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 The scientific angler :being a general a 
 
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 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 924001 281 579 
 

 T'E AvTTM.: 
 
THE 
 
 SCIENTIFIC ANGLER, 
 
 BEING 
 
 A GENERAL AND INSTRUCTIVE WORK ON 
 ARTISTIC ANGLING. 
 
 BY THE LATE 
 
 DAVID FOSTER. 
 
 (COMPILED BY HIS SONS.) 
 
 With Illustrations and Steel Engraving of the Author. 
 
 THIRD EDITION. 
 
 Xon5on : 
 
 BEMROSE & SONS, 23, OLD BAILEY ; 
 AND DERBY. 
 
 ASHBOURN: D. & W. H. FOSTER. 
 
 [all rights reserved.] 
 

PREFACE 
 
 TO THE THIRD (ENGLISH) EDITION. 
 
 ' I "HE demand for another issue of the Scientific Angler 
 has given the compilers an opportunity for the 
 further improvement of the work. The additions indicated 
 take the shape of delicately coloured engravings of sixty 
 land and aquatic natural and artificial flies, inclusive of a 
 few " fancy " artificials of repute. 
 
 The art of fly-making has advanced so much of late as to 
 leave little to be desired in point of accuracy of attitude, 
 colour, etc. Angling writers have almost invariably re- 
 frained from placing their artificials and the naturals in 
 juxtaposition. The great improvement that has been 
 
iv PREFACE. 
 
 achieved of late in the development of modern methods 
 of fly-dressing has encouraged the compilers to place the 
 natural and the author's carefully studied copy side by side. 
 The chief distinction is, as a matter of course, the presence 
 of the hook in the artificial. This, it is claimed, however, 
 is practically invisible when placed horizontally, with the 
 wings and legs of the fly perpendicular. The new double 
 hooked flies are constructed on this principle.* Several 
 illustrations are given (see Plates A. and B.) of the new 
 " Invisible " hook as being the latest improvement of 
 importance affecting the fly-fisher. 
 
 Since the publication of our last edition, an American 
 reissue has been published.t The renowned production 
 of the venerable Walton, the Compleat Angler, and the 
 present work are the only English books on Angling 
 that our Transatlantic cousins have deemed worthy of 
 reprinting. 
 
 * This hook, being lightly brazed, is found to maintain its position 
 when floating. It is thus all but invisible in use, whilst the distended 
 wings and legs are boldly outlined on the water's surface. 
 
 t Edited by Wm. C. Harris, Editor of the American Angler, the 
 Journal devoted exclusively to fishing in the U. S. A. 
 
PREFACE. V 
 
 Four years have elapsed since this work was originally 
 published, and since that time four editions have now left 
 the press. We trust this new issue will meet with the 
 appreciation so generously accorded its predecessors. 
 
 COMPLIUS. 
 
 Ashbourn, 1886. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Chapter I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Habits and Haunts op Fish i 
 
 Chapter II. 
 The Habits and Haunts of Fish (^Continued) 30 
 
 Chapter III. 
 Bottom Fishing (General) - 41 
 
 Chapter IV. 
 Bottom Fishing {Continued) - 64 
 
 Chapter V. 
 Bottom Fishing {Continued) , 74 
 
 Chapter VI. 
 Pike Fishing - . 81 
 
 Chapter VII. 
 Spinning for Trout - 94 
 
 Chapter VIII. 
 Worm Fishing for Trout 105 
 
vill CONTENTS. 
 
 Chapter IX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Grub Fishing for Grayling 112 
 
 Chapter X. 
 Piscatorial Entomology 117 
 
 Chapter XI. 
 On Fly Making 140 
 
 Chapter XII. 
 Fly Fishing for Trout and Grayling 167 
 
 Chapter XIII. , ^ 
 
 Live Fly and Beetle Fishing 208 
 
 Chapter XIV. 
 Notes on the Months for Fly Fishing 213 
 
 Chapter XV. 
 Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing 259 
 
 Chapter XVI. 
 Amateur Tackle Making, Etc. .301 
 
 Chapter XVII. 
 About Hooks 329 
 
 Chapter XVIII. 
 Trout Culture 339 
 
The Scientific Angler. 
 
 Chapter I. 
 
 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 Power of Vision, Hearing, etc., possessed by 
 Fish. Periodic Movements and Habits of 
 Salmon, Brown Trout, Charr, Grayling, 
 AND Pike. 
 
 THE habits of fish depend in no small degree 
 on the power of their senses, and to these 
 we will briefly allude before dealing with the 
 subject in detail. The first faculty to claim our 
 attention is that of 
 
 Sight. — The clearness with which a grayling, lying 
 at a depth of eight or ten feet of water, can dis- 
 tinguish a small speck of a midge, invisible almost 
 to the human eye, is often a matter of comment 
 and surprise. All fish, however, are not equally well 
 endowed in this respect ; but it may be safely affirmed 
 that their organs of sight are quite as well adapted 
 to their native element — water — as are those of birds 
 
2 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 and respiratory animals generally to the atmosphere. 
 But, on the other hand, experience tends to prove 
 that the more suited the eye of the fish may be 
 to his particular element, the more indistinct is his 
 vision beyond it. We have an instance of this in 
 the grayling, which, although more cautious and timid, 
 and possessed of keener visual organs than the trout, 
 will rise much nearer the angler, and is not so easily 
 disturbed and affrighted. The inferiority of a fish's 
 perception of objects in the air, as compared with 
 what is in or upon the surface of the water, partly 
 arises from the fact that the eye adapts itself to the 
 medium through which the rays of light are trans- 
 mitted. We have frequently observed the pupil of 
 a fish's eye contract considerably in the course of 
 a second or two after it has been taken from the 
 water, from the same principle which causes the pupil 
 of the eye of the domestic cat to expand or contract 
 as the light diminishes or increases. Observation 
 shows that it is the moving object that frightens the 
 fish. We have seen trout suddenly cease feeding and 
 return to their accustomed retreat upon our merely 
 raising an arm; and when their "holt" has proved to 
 be near the opposite bank, and we have been in full 
 view, in clear relief upon a high bank, on keeping 
 perfectly stationary for fifty to seventy minutes, they 
 have again ventured into the open to take our fly. 
 From a constant repetition of convincing experiments 
 we have been led to infer that the crystalline and 
 various other humours of a fish's eye are capable of 
 reflecting but a vague and distorted image of any 
 
POWER OF VISION. 3 
 
 object that may be even a yard from the water's 
 surface. We have stood over the centre of a stream, 
 upon a narrow plank, placed within a few inches 
 of the surface of the water, perfectly motionless, 
 just as the fish have turned out of their usual haunts 
 to poise near the surface to feed on the flies which 
 have suddenly become plentiful. So long as our per- 
 pendicular position was maintained the fish rose fear- 
 lessly all around to our very feet, but the least 
 movement had the effect of affrighting all the fish 
 in the immediate vicinity. 
 
 But, notwithstanding all this, it must not be for- 
 gotten that the organ of sight is the most important 
 in their possession, and not only their food supply, 
 but their very existence is dependent upon its proper 
 exercise. True it is that constant practice, in a 
 measure, develops their ocular faculties ; and as acute- 
 ness of vision increases the natural timidity of the 
 trout, so surely does he gradually decline surface 
 feeding, preying upon fry and the smaller yearling 
 fish, as also upon the larvae of aquatic insects, etc., 
 thus showing reliance on his greater powers of dis- 
 cernment in his own element. In comparatively clear 
 and still water, the old corpulent denizens of the 
 limpid depths thus exhibit the most provoking dis- 
 cretion, defying frequently the rodster's best efforts 
 to allure. 
 
 The superior power of vision the fish has in its 
 own element is partly due to the fact that light, like 
 sound, on penetrating water suffers an alteration both 
 of the rate of progress and the direction of the 
 
4 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 rays. Refraction enables the fish to see an approach- 
 ing or moving object, even when a projecting bank 
 or overhanging rock or other substance intervenes. 
 Mr. Ronalds illustrates this by a familiar scientific 
 experiment with a coin and vessel of water, by which 
 the former, when placed in the bottom of the latter, 
 is seen at an acute angle, when the side of the vessel 
 intercepts a straight line between the coin and the 
 eye of the spectator. We have known persons who 
 have domesticated trout, being unacquainted with 
 the laws of refraction, who have attributed this to 
 various other causes. 
 
 Sense of Hearing. — That trout are not wholly 
 devoid of this sense is now a well established axiom. 
 There is nothing about the exterior of the head of 
 a fresh-water fish that would indicate that it is pro- 
 vided with an ear. Our leading physiologists and 
 anatomists assert, nevertheless, that fish and other 
 aquatic creatures have the internal organ in a state 
 of perfection. In animals of higher grade the 
 mechanical apparatus of hearing consists of two con- 
 nected portions, external and internal. Fish appear 
 to have the internal part, which is in direct com- 
 munication with the brain. The organs of hearing 
 possessed by terrestrial animals are designed for the 
 reception of the more delicate vibrations of the 
 atmosphere, whilst those of the fish are better adapted 
 to the stronger pulsations of a denser element. Thus, 
 though the inhabitants of the waters are insensible 
 to atmospheric sound, they are very susceptible to 
 vibrations of the earth which are communicated to 
 
VIBRATION IN WATER. 5 
 
 the water, though undistinguishable to us. Who has 
 not observed the terrified agitation of the fish, as far 
 as the eye can penetrate the water, at the least per- 
 ceptible vibration ' caused by a stamp of the foot at 
 the bottom of a punt or boat ? We have frequently 
 ourselves seen fish clear the water altogether in 
 ponds and lakes at a distance of forty yards from the 
 point or focus of concussion. That sound is not 
 communicated only by the external ear may be seen 
 by the following experiment : — Take an ordinary 
 tuning fork, strike it, and take the full volume of the 
 sound quite close to the ear, then strike again and 
 place the handle against or between the teeth, when, 
 though at some distance from the ear, the sound will 
 not be found to be diminished. Vibrations vary in 
 intensity according to the degree of solidity and 
 density of the conductive bodies. Thus, we are told 
 that in the atmosphere sound travels at the rate of 
 something like one thousand feet per second on 
 bright, clear days, but 1,100 in murky, dull, and 
 hazy weather. In water, however, sound travels very 
 much quicker, being at the rate of 5,000 feet per 
 second, and where wood is the medium quicker still, 
 16,000 feet per second being its rate of progress. If, 
 therefore, a solid substance is the conductor of sound, 
 it naturally follows that it will become more distinct. 
 The operator upon the violin has thus a keener per- 
 ception of the various strains of the instrument than 
 the ordinary listener, since wood is the sole conductive 
 body in his case. The organ of hearing being en- 
 closed in the hard case of the head is, in the case of 
 
6 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 fishes, susceptible therefore to no slight variation of 
 sounds ; no noise that does not occasion a vibration 
 of the element which they inhabit reaches them. 
 Thus the effects of approaching heavy foot-falls 
 will be perceived, when a loud acclamation will 
 have no visible effect on them. A learned doctor of 
 divinity, once known to the writer, used to include in 
 his category of angling requisites a gigantic musical- 
 box, which, for bottom fishing, it was supposed, served 
 the double purpose of being a convenient seat and 
 a charming substitute for ground bait. So far as the 
 latter object was concerned, the effect was purely 
 imaginary, as, to the impartial mind, results amply 
 testified. 
 
 We have now dealt with the two chief organs 
 possessed by fish, namely, those of sight and hearing, 
 a knowledge of both of which is highly important 
 to the angler. With regard to the senses of taste 
 and smell, we may briefly state that from what we 
 have been able to ascertain they are very slightly 
 developed ; that of taste we do not believe is possessed 
 in the faintest degree by the majority of fish. Roach, 
 grayling, and the smaller species of delicate organism 
 we have found display fastidiousness in this respect, 
 but the mass of voracious fish we believe to be totally 
 devoid of all sense of it. The nostrils are doubtless 
 the medium by which impurities in the water are 
 detected. Certain it is that such impurities are 
 perceived, and whenever possible avoided, as is 
 plainly exemplified in these days of river pollution. 
 
 Apart from the above causes the movements of 
 
SPAWNING AND FOOD. SALMON. 7 
 
 fish, both migratory and non-migrator)', are generally 
 determined by one of two causes ; first, by the 
 search after suitable places for the deposit of their 
 eggs, a certain temperature of water being necessary 
 to vivify them ; and secondly* by the quest of food. 
 The movements of all animals which feed on living 
 creatures are greatly influenced by the habits of the 
 creatures preyed upon, and fish offer no exception to 
 this rule. We shall now proceed to lay before our 
 reader a comprehensive view ©f what has taken us 
 well nigh 50 years of patient application to acquire, 
 namely, the characteristic habits and movements of 
 andamorous and non-migratory fish, a knowledge of 
 which it is incumbent upon every fisherman to 
 possess.*. 
 
 The Salmon — {Salmo Salary — As is well known, 
 these fish, with other orders of the same family, else- 
 where described, pass a portion of each year in salt 
 water, descending to the sea after they have deposited 
 their spawn on the gravelly beds of the higher por- 
 tions of rivers. The time of migration varies in 
 different waters ; thus we hear of- early and late 
 rivers. The spawning season ranges from March to 
 November. The majority of mature fish ascend and 
 descend at fixed periods, the time chosen generally 
 being during a flood. The early spring floods bring 
 the first and main instalments to the sources of the 
 
 * The compilers of this publication deeply regret their inability, from 
 ihe limit of space at their disposal in the present edition, to publish 
 more than one half of the information given by the author upon the 
 habits of fish, a life history of most of which is given in the original 
 manuscript. 
 
8 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 rivers ; but in the event of these failing, the fish often 
 prolong their stay in salt water bays and in the 
 mouths of rivers until the first rising of water will 
 admit of a passage. There are in most salmon rivers 
 numerous weirs so constructed as to render the pas- 
 sage of fish an impossibility, except during a heavy 
 flood. In waters where these artificial obstructions 
 do not exist, migratory fish pass frequently to and 
 fro, these periodic ascents being doubtless occasioned 
 by the quest of food. For a salmon to remain in 
 good condition for a protracted period in fresh water 
 would appear to be an impossibility. Their ova are 
 vivified and their young flourish in the inland streams, 
 but after attaining a given size their growth stops, 
 and they sicken and die if the passage to salt water 
 is obstructed. The cleansing influence of the marine 
 trip is necessary at least every two years, even when 
 the supply of food in fresh water is ample, which is 
 seldom the case. The freshly run fish may be said 
 to be invariably fat, and in the best possible con- 
 dition, not only in the substance of the flesh, but in 
 the large quantities of adipose matter which is found 
 on the pyloric appendages, which secret store serves 
 as an internal source of sustenance supporting the 
 fish during its summer stay in fresh water, where 
 food is comparatively scarce. 
 
 It is often asserted that andamorous figh will not 
 feed except in salt water, and that their internal • fat 
 sustains them when absent from it. This is most 
 certainly erroneous, as migratory fish are not more 
 given to fast than are any other fresh water species 
 
SALMON IN FRESH WATER. 9 
 
 when food is plentiful. The young of both grayling 
 and trout suffer greatly from the presence of salmon 
 in the tributaries of our rivers, the former particularly 
 are sought after and taken by them. 
 
 A salmon in its young state is commonly called a 
 parr, smolt, smelt, or samlet. When at this stage they 
 rise boldly at the artificial trout-fly, but it is unlawful 
 to take them. The terms for the young of other 
 migratory fish {salmonidce) are scad, shed, black-tip, 
 blue-fin, hipper, etc. When the young of these fish 
 attain a length of about six inches, which they do in 
 from eighteen months to two years from the time of 
 hatching, they descend to the sea, where their stay 
 is, generally speaking, about four months. Upon the 
 first return of the young fish, after a sojourn of about 
 this period, it is commonly termed a grilse or salmon- 
 peal. The term " kelt" is applied to male or female 
 after spawning time, the male being also specially 
 distinguished by the appellation, " kipper." The fish 
 then assume the colour and form of the fully 
 developed fish. With regard to the hard and fast 
 rules usually given for their growth and development, 
 their stay in their native or in salt water, we may 
 state that great variation exists amongst individuals 
 living under the same apparent conditions. The 
 pisciculturist well knows that a portion of every 
 brood or hatch of fish are larger, stronger, and more 
 vigorous than the remainder, and the same thing is 
 exemplified when the fish attain maturity. We 
 cannot endorse the statements of some who affirm, 
 though they never attempted to prove, that the fry 
 
lO THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 mature so quickly and grow so rapidly, when at 
 liberty, as to be able to descend to the sea within 
 twelve months from the hatching period. Of their 
 rapid growth during the marine trip we have had 
 ample proof ; this is perfectly rational, the sea being 
 the feeding ground for the whole family of migratory 
 fish, the abundance of small animalculse therein con- 
 tained forming a never-failing supply to the immi- 
 grants. 
 
 In ascending rivers, salmon usually keep near one 
 side of the bottom of the water, but when their 
 tributaries are being ascended, they take the middle 
 of the swiftest streams. When a stream forms the 
 outlet of a lake, or any sheet of water known to be 
 the annual resort of jiiigratory fish, it is of the most 
 vital importance that no obstruction be erected to 
 arrest their passage. There has been a considerable 
 falling off in the takes of salmon during the last 
 twenty years or so. This may be attributed to three 
 combined causes ; (ist) the erection of weirs and flood 
 gates ; (2nd) river pollution ; (3rd) the depredation 
 of the fungoid growth, termed the salmon disease. 
 
 With regard to the first and second causes here 
 given, we will take the particular case of the Trent. 
 This river was formerly one of the most important 
 for salmon yields in the United Kingdom, and it 
 still ranks next to the Thames for its yields of other 
 fish. The river itself, devoid of tributaries, is of the 
 following extent : — In Lincolnshire, 20 miles ; in 
 Nottinghamshire, 5 S miles ; in Derbyshire, 30 miles ; 
 and in Staffordshire, 40 miles. The tributaries take 
 
HINDRANCE TO SALMON BY WEIRS. II 
 
 their rise at 1,500 to 1,900 feet above the sea level, 
 and are pure. They extend as follows : — The Dove 
 and Churnet, 63 miles ; Wye and Derwent, 6^ miles ; 
 the Soar and Wrecke (Leicestershire), 65 miles ; the 
 Idle, 45 miles ; the Blythe and Anker, 35 miles ; the 
 Terme, 25 miles ; the Tame, 25 miles ; the Erewash, 
 Sow (Staffordshire), and Devon river, each 20 miles. 
 The whole of the above streams, owing to the rapid 
 fall in most cases, and the purity and cool tempera- 
 ture of their waters, were the annual resort of salmon 
 and other migatory fish in immense numbers a few 
 generations back. What do we find to be the case 
 to-day ? The salmon are debarred from ascending 
 even the main river, except during heavy floods, by 
 senselessly contrived weirs at different points, and 
 with the same exception, the passage up the Derwent 
 is entirely shut off by weirs below Derby. In 
 respect to the Dove, being swift and of excessively 
 rapid fall, it was originally the favourite resort of 
 Trent salmon, many of which would ascend as high 
 as Dovedale. There are some four or five weirs that 
 are rendered passable only when the river is bank- 
 full, after a very heavy shoot of water from the hills, 
 until Rocester is reached, where there is situated a 
 weir that is impassable at all times from its peculiar 
 construction. All this may seem strange to those of 
 our readers who have been led to imagine that the 
 natural buoyancy and strength of andamorous fish 
 enables them to overcome both ordinary and extra- 
 ordinary difficulties in the way of impediments to 
 their upward course. It is, nevertheless, the fact 
 
12 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 that salmon are to be annually seen for weeks and 
 even months vainly trying to ascend an obstruction, 
 known to be an effectual bar to their upward progress, 
 until finally they deposit their spawn at the point 
 where the passage is arrested, whether suitable or not. 
 Salmon leap to a great height to surmount a cascade 
 or perpendicular fall, but the long slanting weirs are 
 not to be stemmed when they exceed a given length 
 and angle. 
 
 But to return. *The Tame is now polluted to 
 such an extent that even pike fail of late to flourish 
 in it. The main river, too, is now also polluted so 
 as to admit only of the presence of fresh run migra- 
 tory fish when flooded by its tributaries. Thus, out 
 of 575 rniles of water only a very few can be acces- 
 sible to the salmon as spawning ground. It will, 
 therefore be seen that, taking the noble Trent 
 as a type, salmon in English waters, unless more 
 urgently looked to by the district conservators and 
 other responsible bodies, will soon be a thing of the 
 past. 
 
 The fungoid disease, named as the third cause of 
 the falling off of the product of salmon in our 
 largest and most important rivers, is most disastrous 
 in its results, and when it attacks the fish in the spring 
 or early summer months its depredations are great. 
 Owing to the circumstance of its being unknown to 
 salt water, the gradual growth of fungus over the 
 fish is speedily arrested, and finally cleansed away 
 
 * This has been corroborated by the evidence given at a recent 
 inquiry instigated by the Trent Fishery Board of Conservators. 
 
SALMON DISEASE. TROUT. 1 3 
 
 when the fish leave the rivers. This fungoid growth, 
 so detrimental to the well being and life of fish, has 
 been termed the salmon disease, which is anything 
 but a correct appellation, seeing that its deadly effects 
 are often even more marked in the case of trout and 
 other fish. This disease is a choleraic disorder, and 
 we are told owes its immediate origin to animal or 
 vegetable substances, one or both, in a state of 
 poisonous decomposition in the water. Effectual 
 remedies there would appear to be none. The only 
 safe and efficient remedial course would appear to be 
 to avoid river pollution, and thus purify instead of 
 putrify water containing fish. Occasionally, however, 
 this deadly disorder is found to be rife in waters that 
 cannot have been polluted by any of the numerous 
 impurities to which the waters of populated districts 
 are exposed, and in these instances it may be assumed 
 that the presence of decaying vegetable substances 
 is owing to protracted, unhealthy weather. 
 
 Salmon frequent only the northern and temperate 
 parts of the earth. It is a noteworthy fact that the 
 inhabitants of the more southern latitudes, when 
 mature, are much inferior both as regards size and 
 gameness of disposition — this at least in the eastern 
 hemisphere — than those of colder regions. In Nor- 
 way these fish are capable of attaining a prodigious 
 size and weight, 80 to 90 lbs. occasionally ; whilst 
 in the waters of Britain, the adult fish very rarely 
 attain to one half that weight. 
 
 The Common Trout — {Salmo Fario) — For 
 variety of size, colour, and disposition, the brown or 
 
14 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 common trout may be said to eclipse all other species. 
 Every loch and river, and almost every tributary, has 
 its variety. The geological formation of the bed of 
 the river, the aquatic vegetation, and the quality and 
 description of the food obtained by the fish, have 
 much to do with this variation. No fish can be said 
 to be so widely distributed, or so capable of affording 
 more variety of sport, from the lordly Thames fish to 
 the game little denizens of the Devon streams. Trout 
 will flourish in almost all waters capable of sustaining 
 fish, but their chosen resorts are rapid, clear mountain 
 streams ; the jostling waters of which, foaming amidst 
 fragments of rock, whirling and surging in their rapid 
 course, form numerous cascades and caverned banks. 
 Such are the favourite haunts of the trout. The 
 merest rill of clear and rapid water will often contain 
 vast quantities of these fish, when from its appearance 
 it would be deemed incapable of sustaining a single 
 fin. Under shelving banks and submerged substances, 
 amongst roots of trees bordering the banks of the 
 streams, trout secrete themselves when not on ithe 
 feed. A casual observer may ofttimes affirm a length 
 upon a noted trout stream to be wholly devoid of fish 
 after a careful and prolonged inspection along its 
 banks, when the subsequent appearance of surface 
 food will prove the water to be alive with them, and 
 they rtiay as suddenly disappear upon the insects 
 leaving the water's surface to secrete themselves 
 before an impending atmospheric change. In some 
 districts trout spawn in winter, in others in October 
 and November, or in December ; and elsewhere in 
 
PERIODIC MOVEMENTS OF TROUT. 15 
 
 January and in February, or in March.* The precise 
 time depends also in a measure on the prevailing state 
 of the weather and water. In the close season, trout 
 leave the larger streams, ascending the brooks and 
 rivulets, in the gravelly bottoms of which they deposit 
 their spawn. When this operation is effected they 
 disperse to their wonted haunts, the tails of currents, 
 lying for the most part above and below pools and 
 slow running deeps, behind any impediment to the 
 running water, such as thick piles and sunken timber. 
 As they get into condition they move to stronger 
 water, occasionally for this purpose ascending brooks 
 whose waters may be turbulent and strong to their 
 very source. Here they linger by the edges of 
 streams that flow into the throats of the pools, and 
 at this period rise boldly and unsuspectingly for a 
 time, and are then to be allured by the novice in a 
 comparatively easy manner. After the lapse of a 
 iew short weeks, as the water and weather become 
 clearer and brighter, the trout grow cautious, where 
 heavily fished over, they having now entirely recovered 
 their customary vigour, and with it their beauty of 
 form and colour. They now take up their old posi- 
 tions, vacated prior to the commencement of the 
 spawning season. These are chosen as vantage 
 ground for food, the largest fish occupying the best 
 feeding ground, and when one of these has been 
 
 * The close season, as by law established, is from the 2nd of October 1 
 to the 1st of February following, both inclusive. Bye-laws are, how- • 
 ever, framed to meet exceptional cases : "The close season for salmon 
 ranges, from the ist of September to the 1st of February following, but 
 it is lawfiil to take salmon up to the 1st of November with the rod and 
 
l6 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 extracted the next best fish in the immediate 
 vicinity takes possession of the vacated post. These 
 fish will often fight desperately for a favourable situa- 
 tion, hence it is that the larger tenant the best posi- 
 tions. Near circulating eddies, behind large stones, 
 in side and mid-stream, below jutting portions of 
 banks, etc., ever near the main volume of water, and 
 the perpetuated line of bubbles wherever it may 
 tend, the trout lie assiduously observant of passing 
 objects, whether in or on the top of the water. 
 
 When a quantity of flies are " up " in rapid water, 
 the fish poise themselves near the surface, the more 
 readily to close upon their winged prey ; but, upon 
 the other hand, when no surface food is presented to 
 their view, they are quick to seize adventurous fry of 
 their own or any other species, without distinction. 
 In the latter half of May their attention is generally 
 attracted and absorbed by the then active grub or 
 pupa of the May-fly or drake, and as these nymphae 
 are, generally speaking, numerous in the waters fre- 
 quented by trout, the fish are seldom found rising 
 at this particular period. In about a week or ten 
 days from the first signs of activity, the pupae referred 
 to vacate their case and rise to the water's surface, 
 when, after emerging from yet another skin, they 
 appear in their subimago state as green drakes. The 
 fish, not comprehending the change, continue to feed 
 upon the undeveloped worm for a few days, until the 
 now profusely laden surface allures them from the 
 river's bed, and monopolises their whole attention 
 during the stay of the May fly, which is usually 
 
CANNIBAL PROPENSITIES OF LARGE TROUT. 1/ 
 
 prevalent from 17 to 20 days. By the time the 
 season of the drake terminates, the fish have so 
 regaled themselves upon this lusty ephemeral that 
 for a week or so they find it incumbent upon them to 
 retire to the deep still water, to doze off" the eff"ect of 
 the excess, after which they again resort to their 
 accustomed posts, which are not forsaken until the 
 spawning season again comes round, except when 
 forced to retreat in the face of what in Highland 
 phraseology is called a heavy " spate,'' when, par- 
 ticularly in hilly districts, the water rises and the 
 stream becomes " bank-full," to overflow in a few 
 hours ; not only is the force of the current too strong, 
 but the water is generally too thick in mid-current 
 to admit of the movement of the fish. In these 
 circumstances the quiet corners and side eddies, no 
 matter if quite out of the usual water-course, are the 
 resort of not only trout, but all other species that 
 may inhabit the water. The whole congregate in 
 places of comparative safety when danger threatens, 
 the minnows with the trout, the pike with the 
 gudgeon. When trout reach . a more than ordinary 
 size they disdain surface food. At twilight, and even 
 later in the hot months, however, they will rise at the 
 large moths, but are not to be allured to the surface 
 by small flies. When over two pounds weight the 
 flesh assumes a beautiful red tint, not unlike that of 
 a well conditioned salmon, but when they much 
 exceed that weight they do incalculable harm to the 
 water they inhabit by greedily devouring the small 
 half-grown fish. They occasionally attain a pro- 
 c 
 
1 8 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 digious size, five and six pounds being not altogether 
 uncommon. But although a trout may reach this 
 weight, he does not long retain it, for within a 
 comparatively brief period all the store fish within 
 a hundred yards of his haunt will have disappeared, 
 and the cannibal who has thus depopulated it will 
 diminish quickly in flesh, showing a gaunt head and 
 rakish-looking frame as the result of the scarcity of 
 food ; for, strange as it may appear, the veteran trout 
 seldom forsakes his chosen haunt, even to appease 
 hunger's keen pangs. Fish of this description should 
 be destroyed. At twilight they will frequently come 
 boldly at the minnow. At mid-day it is of little use 
 angling for them, as the tackle must then necessarily 
 be fine to get them to face it, and when this is the case 
 it is unequal to the task of holding them when hooked. 
 In large rivers the existence of hybrids in certain 
 of the first sub-genus group of salmonidce is by no 
 means infrequent, the non-migratory fish interbreed- 
 ing with the migratory, producing tidal or slob trout, 
 and other varieties, which occasionally attain consider- 
 able dimensions. The common trout in certain waters 
 sometimes attains a large size, notably in the Irish 
 Loughs, those of Lough Neagh frequently scaling i8 to 
 20 lbs. Thames fish are occasionally taken weighing 
 in the teens of pounds, but such captures are few, 
 and we regret to have to add, are becoming yearly 
 more infrequent, notwithstandiug the instalments 
 from High Wycombe and other sources. Kingston, 
 Shepperton, and Chertsey were years ago the best 
 localities for these, fish, and, therefore, the chief 
 
THE GILLAROO. CHARR. IQ 
 
 resorts of the anglers. More recently Sunbury, Wey- 
 bridge, Maidenhead, and Marlow Weir have become 
 the favourite places. 
 
 The Gillaroo* Trout of Ireland is another 
 large variety. In their native lakes they attain fre- 
 quently four or five pounds weight, but when intro- 
 duced into other waters they often much exceed that 
 weight. This variety affords much excellent sport 
 when hooked, even when small. It is scarcely advis- 
 able, however, to introduce this large variety into 
 ordinary trout streams, as the effects in all probability 
 would be similar to those following the introduction 
 of bass in the American trout rivers, the original 
 stock gradually disappearing. Large fish invariably 
 require an enormous amount of food to enable them 
 to grow and flourish, and should never be introduced 
 into water which will not afford the necessary supply. 
 
 Charr and Pollan {Coregonus). — Both these fish 
 are extremely local. The first named are found in 
 large lakes, the deepest parts of which they frequent. 
 Like trout, they vary in different waters, chiefly how- 
 ever in colour, which is often most brilliant when 
 they have been freshly taken, the fiery red breast 
 being then marvellously vivid. The torgock, or 
 Welsh charr, is perhaps the most conspicuously 
 coloured. It is found in Llanberis and other lakes 
 in the north of Wales. It is smaller than those of 
 Windermere and other northern lakes, its average , 
 
 * So-called from the structural arrangements of the stomach, which 
 is usually as large as a chicken's, in formation resembling the gizzard of 
 the bird known as the gillaroo. 
 
