambridgeshire, runs by
miles,
is

CamOuse
:

bridge, and, after

some

lost in the river

VARIOUS RIVERS.
the

335
it

Cam

does not boast of Trout, but

may

of Jack,

Pike, Carp, Perch, Eels, Roach, &c. large pieces of water near this river,

There are many

known by

the

names of Meer's Lakes, &c.

various other Fish
:

full

of fine Tench and

also in

Romsey-mere, near Huntcounties

ingdon, famous for Eels and Pike.

The Tamer

divides

the

of Cornwall and

Devonshire, passes Launceston,

Saltash,

and PlyIt

mouth-Dock, and
contains

falls

into

Plymouth-Sound.
in the

more Salmon than any other

West

of

England.

The Ex

rises in Somersetshire, passes

Tiverton and

Exeter, and empties itself into the sea, at

Exmouth

during its course,

it

takes the waters of several streams,

and

is

well stored with Salmon, Trout, Eels, &c.

rises in

The Itchin
ampton
Fish.

Hampshire, and passing by

falls into

Rumsey and Winchester,

;

the sea, at South-

it

abounds with

Trout, fine Eels,

and other

The

Wye

rises

in

Montgomeryshire, passes by
falls

Hereford and Monmouth, and

into the Severn,

below Chepstow
ling.

and

is

stored with Trout and Gray-

The Eden, Humber, Tees, Ribble, Went, Rother, Tweed, and Tyne, are the principal rivers in the North and beside Salmon, the largest Salmon of England
3

Trout, and

all

the varieties of Trout, are

more numerous
Western

in those rivers than in those of the South and

parts of the

Kingdom.

336

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

!
Year.

Brief Remarks on Angling in every

Month of the

During the Winter quarter, the Angler must not expect

many

days, or even hours,

when he can

indulge

in his favourite

amusement

for the pinching frost

which binds up every water

less favourable
rains,

in icy chains, is

scarcely

than the boisterous winds and heavy

rivers to overflow

which cause the

and inundate

the low lands around them, and not only disturb and
discolour the waters, but even render them, in
cases, inaccessible.

many

This, therefore,
his tackle,

is

the proper time

for the Angler to

examine

and repair what-

ever

is

amiss

to see
is

whether his stock of the various

and,
if

articles requisite

complete,

not, to

add to

it

whatever

is

wanting.

The rods should be now examabove

5

ined, and repaired, if any repairs are wanting, and,

all,

new

varnishing should be done at this season

let

and,

by the way,
on new,

me advise my angling friends to be parhome

to

ticular in scraping off the old varnish before they put

or, if

they even send their rods from

let

be re-varnished,

them take the trouble

to scrape off

the old themselves.

Nothing should be omitted, on

the part of the Angler, to

plete as possible, that he

make

his apparatus as

com-

may
in

not be employed in ma-

king or repairing tackle, at a season when his time

might be better employed

the Fisherman

using

it.

Gay has given

this subject,

||

some wholesome advice on

in the following beautiful lines, in the first canto of his

Rural Sports

REMARKS ON ANGLING.

337

When genial Spring a living warmth bestows, And o'er the year her verdant mantle throws, No swelling inundation hides the grounds,
But
crystal currents glide within their

bounds

The

finny brood their

wonted haunts forsake,

;

Float in the sun, and skim along the lake

With frequent leap they range the shallow streams.

Their
silver coats reflect the dazzling
let

beams.

Now

the Fisherman his toils prepare.

And arm

himself with every watery snare ;

His hooks, his lines, peruse with careful eye,

Increase his tackle, and his rod re -tie.

My

advice, however,

is

to prepare

every thing need-

ful while

The

swelling inundation hides the ground,

and not have

it

to do
Spring a living warmth bestows.

When genial

Thus the Angler may employ some of

time for future pleasure
that
;

his leisure

but

it

is

well to recollect,

Solomon

says, " the wise

man

looks to the end 3"

for Anglers, as well as other sportsmen, are unable to

follow their favourite

amusements when

infirmities

and old age arrive

cultivate the

it

would, therefore, be wise to

mind

to get a taste for literature, as a

resource in solitude, infirmities, or

when age

prevents

the Sportsman from using his angle, or gun.

for

A taste
from too

reading

may

prevent the aged or infirm from

captious, or, probably,

becoming querulous,

frequently applying to the bottle for solace, a failing

2 G

338

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

(perhaps with some truth) frequently charged to the

character of Sportsmen.

January.

The only Fish

that will take a bait this

in

month, are Jack, Pike, Chub, and Roach, and,

tide-rivers. Flounders, and Eels
;

some

for

which you may

from

angle an hour or two in the middle of the day, provided

the water
Ice.
is

sufficiently clear,

and tolerably

free

February.

In

the latter end of this month,

for the season. Carp, Perch,

if

the

weather be mild

Roach,

Chub, Flounders, and Eels, as well

will feed
son.
,

as

Jack and Pike,

Jack and Pike prefer

live-baits, at this sea-

Fish only in the middle of the day, and in eddies

near the banks, for Fish always get to the scowers and
shallows, and near the banks, after Winter, and remain

there

till

after they

have spawned.

All fresh-water

Fish move, during

their
lively

this

and the following month, from

Winter quarters, and few of them will refuse a

worm

until June.
this

March.
a bait
rally,

During

month. Jack, Pike, Carp, Perch,

Roach, Dace, Chub, Gudgeon, and Minnows, will take

:

still

continue to use a live bait for Jack gene-

and prefer the middle of the day.

;

Angle

in the

shallows and eddies, near the banks

for

Dace, in shal-

low currents, and,

strong eddies.

especially, at the tail of mills, in

Jack, Pike, Smelts, Flounders, Bleak,

this

and Perch, spawn in

month.

Carp leave the deeps

now

in search of the fresh grass that begins to

also, the

grow
&c-

on the shallows, and,

to shoot

small rushes which begin

rivers, ponds,

on the sides and banks of

REMARKS ON ANGLING.

33.9

Those rushes are sucked by the Carp, and

nourishment from the
killing bait for Carp.
pith.

afford

Red-worms
in

are

much now a

April.

All the Fish

enumerated

March, with the

addition of Trout, will feed this month, and sometimes

Tench,
Eels
as
:

(in rivers,) also

Barbel, Bleak, Flounders, and

baits as before.

Angle

in shallows, sharps, &c.

in

March.

Barbel,

Dace, Gudgeons, Minnows^,

this

Rudd, Bream, and Pope or Ruff, spawn

month.

May.
bait,

During
now
j

this

month, Eels will run and take a

all

night and day, and

the different species of fresh-

water Fish

feed and take baits, at top and bottom

of the water

also in ponds,

you may expect

sport.

Still prefer to

angle in the shallows, sharps, streams,

and eddies.

Roach, Chub, Carp, Millers' Thumb, and

Umber,

June.

or Grayling,
^This

spawn

this

month.

month, the Bottom- Angler will find but

indifferent sport,

most Fish having recently spawned^

Angle

and are out of condition, except Trout, which are now

healthy and strong on the feed.
eddies, and currents.
in the streams,

Tench spawn
will

this

month.
but best in

July.

All fresh -water Fish

now

feed,

the morning and evening, and will take a variety of

baits
;

but, from the quantity of food they get from

weeds, and not having quite recovered from spawning,

they will not take a bait freely.
Still

continue to
say, that

angle in the streams and scowers.

Some

Gudgeons spawn again

see page 42.

this
it

month, or early

in

August,

Be

that as

may,

know

they will con-

tinue to follow the rake, and take a

Red-worm.

340
August.

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
all

During
;

this

month,

kinds of Fish will

take a bait
early,

but you must

fish in the

morning, very

and

late in the

evening, to get

much

sport.

Some
this

writers say, that Carp and Smelts

I

spawn again
page 95.

month, but

do not believe
is

it

see

September.

This month

a good season for most

till

kind of angling, from early in the morning

night, if the water is not too bright.

late at

Barbel, Chub,

Roach, and Dace, are now about leaving the weeds,

and get into deeper water.

live

Note. Perch
good

will

take a

Minnow or Stone loach, freely, during August, Sep-

tember, and October.

October.

This month
waters.

is

for trolling

and bot-

tom-fishing, but not so for fly-fishing, or angling in

ponds or

still

The weeds

in rivers are

now now

getting sour and rotten, and, in consequence, the Fish

are leaving

them

for holes

and deeper water

in

begin to use brains, as a bait for Chub,

preference to

any other, and so continue

or say
till

to

do

all

the Winter months,

If the

April,

or

May.

Note.

weather
take a

continues mild for the season. Perch will

live bait.

still

November.

During
still

this

month. Chub, Roach, Jack,

and Pike, will

take a bait, and, sometimes, very

day.

freely in the middle of the

Roach and Chub

there remain
until

now

get into deep water, and

Spring.

Dace now begin,

till

generally, to refuse a bait,

and so continue

the latter end of the following-

February, or the begining of March.

REMARKS ON ANGLING.

341

December.
to
afford
if

Chub, Roach, Jack, and Pike, continue

Angler a few hours' amusement and
offers for

the

profit,

a favourable opportunity
;

him

to

exercise his skill

but that seldom occurs this month,

because the waters are generally either flooded, too thick^

or frozen up. Barbel, Carp, and Gudgeons, are
tired to

now re-

deep holes, or under sheltering banks, for

their usual Winter quarters j the

warmth, &c. which are

Eels are, also,

now

buried in numbers together, in deep

sandy holes, or in mud, and there remain, in a torpid

state, till Spring.

The The The

fields their

verdure

now

resign,

bleating flocks and lowing kine

;

Give o'er their former play

feather'd tribe forget the notes.

Which

joyful strain'd their vocal tJiroats

To chaunt

the matin lav.

342

THE angler's guide.

Whene'er, dear brothers, you
I

shall go to fish,

wish you luck to take a handsome dish

Carp, Tench, Pike, Perch, Barbel, Dace, or Roach,
angling fair
first,

Of By

pray you, never poach

But

good Sirs, these few hints take

:

From
If all

a Brother Bob, an old angling rake

Before you quit your homes, look round and think

your Tackle's right, with cash for meat and drink.

sport
is

And when your

done, bear this in mind

is left

Look well about,

that nought

behind.

Rules, Hints, and Observations, relative to Angling.

To

prevent disputes,

it is

generally understood and

agreed to

among

Anglers, (an article to this effect

being always introduced in well regulated subscription-waters,) that a distance the length of rod and
line,

or thirty feet, shall be kept between each person,

while angling.

The Angler should

Good nature
sets

also bear in mind, that

our hearts at ease,

and softens pain and sorrow.

When
plumb
met
to

you have made choice of a place

little

to fish, first

the depth truly, and with as

disturbance

to the water as
it,

may be

-,

let

your

line,

with the plum-

remain

in the
5

water while you make and

cast in the

ground -bait

by which time, the

line will

be softened and stretched, consequently less likely to

break.
If the
3

water be
if

still,

throw

in small pieces

of ground-bait

a strong current, large pieces, and

keep as

far

from the water as you can, and go quietly

and slyly to work, for Fish have so many enemies

RULES, &C. FOR ANGLING.

343

that they are suspicious of every thing- they see, feel,

or hear

even the shaking the bank of a river (under

lay) will

which Fish frequently

alarm Barbel, Chub,

:

&c. and spoil the Angler's sport

quently,

this

occurs, freto see or

by strangers walking

to

and

fro

inquire

what

sport, &c. and, also,

when two or
:

three

Anglers are fishing near each other

therefore, avoid

agitating the water, by trampling on the

cessarily
;

bank unne-

drop your baited hook in the water, gently,

kill

and you will

more Fish than three Anglers who

act differently.