20 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 length being 13 to 15 inches. The charr is strictly a 
 northern fish, and flourishes much better in lakes fed 
 by underground springs at some elevation than in 
 shallow and low-lying waters. The lakes and lochs 
 chiefly noted for these fish in England, Ireland, and 
 Scotland, are Windermere, Ennerdale, Buttermere, 
 Wast- Water, in the north of England ; Lough En- 
 niskillin, Lough Eske, Lough Dan, Lough Melvin, 
 Lough Killin, and Corr in Ireland ; Lochs Grannoch, 
 Roy, and Awe in Scotland ; and Lake Helier in 
 Hoy, in the Orkneys. From their habit of seeking 
 the seclusion of the very deepest water during the 
 greater part of the year, they are seldom taken by 
 the sportsman, although bold risers at the fly. Occa- 
 sionally they are excessively shy, and are not to be 
 approached within a considerable distance when sur- 
 face feeding. The contents of their stomachs when 
 taken generally consist of aquatic and aerial insects, 
 and the small fish known as the stickleback, which 
 latter form their principal food. This fact failed to 
 attract our notice until the year 1862, when we were 
 fishing upon the Awe, in Argyleshire, at different 
 periods during a visit of four months. We had 
 observed a succession of bubbles appearing upon 
 the water's surface for an instant, and having never 
 succeeded in raising a fish in immediate proximity, 
 we concluded that they were caused by an escape of 
 gas or air from the bottom of the water. After a 
 while there came a day when the momentary bubbles 
 were exceptionally numerous, though they never oc- 
 curred near the boat. This circumstance did not 
 
FOOD AND HAUNTS OF CHARR. 21 
 
 escape us, and we put up a cast of brown trout flies, 
 in lieu of the larger salmon fly we had previously 
 been using, and these we succeeded in casting in the 
 midst of a rising of bubbles, and this time not in 
 vain, for the next instant we not only had a rise 
 but a hooked fish, which eventually proved to be a 
 charr of the northern species, and was found to be 
 gorged with small sticklebacks. Subsequent expe- 
 rience proved that the eruption referred to was 
 simply a shoal of these tiny fish clearing the water 
 in their frantic and futile endeavours to elude their 
 enemies. The fish here spoken of was sent to the 
 proprietor, Colin Campbell, Esq., of Loch Nell, as we 
 were informed that the existence of charr in the loch 
 was unknown and unsuspected. We were afterwards 
 assured that such was the case by the proprietor, who 
 wished to know the precise fly that had allured the 
 specimen forwarded. Since then, charr have been 
 regularly taken in their proper season. Charr come 
 into shallow waters to spawn during the autumn 
 often running into the lake feeders to perform this 
 operation, when nets are frequently illegally used for 
 their destruction. Charr are classed with trout under 
 the new Fresh Water Fishery Acts, and the close 
 time is therefore the same. The POLLAN, or 
 POWAN, are confined to the Irish lakes, Lough 
 Neagh being especially noted for these fish ; Lough 
 Erne, and Loch Lomond, too, are stocked with 
 them. They feed, like the charr, upon the fly and 
 other aquatic insects, etc. The prevailing colour is 
 silvery grey, the head and back being bluish brown. 
 
22 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 They spawn in December and January, and afford 
 good sport during the genial months to the angler. 
 
 The Grayling [Thymallus Vulgaris). — This is a 
 much more fastidious and delicate fish than the trout ; 
 and, although it abounds to profusion in some streams, 
 yet it is very local when compared with the trout. 
 Both Scotland (excluding the Tweed, Clyde, and the 
 Orkneys) and Ireland are graylingless ; neither do 
 rhey occur in Wales, except in the border streams. 
 They require a peculiar combination of favourable 
 surroundings to enable them to flourish and locate 
 permanently, when introduced into strange streams. 
 A moderate temperature of water is requisite for their 
 well-being, and a succession of stream and still deeps. 
 They generally frequent the lower portions of trout 
 streams in hilly districts ; a fair volume of water, too, 
 is essential, as, when there flows less than two tons or 
 thereabouts per minute, grayling descend to a lower 
 point, where their needs in this respect are satisfied. 
 The bottoms of our best grayling rivers usually 
 consist of an alternate mixture of loam, marl, sand, 
 and gravel. The brown trout, in his habits of 
 migration, penetrates still further up stream to more 
 rapid water. The grayling, on the other hand> 
 more generally descends to slower running waters ; 
 still, there is little doubt that this fish would thrive in 
 many waters in which it is at present unknown. 
 Grayling are, to a certain extent, gregarious, generally 
 frequenting the stills, even when surface feeding. It 
 is owing to this fact that they are given to rise nearer 
 the rodster than the trout, ascending often from the 
 
GRAYLING — SPAWNING AND GROWTH. 23 
 
 deepest part of the river to seize a passing insect. 
 Although, when top food is plentiful, these fish rise 
 boldly and continuously, they, especially when the 
 water is slightly discoloured, are very partial to the 
 larvas of water-flies, wasps, maggots, cabbage grubs, 
 etc., as they are also to any imitation of these. 
 
 Grayling grow rapidly in comparison with other 
 salmonidcs, the young attaining several inches in size 
 in a very few months. They spawn usually in April 
 and May. By October or November, the fry are 
 little larger than a minnow,* and are then termed 
 " pink" grayling. The summer following they average 
 four to the pound, and are then known as "shote" 
 fish. About two years from the time of hatchirig 
 they attain about half a pound, by which time the 
 - ova is matured, but not before. The half-pound fish 
 takes the name of grayling. The fish is in the very 
 zenith of health and vigour from October to January. 
 When in perfect condition they are almost black upon 
 the back, which contrasts prettily with the silver- 
 grey and pure white of the bosom. The dorsal fin, 
 which is immensely large in this variety of salmonidce, 
 is faintly tipped with a ruddy hue. In reference to 
 the habits of the grayling much diversity exists in 
 current literature bearing upon this subject, as the 
 following brief quotations will .show : — 
 
 *Sir Humphrey Davy affirmed that the ova of a fish hatched in April 
 attains the weight of half a pound, or even 10 oz., by the following 
 October. This we cannot endorse. Since the days of this eminent 
 modern philosopher infinitely greater facilities for observation have 
 been afforded by the artificial batching and rearing of fish, pisciculture 
 having afforded reliable testimony as to the times of growth and sexual 
 development. 
 
THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 " Early in spring gray- 
 ling ascend the rivers, 
 where they remain till 
 autumn, and then return 
 to their former element." 
 — Donavon. 
 
 " Grayling are found in 
 the North Sea, Cattegat, 
 and Baltic." — Nilsson. 
 
 " He is a fish that lurks 
 very close all the winter, 
 but is very pleasant and 
 jolly after mid- April, in 
 the hot months." — Wal- 
 ton. 
 
 " They delight in rivers 
 that glide through moun- 
 tainous places, and are 
 met with in the clearest 
 and swiftest of those 
 streams ." — Mackintosh. 
 
 " The grayling is the 
 deadest-hearted fish in 
 the world." — Cotton. 
 
 "The grayling passes 
 its time entirely in fresh 
 water, and I cannot un- . 
 derstand how Donavon — 
 whose figure, bad as it is, 
 shows itself to be this fish 
 — says it is migratory." — 
 Haughton. 
 
 " I have proved that 
 grayling will not bear 
 even a brackish water 
 without dying." — Davy. 
 
 " Grayling are best in 
 season in autumn and 
 winter ; indeed, they 
 should not be taken till 
 August, and all caught 
 before that period should 
 be returned." — Francis. 
 
 " They cannot stem 
 rapid streams, and are 
 gradually carried lower 
 and lower, and at last 
 disappear." — Shipley and 
 Fitzgibbon. 
 
 " The grayling is an 
 excellent fish for sport." 
 — Ronalds. 
 
MOVEMENTS OF GRAYLING. 2$ 
 
 The juxtaposition of these extracts shows how 
 many inaccuracies and fallacies are diffused by those 
 who profess to be the teachers of truth. 
 
 The quotations to the right are accurate in detail, 
 as grayling fishers of experience will concede. The 
 annual movements of these fish occur in much the 
 same way as those of the trout, with the exception of 
 the one being in condition in the cold season and the 
 other in the most genial part of the year. In the 
 spawning season (April and May) they repair to the 
 broad shallows, where the water-course widens, and the 
 gravelly bottom is plainly apparent. Here they lie 
 in shoals, and, before the national law prohibited the 
 practice, sacrilegious work was often perpetrated with 
 the net by the poaching fraternity, who, unfortunately, 
 are much better acquainted with the habits of their 
 quarry than is generally credited. After the sexual 
 functions have been in due course accomplished, they 
 seek the best feeding positions vacant, near the sides 
 and at the tails of sharp streams, where they lie at 
 the bottom, ever on the look out for what the stream 
 may bring down, such as the larvae of the several 
 orders of large water flies and other aquatic insects — 
 the water-spider and freshwater shrimps (Gammarus 
 aquaticus). The grayling, though a delicately orga- 
 nized fish, nevertheless possesses a strong stomach, 
 superior to that of the trout, which enables it to 
 digest insects inhabiting shell-like cases, and other 
 molluscous food. After their health has been some- 
 what restored by a short location here, the approach 
 of the hot months drives them to the seclusion of the 
 
26 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 deepest water, near the bottom of which they lie, 
 where the heat is less felt. We believe this to be the 
 main secret as to the suitable water and locality for 
 these fish, as in these days of artificial propagation 
 and experimental ventures in the transportation of 
 fish, it has been often observed that when the water 
 is not adapted for the peculiarities of this fish, they 
 have invariably descended at the approach of warm 
 weather, never to reascend. There are many waters 
 that do not at present contain grayling, that are per- 
 fectly adapted to their peculiarities. Streams having 
 lime spring sources are found to be particularly 
 suited to these delicate fish. In the Canadian lakes 
 the trout lie, whenever the weather is oppressive, in 
 masses near the cool springs, especially when these 
 are situated at the bottom of the water. Grayling in 
 this country are found to flourish in similar situations, 
 but in more genial climes they cannot be preserved, 
 being a northern fish. In early autumn they leave 
 the still deeps and congregate upon the lower run- 
 ning streams, where the water is from three to four 
 feet deep. Here, in the wake of piles encumbered 
 with sticks, etc., they sport in company, and are to be 
 allured by fancy artificials, even when there are no 
 flies on the water At this period they afibrd really 
 excellent sport when fished for by the sunk fly, as 
 well as by the other methods of angling for them, 
 described elsewhere. As the year advances the 
 vitality and vigour of the grayling increases, and by 
 the time the sharp frosts of winter set in, whenever 
 the water is in fit condition, they afford exceptionally 
 
SPAWNING OF PIKE. 27 
 
 good sport. Grayling often attain a large size ; they 
 are frequently taken from two to four pounds in the 
 rivers most noted for them, which are as follows : — 
 the Avon, Itchen, and Test, in Hampshire ; the 
 Dove, Wye, and Derwent, in the Midlands ; the Aire 
 and Swale, in Yorkshire, and the Lugg and Teme. 
 This fish has recently been turned into the Clyde 
 and Tweed, where it appears to flourish. 
 
 Pike frequent the more shallow portions of the 
 water when they are in quest of food, as also for 
 spawning purposes. The smaller fish naturally 
 throng to the thinner waters for better security, and 
 the larger fish of prey lurk in their vicinity, as the 
 vicious dog-fish do near the herring shoals, upon the 
 shelving strand. Pike also love to be concealed in 
 weed beds, amongst ,the friendly shades of water 
 plants, from which they pounce upon their unsuspect- 
 ing prey. In rivers and running water, like trout, 
 they generally take up an advantageous position 
 before a jutting portion of the river's bank, or in a 
 deep curl of water at a sudden bend. These places 
 are favourite haunts, and are sure to be tenanted by 
 either large or small fish. In both winter and sum- 
 mer the pike is a solitary and unsocial fish. They 
 spawn in the spring, April and May being the usual 
 months, but the spawning period varies with the 
 locality to a certain extent. As pairing time ap- 
 proaches they repair to creeks, side-ditches, back- 
 waters, etc., and in the case of lakes and ponds to 
 the seclusion afforded by weed and reed beds. In 
 the fall of the year the wanderers congregate in a 
 
28 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 social sort of way, in the still and deepest parts of 
 the water, or in some favourite nook which may have 
 been an annual place of assembly since it was origi- 
 nally formed. The ova of the pike hatch quickly, 32 
 or 33 days being the period. Their fry are also of 
 rapid growth. In the pickerel and jack stage they 
 devour enormous quantities of food, if favourable. 
 At a very early stage their vicious propensities are 
 exemplified. We once placed three pickerel, scaling 
 from 2 to 3j lbs., in a small pond, in which had been 
 turned some four score store fish, the majority being 
 carp of small size, the remainder tench and perch. 
 Upon being netted at the end of the year, there was 
 not a single carp in the pond ; two-thirds of the perch 
 were left, as were also a few of the tench. The 
 pickerel had meanwhile developed into respectable 
 pike, scaling 5f to 6^ lbs. weight. Belief in the an- 
 cient doggerel, anent the natural propagation of pike, 
 eels, and other fish, from the pickerel weed, chopped 
 horse-hair, etc., it is said is not as yet fully dispelled 
 amongst the lower agricultural orders in some parts 
 of Scotland, and in several English counties. 
 
 Walton, who invariably quotes the German natu- 
 ralist, Gesner, upon the natural history of fresh- 
 water fish, instead of relying solely upon his own 
 personal investigations, affirms his belief in these 
 and kindred superstitions, characteristic of our 
 forefathers. The same absurd nonsense is credited 
 in the Piscatory Eculogies, where we find the 
 following : — 
 
OLD DELUSIONS. 29 
 
 " Say, canst thou tell how worms of moisture breed, 
 Or pike are gendered of the pickrel weed ? 
 How carp without the parent seed renew, 
 Or slimy eels are form'd of genial dew ? " 
 
 To indulge in day-dreams about the abnormal in- 
 stincts and habits of animalia, would appear to be 
 characteristic of the speculative naturalist of past 
 ages, vague theories being treated as solid facts, and 
 so set forth for the acceptance of credulous readers. 
 
30 
 
 Chapter II. 
 
 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 The Barbel, Carp, Tench, .Bream, Roach, 
 Dace, Gudgeon, Chub, Eel, Pope or Ruffe. 
 
 THE Barbel {Barbus Vulgaris) is a gregarious 
 fish. It spawns in May and the beginning of 
 June, and is found in the sluggish parts of slow- 
 running streams. It not unfrequently attains a 
 weight of I o or 12 lbs., and specimens are occasionally 
 taken measuring 3 feet in length. Its fins, especially 
 the pectoral, are exceptionally large, and by their 
 aid it can breast the most powerful currents, and is, 
 moreover, capable of affording good sport to the 
 angler, owing to its excessive pertinacity of life and 
 strength. The Thames and Trent are the best rivers 
 for this fish. It is rather local in this country, but is 
 occasionally found abundant in the waters of low- 
 lying counties. Large barbel are most prevalent 
 about Shepperton, Walton, and Weybridge upon 
 the Thames, where they have been taken scaling 
 15 or 16 lbs, or more. They abound in the Trent for 
 many miles about and below Nottingham. During 
 the hot months, after spawning (which operation is 
 effected amongst weeds, roots, etc., around which 
 substances they entwine the ova in a rope-like form) 
 
BARBEL. CARP. 3 1 
 
 they seek deep slow-running streams, near the bottom 
 of which they lie. A cold climate does not appear 
 to suit the barbel. In more southern latitudes, as in 
 the Danube and the Rhine, it is said to occasionally 
 reach 50 or even 60 lbs. In Scotland this fish does 
 not appear at all. With the advent of frosty weather 
 in the fall, they leave the still deeps and holes, and 
 may be found at the bends of rivers, near bridges, 
 flood-gates, locks, and weirs, which form their haunts 
 during the winter season. Here they are often taken, 
 in favourable circumstances, in heavy quantities by 
 practical adepts. The mouth of the barbel is situate 
 much lower than is the case with most fish. It is a 
 flat-stomached fish, with a hog- shaped head and 
 snout. The fore-barbs, or wattles, attached to the 
 end of the latter, and appended to the corners of the 
 mouth, are plentifully encompassed by nerves, which 
 serve as feelers to the fish whilst foraging amongst 
 gravel, etc., in the bed of the water. It belongs to 
 the carp family, and is noted for its subtlety and 
 wiliness. Barbel are in the best condition in August 
 and September. 
 
 Carp {Cyprinus Carpid) do not thrive in northern 
 latitudes. Like the barbel, they attain much greater 
 dimensions in temperate and southern climes. It is 
 supposed by some that the whole carp family are not 
 indigenous to this country, which may be very 
 probable ; but nothing is certainly known of the 
 period or source of their original introduction. The 
 naturalist Linnaeus affirms that carp were first brought 
 to England about the year 1600, but this assuredly 
 
32 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 is erroneous, as in Dame Juliana Berner's book on 
 angling, published in 1496, we have the following 
 mention of the carp :— " It is a dayntious fysshe, but 
 there bene but faue in Englond, and thereforce I 
 wryte the lesse of hym." 
 
 The carp is a vegetarian, feeding upon the more 
 tender parts of aquatic plants, and the growth of algae 
 and fungus with which aquatic vegetation is often 
 overspread. Insects and larvas also are taken by 
 them. Where carp run large they are anything but 
 " dayntious," as any vegetable garbage and refuse 
 will be eagerly and voraciously devoured by them 
 when cast within their reach. 
 
 In the winter season carp lie partially buried in the 
 mud at the bottom of the lakes and ponds in which 
 they delight. Their ova becomes matured about 
 June ; they deposit their spawn upon weeds, etc. 
 These fish have the curious habit of emitting but a 
 small part of their eggs at once ; thus, they are taken 
 for some months containing more or less mature 
 spawn, the male fish having a similar characteristic. 
 The carp, like most leather-mouthed fish, have teeth 
 in the throat — these, in the instance of the common 
 carp very much resemble the molar teeth of a 
 quadruped. They are very long lived, and many 
 remarkable instances of this are recorded. There 
 are many varieties of these fish now common in this 
 country. The Crucian and Prussian variety are 
 abundant in many waters. These are much shorter 
 and more plate-like in form than the ordinary carp. 
 
 Tench [Tinea Vulgaris), like carp, flourish best in 
 
TENCH. BREAM. 33 
 
 weedy ponds or deep pits, and though in very 
 sluggish rivers they may take up their quarters upon 
 some quiet reach, they are seldom found abundant in 
 these situations. In the winter months these fish lie 
 dormant in the mud at the bottom of the water, as 
 we have already stated to be the case with the carp ; 
 indeed, the main habits and instincts correspond 
 closely with those just ascribed to the carp. The 
 chief points of distinction are that the tench possesses 
 greater powers of suction, is considerably less in size 
 (seldom attaining more than 6 or 7 lbs. in our 
 home waters), and is inferior in cunning. The body 
 of the tench is abundantly supplied with mucous, 
 which is generally supposed to have medicinal pro- 
 perties. This would be difficult to prove, and we very 
 much doubt whether it ever has been satisfactorily 
 established. Both carp and tench are eminently 
 tenacious of life, and able to breathe with the most 
 meagre supply of oxygen. The young of both fish 
 are also of marvellously quick growth where food is 
 plentiful, and the surroundings are favourable to their 
 well-being. The golden variety of tench, now 
 acclimatised here, is being artificially bred and dis- 
 tributed upon an extensive scale. 
 
 Bream {Abramis bramd) abound to profusion in 
 many of our lakes, rivers, and canals, as also in small 
 confined sheets of water throughout the land. There 
 are two principal British varieties of these fish, viz , 
 the common or carp bream, and the white bream, or 
 breamflat. There are numerous hybrids among 
 bream, as, indeed, is the case with the whole carp 
 
 D 
 
34 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 tribe. These are occasionally taken for new varieties, 
 and new species. In early morning, with the first 
 gleam of the sun in the east, the bream, in common 
 with most fish of like order, are to be observed play- 
 fully gambolling and turning over, so that their most 
 frequent haunts are easily discernible to the early 
 riser. When a bream suddenly descends from near 
 the surface of the water, unlike any other fish, it 
 causes bubbles to appear upon the water immediately 
 above it. This must be owing to its peculiar 
 formation. It probably emits a certain portion of 
 oxygen by the exertion. The teeth of the bream, 
 as with other aquatic vegetarians, are in the throat, 
 there being, in the case of the common bream, a 
 series of five upon each bone, a double complement 
 of these being possessed by the white variety. Bream 
 spawn in July. They always frequent the deepest 
 parts of the water they inhabit, and are fond of 
 weedy quarters. About the middle of October they 
 are in the height of condition. It is not in every 
 likely-looking place upon a river known to contain 
 bream that they are found. They are rather migra- 
 tory as well as gregarious, and are given to roam, 
 changing their haunts, for no apparent reason, for 
 an indefinite period. These fish seldom attain more 
 than 6 or 7 lbs. weight, though specimens are 
 occasionally taken scaling considerably more. 
 
 Roach {Leuciscus rutilus) are also gregarious, 
 congregating and swimming together in shoals. 
 They are generally numerous at the lower portions 
 of trout streams, in water from three to five feet in 
 
ROACH. DACE. 35 
 
 depth, and of very moderate velocity. They feed upon 
 aquatic insects, worms, the larvffi of flies, and also 
 on certain vegetable matter. These, fish spawn in 
 May and the early part of June. When thus ill- 
 conditioned they are particularly rough to the touch. 
 Their ova is deposited amongst the roots of weeds or 
 upon some projecting or submerged substance there 
 may be in the bottom of the water. The length 
 of a full-sized, well-conditioned roach ranges from 
 lo to 12 inches ; but, being a broad and thick-set 
 fish, the weight is greater than its length would 
 indicate. Upon some waters, a fish of this 
 description, measuring lo inches, will generally scale 
 about I lb. They are of marvellously slow growth, 
 as compared with other fish of the same order. 
 The roach is not esteemed as an article of diet. 
 
 Dace, Dare, or Dart. — These fish are gregarious, 
 and are common in our clear streams, especially 
 in the south. They frequent slow running waters, 
 where they feed upon the larvae of insects, worms, 
 etc., and towards September rise well at the fly, and 
 are to be readily taken. There are other species 
 of what are designated coarse fish that rise at the 
 fly, such as the perch, chub, and pike, but these are 
 not nearly so partial to surface feeding as dace. 
 Though these fish generally prefer clear water, they 
 are found plentiful in the polluted portions of large 
 rivers. Their spawning time is April and May. 
 Dace will flourish wherever trout abound, which 
 fish they resemble in their general habits. They 
 seldom attain more than 14 oz. weight. Though 
 
36 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 common to running waters, they will flourish in 
 still pools and ponds. The same observation may- 
 be applied with equal truth to the 
 
 Gudgeon. — These little fish, in common with 
 minnows and other small fry, frequent main rivers 
 and tributaries alike in incredible numbers, migrating 
 in shoals. They are extremely prolific. Their chief 
 use to the angler is for bait for the larger species of fish. 
 
 Chub [Leuciscus cephalus). — Chub frequent deep 
 and rapid waters. They rank among the very coarsest 
 of fresh-water fish ; nevertheless, they are not to be 
 found in stagnant, foul, or habitually discoloured 
 wdter ; indeed, it is rarely they flourish except where 
 they have the advantage of a constant supply of food, 
 as is the case in the vicinity of the rapid passage of a 
 volume of water. In lakes, ponds, or canals, these fish 
 are rarely found. Their "holts" in small rivers are 
 usually deep still pools, those sheltered by overhang- 
 ing trees or bushes being their chosen resort, especi- 
 ally when the stream is powerful just near the head 
 of the pool. In larger and wider ones the fish lie 
 in the streams when gently flowing, and near the 
 shelving or well-wooded bank. Sandy or gravelly 
 bottoms are preferred by the chub. They are seldom 
 or never found where the bed of the water is of mud 
 or loam ; they, like the grayling, find food in the 
 gravel and sandy bed. They feed, as is the case 
 with the whole cyprinus family, upon aquatic plants, 
 and have, in common with their order, fully developed 
 throat teeth. Their food also consists of worms, flies, 
 beetles, grubs, and, indeed, everything that in general 
 
CHUB. EELS. 37 
 
 forms food for their more aristocratic fellow-tenants 
 of the stream ; and they are to be taken with 
 almost every conceivable bait, from a minnow to a 
 midge. Their edible qualities are bad, but when 
 rubbed with saltpetre immediately after being killed 
 and cleansed, they form tolerable fare. 
 
 Eels. — There are two distinct varieties of these fish 
 that are indigenous to this country, viz. : — the sharp- 
 nosed species {Anguilla vulgaris) which, as far as can 
 be ascertained, are migratory in their habits, and the 
 broad-nosed. The former annually descend to the 
 mouths of the rivers they inhabit to find brackish 
 water. This excursion is made in the autumn, the 
 main object being to find water of the right tempera- 
 ture for vivifying their ova, as, unlike all other species 
 of fresh-water fish, they would appear to require a 
 higher rate of temperature for this purpose. It is 
 well-known that the water in the tidal part of rivers 
 is several degrees higher in temperature than that 
 nearer the source, owing, first, to the greater elevation 
 of the sources ; and, secondly, to the contact of two 
 fluids of different densities, as salt and' fresh water, 
 which causes an increase of temperature of at least 
 two degrees. The passage of the adult fish, during 
 or immediately after a flood down-stream in the 
 autumn, is well-known to the owners of fisheries 
 upon our large rivers, who place traps for their 
 capture. The immense numbers that inhabit some 
 waters is simply incredible. But if the downward 
 passage of eels is remarkable, it shrinks into insig- 
 nificance when compared with the spring ascents. 
 
38 THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH 
 
 Many accounts of the marvellous number of young 
 elvers that pass up stream in the spring months, 
 have been given by various writers upon this and 
 kindred subjects. 
 
 The broad-nosed species do not ascend the rivers, 
 but locate in holes and crevices in masses of stone. 
 In the winter they lie dormant in the mud.. This 
 variety is not esteemed as an article of diet. 
 
 The young- of the eel are eagerly devoured by all 
 fresh-water fish, including the trout and salmon, and 
 even the adult eels themselves, hence it is that so few 
 live to become developed. Eels are vicious devourers 
 of fish spawn, and were they to multiply to any great 
 extent, the effect upon the higher order of fish would 
 be disastrous. Eels were long considered viviparous, 
 but this is now known to be erroneous. 
 
 The spawn of the migratory or sharp-nosed variety 
 is usually deposited and buried in sand beds, that of 
 the non-migratory species is deposited in the mud 
 gradually, during a considerable length of time, which 
 accounts for the intermittent passage of the young 
 elvers or fry for months in the spring of the year. , 
 Whenever there has been incessant heavy rain eels 
 turn out of their hiding places to feed upon worms, 
 the larvae of insects, crustaccea, etc., and in the case 
 of the larger specimens upon small fish. Mild 
 winters are favourable for their capture, as in the 
 flushed waters that are then usual, they are always 
 on the forage for food. Poachers often take the best ' 
 of these fish upon their night-lines, as eels are un- 
 deniably nocturnal in disposition. 
 
PERCH — THEIR FECUNDITY. 39 
 
 The Perch {Perca fluviatilis) flourishes in both 
 stagnant and running water. In the former they are 
 more commonly numerous ; the river perch are, how- 
 ever, larger, and far more wily. The perch are to an 
 extent a gregarious fish, moving in shoals. Deep 
 holes and the slower reaches of large rivers are their 
 chosen resorts. They are extremely hardy, flourish- 
 ing in the foul water of road-side pits, etc. They 
 spawn in April and May. They are extremely 
 prolific, the number of eggs carried by an adult 
 fish being over 200,000. The spawn is deposited in 
 an unbroken band or festoon of eggs, which are 
 generally entwined around weed stems, etc. Moles, 
 ducks, water-fowl, and vermin eagerly devour it, 
 
 Perch are of slow growth, considering the fact of 
 their being such voracious feeders. In confined 
 places, where the water is overstocked, they gradu- 
 ally diminish in size, until they range to almost the 
 length of a minnow. To keep a stock of good 
 perch in a confined water, they should be netted 
 every alternate season, the larger only of the fish 
 being returned ; the smaller may be distributed else- 
 where as store fish. Yearling perch average 2\ inches 
 in length when fed plentifully. In favourable cir- 
 cumstances perch acquire an unusual weight, 5 or 
 6 lbs. being sometimes reached by them when the 
 supply of food has been good, and the surroundings 
 favourable. The remaining member of the Percidce 
 species is the 
 
 Pope or Ruffe (Rough). — This fish is extremely 
 partial to canals and muddy pools. The more slug- 
 
40 THE' HABITS AND HAUNTS OF FISH. 
 
 gish running waters often contain vast quantities 
 of them. It is inferior to the perch, both as regards 
 size and the quality of its ilesh. It is an equally 
 voracious feeder, and affords good sport to the 
 youthful fisherman where it abounds, it being readily 
 taken with the coarsest tackle. Ruffe spawn 
 in April, and, like perch, multiply rapidly. Pike 
 and other large fish feed upon them. Both the 
 form and the habits of this fish are similar to those 
 of the perch. Its average length is four inches, 
 and it very seldom exceeds six. For live bait 
 for pike it is often in great request, on account 
 of its hardiness and attractive colour. 
 
41 
 
 Chapter III. 
 
 BOTTOM FISHING (GENERAL). 
 
 Pond-fishing for Perch, etc., Gudgeon, Dace, 
 Roach, and Barbel Fishing. 
 
 UNDER this heading we purpose dealing with 
 each individual fish sought after by the bottom 
 fisher. The constant increase in this class of anglers 
 has of late become so noteworthy that any work on 
 modern methods of angling would be signally incom- 
 plete were this important branch ignored. Still 
 water or pond fishing is associated with the earliest 
 recollections of the majority of fishermen, whether 
 fly, mid-water, or bottom fishers. We shall, there- 
 fore, commence with this simple phase of the gentle 
 art. Worm fishing may be practised successfully 
 for almost every variety of fish in freshwater, not 
 excluding even the trout and salmon. We have 
 devoted a separate chapter to worm fishing for the 
 first-named. The usual objects of the bottom fisher 
 in still water are what are known as coarse fish, 
 ranging from the pike down to the perch and 
 gudgeon, and the arrangement of the tackle em- 
 ployed varies both according to the kind of fish it is 
 desired to take, and the lay of the water. Float 
 fishing is the chief resort of the bottom fisher in 
 
42 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 Standing water. Almost anything in the shape of a 
 rod^will answer for this purpose, the only essential 
 being stiffness and strength. Bamboo is the best 
 material for a general bottom rod, a variety of top 
 joints of different strength and length adapting it 
 for both heavy and light work. Before taking the 
 fish in detail we would enjoin the attention of the 
 tyro to the following hints : — 
 
 Don't unduly expose either the person or the rod 
 by restless movements upon the edge of the water. 
 
 Avoid disturbing as much as is possible the surface 
 of the fish's element by incessant movements of the 
 float and bait. 
 
 Never employ a larger float, and therefore more 
 sinkers, than is absolutely requisite. 
 
 Always ascertain the precise depth of the water 
 it is intended to fish before commencing, so that 
 the bait may come within the ken of the fish. 
 
 See that the lure is placed upon the hook in as 
 natural a manner as is possible, viz., by threading 
 the worm, if a worm is used, up the centre, leaving 
 a portion of each extremity free. 
 