When
most
than to
line,

you have hooked a heavy Fish, use your ut(for

it

skill

is

much
;

easier to strike or

hook
from

kill or

land a Fish)

immediately give him

line

but always
slack,
its

endeavour to keep the

hanging

for,

when

so,

the

Fish,

by shaking

or rubbing

nose against the bottom, or any sub-

stance, weeds, &c. easily gets rid of the

hook

by

no means check him, unless there

is

some great imleave no

pediment

in

your way, that would, almost to a cerline, as to

tainty, break, or so entangle your

chance of your killing the Fish

the least
evil,

in

which

case, chuse

by trying the strength of your tackle

to the landing net or shore
;

in bringing

him

but,

otherwise, keep

him out of
free

sight

when

the Fish stops,

wind up some of the

of the water that
is

line,

and lead him to the part

-,

from the current, weeds, &c.

keep the top of your rod elevated, and draw the Fish
to the right, the left,

and so on

till

he

is

quite tired

or spent

but, while

so playing the

Fish,

when

it

344

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
it

M
up
is

Struggles or pulls hard, give line freely, wind

again, and so continue to act until the Fish

so exresis-

hausted as to suffer
tance, then

itself to

be drawn without
to bring
it

you may venture

to the land-

ing-net

here, again, they generally

first

make

a violent

plunge, on

seeing the net

little

if so,

give line again

to

and play him a

the net
;

longer

and again bring him

this

course must be pursued until the Fish

suffers itself to

be quietly netted

if

you are without

to a
i^

a landing-net or hook, you

must take the Fish

shallow inlet or level shore.

More Fish
skill
;

are lost after

being

fairly

hooked, for want of

or patience in
for, if

^'

the Angler, than by any other means

a very
fine

heavy Fish be hooked with a small hook and

tackle,

by giving
with such

line,

when he
the
tackle as
if

pulls strong, instead

of pulling
killed

against him,
fine

largest

Fish

may be

would break with a

Fish of a pound weight,

or lifted out immediately

attempted to be weighed
hooked.
it

it is

After a day's fishing,

make

a rule to examine

your tackle, particularly the lines and hooks, as some

part of the line may, probably, be chafed and

weakened

by rubbing against strong weeds, the shelves under

the banks, or other causes part and replace
it
:

take out any defective

;

by a new length

never put by

your running or trolling lines until they are dry, but

dry them before you wind up your winch,
if not,

if

possible

soon as at home, draw them off and dry them

leisurely before

you again wind them on the winchj also

see that the hooks

you have used are

still

sharp, and

RULES, &C. FOR ANGLING.

tight

345

enough

tied to use again

if

not, re-tie them,

and occasionally rub your

oil,

lines with a little

sweet

mutton- suet, or wax candle, to keep them from

suddenly snapping, which they are apt to do when too

dry.
It
is

best to

keep

gut and hair in parchment,

oil,

moistened with

oil

of almonds or salad
in.

same

as

musicians keep their violin-strings

When
it

your line becomes ragged and chafed, rub

up and down with a piece of India Rubber, which

will immediately

make
it

it

smooth

-,

and also notice,

laid in coils,

that

by rubbing gut or hair which has

instantly

with India Rubber,

becomes

straight, espetied, as

cially those pieces to

which hooks are

to use fine

those

pieces are usually kept coiled up.

Accustom yourself
the sooner

tackle,

which will

make you

a skilful Angler, by greater care

it
:

being requisite in using

if

you, perchance, break

sit

your tackle, do not lose your temper, but

down
the

and diligently repair the damage done, then begin

again
:

recollect,

hope

and patience support

Fisherman.

Angling

for Fish, in ponds,

is

more

fit

for the inex-

perienced or novice in angling, than in rivers or swift

streams,
still

for,

generally speaking, Fish, in ponds and

waters, are not so large, strong, active or well-

fed, as

Fish are in rivers

they are, therefore, more

:

easily allured
is it

and taken by a baited hook

neither

of such material consequence to provide such

tine or superior tackle, to

plumb

the depth so accu-

346
rately, or to

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
in

I
;

throw so much of choice ground-bait

for

Fish in ponds, and confined waters, have not such

is

a variety or quantity of food, as

in rivers

produced or found
are so over-

and streams

indeed,

some ponds

stocked with Fish, that those which are taken are

generally very thin,
half-starved,

ill-shaped, and
if

coloured, and

particularly

there has been a long

drought, the springs being then very low, and the

water in ponds the same

take almost any bait that
causes,
is
it is

at such times. Fish will

is

offered.

From
little

those

apparent, that pond, or still-water fishing

best calculated for those

who have had

skill,

or

no

practice in the art of angling, as less

or labour
is

application,

required, than in rivers.

There are some ponds around London, preserved

for angling,

and also some parts of the Croydon and

Regent's Canal.

By

paying an annual or daily sum,

the Angler may, at those places, enjoy his favourite

diversion
:

the ponds

1 allude to, are

the Wellington
;

Pond, near Pollard's Row, Bethnal Green

hill

Bunker' s-

Pond, Hackney Road

and the water called

3

Porto Bello, at Shepherd's Bush

this

water

is

fre-

quently replenished by Fish from the river Thames,

consisting of Gudgeons, Roach, Dace, Perch, Eels,

Jack, Tench, &c. brought by the

for the purpose.

Thames Fishermen
or repairing a line,

^Vhen you

tie a

knot, in

making
in

always soak the gut or hair in

cannot be obtained, hold
it

warm

water

if

that
soft,

your mouth until

it

otherwise, in tying the gut or hair, while dry,

will

RULES, &C. FOR ANGLING.

surely break.

347

Make

yourself acquainted with every

off,

method of tying knots, fastening

ing

&c. by inquir-

among experienced

Anglers, the proprietors of

sailors,

fishing-tackle shops,

watermen,

and whip-

makers.

By

such practical information, you will be

the better enabled to tie on hooks,

make up your

own

lines,

mend

a broken rod, &c. than by any writ-

ten direction.

When

soft rain falls, particularly in ponds,

when

the waters

are low, or
close,

the day turns

out foggy,
will feed at

gloomy, and
bottom,

most kinds of Fish

especially Carp and

Tench

you may ex-

pect sport, also, by dipping towards dusk, but a gentle

curling breeze
If very
is

best for whipping.

rain or hail
fall,

heavy

especially

if

accom-

panied with a tempest or hurricane, or a very cold

and strong east or north wind blowing, the Angler

must not expect sport

bait late in the day, in

-,

neither will the Fish take a

3

Winter

therefore, only angle a

few hours

at mid-day,

and exactly reverse the rule in

gather and br'ng on a storm.

Summer.

When clouds

Fish will leave off biting, oftentimes, some hours

before the storm bursts.
hail, are offensive to Fish,

Thunder, lightning, and and also

spoil the Angler's

sport.

When
Then

east

wind blows or sun shines

bright.

don't expect the Fish will bite.

*'

If ask'd,
^

What wind

suits angling best

?"

answer, " The south, or south-west."

It

generally happens in the

months of July and

348

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
is

August, that the water in the rivers, &c.

very low,

and loaded, both on the surface and bottom, with

slimy weeds, in consequence of which the watery

element becomes unhealthy

then the Angler must

not expect the Fish to bite freely until a storm or

heavy rain agitate and purify the waters

after which, there will

immediately
for

be good sport in fishing

Barbel, Roach, Chub, and most kinds of Fish.

The Angler should not be

taste

discouraged, or lose his

for fishing,
for,

because he does not always meet

with success,

under the most favourable appear-

ance of weather and water, the most experienced

Angler

is

sometimes disappointed of sport

if

he

could take

many

Fish every time he used his angle,

of angling considerably

he would

find the pleasure

diminished.
desire alive

good day's sport occasionally keeps

to excite.

too much ceases

is

For your health's sake, never drink water out of

rivers or

ponds while

in a perspiration

weak Brandy
Malt Liquors

or Gin and water

or water

to be preferred to

when you

are oppressed with heat or thirst,

especially to cold spring water,

which should never be

very

drank without an admixture of Wine, or a small quantity of Spirits,

while the body

is

warm

also be

careful to keep your feet dry

by wearing strong boots

or shoes, which should be frequently well saturated

with a mixture of chopped mutton-suet, bees-wax,

and powdered black rosin

full directions

how

to

prepare and use this mixture will be found in page

176.

RULES, &C. FOR ANGLING.

349

When

you use the landmg-net, avoid touching your

it,

line with

or you hazard breaking the line, and

5

losing your Fish

and always put the net to the head

of the Fish.

Many good Fish

hooked, by
therefore,

are lost, after they have been fairly

the
it

hook breaking

or

straightening;

make

a rule to try the strength of your

in the following

hooks before you use them,

manner

hold the hook by the shank, and place the other end

over a nail or staple that

wall, or any other place

may be
3

driven in a board,
pull

then,

strong with
is

jerking

then,
;

if

the

hook break, there

an end of
its

the trial
it it

if it

bend a little and again recover

if it

shape,

may be

used, but

bend or nearly draw

straight,

should be rejected, for you are as likely to lose a

its

Fish by the hook straightening as by

breaking

a real well-tempered hook will neither bend nor break.

Small hooks

may be

tried

by holding one between

their

the fore-finger and

thumb of each hand by

shanks, and hooking the bended parts together, then

pulling and jerking one against the other.

From June

till

November, Fish feed or

3

bite best in to

the mornings and evenings

the middle of the day
is

from November

May,
you
and,

best, unless the

3

weather be
case,

remarkably
will

warm

or

muggy
if

in

which
till

meet with sport from day-light

dark

again, during the

Summer,

the weather be dark and

fall,
till it

cloudy, or

warm

drizzling rain

you may expect

be quite dark.

sport in the middle of the day, and

When

you see Trout, Chub, or Salmon^ leap out of

2h

350
the water at

THE ANGLER
flies,

GUIDE.

moths, &c., and ^ ack. Pike, and

steadily pursue

Perch, shoot after the small Fish,

your amusement of angling, for the Fish are then on

the feed.

In fly-fishing, you will meet with the best sport

after a
ter,

shower of
it

rain, that

does not thicken the wa-

but

has

little effect in

bottom-fishing in rivers,
3

unless enough

falls to

colour the water

the Fish, then

come near the sides or banks^ expecting food to be washed from the land, consequently, you may reasonably expect sport, Fish being then on the feed. In
still

waters, and, especially, ponds, during and

imme-

diately after rain. Fish generally feed freely.

When

the water

is

very low and bright in rivers,

5

angle far out, and in the stream

but

when

the rivers

are full and thick, fish in the eddies and near the bank.

When
sky,

the water

is

low and

bright, with a clear blue

it is

and an unobscured sun,

loss of time to bot;

tom

or float-fish, until within an hour of dark

for,

during such state of water and sky. Fish easier discover the deception, and avoid the most tempting bait
either in

Winter or Summer.
cold winds blow, always angle in the deep
lie

When
little

holes that

under the wind, or you will meet with

for Fish are

sport,

very susceptible of cold.

is

When
ing,

you

fish in

shallow water, and the sun

shin-

endeavour to place yourself so that your shadow

lie

does not
little

upon the water, or you

will

meet with

success.
1 have occasion to speak to any person

When you

RULES, &C. FOR ANGLIXG.

351

while angling,

make

it

a rule, while so speaking, to

that yourself or

keep

at

some distance from the water,

3

shadow be not seen by the Fish

also,

avoid asking

unnecessary questions, for though the party, to

they be addressed, out of politeness,
answers, yet,
if he

whom

may

return civil

be an experienced Angler, and have

his sport at heart,

you cannot oblige him more than

as short as possi-

by making your questions and stay

ble.

forced conversation, and loitering about any

is

person, while fishing,

considered extremely rude,

among

Anglers.

Never attempt to lift a large Fish out of the water by taking hold of any part of your line for, with the
5

least plunge,

the Fish will surely break away, but

:

use a landing-net for the purpose

while

fly-fish-

ing, you cannot, sometimes, avoid laying hold of your

line to

draw the Fish

ne9,r the shore,

but do

it

wiih

much

care and caution,

in

the following

manner
;

take the rod in one hand and the line in the other

draw the Fish gently on

tle raised, if
'

its side,

with the head a

lit-

over weeds, to prevent the hook laying

3

hold of them

then place the rod over your thigh,

and

lift

the Fish out.

baits are peculiar to certain rivers

Some
also, the

and waters

same

baits are taken earlier in

some

rivers

than in others, and later one year than another, by a

few weeks, according to the forwardness of the season

:

of these things, the Angler should take notice,

will prevent

which

much

disappointment,

loss of

time, &c.

35^

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

Careful Anglers provide themselves with a piece of

cork or board, (which some cover with a piece of carpet,) to sit

on while angling, knowing the danger of

it

sitting

on the bare gromul, however dry

may seem, as,

cholics,

from so doing, many have experienced violent

inflammations in the bowels, &c.

The cork

or board

provided for a seat,

is

usually about eighteen inches

long, and twelve broad,

in a basket,

which may be kept and carried

necessary

with other articles used by Anglers.

it is

When
to to sink

angling in rapid heavy water,

float
;

have a
it

on the

line, that will

require

many

shot

cork-floats are generally preferred in this

case, the best

being those which have the cork fixed

quill of a

on a very strong

Goose, Swan, or Porcupine,

this piece of

about the middle thereof j

cork should

be of a long oval shape, about an inch long, and the

same

in circumference in the

middle

this

shape

is

far preferable to the

old-shaped cork-floats,
pear,

made

in

the form of a

Windsor

which make a great

re-

sistance in passing through ^the water, consequently,

a slight bite

is

not easily seen or struck.

it

If a tip-

capped

float is

used in such water,

must be very
in

strong made, and the top thicker and stouter than the

bottom, or

it

will not

swim
j

steady,

though

mode-

rate streams or still water

always prefer the tip-

capped

float,

with both ends equally small, for no

other shape shews a slight bite so readily.

Note.
be-

Pass the line two or three times around the

float,

ginning at the bottom, before you put the top cap on,

which strengthens and keeps the

float straight,

and.

RULES, &C. FOR ANGLING.

also, prevents the line slipping

358
strike,

when you

and

thereby losing the proper depth you

and, further, I would advise those

should fish at 3
their

who purchase

caps to examine and smooth the edges thereof before

using them,

for, generally,

the edges are sharp, and

will cut or fret the line; and, also, to

make

it

a rule
first

never to draw the

line

through the caps, without

float,

taking the cap from the

otherwise, you injure

float.

the link, and, frequently, loosen the joints of your

When
let

you

fish for

Barbel, in deep or rapid streams,

your baited hook drag on the ground several

;

inches

to effect

which,
let

make

it

a rule,

when you have

by

taken the depth, to

the hook touch the gound, and

;

the bottom of the float the surface of the water

so doing,

when you

are angling, and the float being

sunk

to its

proper depth in the water, the baited

hook

will lay

on the ground and slowly

drift

with

the current, which gives time and facility to the Fish

to take the bait.

Note.

When angling for Barbel, Roach,

in rivers, don't
float

Chub, Dace,

&c. especially
line

have above two feet of

between the

and the point of the rod, and

so hold your rod that the line I have spoken of shall

hang
as
is

straight, not

bagged or hanging over the water,

5

the case with inexperienced or careless Anglers

and also keep the top of the rod always directly over
the
float,

moving your arm with the stream, which

float
3

then allows the

were, to
sail

and the top of the

rod, as

it

together

by which means, the instant a

H

Fish bites, you are enabled to strike the hook in him,

^2
"-Z

354

THE A.VGLER
line,

GLIDE.

from the shortness of

Fish, for Fish bite (or

and that being over the

in)

suck

and blow out of their

mouth what they

those

dislike, so quick, in a stream, that

who

angle with

much

slack line, lose, perhaps,

two

bites, or Fish, out of three.

When

your rod has been in the rain

(or,

from any

other cause, got wet) the joints are apt to swell, so

that you cannot separate them.

Application must be

then

made

to heat

hold the joint of the rod over

the flame of a lighted candle, the

to ooze out

wet

will soon begin

from between the

joints,
is

and they are

not to be had,

then easily parted.

a piece of lighted
If,

AVhen a candle
for Carp,

brown paper may

do.

when angling
is

Chub, Roach, or Perch,

little

and

after

having hooked a Fish, he break away,

to

sport

be expected
if
;

in the place

where you

lost

him

(especially

a large one, and you have played

him some time)

fright

for,

when free from the hook, through

in

and pain
:

it

rushes violently away, which alarms

a good

the others

in

such case, immediately cast

store of ground-bait, or

move

to

another

place.
for

Note,

when

casting in

ground-bait

(especially

Carp and Chub) throw

as possible,

in small pieces,

and as gently
alarmed, and,

for those Fish

are soon

when

so,

seldom take a bait again that day.

A\Tien angling in a water that

you have no

local

knowledge

of, fish in

the eddies, or at meeting of two

streams, around piles about bridges, locks, mill-tails,

pools, wears, deep dark holes,

and flood-gates.
any other water, for

When

angling in a

river, or

LAWS RELATIVE TO
Barbel, Chub,

FISIIIVG.

355

Roach, Dace, Gudgeons, or Perch^

prefer that part which has a clean, gravelly, or sandy

bottom

for

those

Fish, unlike Carp, Tench, and

Eels, are seldom found

where the bottom

is

foul or

muddy.
It is

well

known

to old Anglers, that

heavy Trout,

Barbel, and other. Fish,

night,

may
it

be caught, during the

by anglings but
t,

it is

hazardous, in respect to
with impunity, and

health

few can practise

for years

many

have suffered

by colds, agues, and most

violent rheumatic affections,

brought by following
j

the diversion of night-angling

therefore, the serious

it.

and gentlemen Anglers seldom practise

Laws
As an advocate

relative to Fishing.

for angling, I feel interested

and

anxious for the honour and credit of the Angler's

character and conduct
to a
;

I,

therefore,

beg

his attention

few observations, and extracts from Acts of Parrelative

It

liament

to

the

preservation

of
if

Fish

and

Fisheries.

should be recollected, that

the Angler

commit an

offence or trespass, from his ignorance of

is

the laws on the subject, he

equally liable to fine

;

and punishment as
for
it is

if

acting by premeditated design

presumed by the magistrates of

courts, that

from the known publicity of the laws, every person

is

acquainted with their regulations in respect to the

protection of property, punishment for trespass, and

the like.

Moreover, as reasonable beings, and acit

countable for our misdeeds,

surely behoves us so to

366

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

regulate our conduct in pursuing our pleasures and

amusements, that we
fringe, the

in

no wise lose sight

of,

or in-

Golden Rule, that of " doing unto others

as

we would

they

should
I

do

unto us,"

a strict
to all

observance of which
brother Anglers.

seriously

recommend

The most
fisheries,

recent, and the principal act to protect

in

was passed

the

fifth

year of his late

Majesty George the Third's reign, from which the

following extract
is

taken

"No

one shall enter into any park or paddock

fenced in and enclosed, or into any garden, orchard,

or yard, adjoining or belonging to any dwelling house,
or in or through

which park, or paddock, garden,

river, stream,

or-

chard or yard, any river or stream of water shall run or

be, or

wherein shall be any

pond, pool,

moat, stew, or other water; and by any ways, means or

device whatsoever, shall steal, take, kill or destroy

any Fish bred, kept or preserved

in

any such river or

stream, pond, pool, moat, stew, or other water aforesaid,

without the consent of the owner or owners

thereof, or shall be aiding or assisting in the stealing,

taking; killing or destroying any such Fish as aforesaid, or shall receive or

buy any such

Fish,

knowing
months

the

same

to

be stolen

or taken as aforesaid, and

six calendar

being thereof indicted within

next after such
ofifence

or offences shall have been

committed, before any judge or justice of gaol delivery

for the

county wherein such park or paddock, garden,

indict'

orchard or yard shall be, and shall on such

LAWS RELATIVE TO FISHING.

357
confession

ment

be,

by verdict, or by

his or their

own

or confessions, convicted of any such offence or offences as aforesaid, the person or persons so convicted
shall be transported for seven years.

" That in case any person or persons shall take,

kill or

destroy, or attempt to take, kill or destroy,

in

any Fish

any river or stream, pond, pool, or other

in

water (not being

any park or paddock, or

in

any

garden, orchard or yard adjoining or belonging to

any dwelling-house, but

shall be in

any other enclosed

ground which
of one or
forfeit

shall

be private property) every such

person, being lawfully convicted thereof by the oath

more

credible witness or witnesses, shall

for every

and pay,

such offence, the sum of

fishery of

five

pounds

to the

owner or owners of the

and
shall or

such river or stream of water, or of such pond, pool,

moat, or other water
to
j

it

may be

lawful

and

for

any one or more of his Majesty's justices

of the peace of this county, division, riding or place

where such upon

last

mentioned offence or offences shall

be committed, upon complaint made to him or them,

oath, against

any person or persons for any

such last-mentioned offence or offences, to issue his

or their warrant or warrants to bring the person or

persons so complained of before him or them

if

and

the person or persons so complained

of,

shall be

convicted of any of the said offences last-mentioned,

before such justice or justices, or any other of his

Majesty's justices of the same county, division, riding

or place aforesaid, by the

oath or oaths of one or

35ft

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.

more

credible witnesses, which oaths such justice or

justices are hereby authorised to administer, or

his or their

by

own

confession, then and in such case

the party so convicted shall, immediately after such

conviction, pay the said penalty of five pounds, hereby

before imposed for the offence or offences aforesaid,

to such justice or justices before

whom

he shall be so

convicted, for the use of such person or persons as

the

same

is

hereby appointed to be forfeited and paid

unto, and, in default thereof, shall be committed by

such justice or justices to the house of correction

for

any time not exceeding

forfeited shall

six

months, unless the

money

be sooner paid."
Trespass.

If I

go on another man's ground without

license,

the owner

may have
if I

an action of trespass against

me

and

continue there after warning by the

owner or
force
9th.

his servant thereunto authorised, the

owner,

or his servant by his

;

but not beat me, unless

command, may put me off by 1 make resistance

;

Edward IV.

No

servant shall be questioned

liberty,
:

for killing a trespasser within his master's

who
yet

will not yield, if not

done out of former malice

it is

if
:

the trespasser kills any such servant,

21st Elizabeth.

mur-

der

If

any person

shall

keep any

net, angle, leap, piche,

or other engine for taking Fish (except the

sellers of

makers or

them, or the owners or occupiers of rivers

such engines,
if

and

fisheries)

they shall be found

LAWS RELATIVE TO FISHING.

lishing with, without the consent of the
lisliery, shall

351'

owner of the

be seized, and any person, by a warrant

under the hand and seal of a justice of peace,

search the
persons,

may

houses of such prohibited and suspected

seize to their

and
:

own

use, or destroy, such

engines

4 and 5 of William and Mary, Cap. 23.

others, catching Fish with nets in

Bargemen, and
fines or

canals, &c. not being free waters, are subject to

heavy

imprisonment

or

if

they lay snares, trim-

mers, &c. at night, are liable to transportation.