 When a fish is hooked, do not suddenly, as Homer 
 has it, " lift it quivering to the skies." There is no 
 need for transporting your " finny prize" in a strictly 
 perpendicular direction. The thing to do is to gently 
 tug the quarry to the bank before leaving the water, 
 as by so doing the pulling power, without the 
 addition of the weight of the capture, is placed upon 
 the tackle. To work out the diagram given, we 
 commence with 
 
FISHING FOR PERCH. 43 
 
 Perch Fishing. — The first consideration for the 
 youthful aspirant, after fixing upon a likely spot, 
 where the water is most discoloured (which is generally 
 in the vicinity of weeds), is the depth. This may be 
 easily ascertained by plumbing, by means of a scrap 
 of sheet lead or lead wire, rolled round the hook, or 
 without this by observing the float when properly 
 weighted, as in standing water it lies on one side 
 when the sinkers touch the bottom. After thus 
 accurately taking the depth, the tackle should be 
 so arranged as to admit of the lure reaching within 
 three inches or so of the bottom. A few pieces of 
 turf, containing worms, may be put in the water 
 before " rigging up" the tackle. The vigorous action 
 of these, on being suddenly introduced into a strange 
 element, answers admirably in attracting the notice 
 of and collecting the fish. A small, well-scoured 
 dew or lob worm should then be carefully threaded 
 upon the hook. The float should be cork, not 
 coloured. The brilliantly daubed articles usually 
 offered for sale ought always to be assiduously 
 avoided. A common bottle cork is not to be sur- 
 passed, and, if the quill that pierces the cork be 
 vermilion-tipped, so much the better. By the use 
 of a small forked stick the rod may be suspended 
 upon the bank, whilst the owner looks out and 
 prepares a new place, in case a change may become 
 desirable, or two rods may be used. When fish 
 run large, for better security, a pot-hook shaped iron 
 inserted in the ground at the full extremity of the 
 rod will render all safe. Large hooks should be 
 
44 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 used, as by such voracious and bold biters as perch 
 an ordinary worm hook for trout fishing will be 
 paunched without difficulty. 
 
 In rivers, in the early part of the season, perch 
 are generally found in gently^flowing water, not 
 very deep. As the season advances, they locate 
 under hollow banks and by whirling eddies, or 
 smooth, gravelly-bottomed swims, but towards Sep- 
 tember and October they frequent the deepest parts 
 of the river, near roots, sunken sticks, or in other 
 fastnesses. Perch are gregarious ; care should, 
 therefore, be taken not suddenly to disturb a hole 
 or swim. They will run eagerly at the minnow, 
 especially in the summer months, but the method 
 by which most sport may be derived from them is 
 to cast for them with a trio of artificial red palmers 
 or caterpillars (double-hooked), attached to a 
 moderately strong fly cast, one at the point and the 
 others mounted upon gut lengths, and attached as 
 droppers. These are used as small flies, just as 
 when working them for trout, with this exception — 
 when a fish is hooked no action is taken whatever. 
 The hooked fish will quickly be shown, and will work 
 the remaining palmers infinitely better than the 
 rodster can, and, incredible as it may seem, by this 
 means each lure will have secured its capture in a 
 very short time after the first was hooked, and the 
 difficulty of landing those contributions adds in no 
 small degree to the diversion. It sometimes happens 
 when the casts are full fine, or the fish extra large, 
 that a loss of a portion of the gut, together with its 
 
Hatel. 
 
LURES FOR PERCH. GUDGEON. 45 
 
 appendage, is experienced ; but this is an unusual 
 occurrence, more particularly if sound and strong 
 casts be used. 
 
 The .best way to land a string of perch is to secure 
 the endmost one in the net first, and when this is 
 done the rest seldom get into mischief, and are 
 generally easily landed. There are numerous 
 methods of extracting perch, and if it be true that 
 the amount of diversion derived from sport is 
 in proportion to the novelty introduced, perch 
 fishing presents important attractions. The artificial 
 spinning bait and spoon, the roving live bait, the 
 fly, both artificial and natural, may be successfully 
 used. The more advanced methods of bottom 
 fishing may also be resorted to in the case of the 
 perch ; indeed, this is a matter of necessity in river 
 fishing, where the large fish exhibit a degree of 
 wariness akin to that of the acute carp. Whipping 
 with the cad-bait, freshwater shrimp, and other 
 aquatic insects in nymphae form, also affords capital 
 sport, even in clear water, under the overhanging 
 banks, trees, or bushes, amongst well-educated shoals 
 of these fish. 
 
 The Gudgeon {Genus Gobio) are very prevalent 
 in slowly-running waters, those having gravelly or 
 sandy bottoms being the best adapted for them. 
 They increase wonderfully, and, like most small fish, 
 they spawn twice and often three times in the year. 
 Upon most of our large rivers, as well as upon the 
 majority of our small streams, gudgeon fishing is a 
 popular pastime in its season, which commences with 
 
46 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 July and ends with September. The following is 
 the systerh mainly resorted to upon the Thames and 
 Trent. A punt is moored in a moderate flowing 
 stream, four or perhaps five feet in depth. The 
 bottom is disturbed by a large and heavy metal 
 rake, brought for the purpose, when the fish (which 
 are gregarious, going in large shoals), congregate in 
 great numbers in the water thus discoloured to feed 
 upon the grubs and larvae of insects. But little skill 
 is needed to catch this fish. Its excessive gullibility 
 is well known. The meaning expressed by being 
 " gudgeoned," is, as everybody knows, being easily 
 deceived. Poets, too, adopt the bold little gudgeon 
 as an analogy to convey the same impression, as 
 Gay serenely sings — 
 
 " What gudgeons are we men, 
 
 Every woman's easy prey ; 
 Though we felt the hook, again 
 
 We bite, and they betray ! " 
 
 Notwithstanding all this, the finest tackle is essential 
 to moderate success, and a nine or ten foot rod, stiff 
 and light. The telescope Japanese bamboo rods 
 answer well for these fish, though we cannot com- 
 mend their use for fish of heavier calibre. The 
 finest possible line should be used ; as to whether 
 it be twist or plait is immaterial. A light cork, or 
 better still, a small quill float, and small No. 12 hook, 
 complete the equipment. Some fishermen advocate 
 the use of extra strong tackle to meet exceptional 
 emergencies ; as for instance, when angling for 
 gudgeon they will employ a hook and line equal to 
 landing a heavy tench, perch, or chub. That this 
 
BAIT FOR GUDGEON. DACE. 47 
 
 is folly is proved by the result of a trial of the two 
 systems in the weight of fish takep. If you wish to 
 take perch or chub, why not angle for them? Do 
 not use unsuitable tackle upon any pretext. We 
 have often known anglers spoil all prospects of sport 
 by their stupidity in this respect, rigging up trout 
 baits with gimp because of the probable presence of 
 a pike, for instance, in which case the result is, 
 generally speaking, simply nil. 
 
 The best bait for these fish are worms, gentles, 
 and the cad-bait grub, the latter found in its sheath 
 at the bottom of the water. The small worm known 
 in the Midlands as the "Cockspur" is the favourite 
 lure, and the brandling, too, often does great execution. 
 In striking even a gudgeon, a little art and aptness 
 tells marvellously in a day's fishing. No slack line 
 should intervene between the rodster and the feeding 
 fish, as, though a bold biter, it is equally energetic 
 in rejecting the bait when the hard substance of the 
 hook is detected. A rapid striker will hook two fish 
 to a dilatory angler's one. The bait, which should be 
 very minute, should be so arranged as to just escape 
 the bottom. 
 
 From an edible point of view, the gudgeon is 
 superior to many, we may say the majority, of fishes 
 that inhabit fresh water. 
 
 Dace. — This fish seldom attains more than | Jb, 
 weight, though occasionally may reach i lb. Dace 
 are numerous in most trout streams, more especially 
 in those of Wales and the southern counties of Eng- 
 land. They afibrd excellent sport when feeding in 
 
48 ' BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 sufficient quantities, though they are occasionally 
 very annoying to the fly-fisher for trout ; indeed, 
 they are to be taken in large numbers by a gaudily 
 dressed fly, towards the end of the summer. The 
 small palmers (red, grey, and black), bumble, and 
 red tags, etc., are the description that find most favour 
 in the eyes of this fish, though sometimes they are 
 by no means partial in this respect. 
 
 To the fly-angler for dace, we would observe that 
 when these fish are fastidious in rising, a gentle, or 
 a wasp-grub, or even a tiny strip of flannel, when 
 placed so as to hide the hook, will render the thing 
 effective ; but the usual mode of angling for these 
 fish is by bottom fishing. The tackle and hooks 
 hereafter recommended for roach are equally well 
 adapted for dace fishing, and as both are found upon 
 the same swims, the angler frequently extracts a 
 mixed bag. Like the gudgeon, the dace is a bold 
 biter, and is sharp, often incredibly so^ in discharging 
 the lure if hot struck speedily. It is unlike the 
 roach in the latter characteristic. As regards game- 
 ness the dace has considerable repute. Bait fishing 
 for dace is mostly followed, and is most productive in 
 winter. His flesh is not, however, much appreciated 
 for the table. For live bait fishing for pike the dace 
 is valued, and justly so. 
 
 The Roach {Genus Leuciscus) is rightly awarded 
 no mean position in angling literature. This cannot 
 be said to be on account of its weight and size, or its 
 edible qualities, but purely because of the skill requi- 
 site for its capture. The early authors we know write 
 
ROACH TACKLE. 49 
 
 differently, and their statements may then have been 
 justified by their comparatively unsophisticated fish, 
 and are still in the case of under-fed pond fish. 
 With river roach, however, the case is Vi^idely different ; 
 to bag a decent take, the rodster must be a practical 
 hand of no mean attainments and experience. This 
 branch of angling is so popular in these days that 
 upon all the most noted rivers these fish are marvel- 
 lously well schooled, so much so upon some waters as 
 to rival in wiliness the trout upon some streams ; but 
 the accomplished roach fisher will make a respectable 
 bag, even in adverse circumstances, always supposing 
 the fish are there to catch. With regard to the suit- 
 able equipage, the rod demands the first attention. 
 This should be stiff, light, and of fair length. Some 
 anglers use implements of prodigious dimensions. 
 We recommend an East India cane, of lo or 12 feet, 
 as being well adapted for every useful! purpose. Some 
 capital roach rods are made from laneewood, red deal 
 being employed for the butt-piece. When good ma- 
 terial is employed, a rod of the following dimensibns 
 for a three-part rod will combine lightness with 
 strength. The diameter of the ferrules at the top 
 of the butt joint should be | inches inside, that of 
 the end of the middle piece tV of an inch, reel fittings 
 and terminating ferrules, on the foot of the butt about 
 r^ or i^ in diameter. This ratio will be found to 
 form a well-proportioned taper from the hand up- 
 wards, the wood, of course, tapering so as to fit the 
 ferrules without the metal being sunk in the joints. 
 Incalculable disasters ensue from a non-observance 
 E 
 
so BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 of this all-important provision. The wood of the 
 immense majority of rods manufactured, being robbed 
 at its weakest point to accommodate the ferrules, 
 leads to frequent breakages. We deal more fully 
 with this subject elsewhere. Roach are noted for 
 their excessive shyness and quickness of vision, 
 therefore in clear water it is essential to exhibit as 
 little of the rod and person as possible, as in addi- 
 tion to this they are adepts, when they understand 
 the situation, at abstracting neatly the bait from the 
 hook, and leaving the mere skin or frame behind. 
 
 We remember keeping for some years a large 
 roach amongst other fish, in a tank fed by a small 
 rill of spring water. Upon our casting a score of 
 house flies or gentles in a batch, one only having a 
 small hook concealed carefully, Mr. Roach would 
 invariably absorb unhesitatingly all and every insect 
 but the identical specimen containing the hidden 
 hook, nothing of which but the point would be 
 visible, although other and smaller fish would exhibit 
 no such scruples. It is this special caution of the 
 roach that calls into play so much care and tact on 
 the part of the rodster. The line should be of the 
 very finest possible texture* and undressed. Raw 
 silk is the best material for firmness and strength. 
 When angling with fine line, more especially is it 
 requisite to keep proper command over the bait by 
 
 * Two-and-a-half drams silk is used in the construction of a new 
 roach and live bait fishing line lately perfected by us, which retains 
 full strength, whilst reducing the substance by one half. It will sus- 
 tain a dead weight of 9 lbs. This line is sixteen plait, and Is, perhaps, 
 the finest plait line ever manufactured. It is equally appreciated by 
 live bait fishers for Thames trout as by Nottingham float fishers. 
 
AN ANGLING CONTEST. 5 1 
 
 retaining little slack line from the tip of the rod 
 downwards. Many advantages ensue from the use 
 of an extra fine line, retaining of course full requisite 
 strength, both in live bait, bottom, and surface fishing. 
 As every angler will allow, the less the surface of 
 the line the less resistance offered by the air, and the 
 greater chances of success and deception. The hook 
 is also a point of the greatest importance, and one to 
 which meagre attention is but usually paid. A bad 
 or defective hook is an abomination to the user ; 
 to employ one is as detrimental to sport as the use 
 of pasteboard bullets would be for deer stalking. 
 As we have devoted a separate chapter to the con- 
 sideration of hooks, we shall merely quote an instance 
 from our own personal experience, anent this subject. 
 In company with an angling acquaintance, we were 
 fishing upon a once celebrated roach reach on the 
 Trent, not many miles from Burton. Our companion 
 was rather positive in his ideas of hooks. He in- 
 herited a notion from his sire, who it was asserted 
 was the best roach fisher of his day, that the weight 
 and dimensions of one's takes ranged in a certain 
 degree according to the weight of metal and dimen- 
 sions of the hook employed, the heresy of which 
 doctrine will be obvious to any modern disciple of 
 the rod. The descendant of the redoubtable rodster 
 favoured a No. 8 Carlisle hook, and nothing we could 
 advance appeared to convince him of the absurdity 
 of his prejudiced opinions. Finally, we arranged to 
 fish the matter out, hence it was that we had repaired 
 to a noted spot upon the noble Trent. Circumstances 
 
S3 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 wese favourable to sport, and as the swim had 
 been nicely and judiciously baited the day pre- 
 vious, we quickly did some execution. Aftef an 
 hour or two's fishing, we had gained gradually but 
 at an increasing rate on our antagonist ; he accounted 
 for this by affirming that we had monopolised) 
 the best position, on - which we " swapped " places. 
 The main result, however, was still the same. Our 
 companion now suggested that the secret lay in our 
 bait, on which our reserve was immediately placed at 
 his disposal. Still the same result appeared, though 
 in a much more marked d^ree, and our friend 
 now became irritable, and his patience collapsed, 
 together with his rod and tackle. " Luck's dead 
 against me, and it's useless fighting against fate," was 
 the explanation tendered, while the process of un- 
 jointing was being gone through. We now thought it 
 high time to expostulate by delivering ourselves of 
 our view of the affair, which we speedily did, winding 
 up with an offer to so rig up our friend that he would 
 equal if not rival us. This was finally carried out, 
 and the result showed that with an accurately con- 
 structed hook five bites amounted upon the average 
 to four fish, whilst with a badly made or deformed 
 one, the bites, or rather nibbles in this case, yielded but 
 a meagre per centage of captures, t4je precise number 
 ranging, as a matter of course, according to the size 
 and nature of the hook. 
 
 The float should be very light. Another considera- 
 tion is the substance to mount the hooks upon— 
 whether hair or gut — some anglers preferring one, and 
 
GUT VERSUS HAIR. 53 
 
 some the other. There are equally good anglers upon 
 both sides, but the ancient hair, it cannot be denied, 
 is rapidly losing ground before refined gut, which is 
 now imported in such immense quantities from Spain, 
 Sicily, China and elsewhere, and may be said to be 
 thrice the strength and half the substance of the tradi- 
 tional hair. It is or should be the object of the fisher- 
 man to reduce his lines and general tackle so as to be 
 as nearly invisible as possible, to' which end it is 
 essential that the bulk and surface presentable 
 should be reduced as far as is compatible with 
 strength. It is therefore an advance in the right 
 direction (and one that should have been taken 
 before) to have the gut drawn whilst in its gummy 
 state to as fine proportions as are requisite to meet 
 special cases> for, although we were the originators of 
 the gut drawing system, we have no hesitation in pro- 
 claiming the superiority of the gut drawn accurately, 
 prior to its being set and hard, as then it retains its 
 enamelled surface entire. Had this been done a 
 quarter of a century or so ago, the necessity for our 
 oft repeated researches would not have existed. To 
 assert that hair of any description is equal to even gut 
 of equal thickness is absurd. The former is not only 
 weak, being hollow, but is given to stretch when 
 strained, and is very susceptible to breakage at knots. 
 It magnifies greatly in the water, and, lastly, absorbs 
 the wet and swells. On the other hand very little 
 can be urged in regard to the use of the gut that is 
 detrimental. It can now be obtained one third the 
 thickness of hair, each strand being far superior in 
 
54 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 point of strength, and when slightly stained the colour 
 of the water where it is intended to be used, it is as near 
 being invisible as anything ever discovered. Hair 
 effectually superseded the Indian weed, and silk-worm 
 gut will eventually supersede hair quite as effectually. 
 To return to our subject. Gentles, pastes, boiled 
 grain, cad or straw bait, and small red worms are most 
 worthy the angler's attention as baits. It is necessary 
 to bait moderately the swi m fixed upon the evening 
 previous. We emphasise moderately, because it is the 
 custom to sink so much food for the fish under the appel- 
 lation of ground bait, that by the time the expectant 
 rodster " turns up " the whole school will have gorged 
 themselves and dispersed to more secluded nooks to 
 doze off the effects ; hence it is the enterprising angler 
 so frequently meets with scant sport. This is often 
 attributed to the influence of passing electricity, 
 whether in the earth, or atmosphere, or may be both ; 
 failing this, and a thousand and one other abstruse 
 reasons, the weary angler can always comfort himself 
 and explain to his friends and neighbours that as 
 there was scarce anything in the swim in question, it 
 followed in the natural course of things that little 
 could be hauled out of it. After baiting judiciously 
 overnight the fish will have congregated upon the 
 baited spot at daybreak, if not before, when they are 
 on the forage for breakfast. The object in baiting 
 over night, it must not be forgotten, is merely to pro- 
 duce an appetising effect on the next morning. If the 
 object in view be to collect fish at any given spot 
 from more distant localities, a good store of ground 
 
CUNNING OF OLD ROACH. 55 
 
 bait should be placed there for a day or two previous, 
 always allowing a whole day and night's interval 
 betweeen the final baiting and the time for angling. 
 
 Having first ascertained the depth by the method 
 previously described, and arranged the float so as -to 
 admit of the bait ranging three or four inches from 
 the bottom of the water, the hand supporting the 
 rod should be ever ready to knock home the hook 
 nicely and carefully, and not too hastily. The 
 correct motion will be readily acquired by practice. 
 Small fish will often take the float under by a jerk, 
 whilst the corpulent members of the same species 
 will scarcely indicate their presence by a disturbance 
 of the float at all, though when these begin to pay 
 their addresses to your lure after this style, it 
 generally proves a favourable symptom for sport ; 
 but frequently this exhibition of tenderness and 
 delicacy is merely the result of their style of mouth- 
 work, if we may be allowed to use the expression, 
 the object of which, as the angler soon finds out, 
 is to abstract the bait from the hook neatly and 
 effectively. Now this is just as bad a sign as "the 
 other is a good one, and what is worse, as a general 
 thing, the angler cannot help himself. A plan we 
 have found to answer ourselves in these circum- 
 stances, is to hang a scrap of the finest and best 
 gut one quarter of an inch below the hook, and 
 upon this excessively fine gut to attach a very small 
 hook (though of small size, to retain good strength 
 of metal), upon this one-half of a maggot or gentle 
 is attached, with a full sized one, or even two, upon 
 
S6 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 the hook above; this will not fail to "fetch" the 
 most finiking^ of the finny race in question. Upon 
 hooking a fish, the chief consideration must be how 
 to extract him without damage to the swim, dash 
 and bustle being highly unfavourable to the situation, 
 therefore the capture must be consummated as soon 
 as is compatible with the general weal. A judicious 
 change of situation is the best thing under the 
 circumstances, therefore when this can be carried 
 out effectually, the fiish may be quietly landed in 
 some secluded side-spot away from the baited swim. 
 The persistent voracity of bleak, where they are 
 numerous, is often very annoying to the roach fisher. 
 These small fish, locating near the surface of the 
 water, absorb the lure before it comes within the 
 ken of the portly roach. The effect of this is the 
 more tantalizing when fishing with gentles, or grain 
 of any description. When this petty larceny is going 
 on, resort must be had to the following expedients. 
 Get a fair-sized piece of paste or clay, bell shaped, 
 the hollow of which must be filled up with dry bfan. 
 This should then be attached to the hook and slowly 
 let down. The bran will gradually escape as it sinks, 
 the bright atoms of which, as they are carried down- 
 stream, attract the small fry after them. When claj' 
 or paste — the latter is preferable, as it will serve a 
 double purpose in dispersing the bleak and forming 
 ground bait for the roach — is not handy, a handful 
 of bran thrown in the water will have the desired 
 effect, though somewhat temporary in its character; 
 To reach the roach at the bottom of a still deep 
 
SPECIAL BAIT FOR BARBEL. 57 
 
 hole, a few gentles should be pressed in clay, leaving 
 small outlets for escape. A few of these will have 
 the desired effect of attracting the notice and ex- 
 citing the foraging instincts of the larger fish. 
 Whenever roach fail to approach the bait presented, 
 a change should be made, if practicable. The wisest 
 policy is, however, to examine the stomach of the 
 first capture, as in the case of fly-fishing. 
 
 We have frequently found a predominance of 
 beetles, and even flies, in the stomachs of the fish, 
 which accounted for a previous marked indifference 
 to our bottom bait : we are now speaking of roach 
 in our smaller streams, where the variety of food is 
 much greater. In the lowest portions of the majority 
 of our best trout streams, as, for instance, the tribu- 
 taries of the Thames and Trent, much execution may 
 be done with the sunk house-fly in September, when 
 these and the wood-fly are blind and feeble, and 
 are scattered as the falling leaves by each gust of 
 wind. Whatever may be the contents of the stomach 
 of the fish, the bait should harmonise as much as 
 possible with what is found to be the inclination 
 of the quarry, whether it be worms, grubs, larvae of 
 insects, or even weeds, for the roach is occasionally 
 a vegetarian. In the case of the last-named pre- 
 dominancy, paste may be used with advantage, and 
 failing this, silk-weed when procurable. Whatever 
 you do, do not use stale bait, or the sure Nemesis 
 will be stale sport. Roach are excessively nice in 
 their ideas, and the careful panderer to their base 
 desires will reap ample payment for his exertions. 
 
58 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 Barbel {Genus Barbus) is one of the gamest fish 
 the bottom fisherman essays to allure. He requires 
 considerable tact and aptness, even when hooked, to 
 effect a safe landing. Immediately upon feeling the 
 hook, he will often resort to a variety of expedients 
 to rid himself of it, indeed, he may be said to be 
 only surpassed by the trout in this respect. When 
 in the immediate vicinity of weeds, roots, etc., he 
 displays no mean muscular power to gain their 
 friendly shelter ; indeed, so furiously does he fight 
 when hooked, that with a fine tackle none but a 
 practised hand has a chance of netting a full-con- 
 ditioned fish. We would recommend the uninitiated 
 to fish the more open lengths, comparatively free 
 from cover, with an even bottom, which is desirable, 
 as the bait being taken up by the fish from the 
 river's bed, it is undesirable to render the lure in 
 any way obscure, as between the chinks of large 
 stones, etc. 
 
 There are two different systems of float fishing for 
 barbel, the most artistic of which was originated 
 upon the Trent, and is now rapidly becoming general 
 upon the Thames. We refer to the method styled 
 tight corking. The float employed is large and 
 taper, being capable of sustaining a good lot of shot, 
 the exact weight of which is regulated strictly ac- 
 cording to the power of the stream. After plumbing 
 the depth of the swim selected, the line is lengthened 
 below the float at least two feet more, the result of 
 which arrangement is that the shot rests at the 
 bottom, the float being kept stationary, but it indi- 
 
A LURE FOR BARBEL. 59 
 
 cates the least movement of the bait. The position 
 of this is allowed to be an inclined one, the bites 
 being indicated by a partial or entire depression. 
 This method might be termed ledgering with a float. 
 When used in conjunction with the bran and bread 
 or clay ball system, it is exceptionally killing at 
 times. The barbel has been referred to as being one 
 of the most cunning fish that swims, and the devices 
 for his allurement are ingenious and various. Before 
 passing on, however, to other systems, we shall offer 
 some hints as to the method just alluded to. The 
 substances used are, as we have already stated, bread, 
 bran, or clay. Of the first two of these an admixture 
 is made, being formed into a stiff paste. A ball of 
 the size of a ripe plum is then formed, the centre 
 being dry bran. This is attached to the line an 
 inch or so above the barbed hook. There it gradually 
 breaks away, thus forming a kind of concentrated 
 ground bait, which brings fish to the morsel. The 
 clay is generally stiffened by bran, and is used in 
 balls from the size of a marble to an orange, the 
 contents being maggots or worms. The hook should 
 be mounted with an exceptionally attractive specimen 
 of what the ball may contain. The barbed hook is 
 allowed to peep forth below the clay and its contents, 
 which latter soon finds a way out, and if not, the 
 barbel, being a rooting fish, soon finds out their 
 retreat. Occasionally, the hook is encased inside the 
 ball, allowing the fish to prog for it. This we think 
 to be as unnecessary as it is foolish, as when the 
 baited hook protrudes it is naturally seized first, and 
 
66 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 often before the hidden stare is discovered, which, 
 therefore, does not require replenishing. " 
 
 Another style still prevalent, both upon the 
 Thames and Trent, is that of ledgering. This tackle 
 consists of a perforated lead barrel, or a roll of sheet 
 lead, an ounce or so in weight. Through this runs 
 the gut-line, which has free course, an odd shot being 
 fixed two- thirds of a yard from the hook to restrict 
 further supply through the sinker,* which latter 
 should be of fair size for barbel fishing. The worm 
 most suitable is a well-scoured fresh lob, a small 
 portion of each extremity of which should be allowed 
 freedom, after neatly threading the worm upon the 
 hook. The angler should strike at the second or 
 third knock (as a bite is called), the vehemence of 
 which should be regulated according to circumstances, 
 and as to size of bait, hook, tackle, etc. A recent 
 improvement upon the above is to employ two swan 
 shots, one upon the line and one below the movable 
 barrel, this from 8 to I2 inches above the hook, and 
 the other 12 to 18 inches above this again. This 
 arrangement serves as an automatic check to the line, 
 admitting of the fish hooking themselves instantly. 
 Another plan is to employ a rider float, one that has 
 a ring of wire at both ends for the free passage of the 
 line to and fro. The shot attached, as is usual, a foot 
 or so from the hook, serves as a stopper at the 
 bottom, whilst above, a scrap of a small bird's quill, 
 or a bit of india rubber, small enough to enter the rod 
 
 *Itis sometimes advisable in strong waters to attach a very fine 
 piece of stamed gimp for the ledger lead to work upon. 
 
HANDLING BARBEL. 6l 
 
 rings, but too large to pass through those of the float, 
 is attached. At the right depth of the swim, to be 
 fished the freedom thus accorded to the float works 
 admirably in fishing deep and difficult reaches, and 
 not only this, but the extra power possessed by the 
 user in fishing at greater distances is no despicable 
 advantage over the old stationary system. In 
 addition to the different methods of fishing for barbel, 
 these fish are to be taken by roach and dace tackle, 
 as also by spinning occasionally. 
 
 To handle a barbel artistically, as we have previ- 
 ously stated, requires a certain amount of practice and 
 skill ; perfect presence of mind is essential to com- 
 ' mence with, and experience will do the rest When- 
 ever a float is not used (as in ledgering), the line is 
 held between the fore-finger and thumb of the left 
 hand, the least movement of the bait at the other 
 extremity being then felt, when the line is preserved 
 straight, and with no loose links, ample time being 
 given to strike at once effectually. The extreme 
 sensitiveness of the touch in this respect, is often a 
 matter of surprise. The larger and more cunning of 
 the fish will often attempt, especially when the hook 
 is plainly visible, to head the bait from the hook, and 
 that, too, without seriously disturbing the line ; the 
 rodster, however, if at all on the alert, will not fail to 
 detect this dishonest attempt before the swindling act 
 can be fully effected. When there is circumstantial 
 evidence of an attempt at underhand dealing after 
 this fashion,, a very fine tackle, with a strong hook of 
 fair size, should be mounted with a couple of medium- 
 
62 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 sized worms, one being threaded above the other upon 
 the line, allowing but the least possible freedom to 
 their extremities. This done, the line may be cast in 
 the precise locality before fished, some score or so 
 scraps of worms being thrown in to allay their already 
 aroused suspicions ; this done, strike at the second 
 knock and you will seldom fail to hook your quarry. 
 With the finer tackle the chances of effecting a land- 
 ing are, nevertheless, lessened somewhat, and unless 
 some tact and dexterity is employed, in the event of 
 the hooked fish proving an old " stager '' of some 
 considerable proportions, the safety of the tackle will 
 be seriously imperilled. 
 
 With regard to the vexed question of ground bait- 
 ing, we would again record our firm conviction that 
 the system so generally in vogue of inserting bushels 
 of food upon traditional swims and resorts, tends 
 but to satiate, in many cases, until some time after 
 the subsequent attentions have been discourteously 
 treated. The remarks anent baiting for roach apply 
 also in the case of the barbel. After continued 
 rains, when the water is gradually rising from the in- 
 flux of surplus surface drainings, those fish invariably 
 turn out in quest of food ; but, after the water they 
 may inhabit has been flooded, and is again running 
 down and clearing, they have gorged themselves with 
 the abundance of food, in the shape of worms, etc., 
 brought down stream ; therefore the best time to fish 
 for them is in rising water. In the summer months 
 when they first come in season, early and late in the 
 day are their feeding times ; the worms are then the 
 
HOW TO STRIKE BARBEL. 63 
 
 best bait, as they are invariably in discoloured water ; 
 gentles and paste come more to the fore in the 
 autumn. 
 
 The formation of the aquatic quarry of every fisher- 
 man ought always to be noticed by him, so as to 
 enable him to strike with some knowledge of the pro- 
 bable effect. The mouth of the barbel is placed well 
 under the head, which therefore enables it to take the 
 bait, and its food generally, from off the ground : 
 hence to strike directly perpendicularly, will most 
 likely be to hook effectually. The barbel is so leather- 
 mouthed, that the hold of the hook, however meagre, 
 seldom breaks away. 
 
64 
 
 Chapter IV. 
 
 BOTTOM FISUmG—Confmued. 
 Angling for Carp, Tench, Bream, and Chub 
 
 THE Carp — {Genus Cyprinus) — is a very wily- 
 fish ; in waters much fished, they come rather 
 as an exceptional prize to the angler, whose attentions 
 and baits were intended for the allurement of other 
 fish. In well-preserved and little fished waters, they 
 are to be occasionally taken of very large size. The 
 smaller fish, under three pounds or so, are far less 
 cunning. 
 