Criminal proceedings, and

penalties

for

injuries

done to private

fisheries, are

punishable

either

by

common law
the

or

by

different statutes.

The breaking
declared felony
in

mounds

of ponds maliciously, and stealing Fish

in

cut of waters

enclosed grounds,

is

and the offender taking Fish out of water

closed

unen-

grounds are subject

fisheries

to

penalties,

and the

owners of

and ponds are authorized to seize

vide Appendix to
a

the nets and fishing-tackle of trespassers, and to keep

or destroy

them

as they think

fit;

*'Chitty's Treatise

on the

Game Laws,"

work well
it

deserving a place in the Angler's library, as

treats
;

very fully on the nature and rights of fisheries

well as on shooting, hunting, &c.

as

There

is

also an

act

which makes

it

felony, and

subject to transportation, for laying night-lines, or

any other device to take Fish by night

and,

if laid

by day,

to

heavy

fines

and

if

the parties are

armed or

disguised while so acting, they

become

felons, with-

out benefit of clergy.

36I>

THHE A2CGX.S S GUIDE.

tre^iass
lias

The Angler should also bear it in mind^ that a may be cominitted in cases even where he
die permission a( the proprietor of the water to
fat, in

ftA ;
is

many

instances, the

owner of the water

it

not the owner of the land throogh which

runs.

and withoot permission be obtained

equally li^Ie to acticm for trespass.

frcHn both^

he

is

Direttioms far tie Recocery rf Drotrmed Penoms, tad

praxmtiom cfprtmatmre death.

Consi^ring that many

Irres are lost

by drowning,

which might be saved,

the Rcyal

if

the means

recommended by
ins erted the rules

Humane

Society were early applied to

restme soqioided animaticm, I have

and methods directed to be pursned

the said Society.

in

such

ceases

ty

As

it

is

possible the Angler

may

hare occaaon to receive or give assistance

cases, I trust I shall

in such

be excosed

for thus introdncing

the sal]ject.

Treatmemt <^Ihvttmed Persons.

In removing the body to a convenient place, care most be taken th^ it he not bruised, nor shaken
vicdenthr,

nor rooghly handled, nor carried over any

man s
lifked

shooldeis with the head hanging downward,

nor itdled

npm

lite

groimd, nor over a barrel, nor

all

up by the

heels j for experioic-e proves, that

these methods

may be

injuiioas,

and destroy the

object should

small remains of life.

The nnfwtonate

be cantk^tsly conveyed by two or more persons, or

DROWXED
in a carriage

PEB50X5.
aa

361

upon straw, lying

and kept

on a bed, with the and easy

head a

little raised,

in as natural

a position as possible.

The body, being

should be placed
not too near a large

well dried with a cloth or flannel,

in

a moderate degree of heat, but

fire.

The window or door of

the

room should be
mitted into
it,

left

open, and no more persons ad-

than those

who

are absolutely neces-

sary, as the lives of the patients greatly

depend upon

their

having the benefit of the pure

is

air.

The warmth

most promising of success,

that of a bed or blanket

well heated: bottles of hot water, laid at the bottoms of the feet, to the joints of the knees, and under the

arm- pits

and a warming-pan, moderately heated,

or hot bricks,

wrapped

in cloths, should

be passed
of a

over the body.

The

natural and kindly

warmth

healthy person lying by the side of the body, has been

found, in

some

cases, particularly of children, very

efficacious.

Should the accident happen

any fabric where

in the

neighbourhood

of a warm-bath, brewhouse, bakehouse, glasshouse, or

warm

lees,

ashes, embers, grains,

it

sand, water, ^c. are easily procured,

i^reat

would be of

importance to place the body in any of these,

to a degree of heat little exceeding that of
;

moderated

a healihv person

or, in

Summer, the exposure

beneficial.

to sun-

shine has been proved obviously

Friction

with the himd, or with

warm

flannel or coarse cloth, so

as not to injure the skin, should also be tried with

perseverance, for a considerable period of time.

36^

THE angler's guide.

subject being placed in one or other of these

The

advantageous circumstances as speedily as possible, a

bellows should be applied to one
other nostril and the
nostril, whilst the

mouth

are kept closed, and the

is

lower end of the prominent part of the wind-pipe

pressed backward.
this

situation

"The bellows is and when the breast

to
is

be worked
swelled by

in
it,

the bellows should stop, and an assistant should press the belly upwards to force the air out.

The bellows

should then be applied as before, and the belly again

pressed
;

this process

should be repeated from twenty

to thirty times in a minute, so as to imitate natural

breathing as nearly as possible

as the trachea

is al-

ways open through the

rily

glottis, air

conveyed through

the mouth, the nostrils being closed, would necessa-

pass into the lungs.

If the cartilages of the lar-

nyx (throat) be pressed against the

and prevent the passage of the
and, at the
sajne time,

vertebrae, (bones
(gullet)
5

of the neck) so as to close the aesophagus,

air into the

stomach

the

mouth and

left

nostril

be closed, and the pipe of the bellows inserted into

the right nostril, the air will pass into the lungs
that
3

through the wind-pipe, because

opening through which
the aesophagus, or
left
its
it

is

the

only

can pass

its

passage into

egress through the

in

mouth

or

nostril,

being prevented

the

manner above
such as sigh-

described,"
If there ing,

be any signs of returning

life,

gasping, twitching, or any convulsive motions,

beating of the heart, the return of the natural colour

DROWNED PERSONS.
and warmth, opening a vein
jugular of the neck
in the

36^

arm

or external
j

may prove

beneficial

but the
large.

quantity of blood taken

away should not be

and the

The

throat should be tickled with a feather, in order

;

to excite a propensity to vomit

nostrils, also,

with a feather, snufF, or any other stimulant^ so as to

provoke sneezing.
be administered
ther the

A tea- spoonful

of

warm water may

wheif it
;

now and
of

then, in order to learn,

power of swallowing be returned

and

be, a table-spoonful

warm

wine, or brandy and

3

water,

may be

given with advantage

and not before,

as the liquor

might pass

into the trachea before the

power of swallowing
for

returns.

The other methods

should be continued, with ardour and perseverance,

two hours or upwards, although there should not

life.

be the least symptom of

In the application of stimulants, electricity has been

recommended
its

and when

it

can be early procured,

tried in aid of the
electrical

exciting effects

might be
;

means
strokes

already

recommended

but the

should be given in a low degree, and gradually, as

well as cautiously, increased.

A GLOSSARY;
OR,

EXPLANATION OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED AMONG

ANGLERS.

Aights, small islands on the River Thames.

Angle, to angky to

fish

with a rod, line, and baited-hook.

at-

Angling, the art of catching Fish with a rod, to which are

tached a line, hook, and bait.
Adipous-fin, the
fin

below the back-fin.

The

adipoiis-fin

is

thick fleshy substance, found in Salmon, Trout, and Grayling.

Bag fish,
water.

to put Fish into a bag or basket, as they are caught.

Bank-fishing, angling from a

bank on the

side of a river, or otiicr

Barbs or

wattles.

See Wattles.
is

Barb-hook.See Spear-hook,
Beard, or barb, of a hook,
that part a little above the point,
off.

which prevents the Fish slipping

Bee. See Humble.

Bobber, or Brother Bob, nick-name for Anglers.
Bottom-fishing, angling with any bait under water, or touching

the ground, with a float or rod to the line.

also, the

Bottom-fishing

is,

most ancient mode of angling on record. See the

at the

Bible.

Bottom, the gut

bottom of a

fly-line, to

which the hook or

hooks are

fixed.

TECHNICAL TERMS.
Cads,
Cadeti'S,

365

Straw- fForms, or Rough- Coats, are a sort of magin

got or grub, found incased

small pieces of sticks, rushes, &c.

See

page 307.

Candock, or Cammock, (called, by some, the water-lily) large

broad-leafed weeds, growing in rivers, and other fresh waters
they form an excellent harbour for Fish, in the
:

Summer.

Cane, of which fishing-rods are generally made, are bamboo,

Carolina, and the sugar-cane.

Caps, pieces of coloured quills, used to keep the line to the

float.

Chain-line, a long stout cord, to which, several shorter, with

baited-hooks,are fastened.

See Chain-line
;

for Eels, page 135.

Cartilaginous, Fish without a back-bone

such as the Lamprey,

&c.
Chrysalis,
is

the

first

change of a maggot or gentle

they then are

brown, and seem dead.

Clearing-line,
is

a few yards of strong small cord, to the end of

which

is

fastened a heavy ring of lead or brass. See Anglingfig. 6.

Apparatus, plate 3, Come-short

;

while fishing for Jack, Pike, Trout, or Chub, and a

Fish comes, seemingly very eager, towards the bait, but,

near, turns or shoots away, the Angler then says,

when
had a

"I

Fish

come

at

me, but he came short."

Dabbing, or Dibbing.

See Dapping.
fly

Dapping j or Dipping, angling with a

ter,

on the surface of the wa-

by rising and letting

it fall

gently thereon.

Dead-lines are lines to which one or more hooks are fastened and
baited
lay
;

the line

is

then so placed in the water, that the hooks

;

on the bottom
;

but, to those lines, no float or rod

to-

is

at-

tached

but, instead, are fastenetl

a peg, or a bank-runner.

Deeps are the deepest

of the current
in,
:

parts of the River

Thames, somewhat out

to

make them

safe harbours for Fish to breed

at

&c. the boatmen

who

live

Hampton, Shepperton, and

in

other places in that neighbourhood, sink their old boats

rows, leaving a channel between them

in a line

with this chan-

2 i2

3^0

THE ANGLER

GUIDE.
by Anglers.

uei, they fix their boats

when engaged

The

largest

Barbel, and other Fish, are taken in these deeps, for the man-

ner

in

which the boats are

sunlv effectually protects

them from

every kind of net.

Devil, an artificial spinning bait for Trout, and, sometimes, used
for

Jack. See pages 109 and 243.

for Jack, Pike, Trout,
float.

Dip or Sink and Draw, angling

and Perch,

with a rod and line, without a

Dippers.

See page 53.

the Fish has swallowed the
is

See Droppers.
of bone, iron, or brass.

Disgorger, an instrument with a forked top, about six inches long,

made

When

hook, the forked end of the disgorger

thrust
it

down upon

it,

which disengages the hook, and permits

out.^

to be easily

drawn

See

fig.

1, plate 3, of

Angling Apparatus.

Dorsal-fin, the back-fin.

Drift of Anglers,

is

when

fdur or

more Anglers

are in

company

a-fishing, or either going to, or

coming therefrom.

Drag, a

piece- of iron wire,

with three or four hooks (without

is

barbs) placed back to back, to which

fastened a long pack-

thread

line.

This

is

used to recover any part of the tackle that

may be entangled
cork-trimmers,

in

weeds, &c., or to drag in night-lines,

fig.

&c. See
is

5, plate 3, of Angling Apparatus.

to slip or

Draw,

Slip, or

Bow-knot, a knot made

to

draw

out.

Dress ; to dress a fy

make an

artificial-fly.
:

Droppers, or dippers, in
of the line
tl)Ose
is

artificial fly-fishing
;

the

fly at

the bottom
is

called the stretcher

if

more than one

used,

above are called droppers or dippers.

Dub;

to dub, is to
is

make

the body of an artificial-fly.

Dubbing
an

the wool or mohair materials with which the body of

dub-fly
Fly.
is

artificial

made.

Dub-fly. ^et

Eddies are bends or corners of rivers, where the water meets with
obstruction, causing
in
it

to recoil

and whirl round. Fish

lie

much

these spots, as the motion of the water frequently brings food

TKCHNICAL TERMS.
out of the stream, and gives
bles thera to seize
it.
it

36.*'

momentary pause, which ena-

Feed; to feed,

Fish are said to be

all

strong, or well, on
;

the feed,

when

they take the bait eagerly

also,

when

the Angler says

the Fish will feed

the year, or at such a time, he

means they

will then take a bait.

Follow the Hake; Gudgeons are said to follow the rake

eagerly take
the
bait after

when

they
a:iJ

the ground has been raked

loosened.
Feelers, a substance projecting
sects, but

from the head of some

flies

and

in-

more knovvn by the name of horns.

Fishing and angling, synonymous terms.

Flogging the TVater; the Angler

(for

is

said to flog the water

when he

an unreasonable time) keeps whipping and slashing, with

without having a Fish
fly,

fly,

rise at his bait.

Fly-fishing, to angle with a

natural or artificial, as a bait.

the body of

Fly, a dub-fly, an
chiefly

artificial-fly,

which

is

large and

made

of wool or mohair.

Gad, a very small Jack.

Guf, a landing-hook.
Gentles are maggots bred from fly-blows on liver, or any putrid

animal substance.

When

full-grown, and put

among bran

or

dry house-sand, they cleanse themselves, and are then termed

scoured

and, before they are so cleansed, they are called green

gentles, in

which

state Fish are very

fond of them.

Carrion
sell,

gentles are those

which the Knackers or Horse-slayers

wholesale, to the dealers in gentles, and are generally used for

gi'ound-baiting.

Gorge; to gorge, to swallow or take the bait into the stomach.

Greaves, the sediment of melted kitchen-stuff"; to be bought at
the tallow-chandlers.

Grabble, to fish with a line to which several hooks are fastened,

and so leaded that each hook

lays

on the ground:

this

mode of

368
angling
is

THE angler's guide.

termed laying on the grabble, and
is

much
slants

used in

fishing for flounders, in streams

where the bank

down-

wards.

See page 152.

who
ro\-e

Gregarious, those Fish are termed gregarious

flocks, or

about in

numbers, together.

Ground-bait, greaves, bran, clay, gentles, &c. thrown into the water, by the Angler, for the purpose of diawing and keeping
the Fish about the spot or place he intends to angle
in.

Gimp,

silk-twist or floss-silk, laced with brass

sold at all fishing-

tackle shops.

Good Fish, a good Fish means a heavy or

large Fish.

Hackle-flies, artificial-flies,

who^e bodies are slender, and

If

chiefly

made of
palmers
;

the hackle -feather.

if

they have not wings, they are

with wings, they are generally called palmer-

hackles or palmer-flies.

Heavy Fish,

large Fish.
if

Hook, a piece of iron tempered and bent;

is

to catch Fish with,

it

barbed

to prevent Fish slipping off. to

Hook foul,

hook

foul

is

to

hook a Fish by any part outside

its

body, which sometimes happens by their swimming against

the baited hook, or any part of them touching the line, which
acts

on the

float the

same way
is

as a bite;

and, by striking, at the

moment, the Fish

quently,

generally hooked.

This case occurs, fre-

when

angling for Barbel, Gudgeons, and Smelts.

is

Humble or Bumble-bee,
yellow body
r legated.
;

the large wild bee with a black and

i

some have red rumps or bottoms, and others va-

Hurl, or Herle, the fine fibrous parts of feathers.

Jack,

ox:

Pike y names generally used as synonymous; but, proit

perly speaking, a Jack becomes a Pike after

attains

more than

three pounds weight, or twenty-four inches in length.

Killing

under the point of the rod

the Angler

is

said to kill his

TECHNICAL TERMS.
Fish under the point of his rod,

369
it

when he

points

upwards, and
kept within a

keeps a tight line, by which means the Fish

small
circle.

is

Killing-baity that bait

which the Fish are most fond

of.

Kink; the line

is

said to kink or kinkle,

when

it

gets entangled or

twisted about the rod, or rings, &c.

Knots, water-knot, a knot that will not

slip.

Kipper; a Salmon

is

said to be

Az/)/)g;'

when out

of season.

Sal-

mon

are, also, so called

when smoked and

dried; and,

when

in full roe,

and near spawning, they are termed shedder.

Landing-hook, a large hook with a screw sliank, to fasten in about

a yard of cane or other wood. This landing-hook
is

more

port-

able than a landing net, and, therefore, preferred by

glers.
It is
&:c.,

some An-

used to

lift
it

a large Fish, or to take one from the

in the gills or

weeds,

by striking

mouth of

the Fish.

The

telescope handles are to be preferred, because they take up but

little

room, and may be had two or three yards long.

Landing-net, a small net extended on an iron hoop, fastened to

a pole, which

is

very useful in landing a large Fish, to prevent

straining your rod,

&c

another sort described in the Appendix.

Leash, a leash

is

three Fish of any kind.

Lip-hook, a small short-shanked hook, used to confine the mouth

by passing
to spin
it
;

it

through the

lips

of a JVlinnow,

when you mean

also used in live-bait-fishing for Jack, see page 105. a length of hair or gut.
in

Link, a link

is

Leather-mouthed Fish are those which have their teeth

throat,
as
is

the

the

case

with Barbel,

Chub, Roach, Carp,

Tench, Bream, Rudd, Dace, Bleak, Gudgeon, Loach, and

Minnows.

Lay

to lay,

is

to put

trimmers or dead-lines
;

in rivers,

ponds, &c.

f lying
is

on the water

an Angler

is

said to lay on the water

who
this

continually and daily fishing the

is

same piece of water

unfair as

practice

considered nearly as

taking Fish with

trimmers.

370
Leger-Une
is

THE ANGLER
a line

GUIDE.
float,

with or without a

fastened to a rod,

sufficiently leaded,

about nine inches above the hook, so that

lie at

the baited hook

may

the bottom
fig. 3.

without drifting.

See

Angling Apparatus, plate 2,

Live-bait-fishiTig , angling for Jack, Pike,

Trout, or Perch, &c.

float

with a small
Live-bait,

live Fish for a bait,

and a

on the

line.

when speaking

of live-bait, the Angler means a living

Fish used as a bait.

t
Mohair, goat's hair, used
in

making the body of

artificial flies.

Move

a fish

in

Jack fishing, when a Jack-moves from among

bait, the

weeds or any other place without taking the

Angler

then says he moved a Fish, but he would not feed.

Nibble; the Fish are said to nibble
bait,

when

they slightly touch the

but avoid taking

it

into the

mouth.

Netting, catching Fish with a net.

Night-lines, lines that have baited hooks fastened to them,
left in

and

the water at night to take Fish.

,

See Dead

lines.

Not a

fin

if

the angler has had no success, and

is,

is

asked what

sport, his reply

"

have not got a

fin."

0^;

Jack, Pike, and other Fish are said to be of; for, after they

have deposited their spawn, they generally leave that place, and
also,

when

they refuse a bait, which they frequently do

imme-

diately after their spawning, the Angler then says, they are of,

that

is,

(of the feed,) sickly, and out of season.

Palmer or Hackle,
See Hackle.
Pater-noster-Une,
tln-ee or
is

artificial flies

made with

or without wings.

a line of gut or twisted hair, to which are tied

;

more hooks

those hooks are

first tied to

pieces of gut
;

or fine bristle about or less than three inches lonj^

pieces are fastened

those short

on the

line,

beginning at the bottom, about

eight inches apart

noster-line will be

now

fasten the line to a rod,

and the patertide rivers,

found very useful for angling in

TECHNICAL TERMS.
also in docks, mill-ponds,
cially

371

and

all

deep agitated waters, espethick,

when

the water

is

somewhat

and

in the
all

Spring

for, at

such time, places, and seasons. Fish swim at

bait your hooks,

depths,

and you may

some with worms, another with

kind
:

gentles, greaves, or any other bait, according to the

of

Fish you

know

the water contains, in which you angle

;

some

have a

float to this sort of line

others use a dip lead, and sink

and draw the

line

some Anglers put on 12 hooks.

Peg-line, a single line

made

fast to a

peg or a bank-runner.
certain distance after hav-

Play; to play a Fish

is

to let

him run a

ing hooked him, gently then checking

line,

him by winding-up
exhausted.

the

drawing him side-ways, and,

line to

also,

backwards and forwards,

is

and again yielding the

him, until he

Pliers f a small pair of pincers.

Plummet y a

piece of lead in various shapes, for taking the depth

sold at the tackle-shops.

See the

plates of Angling Apparatus.

Pouch,

to pouch.

See Gorge.
rise to the surface,

Prime, Fish are said to p^-ime when they

leap out of the water
it
:

and

when

they do this, the Angler considers

a good sign, as they are then on the feed.

Punt, a broad flat-bottomed boat, large enough to hold two or

three chairs
;

it

is

used in angling on the river Thames,

at

Richmond, Twickenham, Kingston, Hampton, &c.

Ranh, hooks are

too

said to be rank

when

the points spread outwards

much

this

term

is

particularly applied to the gorge-hook

for trolling, and" likewise to Eel-hooks.

Rise, the Fish are said to rise

when

they

come to the

surface to

take a

fly,

or any other insect.

Run]; a run, (in trolling) means a bite.

Running-line or Running-tackle, the line

is

so called

when passed
the

from a winch,
baited line.

fixed

on the rod, through

rings, to join

When
line,

angling with running-tackle,

float

make

a slip-

knot in the
in the said

between the

and top of the rod, and put

quill

knot a small piece of stick or

about an inch

37^

THE angler's guide.

through the rings on

long, to prevent the line running back

the rod, or you cannot strike quick

slack.

from the

line

hanging

Sags, Flags, or Sedges,

tall

narrow flag-weeds, growing

:

in rivers,

and other waters,

about those
flags

close to the banks

Jack love

to

harbour

or weeds.

Scratching for Barbel.

See page 219.

in

Scouers and Sharps are shallow places

rivers,

with a clean
rub,,

sandy or gravelly bottom, on which the Fish sport, feed,

and

roll themselves, just before they

spawn

and many continue

on the scouers during the

Scouer; to scouer worms,

warm
is

or hot months.

to free

them from
in

filth,

and make
See

them transparent, by putting them

page 301.
Shallow.

damp moss, &c.

See

scouers.
to

Shank of a hook, that part

Shedfier

which the

line

is

tied.

Salmon.

See Kipper.
excavations under banks of
the violence of the water running against any

Shelf, or shelves, are large holes or

rivers,

made by

particular part.
Silk fVeeds,

long slimy weeds growing at the bottom of rivers

in the

and canals,

Summer
it

those weeds spoil the Angler's bait,

by hanging about
Sink and draw.

in

long pieces, like silk or thread.

See Dip, &c.

more, strong hooks, without
baits
:

Snatching, fishing with a stout trolling-rod and running-line, to

which
line
is

is

affixed one; or

the

then cast into a place where large Fish frequent

in

the

hooks to lay on the ground same as

ledger-fishing

and
are,

when you

see or feel a Fish pass over

where the hooks

it.

endeavour, by striking smartly, and with force, to hook

Spears, instruments so called for striking Salmon, Eels, Trout,.

Flounders, &c.

Spud, an iron spike made with a screw to

or landing-net.

fix in

the butt of a rod

TKCHNICAL TERMS.
Stalk or Stem,
tlie

3/3
make
the feelers

thick part of feathers used to

or horns of
Stretchers.

artificial flies.