 The angler for carp cannot be too careful and quiet 
 in his movements, nor too skilful in the use of the 
 tackle, which latter cannot possibly be too fine, so long 
 as a reasonable amount of strength is retained. We 
 put forth the above, notwithstanding the exhortations 
 of the early writers as to the use of strong " harness- 
 ing " and tackle, for if any fish is gifted with reason- 
 ing powers it is the carp ; as even when hunger-bitten 
 it displays the most tantalizing caution in what it 
 absorbs. An all-round inspection is invariably given 
 to the bait before it is cautiously closed upon ; some- 
 times the rodster in clear water plainly discerns a 
 yellow monster, which, after describing a number of 
 circles around the bait, traces the line to the surface, 
 
CUNNING OF THE CARP. 65 
 
 which done, the carping critic waves a courteous or 
 contemptuous farewell flourish with his broad tail, and 
 is gone. Occasionally, however, the programme is 
 varied, for instead of clearing up the problem by a 
 judicious investigation up to the source, he proceeds to 
 skilfully and artistically dissect the bait, with a view 
 to clear up the mystery. It is no uncommon thing 
 for the tyro to have the bait taken from the hook for 
 hours without intermission. There cannot be a 
 rational doubt that the fish, when this is the case, 
 fally comprehends the situation. Worms, when well 
 scoured and presented lively and fresh, are good baits. 
 These, however, are to be used at the bottom, ledger 
 fashion, only instead of the usual large lead, a couple 
 of perforated swan shot should be strung upon the 
 line, and confined to within two-thirds of a yard above 
 the hook and bait, by a small-sized shot attached to 
 the line at the requisite place ; or a double knot of 
 the gut may be made to answer the same purpose. 
 Potatoes, when part boiled, we have always found a 
 more killing bait than any other for these fish ; they 
 may be used with ledger tackle as above. 
 
 Our method of using the above is, to rig up si 
 yards of medium gut — a strongish fly cast will answer 
 this purpose — with three-dropper hook — No. 6, Kendal, 
 are best — on 8 or 10 inch gut. These are placed two 
 feet apart, a small shot being fixed to each yard of 
 the main gut line. The whole of the hooks are then 
 to be baited with the prepared potatoes, a piece the 
 size of a cherry being used for each hook, the whole 
 delivered out by a careful underhand cast. The bait 
 
 F 
 
66 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 is pitched well out to an open space on the water's 
 surface. The prospects of sport are improved when 
 the surface is covered with weeds, as the rodster's 
 movements and person are thus obscured. When a 
 bite is indicated, an interval of a few seconds, varying 
 according to circumstances, must be given before 
 striking ; a safe signal is the attempt to carry away 
 the bait ; the fish has it then within his jaws, and a 
 sharp strike may be given by the time it has pro- 
 gressed a couple of feet or so. In clear open stand- 
 ing water it is essential that the angler should keep as 
 much out of sight, and as stationary upon the bank 
 as possible ; an intervening bush or tree trunk may 
 serve as an admirable cover to operate from. 
 
 There is an endless variety of baits used for carp, 
 particularly .of pastes, which range from a compound 
 of honey and sugar, to bread and bran. From our 
 own personal experience, we cannot commend them as 
 being generally efficient, though we have occasionally 
 found them taking, but when a particular kind of 
 bait has been much used, a change is often effective. 
 
 Tench are generally coupled with carp by fisher- 
 men, which may be owing to the similarity of dispo- 
 sition, both being, generally speaking, found together 
 in the same water. Tench are, however, often the 
 solitary tenants of some small pond, and when this 
 is the case they, unlike the carp, very seldom show 
 themselves, but are given to " forage " in and about 
 the mud bottom. The presence of these fish would 
 scarcely ever be discovered, even in very confined 
 waters, when the fact is not known. They are very 
 
Plate 11. 
 
 =SI^ 
 
 FIG. I 
 
 IMPROVED PATERNOSTER 
 
 TAC KLE CASE 
 
SIGNS OF PRESENCE OF FISH. 6"] 
 
 capricious feeders, and may be fished for an extended 
 period without success, from which the uninitiated are 
 often led to doubt their presence. An infallible sign 
 indicating thepresence of fish, and more particularly 
 tench, is a disturbed or discoloured state of the still 
 water. When a portion of standing water, having a 
 clear source, is seen to contain, when examined in a 
 clear glass vessel, particles of earth, etc., it may be 
 safely inferred that aquatic creatures of some size 
 and strength are the direct cause. We have never 
 known this rule to fail to indicate the presence of fish 
 in stagnant water. When the tench is in feeding " cue," 
 he goes at it with grim vengeance, and an industrious 
 rodster will often completely depopulate a small 
 sheet of water in a few hours, if he is so minded. But 
 though these fish may be " lugged " out or skull- 
 dragged at special times, almost as fast as they can 
 be accommodated with a hook, they are "higgerly, 
 piggerly " biters ; this may be partially owing to the 
 smallness of their mouth, and the large size of hook 
 usually employed. Even with the tench the employ- 
 ment of fairly fine tackle is found to answer. The 
 baits most in repute are brandling worms, gentles, and 
 wasp grubs. The best part of the year to fish for 
 them is July and August, early and late in the day. 
 The bait should reach and lie upon the bottom ; a 
 float may be used if deemed necessary. The mouth 
 of the fish is tough, like the remainder of the order. 
 
 With regard to its edible qualities, all we can say, 
 if the successful angler, as a faithful follower of Old 
 Father Izaak, has an intention of pleasuring some 
 
68 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 poor body, is, don't, if your motive be honest and 
 innocent, or the unsullied reputation of the fraternity 
 will inevitably suffer. The haunts of the fish during 
 life are decidedly muddy, and the flavour of his flesh 
 after death cannot be correctly described by any 
 other term. Its skin is most remarkably thick and 
 tough, and when carefully taken off and preserved, 
 will wear out, as uppers for dressing slippers, several 
 soles of leather ; indeed, it resembles, when dry, the 
 shark's skin, so much used by cabinet-makers for 
 polishing the surface of wood. 
 
 Bream. — This fish is anything but gamesome. It 
 also partakes a good deal of the general character- 
 istics of its first cousin, the common carp, though not 
 so subtle or so large. It is, however, more widely 
 distributed in our rivers, in which it affects slow- 
 running deeps and quiet whirls and corners, par- 
 ticularly where the bottom consists of a combination 
 of clay and marl, or loam. The bream is to be taken 
 by the ledger line, with a small lob or brandling as 
 bait. Fine tackle we advocate as warmly for bream 
 as for any more delicate fish, seeing that with uselessly 
 coarse tackle it is a moral impossibility to fish for 
 them artistically. With regard to lake-fishing for 
 these fish, we may state that they afford no mean 
 sport where they abound in profusion, as they 
 do in many lakes, especially in the Sister Isle. 
 Bream are to be taken by fly-fishing. We have 
 experienced wondrous sport with the grayling grub 
 baits, such as the artificial grasshopper, cabbage 
 grubs, and gentles, etc., as we have also with the 
 
TACKLE AND BAIT FOR BREAM. 69 
 
 double-hooked palmer caterpillar when used as 
 directed for perch, viz., upon a 3-yds. fly-cast of 
 moderate strength, two as droppers, in addition to the 
 one at the point. These are cast like the fly, and 
 then allowed to sink, a slight wrist motion giving 
 them a life-like appearance. Both in standing and 
 running waters, lake, pond, and river fishing, this 
 mode of fly-fishing for bream affords capital sport, 
 and, not unfrequently, two fish are hooked at once. 
 After the first impulsive plunge, the danger of break- 
 age from this cause is diminished, if not entirely 
 passed, the fish showing little " fight" as a rule. It is 
 not necessary to attach shot to the above arrange- 
 ment of " tack,'' as the fish, being a very portly one, 
 with deep stomach, it feeds, whenever practicable, 
 some little distance from the bottom, as to pick up 
 food resting upon the bed of the waters he has to 
 effect an almost perpendicular posture — to stand 
 upon his head, in fact- — therefore, when float-fishing, 
 the bait need not range more than three inches or 
 so from the bottom of the water. Whenever the 
 bait is fished too low, the float is raised when a bite 
 is experienced, so that it assumes a horizontal 
 position. 
 
 The methods described for barbel flshing may be 
 applied with success in the case of the bream, though 
 a somewhat smaller hook should be employed, they 
 having a smaller mouth. The different varieties of 
 paste may be used with advantage, especially in the 
 decline of the year, when the fish is in its best con- 
 dition, being, then fat and firm fleshed. In some 
 
70 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 localities the small lob and red worms are the 
 favourite bait, in others wasp grubs and gentles. A 
 change in the bait, contrary to the accepted rule of 
 the district, we have always found to answer well, 
 often surprisingly so. In river fishing considerable 
 caution should be exercised in bank movements, etc., 
 as they are quick to take alarm, when they imme- 
 diately retire to their holes, or stop feeding. When a 
 boy, we often met with good sport bottom fishing in 
 the Trent. Our method of extracting them was to 
 sink a live blue-bottle, stone, or cinnamon fly some 
 distance in the water upon a fine gut hook, mounted 
 with a very fine shot or scrap of lead wire entwined 
 around the gut above a knot. This would be care- 
 fully let down in some deep quiet hole, whilst we 
 would be rendered invisible by an intervening bush 
 or bough, the bait being always within our ken, not- 
 withstanding. The instant the lure was seized we 
 would strike, and the capture be consummated 
 quickly, to avoid a disturbance of the remainder of 
 the family. By this process takes of large fish, that 
 were often numbered by the dozen, were secured in 
 the autumn months. 
 
 Ground bait may be judiciously used in river 
 fishing, a hundred or two of cockspur or brandling 
 worm thrown in for a day or two previous will amply 
 answer to gather the fish together. In the early 
 morning and late in the evening bream bite the best. 
 
 Chub (Genus Leuciscus). These fish may be fished 
 for by an almost endless variety of baits. They will 
 take a fly with as much avidity as they will swallow a 
 
LEDGERING FOR CHUB. 7 1 
 
 worm. Bottom fishers chiefly use pastes, graves or 
 scratching, ox-brain, and the worm, when angling 
 specially for these fish. But they are more often caught 
 when angling for other fish, as for barbel, roach, bream, 
 etc. Float-fishing is the best in the winter months, when 
 surface and midwater food is scarce. An old haunt 
 fcr these fish will often yield great sport upon a sharp 
 frosty day in midwinter. We once took six fish that 
 scaled 27lbs. from one hole on the Dove below 
 Rocester. The scales of some of these were the size of 
 a shilling. Chub are to be steadily headed from the 
 hole when hooked, in order to avoid disturbing the 
 remainder of the school. Ledgering is also a favourite 
 style of angling for them in some waters, the gut and 
 tackle being generally stouter than for other fish, as 
 when a large fish is hooked it is a case of " pull devil, 
 pull baker." A slender weak rod should especially 
 be eschewed, as to keep the fish from the roots in the 
 neighbourhood of their haunts, the best built and most 
 evenly proportioned rod procurable is unequal to the 
 occasion ; a certain amount of pliant play is neces- 
 sary to aid the tackle. The best wood to employ for 
 a bottom rod for chub is Ramshorn Ash (English) for 
 butt, hickory for middle joint, and a spliced treble cane 
 top. We have had a rod of this description in use for 
 the last forty years, and it is still as sound and useful 
 as ever. Upon all bottom rods the rings should be 
 upright, and the reel fittings, as in the case of the fly- 
 rod, should be fixed to the bottom of the butt joint, 
 so as to balance as much as possible. To place it a 
 foot or so from the extremity of the joint is foolish, it 
 
72 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 being just in the way of the rodster's hand when 
 using, and also highly inconvenient generally. In 
 the early autumn months chub are to be taken by 
 dibbing (surface fishing) daping (midwater) with live 
 insects, such as the larger of the flies and beetles, 
 humble bees, grasshoppers, etc. Instructions as to 
 the method of using these we have given in a separate 
 chapter. Upon the Thames and Trent of late young 
 frogs have become the favourite bait for chub in their 
 season. The average yield of a day's " chubbing " 
 with these lures is about 8 to lo brace of heavy fish. 
 This would often be larger were it not for the smaller 
 fry biting so voraciously, and thereby causing loss of 
 time to the angler, whose duty it is to carefully un- 
 hook and return them to the river. It is now no 
 uncommon thing to meet an angler with his bait- 
 kettle converted into a temporary prison for frogs, so 
 popular has become this system of fishing for chub. 
 The arrangement of tackle is simple : A No. 4 Ken- 
 dal hook, at the end of two feet of tolerably strong 
 round gut (slightly stained blue) with a scrap of lead 
 wire wound round above the knot. The baby frog is then 
 hooked by a bit of the tough skin at the back of the 
 neck, and carefully lowered from the point of the rod, 
 the weight of the bait taking out the line through the 
 upstanding rings, when allowed, until it reaches the 
 water's surface, the rod meanwhile being kept 
 stationary The struggling movements of the cap- 
 tive quickly attract the attention of the best and 
 largest fish near, amongst whom the bait is often 
 divided, and, when this is so, great diversion is afforded, 
 
FLY FISHING FOR CHUB. 73 
 
 as eventually the most voracious is the first to grace 
 ihe creel. The most artistic method of extracting 
 chub is to fly-fish for them. The surface flies for 
 these fish should be large and gaudy ; if nature must 
 be copied at all, bees, wasps, and cock-chafers are the 
 things to reproduce, the ordinary red, black, and 
 dun palmers, having plenty of tinsel upon them, are also 
 killing. Lake or sea-trout fly size are very good, .also 
 old May-flies, and indeed anything that is sizeable, 
 and gaudy. A good strong cast should be used with 
 these, especially when the water is a little turbid, 
 or discoloured. The red-haired caterpillar, too, may be 
 used for chub with marked effect, in the way we recom- 
 mend for trout and other fish. The attractiveness of 
 any fly or beetle, whether artificial or natural, is 
 greatly enhanced in the eyes of a chub by the addition 
 of a couple of maggots, wasp-grub, or even a narrow 
 strip of wash-leather or white kid upon the hook. 
 Early morning fishing is often more productive than 
 mid- day or night in the autumn ; why this is so we can 
 scarcely say. The minnow is as easily taken by these 
 fish as any other bait, and towards twilight in July, 
 August, and September, the chub will " run " at either 
 natural or artificial, so long as the bait is clear, bright 
 and well spun. 
 
74 
 
 Chapter V. 
 
 BOTTOM FISHING— Contmued. 
 
 Punt Fishing, Bank Fishing, Bottom Lines, 
 Floats, Silkworm Gut, Reels or Winches. 
 
 IN punt fishing, a much shorter rod should be 
 employed than is necessary for fishing from 
 the bank. The material should be cane. The 
 East Indian variety is by far the best, both for 
 durability and strength. This will be found- to stand 
 heavy punishment when other woods give way ; in- 
 deed, we doubt as to whether the hardest and most 
 solid wood that grows will surpass, or even equal it 
 in these characteristics. Solid wooded rods are not 
 only more apt to break, but to bend permanently, 
 so as to necessitate the reversing of the rings to the 
 opposite side of the joints periodically ; but there is 
 one thing we cannot omit calling attention to anent 
 cane rods, and that is their liability to snap at the 
 joints close to the ferrules. There is, of course, a 
 stiff place where the parts meet in a non-spliced 
 rod, and when an unusual strain is applied to it, 
 the wood immediately, above or below, snaps off 
 short. The nuisance of this may be effectually 
 avoided by a small wooden plug, of some four or 
 five inches long, being inserted in the hollow of the 
 
PUNT AND BANK FISHING. 75 
 
 cane, which equalises the strength of the rod when 
 correctly proportioned throughout. Solid upright 
 rings are preferable to the ordinary loose ones ; the 
 most expensive rods are sometimes fitted up with 
 agate mounted rings and tips when intended for 
 trolling purposes, which prevents the rings from being 
 worn by the constant friction. Instead of the ordinary 
 circular -shaped rings, we advise the use of dome or 
 conical ones. These are not liable to entangle one's 
 line, no convenient foothold being presented by their 
 sloping sides. The limp loose line entwines around 
 any projecting substance presented, and any removal 
 of habitual fouling place must of necessity be a step 
 in the right direction. In boat or punt fishing, the 
 method of procedure varies somewhat upon diff'erent 
 waters, the custom in certain districts being to moor 
 across stream, in others in a slanting direction. All 
 we have to say upon this point is, that the great con- 
 sideration at all times should be how to disturb the 
 water as little as possible. A constant surging against 
 the stationary boat cannot fail to act detrimentally as 
 regards sport in most circumstances. 
 
 In fishing from the bank, a tolerably stiff and 
 strong tool should be employed, so as to have power 
 over the quarry when it exhibits a strong and deter- 
 mined desire to retire into some thorny retreat in 
 the bank beneath your feet. The novice quickly 
 advances, upon a few experiences of this nature, in 
 the piscatorial path of knowledge. The first impulse 
 of the inexperienced is to extend the rod over the 
 shoulder, and move backwards, so as to end matters - 
 
^6 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 speedily by extracting the hooked fish from his 
 element. Matters take a sudden turn, however, the 
 fish running in to inspect some festooned retreat. 
 Here he speedily entwines the line in so effective a 
 manner that all communication with his newly found 
 acquaintance is cut off, and when matters stand thus 
 the cutting process is generally applied to the reel 
 line as a closing act in the scene. To land an extra 
 heavy fish with a limber rod would be well nigh an 
 impossibility where the surroundings are unfavour- 
 able. The correct way to play a fish in a powerful 
 current, or still deep from the bank, is to extend 
 the rod over the water, whilst the line is drawn in as 
 rapidly as circumstances will admit ; and when a 
 staunch tool is the sustaining medium, the fish cannot 
 possibly, by anything short of a breakage, effect his 
 object. The weapons not infrequently used in bank 
 fishing are not only undesirably heavy and unwieldy, 
 but unnecessarily so. A rod that may be handled 
 deftly, may be used to much greater advantage than 
 one a few feet more in length. A twenty foot rod, 
 whether it be a salmon or merely a banking bottom 
 rod, is a cumbersome implement ; that, for precision 
 of casting and distance covering, as also for general 
 utility, is easily surpassed by a modest weapon of 
 i6 to i8 feet in the hands of a proficient rodster. 
 Personally, we always use bottom rods full two feel 
 below the usual average length, no matter where we 
 may be fishing. 
 
 The line is the next subject for consideration. 
 For bottom fishing generally, lines should invari- 
 
LINE AND FLOAT. TJ 
 
 ably be as fine, and at the same as strong, as it is 
 possible to obtain them. Raw unbleached silks are 
 infinitely stronger than the ordinary bleached ones. 
 The fine "dram" silks are equal in strength, and 
 occasionally superior, to the coarser, more bulky, and 
 heavier. With the extra fineness of texture, it is 
 needless for us to add the scarcity of the article is 
 found to range. 
 
 Plaited lines should always be preferred to twist, 
 cable-laid though it be ; the miseries of a line always 
 twisting and curling being only equalled by the con- 
 stant breaking of a tender one. A line of one-half 
 the substance of another, if dressed in a proper 
 manner, will be found to be much stifier and less 
 liable to " kink." With regard to colour, in habitu- 
 ally discoloured waters, green or sandy-brown should 
 be used ; in fine, clear, and open waters, a pale grey 
 or cloud colour is the best tint. 
 
 No more weights or sinkers must be employed than 
 can possibly be avoided. The same observation also 
 applies to the float. A cork should never be used 
 when it may be effectually substituted by a quill. 
 Lastly, never use even a quill when no float is really 
 needed. We have oftentimes made a first-rate float 
 of a moderate-sized leaf ; a sycamore, chestnut, birch, 
 or oak tree, when so situate as to extend over the 
 water, affords admirable facilities for this. A worm, 
 fly, maggot, or what-not is attached in the usual way 
 upon a slightly-weighted gut line. A leaf is then 
 procured, the shank being split up the centre care- 
 fully until the middle of the leaf is reached. The 
 
78 BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 " tack" (just below a knot) is then inserted in the 
 incision, which is now closed, and occasionally it may- 
 be, for better security, wrapped with a scrap of silk 
 or waxed thread. The leaf is fitted and found not 
 only to act well as a float, but also in the midst of a 
 bright sunlit water to materially aid the guile, by 
 shading the tackle. The least possible stir or move- 
 ment is made manifest by the flat and flexible leaf 
 Porcupine quills are the best floats for all-round work. 
 For heavy water and large fish it is sometimes 
 necessary to have these mounted with a little cork, 
 but no conspicuously bright colouring matter should 
 be used in its finish. A speck of bright colour (say 
 vermilion) certainly aids the eye when placed upon the 
 tip of the quill, so as to project out of the water ; 
 indeed, this is a wrinkle that every float fisher is not 
 acquainted with. The new luminous floats are very 
 useful for special purposes, though we cannot say we 
 think it probable they will ever become generally 
 used, float fishing in the dark not being at present 
 a popular pastime. 
 
 The runners appended to the float should be of 
 rubber; these being flexible fit any ordinary-sized 
 quill. The non-flexible runners are a nuisance, and 
 should ever be avoided. They are always cracking 
 when dry, and are highly inconvenient in more ways 
 than one. 
 
 The best and strongest gut (silkworm for piscatorial 
 purposes) is round and smooth, clear as window- 
 glass, or as the limestone spring. The milky-white 
 glaring gut, so often met with, should be studiously 
 
CHOICE AND PREPARATION OF GUT. 79 
 
 avoided. No fair means will take out the white glare 
 from a batch of pearly gut. Boiling dye will effect 
 the purpose, but the strength and sterling usefulness 
 of the stuff will have so deteriorated as to render it 
 practically worthless. The opaque silkworm gut is 
 naturally found to be inferior in point of strength ; 
 four lengths of the transparent and clear variety are 
 found to be equal to five of the white and brighter 
 kind of similar thickness. Spanish gut is superior to 
 that of either India or China. The most disreputable 
 is the Sicilian. This is found to be flat and tender, 
 as also so white and opaque as to be of little utility. 
 The Indian variety is especially noted for its excessive 
 length. This exceeds, usually, all its compeers. The 
 colour is yellow, even when prepared and uncoated 
 No dyeing v/ill permanently alter the shade. As 
 regards strength, it ranks below the Spanish and 
 China gut. Good round and sound gut should stand 
 a strain of from 2^ to 5 lbs., according to the thick- 
 ness, without parting. Before joinings are made the 
 ends should be moistened between the lips, so as to 
 admit of its bedding down, and to avoid splittings ; 
 otherwise, dry old gut will " spilch," and break at the 
 knots when forming. 
 
 When gut is imported, it is coated with a thin, 
 brittle, yellow skin, which is easily removed. This is 
 its raw or unbleached state. We may here observe 
 that often too much doctoring is practised in baking, 
 boiling, bleaching, and unbarking the raw substance 
 A large class are prejudiced in favour of what they 
 term a beautiful white tint. This taste, unfortunately. 
 
8o BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 the fish do not share ; consequently, are not so easily 
 to be duped through its medium. 
 
 In clear water the gut used should be either stained 
 a faint sky-blue, so as to offer no lighter or darker 
 contrast to its background, or be left a transparent 
 tint undistinguishable in the water. Some rivers are 
 habitually clear, others slightly this or that shade. 
 The hue of the gut line should in each individual 
 case tally. Our ancestors used sorrel, brown, and 
 white, or even black hair ; but when used under 
 similar circumstances with gut prepared as above, 
 the tender, hollow hair is found far behind the age. 
 We have, however, dealt already fully with the 
 relative virtues of gut and hair. 
 
 Bottom reels are made of almost every conceivable 
 variety and substance. We are inclined to give 
 preference to the^ Nottingham spring check. This 
 check or " click" action is put on at will by a move- 
 able spring, something after the style of the old 
 spring stop reels. In the varying methods of angling 
 now followed, a tool that can be regulated to any 
 degree of action required is far preferable to a set 
 contrivance, admitting of no alteration at will. 
 These winches are now made with steel centres. 
 
8i 
 
 Chapter VI. 
 
 PIKE FISHING. 
 
 Spinning, The Rod and Line; Artificial Baits, 
 
 How TO USE THEM ; FiSHING StORY ; LiVE 
 
 Bait Fishing; Fly and "Frog" Fishing. 
 
 THE greedy, ferocious, and excessively gluttonous 
 nature of this, " tiie fell tyrant of the liquid 
 plain," has been pointed out by angling authors both 
 ancient and modern. We shall, therefore, confine our- 
 selves to the most approved methods now in use for 
 its capture. These may be enumerated thus, viz. : — 
 Spinning, Live Bait, and Dead Gorge Fishing or 
 Trolling, and Fly Fishing. There is scarcely any 
 limit to the expedients adopted for killing pike ; 
 .frc^s, mice, worms, etc., in fact, baits of every con- 
 ;ceiva,ble description meet with due appreciation when 
 these fish are on the run ; toads, it would appear, are 
 ■the only creatures they reject, but a dab of yellow 
 paint will make even these presentable. The spinning 
 art, when skilfully practised is, beyond all dispute, 
 the most successful system for extracting these fish ; 
 we ^■s.y practised skilfully, not because skill is actually 
 requisite tp success, but merely to poi^t out the dif- 
 ference between the .ancient and rude hand trolling, 
 G 
 
82 PIKE FISHING. 
 
 and really scientific spinning, with rightly adapted 
 tools and tackle. 
 
 Spinning with the natural bait claims the pre- 
 cedence ; it is practised as follows : — A small fish 
 (dace, roach, etc.), of three or four ounces is taken and 
 placed upon a flight of hooks (the method of arrange- 
 ment varying according to the particular nature of 
 the flight used) ; one of the most simple and best we 
 give upon plate III., fig. 5. There are other flights, con- 
 sisting chiefly of a number of small triangles, the use 
 of which we cannot commend. Accidents are far too 
 rife with substantial hooks to make it worth one's 
 while to risk anything by th^ insufficiency of one's ap- 
 pointments. The complicated nature of most flights 
 renders it extremely difficult for the novice to bait 
 them properly, so as to enable them to describe the 
 ordinary revolutions. In this tackle, no difficulty of 
 this nature is encountered. The lip-hook is inserted 
 through the upper and lower lips of the bait, so as to 
 close the mouth, the most slender hook of the triangle 
 pierces the side, leaving the larger span of hooks un- 
 encumbered ; lastly, the tail of the bait is made to 
 form a slight curve by inserting the end hook, so as 
 to cause the bait to swim' in a wobbling sort of way. 
 At certain times this motion proves very efiective in 
 alluring the quarry. The statements bearing upon 
 this point, given in another chapter (trout spinning), 
 apply with equal significance to pike spinning. Pike 
 flights may, however, be used perfectly straight, as by 
 the use of a small F. G. spinner and swivel combined, 
 which can be placed a yard or so above the bait, 
 
SHORT ROD FOR PIKE. 83 
 
 perfect action is secured, the lure revolving well, and 
 in a direct line, a great desideratum in bait spinning, 
 especially in the case of the rapacious pike, as he is 
 even more apt than other species to miss the whirling 
 turn-tailed bait. 
 
 A diagram of this very useful metal appendage to 
 the midwater fisher, is given on plate III., fig 4. 
 
 The rod for pike is now made little more than one- 
 half the former dimensions ; the cumbersome tool of 
 from 15 to 20 feet is being rapidly discarded in favour 
 of a more efficient implement of about 9 or 10 feet. 
 The old swing movement for getting out the bait is 
 quite surpassed by what may be termed the spring 
 motion ; the fisherman's right angle is reduced by 
 this change, his general style and comfort vastly 
 improved, and success rendered more sure. To the 
 uninitiated, the idea of reducing the rod would imply 
 a corresponding lessening of the power of the angler ; 
 but this is exactly the reverse of the actual result, for 
 instead of limiting this power over general surround- 
 ings, it largely augments it. In the first instance, his 
 casting powers are greatly increased, he being able to 
 fish a much larger area from a given standing point, 
 the precise limits varying according to the amount 
 of practical skill shown by the operator. Forty yards, 
 or thereabouts, was the possible limit with the old 
 long rods, but since the introduction of the short ones, 
 the cast that fails to exceed fifty yards is concluded 
 nothing extraordinary. Secondly, the angler retains 
 far greater command over the bait with a short rod ; 
 the large size of the upright rings, which are less in 
 
§4 PIKE FISHING. 
 
 number, offer comparatively little resistance to the 
 free passage of the line, thus causing the bait by 
 leverage to carry out prodigious lengths of line, which 
 would, under the traditional system, have been con- 
 sidered simply impossible. The style of using these 
 modern pike rods is founded upon the fork stick prin- 
 ciple of trolling ; the weighted natural or heavy artifi- 
 cial is attached to a limp though strong plaited silk 
 line, which is usually undressed, being simply waxed 
 to take out " kinks " and " turns." This, mounted 
 upon a large Nottingham reel (see Trout Spinning, 
 -page 103), which is arranged to run freely. When these 
 appliances are procured, the result sometimes exceeds 
 the most sanguine anticipations. The very largest 
 fish are held more under control, and are much more 
 easily landed when a short and sturdy rod is em- 
 ployed ; whilst as regards wear, our readers need not be 
 told that the more timber used, and the more lanky 
 the implement is, the less is its durability. 
 
 With regard to the artificial baits for pike, much 
 might be said. Their variety is endless, ranging from 
 the clumsy-looking spoon to the gaudy glass bait. 
 Speaking of spoon baits reminds us that there has of 
 late been an improvement of importance in their con- 
 struction, we refer to the " Colorado." At the hollow 
 side of the dished metal is placed a barrel-shaped 
 lead upon a wire, "around which lead and wire revolves 
 the spoon itself, it having a pair of flanges at its 
 upper or narrow end. The conspicuous triangle fixed 
 at the extremity is partially hid by a tag or tassel of 
 vermilion wool, secured by flat silver tinsel. Its 
 
SPOONING TACKLE. 85 
 
 action when in the water is really admirable, and 
 great things are reported as having been accomplished 
 since its comparatively recent introduction. We 
 never did believe in " spooning," but since the inven- 
 tion of the " Colorado" our sentiments have under- 
 gone somewhat of a change. For the capture of the 
 very heaviest pike in river or lake this bait is par- 
 ticularly well adapted. Metal casts of fry mounted 
 in various ways are now to be obtained. In many of 
 these much ingenuity is displayed, as notably in the 
 different makes of " Gregory" baits, some of which 
 spin upon their own axes ; these for rotary motion are 
 perhaps unequalled, others being jointed and thus 
 flexible, while others again are stationary, relying as 
 per precedent upon the upper swivels for freedom in 
 spinning. Many of the above are coloured with a 
 view to the effect when in action. Other baits are 
 representations of some distinct species of fish, as 
 gudgeon, dace, etc. These are for the most part con- 
 structed from gutta-percha, rubber, etc. They are 
 often much esteemed when stationary; they may please 
 the human eye, but fail to meet with due appreciation 
 from the fish when in action. The general curved 
 shape of the body acts very detrimentally in causing 
 the line to describe a spiral or corkscrew flight, which 
 is calculated to miss what fish may deign to essay 
 an acquaintance. The "Phantom" is another bait 
 not well adapted for rough work, owing to its liability 
 to sustain damage from the keen teeth of the pike. 
 