See Droppers.
is

Strike

striking or hooking a Fish

done by giving the rod a

sudden jerk from the wrist or arm, when the Fish has taken
the bait.

Swims are deep

places in rivers,

where the stream

is

not rapid

Fish are mostly found in them in cool weather.

Take

to take, or kill. Fish, to catch fish

the words catch, or

caught, are seldom used by Anglers.

Tickling
:

when Trout are

in holes,

under the bank (which they are

fond of retiring to), they are caught by putting your hand into
those places
until
:

when you
gills,

feel

a Fish, gently scratch

it

its

belly

you reach the

then grasp
felt

firm and

lift

the Fish

out.

The

pleasurable titillation
it,

by the Trout while you

its

are scratching or tickling

prevents

attempt to leave the

hole you find

Tight-line;

it in.
is

a baited line

so called

when

it

is

fastened to the

angle-rod without a running-line.

Tied up; a Fish

is

said to be tied up, or having tied itself up, by get-

ting so entangled or twisted up

among weeds, after he is hooked,

or getting the line round piles, or posts, so that he can neither

get

one way or the other.

is

Threadling a bait

when

a needle

is

used to put a bait on a

hook

such as baiting the gorge-hook, for trolling or laying

;

trimmers, &c.

also

worms, when used

in bobbing for Eels,

or laying night-lines.

Traces

are

lengths

or pieces

of gut or gimp,

joined toge-

ther with swivels, used

ling,

when spinning

a bait for Trout, trol-

&c. See

pages 105, 107, and 198.

Trimmers are

lines fastened to bank-runners, corks, or

any thing
to

else except an

Angle rod, having a hook attached

them,

baited with a live Fish.

374
Tripping -bait
is

THE angler's guide.

a baited hook which moves along, touching the
98.

bottom.
Trolling.

See page See page 172.

it

Troll at

Home;

the Angler

is

said to troll at

home, when he

casts

his bait close to the

banks or shore where he stands, instead of

casting

far off, or
is

from him.

Tumbling-hay

a pool of considerable depth and breadth, re-

ceiving the surplus water

in rivers

which

falls

from flood-gates, erected

and canals to keep up a head of water: they are nu-

merous

in the River Lea.

is

Turn; to turn a Fish,

to give

him another

direction, by checking

him, when he

is

likely to get
is

among the weeds,

&c.

To

weigh a Fish out

line,

to

lift

a Fish out of the water, by the rod

and

without the aid of a landing-net.

is

To

turn a Fish over

when
first

a Fish

is

hooked, but immediately

breaks away, after the

turn or two.

Warping

is

tying or twisting over, in

making

artificial-flies.

Wattles, a fleshy substance like a

worm, hanging from

the

mouth

of Barbel, Carp, Gudgeons, and some other Fish.

Winch, a machine made of brass, on which a

of India-twist, platted silk or hair, and

line is kept,

made
to a

silk twisted.
is

Wldp ;
Whip;

to whipy or whipping, in fly-fishing,

casting a

fly

distance.

to whip
;

is,

also, to tie a

hook

to hair, gut, silk,

&c.

White-Fish
Fish.

Roach, Dace, Bleak, and Gudgeons, are called white-

INDEX.

Acids, disagreeable to Fish, 29.

Angling, information thereon, difficult to obtain, and , preliminary discourse thereon, 1.
,

why. See
;

the Preface,

remarks on, for every month of the year, 335

acts relative to,

rules

and desultory

observations relative to, 342; glers, 355,

with admonitions to An-

Angler not to be discouraged, and why, 348. Angler's Guide, the Author's motive for publishing. Angle-rod, different kinds described, 4.
xVsh-fly,

See the Preface.

natural and artificial, described, 280. Author's, the, opinion of the different methods practised in trolling or fishing
for

Jack and Pike, 239.

all kinds of Fish, 61. See Barbel, Chub, &c. Bait not to be taken out too quick, when trolling, 229.

Baits for

observations on, 352.

Bank-runner described, 246

Barbel, the

Bannister's water, on the Lea.

See Hews's.
;

when useful,

ib.

name
ib.
; ;

and Lea,

whence derived, 59 large and abundant in the Thames best method of dressing them for the table, ib. spawn unwholeof,
;
;

some, ib. yield much sport to the Angler, ib. ; mode of angling for, 61 a remarkable large one often hooked at Hampton, 66 scratching for,
;

how

practised, 320.

how angled for, 171. Battersea-bridge, fishery at, described, 320.

Bass, described, and

Bee, where found good bait for Chub, 284 ; how to extract the sting, Black-thorn fly, when and where found, 280.
Blackfriars-bridge, fishery at, described, 320.

ib.

Beresford's fishery. See White-house. Bleak, where abundant, 36 ; how angled for, ib.; ground bait for, ib. ; described, ib. ; baits for, when dapping, ib. sometimes mad, ib. Bleak-Hall, fishery at, described, 328 anecdote of Mathew Cook, 329. Blood-worms, where obtained, 298 ; good for various Fish, ib. Blue-house water described, 329.
; ;

Bobbing for

Eels,

how

practised, 125.

Bobs, what, and of what use, 306. Bottom-fishing, the most ancient way of angling. See the Bock of Job, Chap. 14.
See Float-fishing.

87 ()
Boots,

INDEX.
how
to

make

water-proof, 175.

Bottle-racing for Jack, how and where practised, 247Bowerbank's water, on the Lea. See Blue-House. Brandling, where obtained, 298 good for Carp, Perch, &c.,

ib.

how

to

keep, 304.

Bream, when and how taken, 114; tackle and

habits of,
ib.

baits for, ib.; described, ib.;

and why, 331. Broxbourn, Crown, public-house, fishery and water described, 327. Browne's, Moses, verses on artificial-fly making, 260.

Bromley

mills, angling at, not pleasant,

Bull-head

See Miller's

Bullock's and other brains,

Thumb. how used

as a bait, 69

how
;

to

blow brains,

ib>

Cads, case-worms, &c., what, and of what use, 305

scribed, 306, 307.

where found, and de;

Carp, fine, but not abundant, in the Thames and Lea, 89 how and when to angle for, ib. ; ground-baits for, 25; long-lived, ib. habits of, ib. ; may be rendered tame, instances of, 95. Cannon-fly, 280. Carthagena-water, on the Lea, described, 327Case-worms, what, and of what use, 305. Chain-hnes for Eels described, 130; how to bait the hooks, 136; how, when, and where to lay them, 140 how to take them up, with advice thereon, 141 ; hooks proper for Eels, and how to chuse them, 144.
; ;

Chertsey-bridge, fishery at, described, 313,

Cheven. See Chub. Chub, a bony Fish, and inferior food, 67 a shy Fish, ib. how to angle for. 68 trolling for, sometimes successful, ih. baits for, ib. ground-baits for, ib.; season for Chub-fishing, 69; remarks on, ib.; the River Lea famous
; ;
;

f.
'

for, ib.

baits for,

when dapping,

284.
to use, 31

Clap-bait

See Bobs.

Clearing- ring, of what use, and

how

1
5,
-^

Cockchafer, a good bait, and how to bait the hook with, 284. how taken with the angle, 163. Conversation, forced, disagreeable to Anglers, and why, 351. Cook, Matthew, singular character, fond of cats, 329. Cook's-ferry fishery. See Bleak-Hall. Cork, for seats, recommended, 352.
Codlings, or Cod-fish,
Cricket, a killing bait for Trout, 263.
Cross-fishing,

A
.

See

Cad and

Stone-fly.

how

practised, 240.

Crucian Carp, not very the Carp and Roach,

baits
ib.
;

common
ib.;
;

in England, 39 ; a supposed breed between very prolific, ib.; numerous near London, ih.;
first

1 I
*

and tackle for, ib. when very numerous in Prussia.

introduced,

ib,

deseribed, ib.

habits,

Crutch, or fork, to take up dead lines, 148; necessary, also, for laying trimmers, 246

Dace,

how to dry and preserve them, 80 mode of cooking, good amusement, 82 how and where to angle for, ib.
; ;

ib.
;

whipping remarks on,

;

for.
it.
;

when dapping, 286. Dapping, what, and how practised,

baits for,

282.

Dare.

See Dace.
at.

Ditton, fishery

See Thames-Ditton.

INDEX.
Dead-line,

377

how made,
fly,

152.

Down-looking

natural and artificial, described, 280.

Dragon-fly is a large four-winged fly, by some called the large horse-stinger and peacock-fly : its body is variegated with purple, green, &;c., and is about two or three inches long ; it has many eyes the wings are transparent, and of
;

During Summer, this large fly may be seen about rivers Artificial and ponds, skimming about weeds, settling on sags, rushes, &c. dragon-flies aie used as a bait for Salmon, in some places, 157a bronze colour.

Drowned

persons,

how

to be treated, 360.

Devils, artificial spinning-baits, fully described, 109.

Drag-hooks, and
Dyer's Guide
Eels, tackle

how to use, 31. may be consulted, with advantage, by

for,

the curious Angler, 261.

how taken with dead lines, ib. bobbing for, how practised, ib. spearing and snigghng, how practised, 128 mode of disabling them, when caught, 122 how to choose hooks for, 144.
fit

when

a rod

is

used, 121

Kel and Pike fishery.

Feathers,

See Page's water.

how

died yellow, for

making the may-fly,

kept, 311.

261.

Fence-months, what, and

thereon,
1, 2, 3.

why

Mshing-tackle, the necessary articles for angling pointed out, with observations

Flanders Weir.
Float-fishing

See Shury's.

See Glossary of technical terms. Floats, difiFerent sorts described, 7 ; and a particular sort for Jack-fishing, 227 how to make the float secure, wfth observations thereon, 353,

Flounders, how taken, 147 ; habits of, &c., ib. Frogs, sometimes used as a bait for Chub, Perch, and Jack, directions bait the hook with, &c., 49, 69, 210. Fishing in still waters round London, with observations, 346.
Flies, artificial, list of, to kill

how

to

from Christmas to Michaelmas, 278.

;

materials for making the green-drake, greydrake, or cock-up-tails, 261 ; and why so named, 263 ; materials for making all kinds of flies, 272. Fly-fishing, artificial, advantages of, 256 ; cannot be practised so often as botrods and lines for, 287 ; how to cast the line in, 289; natom-fishing, ib.
;

how made, 259

tural,

how

practised, 282.

Foetid light-brown fly, good bait for

Chub, and when, 281.

Gag

for Jack, its use, &c. explained, 224.

;

Gay, his lines on artificial-flies, 273 and advice to Anglers, 337. how Gentles, how produced, 293 easily procured in London, and where, ib. bred and preserved in Winter, 294 how best preserved in Summer, 295. Grains, good ground-bait, 28. Grasshopper, how to bait with, and dap for Chub, 284. Greaves, how baited with, 15; how to soak, and use for ground-bait, 27;
;
; ;

killing bait for Barbel, 62.

is Grayling not found near London, 154; described, ib.; how angled for, i6. called an Umber, when full grown, ib. Ground-bait, observations on, 27 how to make various kinds, 25. Gudgeon, abundant in the Lea, 46 season for angling for, ib. ; mode of fishing for, in the Thames and Lea, ib.; remarks on, 42. ~, the best bait for Jack, &c., 233; where to purchase alive, 210. Gut and hair, how to chuse and stain, 4 and 5.
; ; ;

.-

378
Groupers,
Hackle.
Hallibut,

IXDEX,
how and where
See Palmer.

caught, I/O.

how

caught, 168.
described, 315.