 The best " artificials" to rely upon, when " naturals" 
 run short, we give as follows, viz., the " Gregory," 
 
86 PIKE FISHING. 
 
 " Clipper," " Wheeldon," " Windsor Bee," and " Ex- 
 celsior.'' Most anglers have a marked partiality 
 for heavy brass gimp, of thrice the necessary thick- 
 ness. Gimp should be no thicker nor stronger than 
 is absolutely requisite, and should be of the best 
 quality, having the finest raw silk centre. In com- 
 mon gimp, which is disposed of by the manufacturers 
 by weight, the wire is much too thick, the proportion 
 of silk being less accordingly.* The best gimp is 
 usually made bright, and excessively fine in the wire. 
 Before this is used it should be slightly stained with 
 logwood and copperas, with just enough of the latter 
 to darken the dye. This removes the glare, and 
 effects a great improvement. Having advised as to the 
 equipment of the pike spinners, we shall now proceed 
 to lay down a few directions as to the most artistic 
 and successful method of using them that is com- 
 monly followed upon the Thames. The line should 
 not be worked from the reel nor yet from the feet, as 
 commonly practised, but from the left hand, around 
 the fourth finger and thumb, off which it is wound 
 rapidly crosswise. The motion thus conveyed to the 
 bait works it well if rightly accomplished ; some 
 anglers simply haul in the line by instalments into the 
 palm of the hand, but this is anything but sports- 
 manlike. The bait is delivered to the spot desired 
 in the following manner : — Line to about half 
 the length of the rod is let out with the bait 
 ready fixed at its extremity, the length of line 
 
 * It is now made very fine and strong indeed, of very little more sub- 
 stance than stout lake gut. 
 
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A GIANT. 8? 
 
 required for the proposed cast being first wound 
 round the distended thumb and finger in the 
 manner above described ; this done, the bait must be 
 put in motion, a backward and forward leverage is 
 given which should be rapidly increased, and now an 
 effective springing jerk of the rod, just as the bait 
 reaches the extreme backward point, sends him out 
 quickly, taking off the line from the disengaged hand 
 in its flight. The point of the rod must be held so as 
 to admit of the bait travelling as near as possible in 
 midwater. When the rodster experiences a tug at 
 the extremity of his line he should strike instantly, 
 but firmly; too heavy striking, it must be remembered, 
 is highly dangerous, it imperils the safety of the 
 tackle as well as the fish. A clumsy or too im- 
 impetuous striker will frequently break away hooks 
 and trace, or, failing that, the hold of the hooks from 
 the mouth of the fish ; it is therefore incumbent upon 
 the tyro to exercise a little judicious care and cal- 
 culation in driving home his steel into the bony jaws 
 of the fish. Practice and experience are the mentors 
 upon whom the young aspirant must rely for pro- 
 ficiency in these matters. Rare sport is sometimes 
 afforded by well-conditioned fish when lightly hooked 
 and handled, and many instances are on record of 
 fierce fights ; not that the pike is noted for gameness, 
 rather the reverse, but in exceptional cases when an 
 extraordinary fish is struck great sport is often 
 afforded. 
 
 The largest pike we ever killed was taken upon a 
 stout salmon spinning trace, the flight being mounted 
 
88' PIKE FISHING. 
 
 upon the finest gimp. We were fishing in preserved 
 water in a neighbouring western county, and had 
 ho'oked a pickerel' a few odd pounds weight ; when 
 we were about to land the young gent, the gleaming 
 broadside of some larger relation of the family shone 
 in the background, an instant, and then a hea-vy tug 
 demonstrated the fact that our possession of the prey 
 was disputed. Comprehending the situation, we let 
 out line with the earnest hope that this considerate 
 exhibition of feeling would meet with due apprecia- 
 tion ; nor were we disappointed, for after the lapse of 
 a few minutes, which, under the circumstances it must 
 be admitted, seemed rather long ones, the fun began. 
 We were in sole possession of a light punt upon an 
 extensive sheet of water, and thus, having plenty of 
 sea room, we were rather confident as to the result. 
 At the first gentle touch of the rod, the fish ran out 
 fully half-a-hundred yards of line, at one impetuous 
 rush, despite the heavy strain placed upon the rod. 
 A heavier reserve was now put on the remaining 
 portion of line through the medium of the rod, but 
 here we discovered our command over him to be 
 considerably less than we calculated, for such was 
 the determination of the hooked fish to explore the 
 other side of the lake that the puilt began to move in 
 chase. To reserve the rertiainder of our line would 
 tend to aggravate the nuisaiice, to let it run meant 
 disaster. Whilst we hesitated we unconsciously 
 stopped further supply of line, of which fact We 
 were forcibly reminded by the rapid motion of the 
 punt as it progressed across the water. Just as we 
 
THE THICK OF THE FIGHT. 89 
 
 had resolved to break away from him he suddenly 
 doubled, making straight for the punt — we hauled in 
 the loose line in coils at our feet as actively as was 
 practicable under the circumstances — the next instant 
 he dashed off with renewed vigour at right angles, 
 and we again strained heavily upon every fopt he stole, 
 despite which our whole stock was all but spent 
 before he again turned. For more than an hour was 
 this operation of hauling in and paying out line 
 repeated without ceasing, at the end of which time 
 the final tragic end seemed as remote as ever. By 
 this time several stable functionaries from the adjoin- 
 ing mansion arrived upon the scene, among whom a 
 learned controversy ensued as to the probable weight 
 and breed of a fish capable of towing a man and a 
 boat with impunity. As the fish swerved along shore 
 in their immediate proximity all dispute suddenly 
 dropped, and we observed, what had previously 
 escaped our notice, namely, a large stable forlc in 
 the possession of a bandy-legged individual who had 
 stepped forward, fork in hand, ready for action. 
 Before we could interfere a wild thrust was made, which, 
 however, fell short of the mark, as may very easily be 
 imagined ; nevertheless it well nigh ended the fight, 
 the terrified fish making for less dangerous quarters 
 at a rate that eclipsed all previous exploits, the 
 pressure upon the line availing little beyond keeping 
 the snout of the fish above the water's surface. The 
 winch " whirred " loudly, notwithstanding the deeply 
 curved sturdy rod. " Hark how the d — -1 squeals !" 
 exclaimed the crooked individual in possession of 
 
90 PIKE FISHING. 
 
 the fork. Had that worthy chanced to have been 
 in the punt at that particular moment, we felt an 
 inv/ard presentiment that he might have suddenly, 
 found himself out of it. After this final rush a re- 
 action set -in, the fish showing signs of fatigue for the 
 first time, which speedily developed into complete 
 exhaustion. To consummate the capture by gaffing 
 and boarding was now a very easy matter, and 
 successfully accomplished. The weight of the fish 
 proved to be thirty-seven pounds and three-quarters. 
 It was preserved and cased by the owner of the 
 water, to whom it was presented, with the tail of the 
 pickerel protruding from its extended jaw. 
 
 Live baiting is another favourite method of fishing 
 for pike. The tackle requisite for this style of 
 angling is shown on plate II., fig. 6. This is used 
 with or without tjie barrel -lead. As the name implies, 
 the bait is used ali\?e, the small hook on the triangle 
 is inserted carefully in the root of the back fin, the 
 large span of hooks being loose at the side. The 
 lure is then allowed to roam at will. It is necessary 
 to employ none but the finest and best stained gimp. 
 The reel line, too, should be both fine and strong, the 
 lighter in weight the better. The line usually used 
 in live-baiting for Thames trout is seldom much 
 thicker than a piece of ordinary thread. The requisite 
 substance and strength ever varies with the weight 
 of the fish it is intended to hold. The line referred 
 to in roach fishing would answer equally well for 
 pike of 1 6 lbs. and under, as it would for Thames 
 trout. The actual dead-weight sustaining powers 
 
MANAGEMENT OF LIVE BAIT. QI 
 
 range exactly double, when the substance is an 
 animated body in water ; thus, if a gut line will 
 just raise 3 lbs. from the dead level of the ground, 
 it will hold a fish of 6 lbs. in water, and this difference 
 is still greater when a pliable rod is the sustaining 
 medium, therefore it is the greatest folly to employ 
 needlessly powerful tackle even for pike. 
 
 We, nevertheless, advise the use of tackle needful 
 for the largest fish of the species you may be angling 
 for, that are known to be present in the length fished. 
 To omit so doing would be to remove all prospects of 
 landing a good fish ; but exaggeration is rife in these 
 matters, and the popular idea is, that the most power- 
 ful tackle is essential for successful pike fishing, of 
 whatever nature it may be. But to return, the move- 
 ments of the roving bait must be carefully observed 
 where practicable ; and if, owing to the state of the 
 water, this is not possible, the rodaJer must follow the 
 movements of the bait by the feel conveyed by the 
 line, and care must be taken not to distress the bait, 
 or it will soon be exhausted. When a fish takes the 
 bait, a minute or two should be allowed him to gorge . 
 it. In some localities the custom is to use a single 
 gimp hook, which is attached to the upper lip of the 
 bait ; this, however, causes it to move in an unnatural 
 way, with the tail uppermost, and cannot be said to 
 equal the method previously described. 
 
 We now come to fly-fishing for pike. That these 
 fish would take a natural fly is even less probable 
 than in the case of salmon. A jack will come with 
 evident gusto at a bird, just as he would at a rat, 
 
92 PIKE FISHING. 
 
 therefore it is essential that the artificial should be of 
 very unusual proportions. Discarded salmon flies, of 
 large size, render good account amongst pike ; a re- 
 gular pike-fly, generally speaking, is a clumsy combi- 
 nation of peacock eye or sword feathers, cock 
 pheasant's hackles, gaudy Berlin wool or worsted, gilt 
 or silver tinsel, and glass beads ; the peacock doing 
 service for wings, pheasant for legs, beads for eyes, 
 and the remainder forming the body. 
 
 The largest fish seem most partial to the fly ; 
 whether it is that they are hunger-bitten, or whether 
 they rise in the spirit of wantonness, we cannot pre- 
 tend to say. From the position of the eyes, situated 
 as they are upon the top of the head, he naturally 
 sees more directly above than around. In the 
 northern lakes, pike are very often taken with the fly 
 wherever they abound, whenever they are in the 
 humour for rising, for like all other species, they have 
 their off and on terms, even when in season. 
 
 In a work devoted solely to the more scientific 
 methods of taking fish, it may appear out of place to 
 refer to what are sometimes deemed repulsive styles 
 or systems. We would, however, crave the forbear- 
 ance of those of our readers whose sentiments may 
 savour of these, for a brief space, as we cannot omit a 
 few remarks upon frog-fishing for pike, which is held 
 so high in repute by veteran pike-fishers. The style 
 most in vogue is to work the frog as a live bait ; the 
 hook, which should be of special length, strength, and 
 size, should be passed through the bottom lip, and 
 under the stomach, the bend being then secured to 
 
FROG BAIT FOR PIKE. 93 
 
 the thigh of one of the hind legs by a scrap of silk of 
 the right shade. This is conveyed through an open- 
 ing in the foliage on the banks of the water, a few 
 odd feet only of the Kne being out When through, a 
 gentle swing motion is described by the line and the 
 lure, a sudden lurch or spring being given to reach the 
 spot desired, when at some distance ; the line, as before 
 stated, being wound round the distended thumb and 
 linger. Another plan is to dape and sink alternately 
 with this baitj which is also very deadly. Artificial 
 frogs are now to be had that answer the purpose 
 almost equally with the not always to be procured 
 living ones. The legs upon these are so constructed 
 as to admit of life-like action when in the water. 
 
94 
 
 Chapter VII. 
 
 SPINNING FOR TROUT. 
 
 The Thames and Trent Style ; Spinning in 
 Discoloured and Clear Water ; Minnow 
 Flights, Hgw to Use Them ; Artificial 
 Baits ; The Rod, Line, Reel ; Flight 
 Cans. 
 
 IF it is important to know the haunts of the trout 
 when fly-fishing, it is doubly so when trolling or 
 spinning, as then no circling eddy betrays the habitual 
 feeding grounds. In small streams and rapid brooks, 
 however, this is not of nearly so great importance. 
 Large fish generally locate in some secluded curl, not 
 far from a deep hole, whither they return upon being 
 disturbed or " knocked off the feed." The best and 
 most likely places upon the whole river's length are 
 sure to be tenanted by the largest fish, the second 
 best fish are in the immediate vicinity, and take up the 
 position of the extracted heavier one. When large 
 trout are killed upon the open stream, it is a sign of 
 their being out on the " forage," and great execution 
 ought then to be effected. There are quite as many 
 grades of minnow spinners as there are of fly-fishers, 
 ranging from the old method of trawling or trolling 
 with heavy primitive tackle in discoloured water, to 
 
STATE OF THE WATER. Qj 
 
 the scientific Thames and Trent style, which is to stand 
 at a weir or waterfall, and dexterously work the bait 
 in the surging boil of water, near and far away, a 
 fifty yards cast being deemed nothing at all wonder- 
 ful ; but distance is not of so much importance as is 
 a thorough command of the line, which should be 
 gathered by the disengaged left hand, so that no 
 slack hangs about anywhere. To acquire the art of 
 casting should be the first care of the angler, whether 
 he aspires to bait or fly. When able to pitch the bait 
 fifteen or twenty yards, and from wrist motion to 
 gently insert into water in a way that will not have 
 the effect of disturbing the feeding fish, he may con- 
 gratulate himself on having acquired the -leading 
 qualification requisite to become an adept in the 
 spinning art. 
 
 ' The water that happens to be nearest the rodster 
 should be fished first, afterwards the centre and 
 opposite sides, and lastly, the obscure and more 
 secluded spots to get at. There the best fish are to 
 be taken. The parts usually to be preferred are the 
 heads and tails of streams ; the few yards of turbulent 
 water at the head of the stream being generally the 
 most productive. 
 
 The speed at which the bait is drawn should 
 be graduated in accordance with the state and 
 colour of the water. For instance, in the event 
 of the water being thick and turbid, a much slower 
 motion should be given to the bait, just sufficient 
 to spin it, in fact. The bait, whether natural or 
 artificial, should work freely at the slightest pull in 
 
96 SPINNING FOR TROUT. 
 
 slow running water; upon the other hand, in the 
 clearest possible water, the lure should be brought 
 found at a moderately steady sweep, not with a 
 jerking motion. A sudden stoppage in clear water 
 .rather has the effect of alarming than appeasing the 
 natural suspicions of the acute and well-schooled 
 (heavy fish ; but, in highly discoloured water, the 
 "halting" or jerking motion is absolutely necessary 
 to enable the fish both to see and seize the bait. 
 Behind a projecting rock or bank, where the water is 
 .comparatively quiet, no matter whether shallow or 
 deep, the fish congregate, as the thick, swollen 
 streams cannot be stemmed, and are therefore 
 avoided. Here the fish fall an easy prey to the 
 mid-water or minnow fisher, as what is known as 
 minnow daping or dabbing {i.e., giving the bait the 
 slow, whirling motion of a sickly fish) often produces 
 exceptionally heavy takes, even when the water is 
 bank full, and, figuratively speaking, as thick as " pea 
 soup." But this method of extracting fish at an 
 undue advantage we detest, as being unsportsmanlike 
 in the extreme. We have frequently observed indi- 
 viduals (we do not say fishermen) upon hooking a 
 fish in such circumstances, with the strongest possible 
 tackle, literally turn tail upon the water by shoulder- 
 ing the rod and walking away until the hooked fish 
 " flaps" high and dry on the bank. It is some 
 consolation, however, that these gentlemen Q) occa- 
 sionally catch a "itartar" in the shape of a hidden 
 stump, root, or pile, in which case the diversion is 
 pleasantly varied by ;a " flap " or snap of the tackle. 
 
THE THEORY OF BAIT-SPINNING. 97 
 
 and total loss of bait. We do not hold personally 
 with minnow fishing in temporarily discoloured water. 
 It is too sure a way for real sport. Absolute cer- 
 tainty in the pursuit of game destroys the keenness, 
 and takes off the edge, so to speak, of one's feeling 
 of enjoyment when success is in no way dependent 
 upon personal skill. With the finest tackle, in clear 
 water and weather, there is more real satisfaction to 
 be derived from the successful capture of a fine, well- 
 fed fish than in forty such taken by unfair means. 
 The minnow spinner, in clear and rapid streams, 
 should always, where practicable, cast up-stream, 
 bringing the bait across and down by a judicious 
 working of the rod from the wrist. As a rule, draw- 
 ing against stream should be avoided. It is un- 
 natural for a deformed or sickly fish to attempt any 
 feat of the kind ; and not only this, when spinning the 
 natural minnow the force of the current causes the 
 bait to assume a very ««««^«r«/ attitude in the water, 
 especially when the movable lip hook is used ; 
 therefore, up-hill spinning should be avoided. The 
 angler should ever remember that the secret of 
 success lies mainly in the motion of the spinning bait. 
 The theory of bait spinning being founded upon the 
 well-known propensities of the heavy fish for weakly 
 fry, which accounts for the otherwise unaccountable 
 fact of the well spun bait being seized from the very 
 midst of a shoal of living minnows. The peculiar 
 forms of many substitutes for natural minnows act 
 detrimentally as regards hooking fish. Take the old 
 turn-tailed family of artificials for example. Watch 
 H 
 
98 SPINNING FOR TROUT. 
 
 the peculiar motions of a specimen as you slowly bring 
 it through the clear water. You observe that it de- 
 scribes a kind of corkscrew motion. This, especially 
 when accomplished rapidly, will entice fish far oftener 
 than it will hook them ; long practice dictates that 
 nine " runs " make one capture, through the instru- 
 mentality of these curved or turn-tailed " artificials." 
 What is needed is a perfectly straight bait, when an 
 artificial is employed, no matter whether the spinning 
 propellers or Archimedean flies be at the head or the 
 tail. So far as this is concerned it will then take a 
 direct " pigeon " flight through the water, moving an 
 equal number of fish, whilst being more effective in 
 hooking them. In natural minnow spinning this 
 is not of so much importance, the fish that 
 " goes " for the natural bait without getting 
 hooked, will more frequently come again, not 
 meeting with so hard a substance. The min- 
 now flight we have found preferable to those 
 generally in use, we give on plate III., fig. i. The 
 minnow is placed upon the tackle in the following 
 manner :— First, the lead is inserted in the mouth of 
 the fish, the lips being closed by the movable lip 
 hook. This done the bait is pierced through from the 
 one side to the other with the large hook, which should 
 be so placed as to keep the lead well up in the min- 
 now's back. Lastly, one of the pair of tail hooks 
 should be made to slightly curl the tail of the minnow. 
 When this arrangement of hooks is correctly inserted 
 the bait is more secure, and will be found to last longer 
 than when mounted in the older and general style. 
 
Pkte 111. 
 
 SWIVEL LEAD 
 
 FIG. 7 THE UNIVERSAL KILLER 
 
MINNOW FLIGHTS. 99 
 
 The most objectionable " flights " are those consist- 
 ing of a number of small hooks, whether triangular or 
 otherwise; the ease with which they are broken renders 
 them an abomination when used amongst weighty 
 fish. Another arrangement, which is also very good, 
 whilst being very simple to fit up for use, is the old 
 leaded wire tackle, which, in lieu of the two side 
 flanges, is fitted with a tiny Fishing Gazette spinner, 
 plate III., fig. 3. The bait is mounted merely by 
 thrusting the weighted wire down the mouth, the 
 position being rendered secure by means of the side 
 hooks, which are to be partly hidden in the minnow. 
 For strong currents this tackle is well adapted, its 
 action in the water being perfectly straight and 
 natural ; for more open streams the first referred to is 
 recommended, as being all that can be reasonably 
 desired. In most waters the natural minnow is pre- 
 ferable, when procurable. In some streams the skil- 
 fully used artificial will, however, not only turn over as 
 many fish, but will kill even more than the natural, 
 the hooks upon it having greater play, while being hid 
 in a measure .by better spinning action. Amongst the 
 many " artificials " now in use, we may mention a few 
 of those that are most distinguished for deadly 
 qualities. The " Devon " or " Totnes " (improved 
 pattern) the " Derby Trout Killer" the " Universal 
 Killer" and " Foster's Excelsior!' The first named is 
 an old reliable bait, originally introduced by a clever 
 Devonshire fisherman. Improvements have lately 
 been made in its construction, which renders it per- 
 haps one of the most effective baits for " all round " 
 
100 SPINNING FOR TROUT. 
 
 fishing that has hitherto appeared. The bait is 
 heavier metalled, German silver being substituted 
 for the plated brass formerly used. The side flanges 
 are larger and heavier, which materially increases the 
 spinning powers, and altogether the changes effected 
 have considerably added to its value, and are likely to 
 enhance still more its already extensive reputation. 
 The Derby Trout Killer was introduced in Derbyshire 
 about the same period as the Totnes was in Devon. 
 This bait is more especially adapted for fine waters. 
 It is a capital bait for scientific fishing, as, for instance, 
 in the middle of a hot day in July or August, when 
 the flies, to avoid the sun's rays secrete themselves in 
 the shades of the neighbouring foliage, and the fish 
 refuse to rise in consequence ; then does the " Trout 
 Killer" distinguish himself in circumstances when 
 spinning would appear the most unlikely style or system 
 of fishing. So effective is this bait in some localities 
 that it is there known as the " Derby kill-devil." The 
 hooks and bait are delicately made, the better to 
 adapt them for this method of fishing. The finest 
 trace and swivel are essential to success in these cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 The " Universal Killer " and the " Excelsior " are 
 both metal baits (the latter solid) the former being an 
 exceedingly " natty " little thing, well suited for rough 
 and turbulent brooklets, the tributaries of our main 
 trouting streams. The spinning power is placed at the 
 tail of this bait. This is considered an especial ad- 
 vantage by some anglers, as trout frequently " come " 
 at the head of the minnow. 
 
CHANGE OF BAIT. lOI 
 
 The special advantages in the " Excelsior " are the 
 extra weight — it being almost double that of any bait 
 of the same size and dimensions — which enables the 
 tyro to spin and cast with ease and success, with but 
 little practice. Its durability adapts it for general use 
 amongst pike, perch, chub, trout, or salmon. The hooks 
 are fixed in the bait without gut, being eyed triangles 
 of heavy metal ; the nuisance of hooks breaking away 
 through faulty gut is thus obviated. 
 
 Upon the choice of colours much depends, as trout 
 are partial to a change in this respect. Take as an 
 illustration — upon a recent occasion having been 
 requested to test the killing qualities of a new artificial, 
 we had repaired to a famous brooklet,* and had 
 succeeded in creeling some four brace of good fish 
 from a confined length of a hundred and fifty 
 yards, which was the extent of our permit. All 
 further dealings were ignored after this being accom- 
 plished, though we had moved many more fish than 
 we had taken. Something like half an hour elapsed 
 without our turning over a single fin. Upon this we 
 put another bait of a totally different shade, when in 
 action, upon the line, and commenced, and in the course 
 of the next twenty minutes five more fish were landed, 
 when the fish again turned stupid ; but upon a bright 
 metal' bait, without colouring matter at all, being pre- 
 sented to them, two more brace were taken. Beyond 
 doubt the fish's eye and palate are tickled by a change 
 occasionally. 
 
 We invariably advocate the use of the very finest 
 
 * Brailsford Brook. 
 
I02 SPINNING FOR TROUT. 
 
 possible tackle for mid-water fishing in low and 
 clear water. The popular belief would appear to be 
 strongly in favour of the reverse ; for bait spinning 
 under all circumstances, scarcely anything can be more 
 erroneous. The accomplished scientific troUer will 
 catch fish where it is usually deemed almost an im- 
 possibility. And when an incredulous bungler fails 
 to effect a single capture, arid returns troutless and 
 dispirited from the well stocked stream, fair sport will 
 often accompany the rodster who is really a master of 
 the trolling art. 
 
 The Rod, to be suitable for spinning, should be 
 bamboo or cane, light and stiff, and from twelve to 
 fourteen feet in length for open water ; but for small 
 streams eleven or twelve feet is recommended as be- 
 ing quite long enough. The sixteen and eighteen 
 feet double-handed rods, usually advocated, are now 
 deemed much too cumbrous, and are rapidly being 
 discarded. The greater utility of a single-handed 
 light rod has long been obvious to a large class of 
 anglers, and its admirers are yearly extending. East 
 India cane is the best adapted for rods where stiffness 
 and lightness are essential, it being extremely strong, 
 though reasonably pliable. The rod we use ourselves 
 for this style of angling is but ten feet in length, the 
 rings, however, are large and stationary, and we find 
 no difficulty in casting to eighty or ninety feet with a 
 tool of this description. The rings upon spinning 
 rods should all be upright and of fair size, so as to 
 admit of a free and unencumbered passage for the 
 line when carried out by the weight of the bait in 
 
THE WINCH FOR SPINNING PURPOSES. I03 
 
 casting. Where the fish do not run large, an ordinary 
 fly-rod answers admirably for spinning purposes, 
 when a short stiff top-piece is substituted for the 
 slender fly-top joint, the only drawback being the 
 minute loose rings, which hinder the free passage of 
 the line. 
 
 The Line should be plaited silk, waterproof, of 
 about one-half the usual thickness of a dressed fly- 
 line ; 40 or 50 yards are required for any water more 
 open than small brooklets, etc. Nothing is so trying 
 to a line as bait spinning ; and if it is desirable to keep 
 the line sound for a long period, it should never be 
 worked undressed and unprotected, or a very short time 
 — when constantly used — will serve to rot and fray it, 
 so as to render it unfit for use. Twist or cable-laid lines 
 are also of little utility, as after a severe trial the reel 
 frequently resembles a ball of loose hemp or tow, the 
 turn or twist having in part been taken out by the 
 spinning action of the bait. The new acm6 wire 
 lines are now being used for all-round fishing, but they 
 are best adapted for the fly. 
 
 The Reel, as in pike fishing, should be of the 
 improved Nottingham type. Some of these are 
 made of metal, some of wood ; the best of the latter 
 are metal-bound, these are greatly to be preferred 
 to the original all-wood patterns, no inconvenience 
 being experienced from the wood swelling. The 
 free action of these Nottingham reels is their great 
 recommendation — practice will enable the angler to 
 work efficiently. A thorough command of both rod, 
 reel, and line is necessary to comfort in fishing. . In 
 
104 SPINNING FOR TROUT. 
 
 scientific spinning a slight touch with the fourth 
 finger of the hand holding the rod is sufficient to 
 regulate the supply of line and progress of bait. 
 These reels are now made with a check, which 
 is made to act at the will of the rodster by the 
 action of a small movable spring. Some winches 
 are made of ebonite* for spinning purposes ; these 
 are scarcely, we think, so desirable, as they are apt 
 to break by a fall. 
 
 Artificial baits may be safely and conveniently 
 carried in a small partitioned tin case.^f as they 
 are liable to be very troublesome if carelessly placed 
 in the over-crowded fly book, as when brushing 
 through a stile, or surmounting a gate or other 
 obstacles, the fisher may perhaps have a personal 
 and undeniably practical experience of the efficiency 
 of his own steel, which will have anything but a 
 soothing effect upon the feelings. August is the 
 best month in the whole season for trout spinning 
 in the smaller rivers and rapid brooks, and the novice 
 will then do well to stay after sunset, and fish until 
 twilight. 
 
 * An exceedingly light substance very much resembling ebony, but 
 which is a simple composition. 
 
 + Flight cases are now extensively made to meet a growing demand. 
 The " Safety " case is one of the best, it being strong, very portable, 
 and nicely finished. A sketch of this case is given. Plate II., fig 8. 
 
105 
 
 Chapter VIII. 
 
 WORM FISHING FOR TROUT. 
 
 Antiquity of Worm Fishing ; Bush Fishing ; 
 Tackle" Requisite ; " Trawling " for 
 Trout ; Scientific Worm Fishing. 
 
 THE term Worm-fishing, to many minds, conveys 
 rather an obnoxious impression, anglers being 
 as a class rather apt to ignore what has for ages 
 been considered the most primitive bait for the 
 simplest and most ancient method of fishing. As 
 a lure for trout, until a recent period, the worm was 
 but little used. We shall endeavour to show that 
 this lure may be artistically and scientifically worked 
 in clear and rapid trout streams, wherever situate. 
 
 Worm fishing in discoloured water, it is well known, 
 is practicable under circumstances when other experi- 
 ments usually fail. Here the simplicity of the system 
 pursued is exemplary of the art as practised by our 
 forefathers ; a cork float, leaded line, large hook, and 
 stout gut, constituted the customary rig-out. In 
 swollen streams fish congregate at the circulating 
 side eddies, whether in or out of the usual water- 
 course. Here the fisherman inserts the bait, and 
 as an undue advantage is extended to the rodster 
 by the thickened state of the water, the largest and 
 
I06 WORM FISHING FOR TROUT. 
 
 best fish by no means unfrequently meet with an 
 untimely end. To this unsportsmanlike method we 
 venture to assert that no true fisherman will devote 
 himself. Let there be clear water, clear weather, and 
 clear scope for observation, and man may with a 
 clear conscience pit his superior intelligence against 
 the animal instincts of the brute creation. 
 
 Bush fishing, in some localities more correctly 
 termed bush fighting, is another type of worming 
 for trout. This, as the appellation implies, is the 
 plan adopted upon well-wooded streams or brooks, 
 which are practically inaccessible to the fly-fisher. 
 Here the angler adroitly pitches his lure in every 
 likely and unlikely looking nook, behind stones, by 
 the roots of overhanging bushes, under shelving 
 banks, etc. For the especial behoof of the novice 
 we would observe that great caution should be 
 exercised against uselessly scaring the fish from their 
 customary locations. Indiscretion in this respect will 
 spoil all chances of sport ; therefore every interposing 
 object, as bushes, etc., should be utilized, and the 
 rodster should invariably fish up stream, as by that 
 means not only will his bait act as herald in advance, 
 but he has the additional advantage of being able to 
 carefully take note of the particular position tenanted 
 by the fish, and to regulate his cast accordingly. For 
 bush fishing a short stiff rod is necessary, or it will 
 be found next to impossible to keep the fish out of 
 mischief when hooked. It is essentially necessary 
 that the capture should be consummated as early as 
 is consistent with the strength of the "tack." Of 
 
CLEAR AND DISCOLOURED WATER. I07 
 
 course there is no necessity for reviving early customs 
 by attempting to extract one's fish in the earnest 
 style of early youth, viz., at a strictly perpendicular 
 angle. On the contrary, a judicious respite may 
 be granted when circumstances permit. 
 
 The angler must never lose sight of the fact that in 
 clear water his bait is very much more clearly on its 
 merits, than when that element is discoloured. It 
 behoves him, therefore, not to disturb its natural pro- 
 gress, which is varied by the ever moving waters. 
 Thus if the lure be gently dropped in a tiny eddy, 
 its circulating motions are not to be hampered and 
 foiled by the line creating a ripple and disturbance in 
 the immediate proximity of the fish upon the look-out 
 for food. It is seldom advisable to cast more than 
 once in the same place ; when neatly and carefully 
 done, the bait will be readily seized if at all. 
 