Hampton, good angling at, town and fishery Hampton-Court, fishery at, described, 317"
hook with, ib. Hawkins, Sir John, his method of making
to bait the

Harry, or Father long-legs, a killing bait for Chub, 285

where found, and how

artificial flies, 269.

Hawthorn-fly, 280.
Herl, peacock's,
its

use in fly-making, 281.

Hertford, town and fishery described, 323. Hews's fishery on the Lea described, 329. Hints to Anglers, 342.

Hoddesdon, town and fishery described, 325. Hook, method how to whip or tie one on, 30; how baited with worms, 13
with gentles,
Huzzard-fly,
ih.
;

with greaves,

ib.;

how

to try their strengths, &c., 10.

at, described, 330.

when a good bait, 280. Horse and Groon?, Lea Bridge, fishery, &c.

India rubber useful to Anglers, 345. Information on angling, difficult to obtain, and why.

See the Preface.

Jacobs, Mr., the fishmonger, sells live-baits for trolling, &c. all the year, 210. Jack, method of trolling for, 21 1 takes the name of Pike when weighing more than three pounds, abundant in the Lea, natural baits for, 208; hooks used in trolling for, ib. lines used in trolling for, 198 one taken by Mr. Robin; ; ;

son, in a remarkable
for Jack, 239 cribed, 349.
;

manner, 243; remarks on the different modes of trolling the shape, colour, nature, and habits, of Jack and Pike des-

Kew-bridge, fishery at, described, .320. Kill Fish, (to,) and land them, with remarks thereon, 344. King's Arms water, on the Lea, fishery at, described, 314.

Kingston and Hampton Wick, fishery at, described, 318. Kirby fish-hooks described, 15. Knot, how to tie, 29; how to get information relative to, 34.
I^anding-net,

how

to choose, 3.
at,

Laleham, fishery

described, 312.

Last Spring, a Fish of the Salmon species, 154. Lamprey, or Seven Eyes, described, 146. Land Fish, (to), or bring them ashore, with a caution, 351. Lamprey-Eel described, 146; habits of, ib.; abound in the Severn,
bait for Eels, 133
;

ib.

good

how

to bait the

hook with, 137.

Launce-Eel described, 169. Laws relative to fishing, with admonitions, 355. Lea River described, abounds with Jack and Pike, 321 subscription waters, how paid, 322 its fishery described, ib. an excellent school for the lovers of angling, and why, 332. Leger-line described, 133 bait proper for, ib. Lines should be even and rovmd, 4; method of dying hair, gut, &c. for lines, should be soaked a little before you begin to fish, 76. 56.
;
;

INDEX.
Lines,

379
11.

how

to fasten to rod

and to running-tackle,

Literature, the study of,

Live-baits,

recommended
;

to Anglers, 342.

See Hints, &c.

where sold, 210, 211. Lob-worms, where obtained, 297

London Anglers,

great adepts in the art. 111

good for Trout, Eels, and Perch, t^ and why, ib.

;

Mackarel, how taken with a line, 169. Malt, when soaked in water, is a good bait, in some waters, for Roach and

Bream,

114.

why so named, 246. Marsh-worms, where obtained, 297 good for Trout and Perch, ib. Marl, or tag-tail worm, described, 300. May-flies, natural, how bred, 256 green drake described, 203 grey-drake
Man-of-war, trimmer
; ;

described,
Miller's

ib.

stone-fly described, 264.

Thumb described,

109

how
;

to angle for, 12H

bait for Eels,

ib.

Miller-fly

is a large white moth it is called the miller-fly from the mealy substance about its wings and body, 284.
;

IVIinnow, killing bait for Trout, 99 Mole river, described, 333.

how
;

caught, 36.
ib.

Moss, to scour worms. See Worms, 339 where got or bought, Moon, its effects on the feeding of Fish, 235, Mullet, how to take with a fly or worm, 166.

New

See the Appendix. Net, for landing Fish, described, 3; another Net, to keep Fish alive in when angling, 3. River described, 308'; is a nursery for London Anglers; here the juvenile Angler makes his first essay to take small Perch, Gudgeons, Roach, Bleak, &c. either at bottom, with worms or gentles, or at top, by dapping with a house-fly, or whipping with a small artificial gnat-fly; from thence he proceeds to the River Lea, where, with attention, he may become a comthe New River abounds with small Fish, wthin a mile of the plete Angler Metropolis: about ten miles off" are heavy Fish, Carp, Chub, Jack, Pike, Eels, &c. 308.
:

Night-lines for Eels, described, 135.

Night-fishing,
Oak-fly, 280.

how

practised, 124, 285

but bad for the health, &c. 355.

Observations on paste, Salmon-spawn, &c., 20. Orl-fly described, when and where found, 281.
Owl-fly,
is

the large white

moth

it

is

called the owl-fly

from

its

resembling

an owl in the face and head, 284.

and the gull, ib. Page's- water, on the Lea, described, 326 Palmer, plain, directions for making, 265 golden or silver, directions for making, 268. Pastes, many receipts for, exploded, 18; sweet, for Carp, &c., how made, 19; plain, for Roach, &c., how made, ib.; cheese and greaves paste for Chub patent paste, how made, ib. ; general observaand Barl^el, how made, 21 tions On paste, Salmon, and wheat, 22.
; ;

tackle fit for, ib. ; numerous in the wet-docks, Perch, a bold-biting Fish, 47 trolling for, ib. roving and dipping at Blackwall, ib. ; live-bait for, ib. for, 51 ; remarks on, ib. ; how to fish for, with a live Minnow, ib. remarks
; ; ; ;

on, 58.

380

INDEX.

Peas, pai boiled, a bait for Carp, 88.

Perdues, commendation of the boatmen of that name, 315. Pink See Minnow. Plaice, how taken, 164. Pith of the neck, and spine of oxen, good bait for Chub in cold weather, 70

how

to bait with,

ib.
it,

Play a Fish,

how

to do

with remarks, 343.

14.

Plugged-float described,

9.

Plumbing the depth, how done,

Poaching reprobated,
34.

Pond-fishing, observations on, 345; several round London, described, 34G. Pope, or Ruff, resembles the Perch, how to angle for, 119 ; a cut of the Pope or
Ruff, 321. Prickleback, used as bait for Perch,

how
;

taken, 40; bold and voracious,

4).

lb.

used in Lincolnshire as manure,

Punt-fishing described, 60.
Quietness, &:c. recommended,

ib.

good food for fowls,

Putney-britlge, fishery at, described, 320.

when

angling, 342.

Racing for Jack. See Bottle- racing. Red-worms, where obtained, 298 good
;

for various Fish, ibr

Regent's-canal contains various Fish, 346.

Richmond, fishing at, described, 319; when high water moon, 320 with hints and observations, ib.
;

there, at

fuU and new

Rivers, several described, 383, 384.

for, 73 require fine fishing, ib. ; a sitting posture to remarks on, jft. best bait for, ib.; ground-bait for, t6. be preferred, ib. described, ib. ; peculiar kind taken in Shepherd'slarge, in the Lea, ib. water, Hoddesdon, lb. best mode of cooking large ones, 80. Rod. See Angle-rod. how to fasten the line to it, 11 how to mend, 32. Rudd, indifferent food, 114; thrive best in ponds, ib. tackle for, ib. Rules, hints, and observations, relative to anghng, 342. Rough Coat. See Cads.
;

Roach, mode of angling

;

Ruff.

See Pope.

Rye-house fishery described, 314.

Salmon-spawn, how preserved for
,

bait, 21.
of,
ib.
;

how

angled for, 156; habits

ib.
;

remarks on, 157

ib.
;

not

known

in

warm

climates,

habits of, and rapid growth,

penalties for taking

and selling them, &c., ib. how caught with the angle, 158. Sand-Eel described, 169. Seats of cork, &c. recommended, 352.
Salt-water Fish,

Scratching for Barbel,

how

practised, 320.

Seven Eyes. See Lampern. Shepherd's-water, on the Lea, described, 314.

Shepperton, fishery
at, described, 314. Shoes, mixture to make them water-proof, 17.". Shotting aline, how done, with a caution, 10, 11. Shrimps, good bait for Perch, &c., how to bait with, 47Shury's subscription-water, on the Lea, described, 328.

381
Skeggar caught by whipping, in the Thames, 312 Salmon, ib.
;

supposed to be young

Smelts, delicious for the table, 149; described, ib.; habits of, t6. ; periods of arrival in the Thames, ib. ; how taken, ib. ; where they used to be abundant, ib. ; name whence derived, ib. ; with observations on their present

scarcity, 150.

Snaring Jack and Pike, how practised, 245. Snapper, how and where caught, 171Sniggling for Eels, how practised worms proper for, 129. how to dye that colour, 6. Sorrel, a colour for single-hair lines, 3 Snowden's, late Sparrey's, Horse an^ Groom, Lea-bridge. See Horse and
; ;

Groom.

Spawn

of Barbel not wholesome, 60. Spearing Eels, how practised, 126.

Staines, fishery at, described, 312.

Stickleback.

See Prickleback. See Fishing round London.

natural, 263.

Stiil-water fishing.

Stone-Loach

See Loach.
;

Stone-fly, artificial, 262

many Jack, Perch, and Pike, 325. Subscription- waters, rules, &c., the annual sum paid, 322. Sunbury, bank-fishing at, 315.
Stort-river contains

Swan and Pike on the Lea, remarks on, 328. Swim, partiality of Anglers for a particular one, 59; anecdote
it, ib.

illustrative of

Summer months,

the time proper for and improper to angle, and why, 301.

Tackle should be examined and repaired during Winter, 337

should be exa-

mined
Tench,

after Fishing, 343.

See fishing-tackle.

but scarce near London baits for, 35 habits of, ib. ; how ib. remarks on, ib. why called the Physician, ib. instance of the forbearance of other Fish towards them, 86, 87. Thames, the river and its fishery described, 311 angling in, when prohibited,
fine Fish,
;

to angle for,

312; when best time to fish in, 321. Thames-Ditton, fishery at, described, 317. Tip-capped float described, 7Trimmers described, how made, how baited, 245. Tripping-bait, what, 98 and how angled with, 99. Trimmer-lines, composition for preserving, 199. Trolling, prefatory remarks thereon, 175; how to bait the gorge-hook, 177; trolling-rods and lines, how to choose and fit, snap-hooks, how to bait, 189 204; how to cast the bait, and kill Jack or Pike, 211 live-bait-fishing, &c.
; ;

&c., 226.

TroUing-lines, composition for preserving, 199.

Trout,

killing

how to angle for, 97 mode of angling for, ib.

;

baits
;

for,

ib.

spinning
ib.

Minnow,

a
;

cross-fishing for, a destructive way, 244

;

hook for Thames,

trolling for represented, 101

ib.
;

habits of,

scarce in the

Lea and

different Trout-streams near

London

described, 104; directions

for baiting a

Minnow

for spinning, artificial devils to be prefcred, 109;

at described, 318.

remarks on Trout, 112. Twickenham, good fishing at; fishery

382

INDEX.

Turbot, how taken with hook and line, 165. Turpin, Mr., sells live-baits for Jack, Trout, and Perch round, 210.

tishing, all the year

Umber

See Grayling. Uxbridge, Trout-fishing

at, 101.

VValtham-abbey, fishery at, described, 328. Walton, fishery at, described, 315. Ware, on the River Lea, 323. Walton, Isaac, the Author's opinion of, and the modern editions of the plete Angler, 111.

Com-

Wasps, maggot
tripping, 284.

of, excellent bait for

Trout, 305

either used at dapping or

See Cricket and Stone-fly. shoe-makers', how used to wax silk for tying on hooks, 30. unfit for angling described, 347, 350. Westminster-bridge, fishery at, described, 320.

Water-cricket

Wax,

Weather proper and

White-house water and fishery described, 331. Whipping, how performed, 288. Wheat, parboiled, a good bait for Roach, 24. Winch, a multiplying one to be preferred, how to fasten
observations thereon.

to the rod, 2, 3, with

Woodcock-fly, 280.

Worms,
them,

useful bait, 296 ; six different sorts, ib. ; how to preserve a stock of, 303 ;

ib.

how to cleanse and keep worms should be carried with

;

you when Roach-fishing, and why, 304. Worms, how procured on the sea-shore, good
York, the
late

bait for Whiting, &c., 154.

Duchess

of,

fond of anghng, 314.

THE E NO-

LO noon:
Printed by D.
S,

Maurice, Fenchurch Slieit,

Books published

hrj

Sherwood

&;

Co. Paternoster- Roz&.

TO TOURISTS.
of ROADS, on an entirely New Plan ; sliewone view, the various Lines of Route leading to any required and the Index so arranged as to enable a direct ; and immediate Reference to any required Route. Price 7s. half-bound ; or, with a complete set of County Maps, 12.s. With Coloured Maps, 15. " This the most useful travelling companion with which we are acquainted. J'he vaiio..s Routes which connect any two places are seen at a sinylv; glance, and any required route, whether it be along the principal or cross Roads, is, r.oin the ..ovol mode adopted ia the book, traced out witU the giealest facit;

HAY'S
in, a(

BOOK

point of Distance

'<

lity." fV/ritv/f Guzettr.

of the ISLE of Ilinslrated by a Map, and 26 Plates of the most beautiful and interesting Views throughout the Island, in imitation of Original Sketches, diuwn and engraved by William Cooke. Second edition, with Improvements. Price 12s. in boards; or in 8vo. with 10 additional Views, 21.;. in bds.

NEW PICTUKE

WIGHT.

iJVANS'S

WALKS

throuorh

WALES;

containing- a
:

Topogra-

phical and Statistical Description of the Principality to which is pretixed, a copious Travelling Guide, exhibiting the direct and the principal Cross-Roads, Inns, Distances of Stages, and Noblemen's Seats. Price Ss. neatly bound Illustrated with Maps and Views. lettered.

&

COOKE'S WALKS throiigh KENT; containing a Topocrraphical and Statistical Description of the County, and of THE ISLE OF THANET in particular. New edition, corrected and improved
by
J.

N. Brewer, Esq.
8s.

Illustrated with several

Views and Mitp.

Price
the

bound.

LEEBLE'S DELINEATIONS
CINQUE PORTS;

of the ISLE of TIIANET and comprising 106 beautiful Engravinffs ,.f in-

teresting objects in the vicinities of Margate, Ramsgate, liroadstairr. Deal, Dover, Hastings, Rye, &c. With Hisirical and Tcpof'-"."phical Descriptions, by E. W. Brayley. Price 1/. 5s. hanfisonielV bound. Another edition on large paper, with Proof impressions cf the Plates, in 2 vols. 8vo. half-bound and lettered, 2i.

WADE'S WALKS
ihe

in corajnising- an account of ; Colleges, Halls, and Public Buildings of the University ; an fntroductory Outline of its Academical History; a concise History of Illustrated by 72 Views, drawn and engraved by the Cit}, &c. Storer. In 2 Volumes. Price 1/. Is. in boards; or on large paper,

OXFORD

1/. 12s.

to BLENHEIM, the Seat of His Grace Ibo op Marlijorough; comprising 6 elegantly-engraved Views, and a Ground Plan of that splendid Edifice, from Drawings by With an Historical Description of the Mansion, and a .J. P. Neale. Catalogue of the Pictures. In royal 8vo. Price %. 6cl.

NEW GUIDE

Duke

COOKE'S GUIDE
<f

inclmiiiii.- u desciiption to the the su. ounding Scenery, the Vales, Mountains, adjacent Towns In a Pocket-Volume, illuslocal Peculiarities, S:c. and Villages, trated with Map and Views. Price 2s. 6d.

LAKES;

^EGAN'S AVALKS

thronoh describiro- eve-y thing; worthy of notice connected with the Public Buildings, Rooms, Concerts, Crescents, Baths, &c. including Visits to Corsham-House, Prior-Park, Bristol Hot-Welis, and Clifton. Illustrated with 21 Engravings, by Storer. Price Ss. bound.

BATH

Boohs pMished h^ Shernood

Co. Patemosier- Rozi\

WALKS

through LONDON and WF.STMTNSTRR, l.v David IIughsox, LL.D. describing every fliino^ worthy of Observa-

tion in the Public Buildings, Places of Entertainment', Kxbibitions^ Illustrated by One Hundred and Twenty Engravings. &c. &c. Price \l. handsomely bound and lettered.

TO CONTINENTAL TI^AVELLEPvS.
A

NEW GUIDE to
bound.

PARIS, from

the latest Observations

heir,tr

altered from the Work entitled ' How to enjoy Paris.' By Petkr Herve. Third Edition, illustrated with Maps and Plates, price IQs.^d.

This Work contains an accurate and criltral Df^srription of the Building's, Autiqaities, Painting's, Tlieatres, Literature, Politics, and Heligion, as welt a9 of tle IVIanners of tlie Inlvabilants ; forining- tlie most coini>i'<'Iieiisive (.-.tide hitlierlo puhlisheil, and calculated for lle entertainint-nt and inloiirtntion of persons who, without visiting^, are desirous of tiecouiug acquain'ed witB the MetroiJolis of France. To which are adjled. Directions for TravelVv!^ ill the least expensive inanm-r, by three different Itoutes ; au Account of the Kuviroiis of Paris ; and a copious Index. The woi k, on the whole, is very amusing, even to a resident in Pari:?, and to a stranger it is highly instructive. liesitate ;iot to pronounce it the best. Guide to Paris extant." Lit. Chron.

We

C'^XSrS
niiities

PICTURE of ITALY; heino- a Guide to tlie Antiand Curiosities of that Classical and interesting Country ; c'ontaining Sketches of Manners, Society, and Customs; also an Itinerary of Distances in post and English miles, the best Inns, &c. wiih a minute Description of Rome, Fiorence, ^^ a pies, and Venice, and their environs. New Edition, with Maps and Plates, price 125, bound.
in

COXE'S TRAVELLER'S GUIDE

5s.

SWITZERLAND
his

pi ice

bound.

GOXE^S GENiTLEMAN'S GUIDE in FRANCE; price 7s. bound. CAMPBELL'S TRAVELLEB'S GUIDE
ar.d

TOUR

throuolj

thronjrh

BELGIUM

HOLLAND

price

7s.

bound.

The'^e Works are all iUustrnted wiih M.-ips, Plans, and Views, and eontairv a particular Acci-ui-.t lit tie Public Buildings, Places of AmuKemeiii. ( uriosities. Tables of Distances and Inns; also Tables of the Value of Money at the different places, and General Directions to Strangers.

BKLLENGER'8 MODERN FRENCH CONYERATIOV

2s. 6d.

containing Elementary Phrases, and New Easy Dialogues, in French and English, upon the most familiar subjects. 'Eighth Edition, price

bound.

BELLENGER'S DICTIONARY
English. price 10s.

of

IDIOMS, Ftench

nnd

Edition, in 8vo. considerably-improved and en.'arged; 6irf. in boards. *.* The Idiom of anv language, as has been frequently remarked, not C(nisists of evanescent 1-seuiff attainable by rules, since it m-ist commonly niceties, which no rules can 5)ossib!y fix or liiid, the present work will l)e found not only useful as a Dictionary of Reference, but highly important to all pyroiis who -tody to speak the Inufruage correctly, and to make themselves acquainted with its critical distinctions. It will also he found particularly task, 4set'ul to younj? studen s. by whom portions of it may be learnt by way of aiid thus the idiom be casi y and progressively acquired.

New

COOKE'S
TOPOGRAPHY OF GREAT BRITAIN;
BRITISH TRAVELLER'S POCKET DIRECTORY;
Beii

an accurate and co-npreheiisive Topoyrrapliical and Slatisiical Description of all the Counties in

ENGLAND, WALES, AND SCOTLAND.

THIS
\

ERT CHEAP AND USEFUL WORK CONTAINS A MINUTE DETAIL OF THE

I

Situation,
Extciii,

Books published hy Sherwood and Co. Pakrnosier-Roiv,

The

NEW LONDON MEDICAL POCKET-BOOK,

ex-

plaining, in Alpliabetical Order, the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Diseases ; (he Properties, Doses, Modes of Preparation, &c. of the principal Medicinal Substances, conformably with the latest Alterations of the Pharmacopoeia ; with an Appendix of Select Prescriptions in Medicine, Surgery, and Midwifery, including the New French Medicines, Poisons, Tests, Antidotes, &c., forming a useful Source of Reference for Junior Practitioners, Clergymen, and Heads of Families. By J . S. Forsyth, Surgeon, Author of the " Natural and Medical Dieteticon," &c. Price 65. boards.

The
One

COTTAGE PHYSICIAN
Shilling.

and

FAMILY ADVISER.

Edited by Dr. Buchan, and the Members of a Private Medical and Phiiosophical Socie. ,. Published on the First of every Month, price

The present Month's Number contains some important Observations on Summer Bathing, Sea Air, and Country Excursions general Remarks on Wells, Waters, and the difterent Watering Places in Eng;

land

lysis of

Directions to be observed in Sea Bathing, ftledicaled Baths, Also Directions for making several Distilled Waters, Anasundry Quack Medicines, Precautions for Hot Weather, and other seasonable Information.
;

&c. &c.

*^* As

^ work of general information and utility, connected with the Duties of Domestic Life, this will be found to embrace a greater extent of subjects than any of its contemporaries. All objectionable matter is expunged from its pages, and nothing inserted that can be considered any ways improper for family perusal.

The ANGLER'S

GUIDE ; beinGf a new, plain, and compU-te Practical Treatise on Angling, deduced from many years' Practice ana Observation. By T. F. Saltkr. Illustrated with numerous new Cuts and Engravings of I ish, Flies, &c., drawn from the Life. New and improved EiJitTon. Price 85. in boards; or on fine royal paper, /f which a few Copies only are printed, 12s.

An EASY

INTRODUCTION

to il:-

SCIENCE

of

ROT ANY,

through the Medium of Familiar Conversation between a Father nnd his Son. By Robert John Thornton, M.D., Lecturer on Botany at Guy's Hospital, and Author of several Works on Botany. In Illustrated with Plates, price 8i\ ; or with the Plates beauI'^jno. tifully coloured after Nature, 12s. in boards.

The BOTANIST'S

a Cataloo-ne of Hardy, Exollr, ; and Indigenous Planis, arranged according to their respective Montlis f Flowering ; and more particularly adapted to the Service of those who cultivate their own Gardens and Pieasure-Ground:^. By Richard Morris, Landscape Gardener and Planter. In 12rao. Price 7*. 6</.
in boards.

MANUAL

EGAN'S SPORTING ANECDOTER.

Edition.

A new and improved

Including numerous Characteristic l^ortralts of Persons in of Life, who have acquired Notoriety from their Achievements on the Turf, at the Table, and in the Diversions of the Field; \\\e whole I'ormin^: a complete Delineation of the Sporting World, Illustrated with (k)loured Plates and numeruns Wood Engravin^n. Price 12s. in boards.

every Walk

V'.i-f.

Vil-i

*m

wm