 The tackle requisite for worm fishing in clear water, 
 differs considerably from that used in what is dis- 
 coloured, no float being used, and except in rapid 
 torrents, " sinkers " of any description are not neces- 
 sary. About a yard-and-a-half of moderately thick 
 gut is generally employed, at the extremity of which 
 is placed one or more Kendal or Carlisle hooks, (size, 
 6 in single, 7 or 8 if double or treble). These 
 'should be attached to the gut with cerise or rose- 
 coloured silk, so as to match the bait in point of 
 colour. The hooks should be white, to prevent them 
 from shining plainly through the bait, which latter 
 should be small, lively, and of good colour, no matter 
 whether it be a brandling or cockspur, or even a small 
 
I08 WORM PISHING FOR TROUT. 
 
 lob-worm, so long as it is lively and vigorous, instead 
 of being limp, pale, and apparently lifeless. An ex- 
 cellent way of making really durable bottom tackle is 
 to whip a minute scrap of roach, or any other fine 
 line, upon the bare shank of the end hook, so as to 
 form a small and well-nigh invisible loop, which will 
 be found of great utility in general bottom fishing. 
 The very finest gut may be attached by means of a 
 slip knot, without even a chance of its " knocking off" 
 at the head, as is the usual result of a small amount 
 of heavy wear. When baiting, the worm should be 
 carefully threaded up the gut, a small portion of each 
 extremity of the bait being left free, to have as 
 natural an effect as possible. Whenever a small or a 
 solitary hook is employed, the rodster will allow a 
 moment's breathing time ere he gently strikes. By 
 this means it is more than probable that he will suc- 
 ceed in obtaining a safe anchorage amongst the side 
 muscles of the fish's mouth ; but a trio of hooks, the 
 Stewart tackle, for instance, requires no such hesita- 
 tion. We have frequently known young anglers miss 
 every fish they have succeeded in moving during an 
 extremely favourable period, during which they might 
 have effected much, had they displayed a moderate 
 amount of discretion and aptness. 
 
 Another description of worm fishing in rapid 
 waters, is to run out a long thin line, resembling the 
 usual blow-line, in substance and weight, at the end 
 of which a couple of yards of fine gut is attached, 
 having a worm tackle fixed at its extremity. A stand 
 is then made by some suitable swim, and the bait is 
 
ARTISTIC ANGLING. lOQ 
 
 allowed to travel with the stream. The line should 
 be kept sufficiently straight to admit of a fish being 
 instantly struck, as the length of line usually out 
 allows amply (sometimes too long) for the proper 
 seizure of the bait. This is a fairly good method 
 upon tolerably open water. The chief feature, indeed 
 we may say the secret of success in worm fishing, in 
 clear water, is keeping, as much as is possible, out of 
 sight. When the attention of fish is attracted by sur- 
 face food they are scarcely so keen as to the move- 
 ments upon the banks and sides of their element ; 
 but when not preoccupied in this way, their organs 
 of sight have ample scope and leisure for their full 
 exercise. 
 
 And now we come to the more scientific style of 
 using the worm. This is practised more particularly 
 in the spring and early summer months. The bait 
 is attached to the end of a treble extra fine fly lash, 
 by means of a worm tackle of three hook power, 
 when it is thrown as a fly, and worked upon the 
 " cast and draw" system of fly fishing, with this 
 difference, the bait is allowed to sink a few inches 
 after each delivery upon the water. By this means, 
 fish of the heaviest calibre are often taken. The 
 produce of a single rod, when wielded by an adept, 
 will often exceed the joint takes of several orthodox 
 fly fishers, more especially if the said rod be 
 assiduously worked in early morn, during the first 
 few hours of daylight. Just as the fish commence 
 to move playfully, as though demonstrating pleasure 
 at the advent of yet another day. Whenever the 
 
no WORM FISHING FOR TROUT. 
 
 attention of the fish is absorbed by surface food, it 
 is not advisable to fish with the worm after any 
 method, modern or ancient ; but when flies are scarce, 
 and the fish are eagerly upon the look out for what 
 the stream may produce in the shape of mid-water 
 food, or before the day's first instalment of winged 
 insects put in an appearance, the worm will do great 
 execution. This bait is inseparably connected with 
 angling by all non-practitioners of the art, but it has 
 been as much ignored in these fast-going times as it 
 was adored by our ancestors. It will admit of the 
 fly fislier for trout pursuing his sport in the teeth of 
 circumstances adverse to the more legitimate modes 
 of angling. 
 
 The ordinary fly-rod and line are employed, we 
 had forgotten to observe, in conjunction with the fly 
 cast. The most favourable spots to fish are in the 
 surging waters of rivers and tiny cascades. A moun- 
 tain trout stream, in which are combined a continuous 
 and natural succession of turbulent rapids and pellucid 
 pools in miniature, affords the very acm6 of perfection 
 for the practice of this particular method of angling. 
 Owing to the smallness of the (Kendal) hooks used 
 (No. lo being the size necessary), a small split shot 
 should be attached half-a-yard or so from the bait, 
 to give proper momentum in the boil of broken 
 waters. The lure should be drawn briskly through 
 even here, the strike of a fish being detected instanter 
 in these circumstances by the feel, as in the various 
 other styles of trouting in clear waters with the worm. 
 As the use of living bait is not infrequently objected 
 
ARTIFICIAL WORMS. Ill 
 
 to on the ground of cruelty, we may state that even 
 worms have of late been added to the immense 
 category of effectual " artificials," the identical ren- 
 dering referred to having been found to answer in 
 the last method of " worming" described, The 
 artificial here alluded to is constructed in part from 
 indiarubber. 
 
112 
 
 Chapter IX. 
 
 GRUB FISHING FOR GRAYLING. 
 
 Grub Baits FOR Grayling ; Methods of Using; 
 Angling Reminiscence ; Camping Out ; 
 Maggot Fishing. 
 
 THIS method of grayling fishing has now become 
 so general, that the omission of a reference to 
 it would render incomplete a work dealing with this 
 fish. The baits now commonly used consist of the 
 green (garden) caterpillar, and its artificial, which for 
 some unaccountable reason is designated the grass- 
 hopper, gentles, wasp grubs, caddis-bait, and the larvae 
 of all the large water-flies found in their sheaths in the 
 beds of streams ; as also fresh-water shrimps, and other 
 aquatic creatures. Of the larger of these grub-like 
 forms, there are admirable artificial renderings to be 
 had ; which, when used as in the case of the green 
 caterpillar, or grass-hopper above alluded to, with a 
 couple of gentles upon the somewhat large hook, 
 answer wondrously well, and are often preferred to 
 smaller naturals, owing to the sinking medium being 
 laid in the centre, instead of having it in the shape of 
 shot, sheet-lead, or wire, outside and in view. The 
 system in vogue of using these large artificial lures is 
 to attach them, tipped with gentles or wasp grubs, to 
 
MODE OF PROCEEDING. II3 
 
 the thicker half of a three yards fly-cast, and throw 
 out upon either deep or shallow scours, frequented 
 by the grayling, according to the time of the year. 
 The bait must be raised and dropped rapidly and 
 continually, after being duly delivered in the required 
 places, which should be the known haunts of these 
 fish. The line should not be raised more than some 
 four or five inches from the bottom, as the grayling, 
 like barbel, are given to grope for food of the 
 description reproduced in the copy. In some parts a 
 small quill float is used, being attadhed with a wire 
 loop at each extremity, In lieu of the ordinary runner. 
 By this arrangement a certain amount of freedom is 
 allowed to the line, which admits of its sliding at 
 various depths from the surface, whilst the bait has a 
 roving commission. For our own part, we have 
 always managed to use the bait comfortably without 
 the aid of one of these articles. The use of a float 
 in clear water, whilst fishing for so keen-eyed a fish as 
 the grayling, is anything but artistic or sportsman- 
 like. When fish are repeatedly missed, it is advisable 
 to secure a small brown twig to the line by wire, in 
 the same way as the sliding float is arranged, as 
 this will not, especially upon densely wood-lined 
 streams, act detrimentally as regards sport. 
 
 The originator of the artificial grub system of 
 grayling-fishing (Hewett Wheatly) we are aware, 
 counselled the use of a float, but since the appearance 
 of his " Rod and Line," the fish have become so much 
 more suspicious and wary, that not even a senior 
 angler can, with impunity, transgress accepted rules 
 
 I 
 
114 GRUB FISHING FOR GRAYLING. 
 
 without paying the penalty in nett results. When 
 the combination of artificial and natural lures is 
 artistically worked by an adept, the slaughter amongst 
 the heavy fish, which seldom or never rise, is immense. 
 Although grayling are very partial to small baits, 
 having a small mouth, they absorb a bunch of hooked 
 threaded gentles, etc., with as much avidity as an eel 
 will worsted threaded worms. The best time for 
 grub-fishing for grayling is from September to 
 February, and the most severe weather is often the 
 best for sport. 
 
 One of the brightest angling remembrances our 
 memory retains, was an excursion after the grayling- 
 time of year, in December — Christmas-eve, in fact — 
 water and locality, the Derbyshire Wye, near Amber- 
 gate. Our party consisted of three rods ; the 
 morning was frosty, dry, and clear, the air deliciously 
 pure and exhilarating, the usually yielding turf was 
 sufficiently hard to considerably increase our powers 
 of locomotion. In the midst of the whitened land- 
 scape, the river flowed as tranquilly as on a long 
 summer's day. We had arrived, fitted-out for grub 
 and hopper fishing ; and with a favourable prospect of 
 sport we set to work. The fish proved in excellent 
 condition, and in feeding humour, and our humour 
 was, therefore, speedily equally excellent, notwith- 
 standing several losses of unusually heavy or subtle 
 quarry. The " permit " being well-nigh boundless, we 
 wandered far away from our starting point, and by 
 the middle of the afternoon had left our quarters and 
 luncheon miles behind, and when we assembled for a 
 
AN ANGLING REMINISCENCE. I IS 
 
 sipoke and a chat, each creel was found to be quite 
 respectably weighted. The fish, as is rarely the case 
 when the water is below a certain temperature, had con- 
 tinued to feed throughout the fore and afternoon, and 
 as there had as yet been no indication of their " knock- 
 ing " off, we resumed our diversion, and before long 
 had filled our panniers. 
 
 As the winter's sun had long sunk to rest, we began 
 to think of retracing our steps ; but before having 
 described a third of the distance that lay before us, 
 one of the party, who was, by-the-way, a bit of an 
 invalid, suddenly discovere'd himself to be remarkably 
 hungry. The third rodster, being an American 
 tourist, took upon himself the commissariat oifice. 
 No human habitation appeared within reasonable 
 distance, and how our weakly friend's languishing 
 could be immediately satiated seemed a mystery. 
 AA^e were not long, however, to be left to speculate as 
 to the nature of the expedient to be adopted. Upon 
 the clear hard turf, under the spreading, though now 
 stark branches of an ancient oak, the wood severed, 
 by the violence of late storms was arranged and 
 ignited by pipe-lights ; some of the choice medium- 
 sized fish were split and cleaned in the silvery stream, 
 so shortly before their home, spitted upon a two- 
 prong sapling, and, in the glowing embers, were 
 quickly done to a turn. The relish with which they 
 were eaten was significant ; the beautiful aroma 
 imparted to the delicate fare by the oaken embers, 
 was simply delicious. Like the majority of anglers 
 we seldom care for our takes, after having had the 
 
Il6 GRUB FISHING FOR GRAYLING. 
 
 pleasure of extracting them ; but we venture to assert 
 that the most fastidious palate would, in similar 
 circumstances, have found their quarry, so primitively 
 yet so skilfully prepared, irresistible. Were we to 
 state the precise quantity of fish so cooked and 
 disposed of by the aid of pocket-knives upon that 
 ever memorable Christmas-eve, we should scarce look 
 for full credit for the statement. Let it suffice, that 
 the intervening miles rapidly disappeared under our 
 re-invigorated footsteps, through the picturesque 
 moonlit Wye valley, enlivened by the beautiful 
 stream, and we arrived comparatively early at our 
 comfortable quarters, and in a state of mind and body, 
 which made the pillow an elysium of repose. 
 
 Maggot and wasp grubs are often used by bottom 
 fishers for grayling, in a style somewhat similar to 
 that adopted in worm-fishing for coarse fish. A quill 
 float and very fine hook and tackle being, of course, 
 substituted. Skillful roach-fishers are proficients at 
 grayling-fishing with these appliances, though the fish 
 are more frequently lost than when roach is the 
 quarry. Ground baiting prevails as a system, but is 
 most certainly unnecessary, as, by an observant angler, 
 the periodical haunts of these gregarious fish are 
 easily discovered. A few hand sprinklings of gentles, 
 etc., cast around the baited hook answers as efficiently 
 as whole quarts of the same indiscreetly planted ; 
 indeed, these fish speedily become satiated, and the 
 use of ground-bait is often highly detrimental to 
 subsequent sport. 
 
117 
 
 Chapter X. 
 
 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 TO be a moderately successful wielder of the rod 
 may be looked upon as a very desirable 
 accomplishment, nay, more, a laudable ambition ; but 
 beyond mere skill in casting a fly, and killing and 
 landing a fish, a little rudimentary knowledge of the 
 truly scientific, and, consequently, most attractive 
 part of the art, is essential, in order to attain pro- 
 ficiency. 
 
 There are hundreds of tolerably good anglers who 
 are such indifferent entomologists as to be unable to 
 discern the difference between one species of common 
 insect and well-known fly and another ; and, lacking 
 this rudimental knowledge of the insect world, are 
 apt to credit the fish with no greater powers of dis- 
 cernment than themselves — a great injustice to the 
 natural instincts of the denizens of the streams. 
 Such delusions are propounded by fourth-rate fol- 
 lowers of every branch of the arts and sciences. 
 That educated English trout can and do distinguish 
 the most trivial difference in both attitude, size, 
 and colour, is a truism well-known and readily 
 acknowledged by all fishermen of experience. The 
 complicated, and ever-extending fly list of the leading 
 
11-8 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 authorities on fly-fishing tends rather to confuse 
 and bewilder than to enlighten the youthful aspirant, 
 leading him frequently to ignore the whole as un- 
 necessary and superfluous. 
 
 In giving the following hints on entomology as 
 applicable to fly-fishing, our aim is to briefly and 
 intelligibly sketch the general " standards," which are 
 sufficiently numerous, generally speaking, to attract 
 the attention of the fish when they put in an appear- 
 ance. The numerical strength of the flies out at one 
 time may be said invariably to determine the ardour 
 with which the fish feed. Thus, when the May-fly or 
 March Brown are but scantily " on," the Iron Blue 
 Dun or Black Gnat, if prevalent, will kill infinitely 
 better, simply because the whole attention of the fish 
 for the time being is centred upon them, owing to 
 their greater abundance. 
 
 The flies that form food for fish may be divided 
 into two classes, viz., the Up-winged {Ephemeridm) and 
 flat-winged {Phryganidce, Muscedce, etc.) Of the latter 
 there are many varieties, part being of the water, as are 
 the whole of the first order, the Ephemeridca family. 
 These water flies are of the greatest use to the angler, 
 as they rise to the surface only to fulfil their natural 
 functions, living but a few days, and ever delighting 
 to sport on or near their native element. Not so the 
 land flies. They do not habitually frequent the 
 water, being seldom seen upon it, excepting when 
 swept there by the force of the wind ; hence it follows 
 that they are rarely sufficiently numerous except upon 
 cold and windy days, or after a boisterous storm. 
 
THE UP-WINGED FLIES. IIQ 
 
 In taking, first, the most important order of 
 naturals (the Ephemzrida family), we deal with what 
 has hitherto been made a most intricate and formid- 
 able list of insects, modern naturalists dividing and 
 sub-dividing into sections and sub-sections until the 
 poet Pope's " thousands of winged insects " threaten 
 to descend from the ideal into stern reality. Personal 
 obseKvations, extending over a period of fifty years 
 leads us to affirm the greater part of this extensive 
 classification to be perfectly needless. There are, in 
 fact, but four different species of Up-winged insects, 
 these forming the Ephemeridce family. The prevail- 
 ing temperature of the atmosphere and the water at 
 the time of the larva and pupa arriving at the stage 
 of maturity, is largely instrumental in influencing the 
 colour, the body of the insect particularly being 
 susceptible to change from these effects. 
 
 The four species here referred to are the ordinary 
 Olive and Iron Blue Duns, the Large Browns, and the 
 May -fly or Green Drake. 
 
 The Olive Dun makes its first appearance in 
 February, when it is known as the Blue Dun, or 
 February Flapper, It then presents a dead lead 
 colour, the inclement weather then seasonable causing 
 the fly to assume so sombre a hue. A few weeks 
 later, if the weather be more genial, it is a shade 
 lighter upon the body, when it is styled the Cock- 
 winged Dun. By the beginning of April it is of a 
 general olive colour, with yellow-ribbed body, upon 
 which rests a bloom, like that of a ripe muscat grape, 
 but upon dull days this is substituted by a rust-like 
 
120 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 fungus, which gives a ruddy appearance to the whole 
 body at first sight. It is then known as the Yellow 
 Dun of April, light and dark. In April, in the cold 
 water near,the springs or sources of streams, more 
 especially in limestone districts, the fly appears of a 
 light blue tint. This is designated the Pale Blue Dun. 
 A few weeks later again, and the Blue Dun of 
 February appears as the Yellow Dun of May, and, in 
 ungenial weather, as the Hare's Ear Dun. This, like 
 most of the multiplicity of appellations, takes its 
 name from a part of the material used in the con- 
 struction of the artificial, the former being a light and 
 delicate olive, the latter several shades darker. 
 
 The " Yellow Dun of May " continues plentiful 
 through June on hot days, the action of the sun 
 rendering it lighter on the body. In July it is 
 designated the Pale Evening White, it being as white 
 as a new shilling. The nymphse locating in shallow 
 open water, where the sun's rays penetrate during the 
 hot months, the fly appears excessively light and 
 delicate. In June, unseasonable weather causes the 
 body of the dun to assume a dirty yellow tinge, and 
 it is then known as the Common Yellow Dun. It 
 acquires a more pronounced yellow a little later, when 
 the fly is termed the Golden Dun, being more partial 
 to fine weather. There are still two other shades 
 before the gradual tints of this interesting fly termi- 
 nate, and a comprehensive glance may be given of 
 them in an order of rotation as the season progresses. 
 
 The nympha of the Pale Evening Dun rises from 
 deep still water, the colour very much resembling the 
 
FIrlltA 
 
 ^---^ 
 
 ■ 3 'rilluivl'iin oi'A/'n.l ■ 
 
 ^. JxUSUf-PUiiIUilJ 'llfi 
 
 ■3 Piiif tint I'lijfi 
 
CHANGING COLOURS OF FLIES. 121 
 
 common yellow shade of June. This, in common 
 with all water flies, gradually assumes a lighter shade, 
 even when exposed to the sun's rays for only an hour. 
 Dull or inclement weather in July produces the July 
 Dun, in which the old and more general olive shade 
 is again visible, commingling with pale yellow. And 
 now, with the declining months, the fish and fisher- 
 man are treated to a repetition of the various shades 
 of the spring, though graduating in the contrary 
 direction, i.e., growing darker as the months pass, 
 instead of lighter. Thus, in August we have the 
 exact shades of May, and in September those of 
 April — the state of the weather and the water being 
 similar to that in the corresponding earlier months of 
 the year — until we again arrive at the Dull Blue Dun 
 of February in November. 
 
 The whole of the foregoing are the natural progeny 
 of the common red spinner. All the Duns, therefore, 
 that live to maturity become spinners; they are, in 
 consequence, very numerous. In the warmer months 
 this becomes lighter in shade, assuming a golden 
 tint on the body, when it is designated the Golden, 
 instead bf the Red Spinner. The limited period 
 usually devoted to the study of the native water flies, 
 which are designed for the sustenance of non- 
 migratory fish, both upon the surface and in the bed 
 of the rivers, has led to erroneous and inaccurate 
 inferences. During an unusually backward and dull 
 season one particular shade of fly will be numerous, 
 often for many weeks, and occasionally even months ; 
 and as no two or three successive years are exactly 
 
122 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 identical in this respect, it is essential that observa- 
 tions be assiduously carried on over an extended 
 period, or misconceptions will be the inevitable result. 
 Insects have been described in their first or imperfect 
 stage minutely, whilst the greater part of their 
 existence as flies and perfect insects has been ignored 
 altogether. Other species have been honoured by a 
 notice in their decrepit old age, when they are 
 described as beings of a day or hour. This incon- 
 sistency is mainly due to the difficulty above noted 
 of drawing correct inferences from limited investiga- 
 tion, and under the varying influences of the elements 
 and seasons. 
 
 The next in importance to the angler, of the four 
 different varieties of Up-winged water flies, are the 
 Large or Spring Browns, so called from their being 
 more prevalent in the earlier parts of the season. 
 The first appearance of this second species is the 
 well-known March Brown of the northern and 
 southern counties, and the Dun Drake of the midlands, 
 the streams of which district produce this fly more 
 freely than elsewhere. The term Dun Drake, is 
 applied, owing to its bearing a conspicuous resemblance 
 to the May-fly or Drake in point of both size and 
 attitude, being twice the size of an ordinary dun. 
 When these flies first ascend from the watery, depths 
 they are eagerly absorbed by the feeding fish. 
 Though styled the March Brown, they are seldom up 
 before the beginning of April on most streams. 
 After a few weeks of genial weather, the fly becomes 
 of lighter hue, as in the case of the olive dun, but 
 
VARIETIES OF DUNS. 1 23 
 
 with this difference, that it perceptibly decreases in 
 size. A strange inaccuracy is credited in respect to 
 the first change of this fly. It is supposed to be the 
 female brown, but that is perfectly erroneous, as the 
 difference in sex cannot be distinguished until the 
 final stage of existence, viz., that of spinners, in which 
 they propagate their species. The spinners in this 
 case are called the Great Reds, which are numerous, 
 more or less, just in proportion as their predecessors, 
 the large Browns, have been prevalent ; as is also 
 the case with the ordinary Red Spinners of the Olive 
 duns. In May the March Brown is recognised as 
 the Turkey Brown, light and dark, in accordance 
 with the weather. This fly diminishes in size as the 
 weather grows warmer. By August the fly is still a 
 little smaller, and is known as the August Brown or 
 Dun. These are seldom numerous, the nympha being 
 generally in a state of torpor in the hot months, as it 
 is a hardy insect, and partial to rough weather. A few 
 Up-winged Browns continue to haunt the surface of 
 rivers and streams for the remainder of the season, but 
 are seldom sufficiently numerous to merit attention. 
 
 The Iron Blue Dun ranks next in importance to the 
 Up-winged Browns. This is a distinct species, and 
 is not to be confounded with the Olive Dun, which 
 is double the size. The general prevailing colour of 
 this insect is a beautiful deep blue, except upon the 
 body, where there is a faint tinge of mauve, inter- 
 mingled with blue. (For detailed description, see 
 page 1 50). It makes its first appearance in April ; in 
 May, however, it is infinitely more plentiful, but has 
 
124 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY, 
 
 then a mauve-coloured body, acquiring a lighter hue 
 as the season advances, precisely similar to the other 
 duns. The fly appears in June and July, but paler in 
 wings and body, when it is recognised as the Little Sky 
 Blue ; and in the early part of September is called the 
 Little Pale Blue. Later still it is very plentiful, but 
 darker in shade, until in October it closely resembles 
 the olive shade of the Duns in April ; indeed these 
 are frequently taken for half-matured Olive Duns ; 
 but this cannot be, as all winged water insects 
 attain full growth and dimensions immediately upon 
 quitting the pupa case. The metamorphosis of this fly 
 is the Jenny (or Jinney) Spinner. This is a beautiful 
 and delicate fly, so delicate that it is a difficult matter 
 to copy it successfully. The colour is pure milk-white 
 upon legs, wings, and body, except a bright crimson 
 band at each extremity of the last-named. 
 
 Each of the three varieties of up-winged water flies 
 live three days, after having ascended from the river's 
 bed, and burst their " swathings." They then cast 
 their skins, like stripping off a garment, re-appearing 
 as spinners. They live about five days in this, the 
 concluding period of their life. We have several 
 times taken for experimental purposes a number of 
 Common Red Spinners, Jenny Spinners, and Great 
 Red Spinners (transformations of the Olive Dun, Iron 
 Blue Dun, and Up-winged Browns). These we have 
 deposited upon the water contained in a fish-hatching 
 box, through which ran constantly a stream of fresh 
 water, the whole being well and closely-fitted over. 
 There they have deposited their eggs, each fly dropping 
 
^^ 
 
 Pltite, B. 
 
 ■'J. 
 
 % 
 
 ^"^^ 
 
 ^ t 
 
 
 
 '^«*^=«*^ 
 
 ,'«ii!. 
 
 A^°6 y&UvwZ'urt (f Mai/ .Nu.l.u-nul K^ Mrt.ifu 
 
 - 7 GoTxUnJj'iirL 
 
 ~ 6 Palt^Evenin/j Dun.' ■ 
 
 - 9 Pale Evera.ru/ W hite- Pun. 
 
 ■ 10 PedSpmner Source oftM/mryOijy rantfe 
 
INCUBATION OF FLIES. 125 
 
 several as it rose and fell upon the top of the water. 
 After this last and most important function of their 
 life had been performed, each having deposited its 
 hundreds of eggs, every sign of vitality vanished, and 
 they appeared lifeless, and merely a flimsy form 
 inflated with air. 
 
 By the aid of a powerful microscope we were 
 
 enable"d to minutely investigate, -from time to time 
 
 several points of special interest to us. By careful 
 
 and oft-repeated researches we ascertained that from 
 
 36 to 40 days serve to hatch the eggs, wheri deposited 
 
 in the summer months, but much longer if in spring ; 
 
 and almost immediately after this has happened, the 
 
 larva o|- grub secretes itself amongst the sediment at 
 
 the bottom of the water, instinct, doubtless, prompting 
 
 this as security against the numerous enemies which 
 
 prey upon it. The form of the larva is shown to be 
 
 elongated, with six perfect legs, and whisked tail, also 
 
 armed with a pair of formidable forceps, with which 
 
 its food is seized. Along the sides there is a range of 
 
 web-like appendages, which serve as fins ; and by the 
 
 aid of this propelling power the larva becomes 
 
 exceedingly active. In the course of five or six 
 
 months the larva changes into a pupa, or nympha, by 
 
 breaking through a filament or outward skin. Upon 
 
 the shoulders there are now two small protuberances, 
 
 which ultimately develop into wings. When in the 
 
 larva and pupa states the insect is excessively 
 
 voracious ; like the small clothes-moth it feeds, not 
 
 when fully developed, but when " swathed " up in its 
 
 tough pliable case. The larvs of both moth and fly 
 
126 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 devour many times their own weight in a single week, 
 and this is the case with all water- flies, whether 
 Bphemeridce. orFkr}'£-amdcs(\Jp--w'mgedor Flat-winged), 
 which feed only when in the larva and pupa state, 
 absorbing sufficient nutriment to sustain them during 
 the short and final stages of their, life. They after- 
 wards appear in their new sphere, first as Duns, 
 secondly, as perfect imago or insects. 
 
 As the eggs of the Ephemeridce had been deposited 
 in May, in the following February, whenever the state 
 of the water permitted, the first flies emerged from 
 their pupa case, rose to the top of the water, and 
 bursting yet another shell-like skin unfolded their 
 now perfect wings, and appeared as early Blue Duns. 
 A little more genial weather, and the Cockwing and the 
 Olive, from which the fly takes its name, was pre- 
 dominant, the lighter shades appearing as the nympha 
 gradually attained maturity, up to midsummer. April 
 saw the first instalment of Iron Blue, also March or 
 Spring Browns appeared, both being of a lighter shade; 
 and the latter a little smaller in dimensions, after the 
 lapse of a few weeks. Up to July the colour of the 
 Duns ranged in the precise ratio we have given, by 
 which time the whole of the nymphse had attained 
 maturity,* with the exception of a few of the Browns, 
 which rose in August, smaller still in size. To have 
 the whole season's supply of the EphemeridcB it is 
 necessary to take Spinners about May, and again in 
 
 * Sometimes fresh-water shrimps, and other water insects found their 
 way into the hatching apparatus and made sad havoc ; but this evil is 
 evaded by placing a piece of the finest perforated zinc at the inlet. 
 
THE MAY-FLY : OR GREEN DRAKE. 12/ 
 
 August. The latter produce first the dehcate tints, 
 ending with the lead-blue shades of November. 
 
 Such casts as are called the Apple-green, Orange, 
 and Whirling Blue Duns, do not occur anything like 
 annually ; they prevail only during a spell of un- 
 seasonable weather. A Dun of these pronounced 
 shades may not be observed for several seasons, 
 whilst for some weeks in the succeeding one it may 
 be exceedingly prevalent. If the range of shades 
 previously described are correctly asserted to be 
 dependent upon the state of the elements, and there- 
 fore accidental, these latter are doubly so. 
 
 The May-fly, Green Drake, or Caddow concludes 
 the order of up-winged insects. This fly is an annual 
 one, appearing upon the majority of trout streams 
 about the first week in June. Throughout Britain it 
 may be said to be in season from the middle of May 
 to the middle of June. These flies are often wondrously 
 numerous. The first four days or so when they begin 
 to come up, the fish seem rather afraid of them, 
 but as they become more numerous they are greedily 
 taken. These flies are common for twelve or fifteen 
 days, when they entirely disappear till the next 
 season. The fish so gorge themselves during the 
 drake season that they lie dormant for some days 
 before they are relieved from the effects of their 
 excess. More has been written upon this than per- 
 haps any other fly. It has' been set up as an analogy 
 for the lesser ephemeral orders, which is scarcely 
 correct, as it appears but for a limited period annually ; 
 and in the second place the egg remains in the water 
 
128 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 two years before it grows sufficiently, and has arrived 
 at a proper state of perfection to ascend. It is also 
 longer lived as a fly. Swammerdam speaks of it as 
 "a being of a day, whose life in a perfect state is 
 compassed in a few hours." Another affirms that 
 " they lay about eight hundred eggs immediately 
 upon the wings being developed, and the whole are 
 deposited in a shorter time than another insect would 
 consOme in laying one.'' 
 
 Our own experience tells us that they live from 
 eleven to fourteen days — nine days as green, the 
 remainder grey — and that they do not propagate their 
 species until they reach the final or perfect state, viz., 
 that of grey drakes. Nor do they lay eight hundred 
 eggs. Our investigations go to prove three or four 
 hundred to be the utmost possible limit ; and, as to 
 their depositing the whole instantly, the idea is absurd. 
 
 We have seen, more than once. Stone and Cinnamon 
 flies and common moths lay eggs at the rate of sixty 
 per minute — one per second ; but with the up-winged 
 insects the operation is much more leisurely achieved. 
 Floods do not deter or retard the appearance of the 
 water flies, further than what damage may be done in 
 a sandy or loose-bottomed river by the larvae being 
 crushed or swept away. 
 
 When the weather is seasonable, the drake appears 
 upon some waters literally in swarms, so thick that 
 to fill the live-fly basket is often the work of but a 
 few moments. The exact annual time to a few days 
 when they come " up '' upon each river is slightly 
 subservient to the weather. 
 
Plate C 
 
 ^% 
 
 
 C-- 
 
 '' ( 
 
 V; 
 
 N'-'Jl Iron h/ut^ Nc. /'/<-■ ■'■'''' 
 
 ■■ 1£- ^ . Lujhtfr '-Mulif , . 
 
 ■ 13 Litae. SktiBLijj- 
 
 ■ JQ> Palii Bill/' 
 
 ■■i:rirQl 
 
THE GREY OR BLACK DRAKE. 1 29 
 
 The Grey or Black Drake is the metamorphosis or 
 transformation of the green. The colour is black 
 and white, and the fly finely and minutely freckled 
 in the wings. The body is milk white, the ribs faintly 
 touched with black, as also each extremity of the 
 body. The legs and tail are black, the latter being 
 double the length of the former. These flies are only 
 prevalent as the season of the drake begins to wane. 
 They whirl in clouds in the shadows of trees near and 
 overhanging the water, stragglers ever and anon 
 dropping upon its surface to deposit eggs, which 
 occurs particularly towards evening. In this act they 
 are generally caught by the fish, which incessantly 
 feed, so long as their prey is plentiful. 
 
 This fly is not nearly so much appreciated as the 
 green, being in its perfect state more active, for, in 
 common with other ephemeral transformations, it 
 improves more in outward form than inward sub- 
 stance ; hence the preference of the wily fish. The 
 Grey Drake generally takes shelter under the 
 leaves of trees and bushes during mid-day in sultry 
 weather, emerging in the evening in incredible 
 numbers, and sporting in the air in every direction. 
 When the fly is matured enough to lay eggs it is 
 designated the Spent Black, owing to its gradually 
 getting darker in colour towards the end of its 
 existence. The operation of depositing the eggs so 
 exhausts the fly, that it dies immediately on the 
 completion of this function, a hollow shell being all 
 that remains. 
 
 This insect, when in its new-born aerial dress, 
 K 
 
I30 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 flutters heavily, like the freshly-fledged song bird, 
 and then appears devoid of all sense of feeling ; but 
 in its last stage it is too delicate for live fly-fishing ; 
 indeed, it is then so marvellously fragile that it may 
 be said to be at the mercy of a breath of wind, the 
 slightest touch ending its existence. In some in- 
 stances this fly appears of a much brighter green, 
 the metamorphosis being of a freckled red brown. 
 This is commonly called the "mackerel," light or 
 dark. It frequents slow-running, thickly-wooded 
 streams, but is of little importance to the fisherman. 
 
 The Flat-winged flies consist of a far greater variety 
 of species ; but, even taking them as a whole, they 
 are of but secondary importance from a piscatorial 
 point of view. We shall now, however, proceed to 
 enumerate the two leading orders of the flat-winged 
 insects which are requisite to a complete equipment. 
 
 The first of these claiming our attention are 
 the water Flat-wings, the leading species of which 
 are the Pkryganidcs, consisting of the red, sand, 
 cinnamon, and bank flies, also the grannum or 
 green-tail ; and the Perlidce, which family includes 
 the Stone Fly, Yellow Sally, Willow, and Needle Fly, 
 or Tail-to-Tail. These flat-winged flies arise from the 
 larva or grub which is found in small twigs, etc., 
 these having been excavated to form a retreat.* The 
 Red or Welsh fly is a four-winged natural, its wings 
 lying alongside the body, so as to completely 
 
 *The small worm or grub found in the beds of streams, commonly 
 termed the straw or cad bait, is the larva of the stone and cinnamoc 
 
THE FEBRUARY RED AND FCETID BROWN. I3I 
 
 envelop it except underneath, thus forming a roof- 
 like ridge across the back. It is the earliest fly out in 
 the spring, and may be seen upon the first tolerably 
 open day in January, fluttering industriously as it is 
 carried down stream. These are in some districts 
 believed to be the March Brown, but there is, as has 
 been elsewhere stated, a paarked distinction between 
 them. It is a very useful fly in the early months. 
 
 After the February Red, the next in this order is 
 the Sand-fly, which is precisely similar as to size and 
 attitude, but of a pronounced sandy hue universally. 
 This fly usually makes its appearance in the latter 
 half of April, continuing more or less prevalent 
 during May, and again in the autumn. Like the 
 generality of four-winged flies, it is seldom on the 
 wing, and when so is a solitary insect, but is a 
 favourite with the fish, even when sparsely present. 
 
 The Foetid Brqwn, or Cinnamon, follows the sand 
 fly. This is a much larger insect, being more than 
 two-thirds of an inch in length, from the tip of the 
 head to the tail. In general attitude it is precisely 
 similar to those previously described, but it is of a 
 darker and more ruddy brown than the sand fly ; it is 
 more plentiful in the autumn than at any other time 
 of the year. Its name has originated from the fact 
 of there being a faint odour of cinnamon emitted by 
 it when handled. It is invaluable for live fly-fishing, 
 but it is seldom " up " in sufficient strength on open 
 water, to make it equally valuable for casting. Being 
 excessively heavy in its flights, its motions and flutter- 
 ings are very awkward. In July and August it 
 
132 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 frequents the surface of the water under shelving 
 banks and sheltered places, and is then styled the 
 bank fly. In common with the Spring Browns it is 
 considerably smaller in size during the hot months ; 
 but is more numerous on cold days. 
 
 The Green-tail, or Grannum, completes this order of 
 flies. It appears at first sight like a freckled sand fly, 
 but upon a more minute inspection, is found to differ 
 considerably in several points. The body has a 
 strange appendage of a conspicuous green colour at 
 its extremity. Jhis is its egg-pouch, and it is 
 observed to drop its ^^%, like the spinners of the 
 ephemeral order, as it rises and falls upon the top of 
 the water. 
 
 The Perlidce order ranks next to the above. The 
 most useful we have given as being the stone, 
 willow, and needle flies, also the yellow Sally. The 
 first-named is a very large fly, and in some localities 
 is termed the May fly, as it annually makes its first 
 appearance in that month. There is, however, the 
 same distinctive difference between this and the May- 
 fly, or Green Drake, that we have already described in 
 the February Red and the March Brown, with this 
 exception, that the wings of the Stone fly are double 
 the length of those of the Red fly, and lie still more 
 horizontally, being almost flat upon the back of the 
 insect. Except upon blustering windy days, these 
 flies are seldom " on " in sufficient quantities to excite ■ 
 the attention of the fish ; though as a luscious morsel 
 the large fish seldom ignore even the solitary 
 specimen when it essays a pg-ddling excursion across 
 
P]nte D 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 H" 16 Murr'n Brown NaJurn.l t- Ar! is'iriru 
 
 •• 17 TurKey l':i'^i 
 
 ■' Ih '" Iiijltt 
 
 ■ 7.9 All gut:,!. iJiai 
 
 20 Qrrat Red K:'<i'U/ju'r 
 
THE WILLOW AND NEEDLE FLIES. 1 33 
 
 its native' element. Its general haunts are amongst 
 the gravel and pebbles by the sides of streams, hence 
 the name ; but when carried by a high breeze to mid 
 stream in any number, the artificial may be used with 
 signal success. The larvae of these large water 
 insects form food for fish some ten days or more 
 before they are mature enough to " rise," as the grub 
 then becomes very active, and attracts the attention 
 of the fish. The grub, when extracted from the case 
 or twig which it inhabits, is used in a similar manner 
 to the wasp bait and maggot for bottom fishing. 
 
 The Willow fly appears in August. This is a well- 
 known insect, and on all our most frequented trout 
 and grayling streams is one of the first flies that the 
 latter fish feed ravenously upon, when coming into 
 condition after the spawning period. The colour of 
 its wings is a dark, ruddy, brown blue, with light- 
 coloured ribs, and legs a rusty black. Unlike most 
 naturals, these flies, instead of taking their names 
 from their own colour, are almost universally known 
 by the term Willow, which appellation may have 
 originated from the fact of their being generally most 
 abundant in the immediate vicinity of willow trees, 
 particularly while upon the wing, when they may be 
 observed in whirling masses just above the surface of 
 'the water. 
 
 The Needle fly. Needle-brown, or Tail-to-Tail, 
 as it is sometimes called, is a peculiar-looking 
 insect ; its wings are folded in a manner so neat and 
 compact, and fit so closely to the body, as to give the 
 observer the impression that it is devoid of them 
 
134 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 altogether. In the warmest hours of a September 
 day, myriads of them are to be seen fluttering in 
 clouds in the shade of trees, bridges, etc. They are of a 
 dingy brown shade on the body, legs, and wings, and 
 unless seen in a certain light are almost indistinguish- 
 able when in action over the water. There are two 
 sizes of these flies when full grown, the largest being 
 fully half an inch in length, the other about two- 
 thirds that size. This is one of the best of our 
 grayling flies. The fish being partial to small insects, 
 the lesser one is generally used by most fishermen. 
 This fly frequents some streams in lieu of the 
 Willow, and is equally killing. Needle flies are 
 numerous on warm mizzly days, throughout the fall 
 -of the year. 
 
 The Yellow Sally concludes the list of the Perlidce 
 order deserving the notice of the angler. This fly is 
 of a general primrose tint, and when once seen can 
 never be mistaken. It rises about the middle of June, 
 being more or less numerous during the hot months, 
 but is not much appreciated by the fish. It is seldom 
 really on the water, even when well out, being a stray 
 flier, often descending from a great height to deposit 
 eggs in the water, falling apparently lifeless, but 
 immediately springing up to soar anew, and repeat 
 the operation. The artificials of this fly fail to be 
 effective, owing to their being dressed " winged ; " 
 most flat-winged water flies should be dressed "buzz" 
 to kill well. The best chance of killing with this fly 
 is during or soon after a passing storm, which beats 
 them down upon the water. 
 
FIRST PRINCIPLE OF FLY SELECTION. 1 35 
 
 We have now enumerated the three principal 
 orders of winged water insects. A reproduction of 
 one of each some accompHshed fly-fishers place upon 
 their casts for all round fishing ; but we do not advise 
 our readers to act up to any system, but would rather 
 encourage them to use their own observation, to be 
 quick to take, note of existing influences and their 
 general bearings on the occasion, and thus to adapt 
 themselves to meet circumstances which would other- 
 wise prove detrimental to sport. The real essence of 
 the art lies in deceiving the fish by a correct copy of 
 any fly that may be at any time absorbing their 
 attention. 
 
 We have yet briefly to mention the casual killers 
 amongst the numerous tribes of land insects, which 
 may be summed up as follows : — Cow-dung-fly, Small 
 Beetles (marlow buzz, or cock-y-bondu). Oak-fly, Blue 
 Bottle, Wren-tail, the Ants, and Gray and Black Gnats. 
 These flies pass their pupa stage in the earth, either 
 in thickly wooded, or meadow land ; they, therefore, 
 do not habitually frequent the water, but are driven 
 upon it by rough weather. 
 
 The Cow-dung-fly we have fully commented upon 
 in "Notes on the Months," page 215. The term 
 Small Beetles, includes the lady-cow and ear-wig, as 
 well as the small members of the beetle tribe proper, 
 which are prevalent more or less throughout the 
 season. The artificial is a simple hackled fly (else- 
 where described) which effectually represents the 
 numerous members of the above varieties. 
 
 The Oak-fly, or Down-looker, usually accompanies 
 
136 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 the Green Drake. This is another fly that is commonly 
 used in its natural state, particularly upon thickly- 
 wooded streams ; it is often seen upon the trunks of 
 trees, etc., upon which it invariably rests with its head 
 downwards, instantly assuming that position if alight- 
 ing in any other. In cold or inclement weather, it 
 secretes itself amongst the roots of luxuriant grass or 
 thick moss, until more genial weather prevails. The 
 fly is perfectly flat-winged, and in attitude resembles 
 the house and wood flies. These three flies are, 
 perhaps, the most commonly known of any British 
 insects. 
 
 The Wood fly resembles the domestic house fly in 
 all particulars except size, it being a trifle larger, and 
 is especially numerous in the vicinity of cattle, to 
 which it is very obnoxious, especially in wooded 
 districts. In cold weather, in the fall of the year, the 
 whole tribe of wood and house flies become 
 blind, when they are swept upon the water in great 
 quantities, to be picked off by both trout and gray- 
 ling, especially the latter. The Grey Palmer efficiently 
 represents these drowning insects, when vainly flutter- 
 ing to extricate themselves from the foreign element. 
 
 The Blue Bottle is most in request for live fly-fishing 
 in July and August. It is sometimes cast along with 
 the grey palmer, and renders good account of its 
 attractive powers, but cannot be said to be infallible. 
 The Wren-tail, or Frog-hopper, forms one of the many 
 varieties of winged insects numerous in July. In 
 common with the small blacks, it braves the heat of. 
 the noonday sun. The latter fortunately differ very 
 
■-a. 
 
 t^^ 
 
 f 
 
 PiMe F_ 
 
 "^. 
 
 '''^'^ViSS^V^ 
 
 '■"'i;''"--j''-.\^J 
 
 ^b^?i^ 
 
 -^ , 
 
 L 
 
 /' I \ 
 
 if. 
 
 ..-;>?fr-:-^,:]{j|^ 
 
 n''2'J Gr/U:ri rr(/ /f e Nutnnil &■ Aiii/'icia ! 
 
 2Z Gr.'ii 
 
 ■• ';4 WilJ/jiv FLij 
 
 ■ 26 Al&'cufidru I-'ly 
 
 ■ 26 Red Ca/tr/'i/lur- 
 
THE BALANCE OF INSECT LIFE. 1 37 
 
 materially in regard to their habits and movements, 
 as they are incessantly hovering over the water, 
 whilst the frog-hopper merely appears accidentally, 
 and, therefore, unintentionally, upon its bosom. It is 
 occasionally to be used with effect. 
 
 The Ants are only occasionally numerous, but in 
 some localities the red species are common in sandy 
 soils and amongst wild, broken ground. The black 
 variety are found only in thickly-wooded districts, 
 where they build their hills to a considerable size of 
 small twigs, leaf stems, &c. In sultry weather these 
 little creatures will migrate to the nearest water to 
 indulge in a cooling bath, and, when this happens to 
 be a trout stream, both fish and fisherman experience 
 lively times. Their eggs are much sought after for 
 angling purposes, being excellent bait for almost 
 every description of fresh-water fish, when prepared 
 and used similar to trout and salmon roe. 
 
 The Grey and Black Gnats, and, indeed, the whole 
 fraternity of " smuts," arise from the soil of sheltered 
 meadow banks ; they are most obnoxious to the fly- 
 fisher when out in any quantity. 
 
 Year after year, and century after century, a 
 curious and interesting equilibrium is maintained by 
 nature, with but few deviations, in regard to insect 
 life in this temperate clime. Whilst various members 
 of the beetle, ant, and other orders increase, at in- 
 tervals, to a really alarming extent in more southern 
 latitudes, in this country a truly marvellous balance of 
 insect existence is preserved by the restraining action 
 of counter influences on the enormous procreative 
 
138 PISCATORIAL ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 powers with which they are invested. When myriads of 
 flies are observed depositing their eggs literally by 
 millions, upon water or land, we are led to investigate 
 the reason why their material increase is seldom 
 rendered notable, and we find that the mass simply 
 go to feed other creatures, whose sole mission would 
 appear to be to counteract, regulate, and hold in check 
 their kindred species. All insects of the smaller kind, 
 inhabiting the earth or water, feed upon the ova of 
 the different orders of winged insects, the pupae of 
 which retaliate in turn by preying continuously upon 
 the minute insects, the enemies of their previous 
 existence. Thus, by a wondrous scheme of Providence, 
 the perfect chain of animated nature and organised 
 creation is accurately preserved. 
 
 When insects arrive at maturity, there is this signal 
 and distinctive difference between the aerial and 
 aquatic species. The former are voracious feeders 
 when in their perfect state ; the latter do not, as we 
 have shown, feed at all when in the subimago and 
 perfect stages of their existence, so that no devastat- 
 ing results issue from any multiplication of these. The 
 same observation cannot be applied with equal truth 
 to the case of the land insects, which, when plentifuj, 
 are the bane of man and beast. Reaumur makes 
 mention of a swarm of May flies or drakes on the 
 Marne, which completely covered him two or three 
 inches in depth, in the space of a few minutes. Most 
 fishermen have experienced something similar, at 
 long intervals, with regard to the water flies in certain 
 localities : this is the result of a combination of 
 
INSECTS. AND TEMPERATURE. 1 39 
 
 circumstances favourable to them. Seasonable 
 weather is always favourable to insect life.* A mild 
 winter will tend to destroy the ensuing season's 
 general supply, by causing premature activity, fol- 
 lowed often by prertiature death, or at best by a 
 relapse into a state of torpor. These changes in- 
 variably prove prejudicial to the existence of insects. 
 Steady and severe cold, when seasonable, upon the 
 other hand, is not only favourable to insect life, by 
 causing a continued state of torpor, from which they 
 emerge in due season, but also by indirectly preserv- 
 ing them from the attacks of their numerous enemies. 
 It sometimes happens that, from a variety of causes, 
 , running water is of a higher temperature than the 
 atmosphere,- in dry frosty weather ; and as the aquatic 
 insect, prior to leaving its native element, is wholly 
 influenced by it, an uprising of them when the air 
 is too cold for them to live in it, is not by any 
 means an infrequent occurrence. We have observed 
 them rise to live but a few hours, and sometimes 
 only minutes, in the event of there being no' sun 
 temporarily to counteract the effects of the keen air. 
 
 * We remember ourselves witnessing, one very hot summer, which 
 had succeeded a hard winter, some forty years ago, a rising of iron 
 blues upon the Dovedale length of the Dove, that completely enveloped 
 the summits of the surrounding rocks, which appeared to be clouded 
 by a thick blue mist. There are instances on record of church spires 
 being taken to be on fire from a similar phenomenon. 
 
I40 
 
 Chapter XI. 
 
 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 Flies for Trout and Grayling Fishing; The 
 Advisability of Copying Nature; Up- 
 Winged AND Flat- Winged Artificials ; 
 Dressings for the Duns, Browns, May 
 Flies, or Drakes ; Flat- Winged Water 
 Flies ; Land Flies ; How to Dress a 
 Hackle Fly, Palmer, etc. ; Salmon Flies. 
 
 TROUT and Grayling Flies. — A jeally solid 
 advantage the amateur fly-maker enjoys is his 
 ever available ability to produce copies of any 
 special insect the fish may just then be regaling 
 themselves upon, when other lures fail to meet with 
 due appreciation. Trout are often most tantalizingly 
 fastidious ; and though occasionally, at rare intervals, 
 they are to be taken by almost anything in the shape 
 of a fly, it is merely a reckless spirit of wantonness 
 that is displayed, in which case sport will prove but 
 indifferent, the fish in reality being merely playing 
 and not feeding. Trout will take down almost any- 
 thing when in this mood ; bits of leaves, twigs, and 
 other floating atoms, we have repeatedly seen them 
 close their teeth upon, when taking observations from 
 
Plate r 
 
 
 TM" ZV Lv-/tu ur}iljj£huj-nli.C 
 
 29 Hcrviij OiJJi 
 ' 30 Fu.rnoJX 
 - Zl F.ruu.'n Hu.Tn.bU vrEnnruj 
 
 ■w- 
 
 jV: ..J'", Litth, CtuLf 
 ;;.; !jr&y PaJinx-r 
 :,'<; Sliver or WiniwUu ri 
 y Quill t'iriiU 
 '■ji' Perl I'nq 
 
ADVANTAGE OF SKILL IN FLY DRESSING. 141 
 
 the chinks of a wooden foot bridge ; but these floating 
 substances we noted invariably rose to the surface 
 almost immediately. But when, on the other hand, 
 there are myriads of any particular fly out, the 
 thorough earnestness displayed by the feeding fish, as 
 they eagerly absorb the abundance of food thus pre- 
 sented upon the surface of their native element, bears 
 a marked contrast to their former demeanour ; and 
 when the angler happens not to possess an imitation 
 thereof to present, in nine hundred and ninety-nine 
 instances oUt of a thousand, his lure will meet with 
 an unflattering reception. It is then that the 
 proficient fly-dresser, by a little display of patience 
 and ingenuity, proves equal to the occasion, and 
 by the prompt exercise of his art, rules the cir- 
 cumstances to which his less ' accomplished brother 
 of the rod must bow. 
 
 Great disappointment is often experienced by the 
 uninitiated (and we regret to have to admit there 
 should exist grounds for honest complaints) in procur- 
 ing flies dressed to any particular artificial or natural 
 pattern. The prevailing custom would appear to be 
 simply to choose the fly in stock, bearing the best 
 resemblance to the pattern required in its various 
 details ; and as this is occasionally limited in its 
 character, the credulity of the fisher is not infrequently 
 imposed upon. These and other tests of patience, the 
 angler, who has become an apt fly-dresser, spares 
 himself Upon the other hand, it is but fair to point 
 out the little drawbacks it is necessary to surmount. 
 
 Firstly, then, time is essential, as a matter of course, 
 
142 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 * 
 
 for the practice of this pleasing art. We often hear 
 it asserted " that Hfe is too brief to admit of fishermen 
 making their own flies ; " every art and pursuit de- 
 mands a given amount of appHcation, more especially 
 until a thorough practical knowledge of it is acquired. 
 To claim an exception in the case now before the 
 reader, would certainly be unjustifiable ; but in the 
 particular circumstances to which we have made 
 allusion, it cannot, we think, be denied that it is an 
 advantageous accomplishment to the fly - fisher. 
 Another fact, well-known to all practitioners, whether 
 amateur or professional, is, that the creditable con- 
 struction of well-known artificials requires a certain 
 amount of studious application. Many dozens have 
 frequently to be made and discarded before the 
 hand acquires the accurate " knack " for each 
 different description of fly; therefore with well-known 
 " standards,'' the professor has unmistakably the ad- 
 vantage, large quantities of each of those most 
 difficult to make being produced before another 
 variety is taken in hand. 
 
 In fly-making, a natural specimen of the fly it is 
 desired to imitate should always be placed before the 
 artist. Man's greatest achievements in the fine arts 
 are admired, and justly so, in proportion to their 
 faithful accordance with the originals of nature. 
 Mere reproductions of these are not nearly so 
 much esteemed ; for, though the original canvas may 
 be valued at its weight in gold, even good copies are 
 of small comparative worth. We have often deplored 
 the perverseness of individuals who, misconceiving 
 
THE FLY-MAKER SHOULD COPY NATURE. I43 
 
 the object and aim in view, persist in reproducing old 
 renderings, from bool« and other sources, and thus, 
 instead of endeavouring to improve upon existing or 
 old styles, merely perpetuate them, and are content. 
 Many an old pattern of " artificial " is considered 
 irresistible in its season, owing to past exploits in 
 which it may have figured favourably, when given the 
 post of honour upon the fly-list. Their owners fail 
 to comprehend that their vaunted virtues could and 
 would have been eclipsed in the matter of conquests, 
 had a truer, and therefore better copy been employed 
 in equally favourable circumstances. 
 
 The natural insects, common to all pure running 
 streams, are precisely similar upon all waters pro- 
 ductive of them ; nevertheless the immense diversity 
 in the imitations (so called by courtesy) is simply 
 astounding. To take the Drake, or May fly, as a case 
 in point. Though, comparatively, this is a large and 
 well-known fly, we venture to assert that if a copy of 
 it be obtained from five hundred different fly-dressers, 
 scarcely any two will be alike ; and it may be, that not 
 many amongst the better renderings have much in 
 common with the original. To the eye of the ex- 
 perienced fly-fisher, a glance at the handiwork of any 
 fly-dresser proclaims the amount of practical know- 
 ledge and experience possessed by him. To dis- 
 tinguish an old style of fly from a more modern one, 
 is a much easier matter ; this is a problem, the solu- 
 tion of which need trouble no individual, as it certainly 
 does not the fish. As we have before pointed out, 
 nature is far too often imitated from memory, conven- 
 
144 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 tion, and even tradition. Reproduction in art is a 
 totally different matter from reproduction in nature. 
 The first-named means in reality degeneration. 
 Through such a process, truth, ideality, and efficiency 
 are lost at each successive step down the ladder of 
 routine. Let the aspiring student study and take his 
 ideal and model from nature, and then progress in 
 true worth and efficiency will be effected. 
 
 The first thing to note when a strange natural is 
 taken in hand to copy, is the position of the wings ; as 
 if it be " flat-winged," it may be dressed hackle, or 
 palmer-wise, instead of being winged ; whilst if it be 
 up-winged, it should be dressed with wings nearly 
 erect, and broad in proportion. The reason for this is 
 obvious. The latter, when upon the water, float 
 buoyantly along, over both broken and still water, 
 which, however, is scarcely the case with the first- 
 named, as the majority of these insects being land 
 flies, naturally fail to take to the water, like the " up- 
 winged " natives ; therefore, to imitate their buzzing 
 action the copies are usually made up hackled and 
 wingless. The secondary point for consideration is 
 
 The Choice of Colour, which, we would impress 
 upon the mind of the tyro, requires the exercise of a 
 certain amount of judgment ; as what may appear to be 
 the correct thing to look down upon, will in all proba- 
 bility be a glaring departure from the tint required 
 when viewed from underneath. It must ever be re- 
 membered that the fish, from their position below the 
 natural fly and the copy, see through them; when 
 viewed thus they will appear, as a general rule, several 
 
UP-WINGED ARTIFICIALS. 1 45 
 
 shades lighter. To distinguish the correct colour of 
 a fly as presented to the fish, we know of no better 
 method than to place it in a clear glass of water, and 
 hold it between the eye and the light in such a position 
 as to be able to see underneath the insect. The 
 precise shade of both legs, wings, and body will then 
 be accurately ascertained. 
 
 How TO Dress the Fly. — What we hereafter 
 endeavour to expound may deviate somewhat from 
 the general rules laid down by former writers ; but 
 when we state that the method of construction to be 
 hereafter divulged has been to us as good as a patent 
 since we originated the same, we trust our motive in 
 finally making public the result of our researches in 
 this by no means unimportant branch of our delight- 
 ful art, will not be misconstrued, as has, we fear, been 
 already the case with more than one predecessor and 
 originator of improvements in artificials,* whose 
 works have been calumniated by individuals who, to 
 hide their own incompetency, have adopted the plan 
 of criticising the achievements of men of known 
 merit. But we digress. It is customary to make 
 all up-winged artificials with drooping wings. These, 
 when wet, or when drawn through the water, lie 
 perfectly ^a^ on tJie back of the hook, and when this is 
 the case with a dun or spinner, or other ephemeral, it 
 is a glaring departure from the original. To dress 
 up-winged flies so as to retain their all but erect 
 attitude in the water, and that when subjected to 
 hard and heavy use, we give the following : — Let us 
 
 * Blacker, of famed memory, to wit. 
 
14^ ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 suppose for the time being that the intending opei'atbr 
 has already fashioned the body, and has in I'eadiness 
 the material for its remaining appendages, viz., the 
 legs and wings. Now, instead of next placing the 
 legs, and lastly the wings, he must reverse the operation 
 by attaching the wings first, the addition of the legs 
 completing the process. To particularize, the wings 
 should not be detached prior to being put upon the 
 fly. The feather should also be ample in dimensions. 
 A half-inch breadth of fibre from a small bird's quill 
 feather, doubled so as. to form the separate wings 
 when attaqhed, is about the amount requisite for the 
 March brown, two thirds of this quantity for the olive 
 dun order, and one half for the iron blue duns. After 
 securing the wings, which should be about the length 
 of the hook, thus a little longer than the body, they 
 are placed in their correct position. The hackle, 
 with which it is intended to form the legs, is then 
 turned or wrapped into position underneath the wings, 
 the whole being well supported by a few well-planted 
 turns of the tying silk, which done, all that remains is 
 for the silk to be knotted or looped off in the usual 
 way, and your up-winged fly is complete. With 
 reference to the first stage of its construction, much 
 necessarily depends upon the precise nature of the 
 material to be used and worked up. The best and 
 most reliable way of reproducing the varying tinges 
 of the bodies of the flies is by the use of raw silks and 
 natural furs. The foundation of the body of the fly 
 is formed as follows :— The hook is taken in the fore- 
 finger and thumb of the left hand (point downwards), 
 
MANIPULATION OF THE ARTIFICIAL. 147 
 
 the tying silk in the right. A few turns of the 
 silk are now given round the shank of the hook. 
 Meanwhile, as a preliminary arrangement, the gut is 
 slightly indented with the teeth at the extremity to 
 be secured. This lessens the chances of drawing, 
 especially in the hands of the tyro. The tying silk 
 diould now be untwisted* so as to take all turn out 
 of it, preparatory to wrapping on. This done, the 
 artist works the textile round, leaving a fifth of the 
 shank end of the hook bare to fit on the wings, the 
 gut and hook, in so doing, straining the silk to its 
 utmost tension. If whisks or tails are used, they 
 should be secured by a couple of turns of the silk 
 when the bend of the hook is reached, the fur (if any) 
 to be in readiness. A minute portion is taken by the 
 thumb and finger of the disengaged right hand, and 
 twisted or rolled with the tying silk so as to adhere 
 to that part of it near the hook, which done, the silk 
 thus prepared may now carefully retrace the body, to 
 form the ribs of the fly. These should be at a 
 regular and natural distance apart. The surplus fur 
 is then to be taken both from the silk left and the 
 body of the " artificial " (which is now complete) by 
 an effective " nip " or two of the finger and thumb, 
 just leaving sufficient upon the hook's shank to faith- 
 fully represent the tinge required. When the ribs are 
 of a contrasted hue, more carefulness still is necessary 
 to give due efi'ect. When the wings and legs are 
 attached to the body, after the manner we have 
 
 *The utility of the untwisting process will be conspicuously apparent 
 in the making of fine-bodied' artificials, as the substance of it is reduced 
 by more than one-third. 
 
148 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 pointed out, a prim and neat rendering of an ephe- 
 meral is formed in faultless attitude. 
 
 The following are the various dressings for the 
 Olive Dun shades : — 
 
 The February and November Shade (com- 
 monly known as the Blue Dun). — Body, a small por- 
 tion of blue fur spun sparingly on yellow silk ; wings, 
 from the fieldfare's wing feather ; legs, a light dun 
 hackle. 
 
 March and October Shade (cock-winged dun). 
 — Body, a small portion of water-rat's fur, spun 
 sparingly on full yellow silk ; wings, from an old 
 starling's quill feather; legs, a bluish dun hackle, 
 freckled with yellow, or a blue dun hackle, slightly 
 stained yellow. 
 
 Those of April and September (Olive or April 
 Dun). — Body, small portion of pale blue fur, spun on 
 yellow silk ; wings, palest part of a young starling's 
 wing feather ; legs, a light dun hackle, freckled with 
 or stained yellow. 
 
 (Dark April Dun). — Rust-coloured fur to be used in 
 lieu of the pale blue for body. In September the 
 rust-like shade of body here alluded to is yet more 
 conspicuous. It is then termed in some localities the 
 
 (Whirling Blue Dun), the body being formed by 
 still more pronounced ruddy fur ; legs, a dull ginger 
 hackle. This latter is very difficult to procure, 
 An ordinary ginger Cochin hen's preserved neck, 
 steeped in copperas water, will be found to answer 
 admirably. 
 
 (Pale Blue Dun).-^Body to be dressed or formed 
 
VARIETIES OF ARTIFICIALS. 149 
 
 with pale blue silk ; legs, a pale dun hackle ; wings, 
 from a starling's short quill feather. 
 
 May and August Shades (Yellow Dun of May). 
 — Body, palish yellow mohair, mixed with a little 
 pale blue fur, spun upon palish yellow silk ; wings, 
 young starling's or fieldfare's quill ; legs, a light dun 
 hackle, freckled with yellow. 
 
 Hare's Ear Dun. — Body, blue mole's fur, dressed 
 with silk of a pronounced yellow ; wings, from the 
 redwing's quill ; legs, hare's fur from behind the ear. 
 
 The name of this dressing is taken, for convenience 
 sake, in common with the rest here given in brackets, 
 from the nature of the material used in the copies of 
 the graduated shades of the naturals, which periodi- 
 cally occur as the season advances and recedes. 
 
 In June Shade (Golden Dun), to be tied or 
 dressed with deep yellow silk, neatly ribbed with fine 
 gold wire ; wings from a young starling's longer fiberia 
 quill ; legs, a palish dun hackle, freckled with yellow. 
 
 The common Yellow Dun is the same dressing, 
 minus the gold tassel, the waxed tying silk being 
 used for the formation of the body. 
 
 Those of July (Pale Evening White). — Body, a 
 little white fur spun on pale buff-coloured silk. 
 Wings, the palest part of a young starling's wing 
 feather ; legs, a pale dun hackle. 
 
 Pale Evening Dun. — Body, yellow martin's fur, 
 spun sparingly on yellow silk ; wings, starling, 
 slightly stained yellow ; legs, a brassy dun hackle. 
 A pale blue hackle, stained in weak yellow dye, forms 
 an excellent substitute. 
 
J50 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 (July Dun). — Body, blue rabbit's fur, mixed with 
 yellow mohair ; wings, the bluest part of a fieldfare's 
 wing, stained slightly yellow ; legs, a darkish dun 
 hackle. Tying silk, yellow. 
 
 The Iron-Blue Dun Family or Order may be 
 dressed as under : — • 
 
 For April and May, also September and 
 October (Iron-Blue Dun). — Body, blue fur from the 
 owl, spun around mulberry-coloured silk ; wings, from 
 the male merlin hawk's wing ; legs, a freckled blue dun 
 hackle, stained slightly by brown dye. Tying silk, 
 mauve. For the light shade, the body should be dressed 
 with a strip of a quill feather, stained the , desired 
 hue, or the tying silk only may serve for the purpose. 
 
 August and September (Little Pale Blue).— 
 Body, a small portion of pale blue fur, mixed with a 
 little yellow mohair, spun upon pale yellow or primrose- 
 coloured silk ; wings, from the quill feather, or from 
 the small feathers upon the knob of the wing of the 
 sea-swallow — a pair of the latter to be used back-to- 
 back ; legs, a pale dun hackle. 
 
 October and November (October Dun). — To be 
 dressed from same material as the shades of the Olive 
 Duns for April. The size the same as the Iron Blue, 
 and therefore one-half that of the olive order. 
 
 General Flies (Red Spinner). — Body, copper- 
 coloured silk, ribbed with round gold thread ; whisks, 
 three strands from a red feather from the back saddle 
 of a game cock ; legs, fiery brown hackle, from the 
 neck of the same bird ; wings, from an old starling's 
 end quill. 
 
VARIETIES OF ARTIFICIALS. 151 
 
 . (Dafk Spinner) same as the Red, but the floss silk 
 for body, and the hackle for legs, should be a shade or 
 two darker, the latter approaching a claret. 
 
 (Golden ditto).^Body, gold-coloured silk, to be 
 ribbed the same as the red spinner j legs, sandy hen's 
 hackle ; wings, fieldfare quill. 
 
 (Jenny Spinner). — This is, perhaps, the most deli- 
 cate fly to copy correctly of the whole species of 
 aerial and aquatic insects that become food foi: fish. 
 We find it kills best when dressed buzz or hackle- 
 wise. The body should be formed with floss silk of 
 two shades, the ground-work being white, with a 
 bright crimson band near the head and tail. It may 
 also be tied with crimson silk, so as to form a head of 
 that colour. The hackle may be a white hen's, or a 
 small white feather from the knob of a pigeon's wing. 
 
 The first three shades of spinners are the trans- 
 formation of the Olive Dun Order. The last given is 
 the metamorphosis of the iron blue. 
 
 For the large browns (ephemeral) the following are 
 given : — 
 
 For March and April (March Brown).— Body, 
 fur from the back of a hare's neck, spun on reddish 
 buff-coloured silk, ribbed with fine gold twist ; tails, 
 two strands of a feather from the back of a partridge ; 
 legs, a partridge's neck feather. 
 
 For May and June — (Light shade, commonly 
 known as the Turkey brown).— Body, light drab fur, 
 ribbed with gold twist ; wings, light partridge quill ; 
 legs, grisly dun. 
 
 For August — (Commonly termed August Dun). — 
 
152 ON FLY, MAKING. 
 
 Body, to be tied on, or dressed with pale brown silk, 
 ribbed with yellow silk ; wings, from a cock pheasant's 
 wing feather ; legs, a pale dull brown cock's hackle. 
 
 We now come to the May-Fly, or Drake — the 
 Ephemeral series. The green drake, like all the 
 smaller flies, requires copying accurately, in respect to 
 the most minute detail. As we elsewhere pointed 
 out, there exists no greater diversity amongst the 
 imitations of any particular fly, than is the case with 
 this. That it is an extremely difficult one to dress, 
 we readily admit, and that it is quite possible to 
 copy effectually is also readily conceded. But 
 to suppose that much ■ more than one-third of the 
 immense variety of patterns manufactured can be 
 successful is an absurdity, hence it is they are so fre- 
 quently discarded altogether, the live fly being sub- 
 stituted. But these are not always to be had, even 
 upon the most prolific waters, therefore a good artifi- 
 cial proves a most desirable auxiliary, even to the live 
 fly fisher. The main point to engage the attention of 
 the artist, is the choice of material. This should take 
 the precedence of all and everything else in May-fly- 
 making ; skill in construction is not nearly so much 
 called for as in the smaller orders of the same species. 
 Indeed it may be affirmed that the drake, owing to its 
 size, is comparatively easy, whilst the smallest 
 ephemeral insects may be classed amongst the most 
 difficult. The fly-dresser has to reproduce ; but, as we 
 have stated, the difficulty lies in procuring the mate- 
 rial requisite for a good artificial. Dyed mallard 
 feathers are for the most part used for wings, but of 
 
CHOICE OF MATERIAL. 153 
 
 late years natural oiies have been largely employed, 
 notably those of the Egyptian goose, which present a 
 decided brown tinge to the eye, but when held up to 
 the light, bear a much nearer resemblance to the tint 
 of the natural. For our part we may say that for 
 several seasons we have used the breast and side 
 feathers of the Canadian wood duck, which, ' even 
 when looked down upon, strikingly favours the pecu- 
 liar green-yellow tinge of nature's original ; and when 
 viewed from beneath, and compared with the genuine 
 thing, the beholder cannot fail to appreciate the 
 similarity. The material to be employed in the con- 
 struction of the body determines, more than anything 
 else, the floating powers of the fly. Wheaten straw, 
 when rightly tinted, is the best substance to be em- 
 ployed. This should be well secured at each extre- 
 mity, and a hollow left in the middle of the body. 
 Red-brown coloured silk should be used to bind and 
 form the ribs of this. The whisks should be three 
 strands of a partridge's tail feather ; the rabbit's 
 whiskers usually used act very detrimentally as 
 regards hooking the fish, which, as they essay to lay 
 hold of the fly at the tail, are foiled in a measure by 
 the undue stiffness of the head feelers of the animal, 
 which cannot be said to have been designed to grace 
 the tail of anything. As regards legs, these in a 
 floating fly should be ample and full ; a freckled 
 breast feather of a ginger hue, entwined with a cock's 
 honey dun hackle, is a combination that answers 
 remarkably well. The fly above described we have 
 found so successful and recommended it so strongly, 
 
i54 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 that it has been dubbed "Foster's Favourite" by 
 the many who now advocate its use. The grey or 
 black transformation of the green drake may be ren- 
 dered as follows : — Widgeon or dark mallard's feather, 
 dyed pale slate colour ; body, white straw put on as 
 above, ribbed with dark mulberry-coloured silk ; legs, 
 two dun cock's hackles, these may be dressed from 
 shoulders to tail ; whisks, three strands of a black 
 cock's saddle feather. 
 
 (Green Drake). — Body, straw-coloured mohair, 
 ribbed with gold twist; wings, from a mallard's 
 mottled feather, slightly dyed yellow ; legs, honey- 
 dun cock's hackle ; the head of the fly to be formed 
 with a peacock head or copper-coloured silk. To 
 make this fly buzz, a mottled feather from a mallard, 
 stained as above. 
 
 For the grey copy, we give the following : — 
 
 (Grey Drake). — Body, white floss silk, ribbed with 
 silver twist, tied on with brown silk ; tails may 
 be made from hair from under the jaws of a brown 
 horse ; wings, mottled feather from the mallard ; legs, 
 a dark dun or black cock's hackle. To make this fly 
 buzz, a dark mottled feather from the mallard. This 
 fly may be used with success from six o'clock until 
 twilight. 
 
 (For the Dark Mackerel). — Body, copper-coloured 
 mohair, ribbed with gold twist ; wings, from the 
 brown mottled feather of a mallard ; tails may be got 
 from under the jaws of a brown horse ; legs, a dark 
 mulberry-coloured stained cock's hackle. 
 
 To take the various species of flies in their proper 
 
THE PERLID^ ORDER. IJS 
 
 order, we come next to the Phryganida order, which 
 ranges as follows : — 
 
 (February Red, or Red fly). — The body of this fly is 
 dubbed with dark -brown mohair, mixed with claret- 
 coloured mohair ; wings, from the hen pheasant, or 
 dotterel wing feather ; legs, dark-brown feather from 
 a pale partridge's neck, or a cock's hackle of the same 
 colour. 
 
 (Sand fly). — Body, fur from the back of a hare's 
 neck spun sparingly on pale orange silk ; legs, a pale 
 dull-coloured ginger hackle ; wing, from a landrail's 
 wing feather. 
 
 (Cinnamon fly). — Body, fur from a hare's neck, 
 mixed with a small portion of sable fur, spun on pale 
 dull orange-coloured silk ; wings, from a brown hen's 
 wing feather ; legs, a pale dull ginger-coloured cock's 
 hackle. 
 
 (Grannum, or Greentail). — Body, fur from the hare's 
 neck, spun on fawn-coloured silk, with two laps of 
 green floss-silk on the tail ; legs, a pale ginger hackle ; 
 wings, the palest part of a hen pheasant's wing 
 feather. 
 
 The above being what are usually termed flat- 
 wings, should be dressed as in the old method, i.e., 
 wings last, so as to resemble the naturals. 
 
 The Perlidcz order ranks next. Some of these it is 
 best not to wing at all ; the dun hackle from the 
 knobs of wings of various birds forming an excellent 
 substitute for legs and wings when carefully wound 
 on like an ordinary hackle. 
 
 (Stone fly). — Body, dark-coloured fur, spun with 
 
156 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 full yellow silk, to be ribbed with some silk of same 
 colour, unwaxed ; wings, from the quill-wing feather 
 of a cock pheasant, or may be cut from a sheet of 
 gutta-percha (pure), dyed in cold blue dye ;* legs,, a 
 Tilack cock's hackle stained yellow ; this, if rightly 
 made will form an excellent artificial fly, not to be 
 excelled by any combination of feathers and fur 
 alone 
 
 (Willow fly). — Body, water rat's fur spun sparingly 
 on yellow silk ; legs and wings made buzz, from a 
 dark dun hackle, with a brownish tint in it, or a small 
 dark feather from the merlin hawk's wing. 
 
 (Needle fly). — Body, sable fur spun upon yellow 
 silk, dressed hackle with small brown feather from the 
 knob of a fieldfare's wing. This fly may be formed 
 by a strip of the enamelled quill of a peacock's 
 feather, which forms the alternate shades of ribs 
 beautifully. This has been introduced by a clever 
 southern angler. 
 
 (Yellow Sally). — This should never be dressed 
 winged ; it falls upon the water like a heavy beetle 
 would be supposed to do, therefore the wings not 
 being extended are not seen by the fish. The most 
 killing way is to hackle it palmerwise, with a white 
 hen's hackle dyed light yellow, or by the small feather 
 round a white pigeon's wing, stained as above ; the 
 body to be yellow mohair. 
 
 The casual killers amongst the land flies may be 
 dressed as follows : — 
 
 * Crayshaw's Crystal Aniline Dyes answer wonderfully well for 
 staiiiing feathers, etc., of delicate hues. 
 
LAND FLIES. 157 
 
 (The Cowdung fly). — To be dressed or tied on 
 with pale dun orange-coloured silk ; body, yellow- 
 lamb's wool, mixed with a little green mohair ; wings, 
 from a landrail's wing feather ; legs, pale dull ginger- 
 coloured hackle. 
 
 (Oak fly, or Down-looker). — Body, pale orange floss 
 silk, tied on with pale lead-coloured silk ; wings from 
 the wood-lark's wing feather ; legs, a furnace hackle. 
 
 (Marlow Buzz, Coch-y-bondu, of Wales).— Body, 
 peacock herl, hackle with bright furnace feather. The 
 red tag (fancy fly) is formed by the simple addition 
 of a red tag, or tuft of wool or feather at the tail. 
 
 (Brown Palmer, Bracken's Clock). — Body, black 
 ostrich herl, ribbed with round gold twist, hackled 
 with red cock's hackle stained. 
 
 (Blue Bottle, or Beef Eater). — Body, light blue floss 
 silk, ribbed over with black ostrich herl and silver 
 twist, tied on with brown silk ; -wings, from an old 
 starling's wing feather ; legs, a black hackle. 
 
 (Wrentail). — Body, amber-coloured floss silk, or 
 ginger-coloured fur from a hare's neck, ribbed with 
 gold twist ; legs and wings made buzz from a wren's 
 tail feather, 
 
 (Red Ant). — To be tied or dressed with orange- 
 coloured silk, which may be shown at the tail ; body, 
 copper-coloured peacock's herl ; legs, a red cock's 
 hackle ; wings, from a redwing's feather. 
 
 (Black Ant). — To be tied on or dressed with pale 
 dull fawn-coloured silk, which may be shown at the 
 tail ; body, black rabbit's fur, well mixed with copper- 
 coloured mohair ; legs, a dark furnace hackle. 
 
158 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 (Black Gnat).— Body, ostrich herl ; wings, from a 
 starling's wing feather ; legs, a dark blue dun, or black 
 hackle. 
 
 (Grey Gnat). — Body, grey mohair, or wool hackle, 
 with sea-swallow feather. 
 
 (Red Palmer, or Caterpillar). — Body, copper- 
 coloured peacock's herl, tied with brown silk, ribbed 
 with gold twist, a bright brown red-stained cock's 
 hackle, having a gold-colour when held between the 
 eye and the light. 
 
 (The Alexandra fly). — Body, flat silver twist, 
 hackled with bright feather of green or blue hue, from 
 the neck of a peacock; wings (if any) from the 
 turkey's wing. 
 
 How to dress a simple Hackle : — 
 
 The first effort of the fly-making aspirant should 
 be expended upon the wingless artificials ; of these 
 there are two kinds, the plain Hackle and the Palmer ; 
 the former is the best to commence with, it being the 
 easiest to make ;* but before attempting to describe 
 the method, we would remind our readers that there 
 is a vast distinction between practical and verbal 
 teachings. Observation in these matters is superior, 
 as a source for conveying knowledge, to reading ; there- 
 fore, where available, a few lessons from a proficient 
 will be found highly beneficial. 
 
 The process of forming the body for a Hackle fly is 
 not identical with the same operation in the winged 
 
 * Upon some waters these hackled flies are the local standard killers. 
 This partiality is generally due to the source of supply, the local amateur 
 reflecting the local maker's dogmas. 
 
HOW TO DRESS A PALMER. 159 
 
 one. In the construction of the latter, a small portion 
 of the shank of the hook itself is left bare to fix the 
 wings upon, to thereby neatly form the head. This, 
 however, is formed, to begin in the case of the , buzzy 
 or hackle fly, by a few turns of the silk at the extre- 
 mity of the shank ; a little blank is then left for the 
 hackle to fit or fill in ; the body is then to be formed 
 in the usual way. This completed, the hackle feather 
 must be taken in hand, first having been stripped of 
 its downy surplus fibres, the root of the stem is 
 secured by a couple of turns of the tying silk at the 
 shoulder of the fly. The hackle thus secured at its 
 lower extremity, is ready for fitting in. Its point is 
 then to be taken hold of with the tweezers, and two 
 or more turns of the feather given ; the end is then to 
 be secured by a turn or two of the silk, the invisible 
 knot formed, and the fly is made, wanting only the 
 silk lend to be cut carefully away to complete the 
 thing. The Palmer is an artificial that is hackled 
 from head to tail, such as the bumbles, caterpillars, 
 etc. The process of body making is identical, in this 
 instance, with the hackle fly just detailed, except, a 
 little addition in the shape of herl, a strand of which 
 is wound round the gut and silk, the feather being 
 turned over this, and the bit of tinsel or silk, by way 
 of ribbing, going over the whole, for the sake of both 
 use and ornament, and the fly is made. 
 
 We append a few dressings for the various bumbles 
 and palmers, which, though in some instances deemed 
 fancy flies, are often good killers. 
 
 (Bumble, ordinary). — Hackle, white hen's, slightly 
 
l60 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 stained blue ; body, peacock herl, ribbed with orange 
 and puce-coloured silk (floss) ; tying silk, brown. 
 
 (Mulberry Bumble). — Hackle, dun hen's ; body, 
 peacock herl, ribbed with mulberry-coloured floss silk; 
 tying silk, claret. 
 
 (Red Bumble, or Earwig). — Hackle, red cock's, 
 stained ; body, peacock herl, ribbed with gold silk ; 
 tying silk, dark brown. 
 
 (Honey dun Bumble). — Hackle, honey dun hen's ; 
 body, peacock herl, ribbed with orange floss silk ; 
 tying silk, yellow. 
 
 (Furnace Bumble). — Hackle, furnace cock's ; body, 
 peacock, or black herl, ribbed with dark orange silk ; 
 tying silk, red brown. 
 
 (Black Palmer). — Hackle, black cock's, ribbed with 
 fine silver twist ; tying silk, black. 
 
 (Golden Palmer). — Hackle, bright furnace ; body, 
 peacock herl, ribbed with gold twist. 
 
 (Grey Palmer). — Hackle, cock's, with black centre 
 and whitish grey edge, ribbed with fine round silver 
 tinsel ; tying silk, black. 
 
 A variety of palmers may be made by intermixing 
 the materials here given for the different shades. 
 
 Salmon Flies.* — In the construction of these 
 there exists a grand distinction. The taste and fancy 
 of the operator is called into request, and nothing in 
 nature demands his study and attention more. A 
 happy combination and contrast of various hues 
 
 • The Compilers regret to have to withhold the lengthy and 
 elaborate instructions left by the Author upon this branch of Fly- 
 making. In future editions they hope to be able to publish the whole. 
 
SALMON FLIES. l6l 
 
 and colours, from sombre to brilliant, is the main 
 object. 
 
 Salmon are extremely effeminate in the love of 
 finery and tinsel, especially in the case of habitually 
 discoloured waters. There are rivers upon which flies 
 of a more sombre hue than the general run are used ; 
 but the bright and brilliant combination is found 
 irresistible, more or less, wherever salmon are to be 
 found, when they are in a mood for rising and gam- 
 bolling. The great thing to keep in the mind's eye, 
 when choosing or constructing a salmon fly, is the 
 shine through the feathers, wool, mohair, etc., when 
 held above the head, and thus viewed from beneath. 
 
 Some dressings are almost of one universal dull 
 shade, or no shade at all, when held in the posture 
 seen by the fish ; others will have the colour rightly 
 seen shining through in a few patches ; but the correct 
 thing is to get the whole of the legs, tail, and body 
 to shine brilliantly through, as well as when looked 
 down upon, and the fault will be none of the fly's if 
 it be refused by the fish. The materials used for 
 salmon flies are especially picked with a view to their 
 effect when seen from below ; as for instance, the 
 hard-to-be-procured pig's wool, which for transparency 
 of shade stands well nigh unequalled ; also mohair, 
 which, though of finer texture, possesses the same 
 characteristics. These, when well placed upon the 
 hook shank, shine most effectively when wet, and 
 viewed from below. Another feature in the arrange- 
 ment of the salmon fly, the enormously large, and 
 in many cases heavy hook, has to be floated as long 
 
 M 
 
l62 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 as it is possible, and that in a right position. The 
 old arrangement was best calculated to meet this 
 difficulty, large wings being attached so as to preserve 
 the side posture of the lure as it rested upon the 
 water. 
 
 We give a few odd salmon flies for general use, 
 that are not at present generally known. Appended 
 to these are a few of those most commonly in use : — 
 The Spanker, the Rob Roy, the Spartan, the Tam 
 o' Shanter, and the Mac Sporren. 
 
 (Description of the Spanker.) — Tag, flat silver tinsel 
 and cerise floss silk ; tail, golden pheasant's topping ; 
 a few strands of scarlet flamingo's quill feather; 
 body, orange, light and dark, and cerise floss silk 
 bound over an old cock's hackle stained slightly sky- 
 blue, the latter being palmered from the head to the 
 tail, another of these forming legs ; wings, turkey, 
 with several side strands of argus pheasant wing 
 feathers, and red, yellow, and puce-coloured feelers 
 or strands. 
 
 (The Rob Roy.) — Tag, gold (flat) and orange floss 
 silk ; body, orange mohair, graduating through full 
 and dark orange to dull red ; legs. Guinea-fowl neck 
 feather, stained yellow, and black cock's hackle, also 
 stained yellow ;* wings, black turkey feather; side 
 feathers, jungle cock's hackle ; streamers, yellow and 
 red ; head, black ostrich herl. 
 
 (The Spartan.) — Tag, gold (round), white floss silk 
 and peacock herl ; tail, three strands from a green 
 
 * This imparts a peculiar shine to the feather when field up to the 
 light. 
 
SALMON FLIES. 163 
 
 feather from the neck of a peacock, and a few strands 
 of yellow and scarlet lucan breast and neck feathers ; 
 body, hackled with claret stained hackle, wound over 
 with gold twist (heavy round) and bright-coloured 
 silk ; legs, dark blue hackle, and guinea-fowl feather 
 over all ; wings, golden pheasant's tail feather, ditto 
 neck or tippet feathers for sides, blue chatterer's over 
 all ; head, peacock's herl. 
 
 (The Tam o' Shanter.) — Tag, red silk silver twist 
 (round) ; tail, a few yellow and red spires of macaw 
 feathers, helped with a few strands of blue or green 
 peacock's neck feather ; body, pig's wool, navy blue, 
 with broad flat silver twist ; legs, rich fiery brown 
 hackle ; wings, bustard feather ; sides of ditto, Ameri- 
 can wood duck feather ; a few strands of argus 
 pheasant's dark feather to be also added in larger flies. 
 
 (The Mac Sporren.) — Tag, flat silver, and blue 
 silk. Body, fiery brown pig's wool ribbed with round 
 gold twist ; legs, orange and purple, hackled 
 (stained) ; wings, golden pheasant, red sides tail 
 feathers ; toppings, large strands of albatross wing 
 feather ; streamers, red and green over all, kingfisher's 
 feathers, or blue chatterer. 
 
 The following are well-known dressings : — 
 
 (Jock Scott.) — Tag, gold twist ; tail, one golden 
 pheasant topping, and Indian crow feather ; body in 
 two parts ; head, part black floss silk, with silver twist 
 and palmered black hackle; tail ditto, gold coloured; 
 at each joint is tied several toucan points, these 
 being backed up by two turns of black herl. For 
 wings, white tipped turkey feather fibres of pintail 
 
1 64 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 bustard, brown mallard, with one long topping, and 
 yellow, red, and green streamers over all, a jungle 
 cock on either side. 
 
 (The Butcher.) — Tag, gold twist and orange floss ; 
 tail, a single topping of golden pheasant, with band 
 of black ostrich herl ; body, alternate turns of red 
 and full blue, either mohair or pig's wool, broad silver 
 tinsel, palmered with claret hackle ; wing, mixture 
 of brown mallard, bustard, peacock wing, wood duck, 
 golden pheasant tippet and rump feathers ; streamers, 
 blue and yellow over all ; head, black ostrich herl. 
 
 (The Doctor.) — Tag, scarlet silk and fine gold twist ; 
 tail, one topping ; body, light blue floss silk, palmered 
 with medium blue hackle, broad silver tinsel and 
 twist ; legs, blue hackle, with brown grouse or 
 partridge over all ; wing, argus pheasant's, brown 
 turkey, and bustard ; streamers, yellow, blue, and 
 claret ; black herled head. 
 
 (The Shannon.) — Tag, gold tinsel, and lemon 
 coloured silk ; tail, scarlet ibis or flamingo, two top- 
 pings, and blue macaw, black ostrich band ; body, 
 alternate coloured silks, beginning at the tail end, 
 pale blue, full orange, violet and medium green, the 
 alternate colours being set off by a hackle of the 
 same shade, also ribbed with ostrich herl dyed same 
 colour as alternate joints ; wings, two yellow macaw 
 feathers, black-centred (usually), a single strip of 
 dark argus pheasant on either side, also a few fibres 
 of golden pheasant tippet, two small blue chat- 
 terer's feathers, and two large toppings over all ; legs, 
 fiery brown feather, black head. 
 
SALMON FLIES. 1 65 
 
 (Blacker's Gaudy Fly.) — Tail, two slips of brown 
 mallard, and one topping or crest feather (golden phea- 
 sant) ; tag, gold orange floss and ostrich herl ; body, 
 one third crimson, palmered with black hackle, one 
 third scarlet, with scarlet hackle, finish the body with 
 crimson and scarlet hackle over it ; wings, well mot- 
 tled red and black turkey, feather off golden pheasant 
 back under it ; streamers, red and blue ; legs, Guinea- 
 fowl feather ; head., ostrich herl. 
 
 (The Rainbow.) — Tail, light greenfeather, pheasant's 
 topping, few fibres of bright green feathers ; tag, flat, 
 gold ; body, pig's wool, graduating from bright yellow 
 through orange, scarlet, to purple, and broad gold 
 tinsel; wings, two toppings and two jungle cock's 
 hackles, and two mottled feathers from under snipe's 
 wing ; streamers, crimson ; legs, blue and brown 
 hackles. 
 
 (The Spey Dog.) — Black pig's wool body, sparingly 
 ribbed with broad silver tinsel, to be palmered with 
 black-cock saddle or side-tail feather, the thick end of 
 hackle terminating at tail end of fly ; in addition to 
 the flat silver tinsel, gold of half the width is also run 
 from head to tail ; wings, golden pheasant tail ; left 
 bushy, and a few fibres of brown mallard, to be 
 shouldered with a teal hackle. 
 
 (The Parson.) — Tail, two toppings, and a few fibres 
 of peacock's blue neck feathers ; tag, silver tinsel and 
 full red floss ; body, a turn or two of golden floss, 
 then orange pig's wool shading gradually darker up 
 body, ribbed with silver twist, palmered with orange 
 hackle ; legs, hackle of dark shade ; wings, two golden 
 
l66 ON FLY MAKING. 
 
 pheasant tippet feathers, two pairs of toppings, 
 wood-duck and turkey on either side. 
 
 (The Ranger.) — Tag, silver twist and gold-coloured 
 floss silk ; tail, red breast-feather of golden pheasant, 
 and a topping footed with two turns of black ostrich ; 
 body, fiery brown, pig's wool one half, remainder pale 
 blue ditto, to be palmered with blue hackle ; legs, 
 wood-duck hackle from under wing ; wings, two tip- 
 pets, a couple of jungle cock's hackles, with a topping 
 over all. 
 
Plate re 
 
 
1 67 
 
 Chapter XII. 
 
 FLY FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 Attractions of Surface Fishing; The Rod, 
 Line, and Winch ; Casting, Striking, 
 Playing, and Landing ; The Wet and Dry 
 Fly Systems ; Brook Fishing ; Meteorolo- 
 gical Effects on Sport; Night Fishing; 
 The Dove. 
 
 THE superiority of the art of Fly-fishing over all 
 other systems of angling is universally acknow- 
 ledged. The ever-exciting nature of surface fishing 
 adds a zest to the sport, unknown to the other 
 branches of the art piscatorial. The high pitch of 
 expectation experienced as the rising fish daintily 
 "plop" off the insects around, extends a highly 
 exhilarating influence over both mind and body. 
 The whole of the faculties are thus concentrated in 
 one focus, ever stimulating to still greater earnestness 
 and efficiency. It is owing to these characteristics, 
 this scope for science and skill, that this sport is and 
 has been the chosen recreation of men of the greatest 
 celebrity and the highest attainments of modern 
 times. Since the time of Walton the angler's skill has 
 advanced wondrously, whilst keenness of perception 
 
1 68 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 and wariness have developed amongst the denizens 
 of the liquid element in a degree quite proportionate. 
 The well educated inhabitants of the classic streams 
 of the Midlands and of the south, the former clear 
 from the limestone district of the Peak, and the 
 latter pure from chalk districts, require no small 
 proficiency and tact to secure even moderate sport 
 genei'ally; nevertheless the accomplished »fly-fisher can 
 usually manage to bag a respectable dish, even under 
 circumstances adverse to sport. On the other hand 
 we have a multiplicity of trouting streams and brooks, 
 especially those north of the Tweed, whose fish are 
 in a manner unsophisticated, and comparatively 
 unacquainted with the wiles of man. Amongst these 
 the young student will do well to make a selection on 
 commencing operations. The adept at flying for 
 trout, when at work in leal earnest upon the banks 
 of a well-stocked stream, is a striking figure, 
 exemplary of the true fisherman. The gracefully 
 erect though expectant attitude, the latter assumed 
 upon the delivery of the fly, the slender pliable rod, 
 the long floating line and gossamer gut, combine 
 to constitute an ideal angler. Before entering fully on 
 the details of the subject, we would jot down a few 
 brief instructions for the special benefit of the novice, 
 who, aspiring to proficiency, must be prepared to 
 acquire experience at some cost; and our object is to 
 reduce that cost as much as possible. 
 
 The first consideration that should engage the atten- 
 tion of the tyro is throwing or casting ; apd after that 
 has been well practised and a ten or twelve yards cast 
 
OUR FIRST TRIUMPH. 1 69 
 
 can be neatly made, he may essay striking and 
 playing. Dace or Perch in the summer months afford 
 ample scope for the acquirement of these accomplish- 
 ments. It is the determined will to succeed that 
 attains its object ; and when the resolve is once 
 taken there is the immediate response of the will to 
 the perceptive powers seen in the discernment of a 
 rise, and at once, and without delay, the quarry is 
 successfully struck. Well do we remember our first 
 take with the fly ; filled with the ardour natural to 
 youth we were foolish enough to resolve to effect a 
 capture prior to quitting the river's brim. All the 
 day we flogged and fished, the result being simply nil, 
 ten, twelve, and thirteen hours passed away without 
 so much as moving a fin. The summer twilight set 
 in, shadowing the outlines of the surrounding land- 
 scape. Still our resolution was firm, and in keeping 
 with a set purpose we presented the lure more gently, 
 and with greater precision upon the edge of the 
 shadows caused by the rising moon, where the 
 heavy ' switching ' sound, repeated at short intervals, 
 proclaimed the daily dinner hour of an old veteran. 
 After casting for some time directly over him, we 
 finally hooked the old gent. As we had had the 
 discretion to fit up a strong collar to carry the large 
 fly employed, we had small difficulty in landing our 
 quarry, which was afterwards found to measure 17 
 inches in length, and 9^ inches in girth, scaling 
 2| lbs., a venerable monster in truth to our boyish 
 eyes. 
 Care and patience in execution are required after 
 
170 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 the rudiments of the art have been acquired ; a 
 non-observer of these is sure to materially interfere 
 with sport. Perseverance is all very well in its place, 
 but when unaided by the exercise of due care and 
 tact in presenting the lure, it will meet with small 
 result. The tyro should therefore practise assiduously, 
 ever bearing in mind that much as he may admire 
 and aspire to a nearer acquaintance with the scaly 
 beauties, they are coy and ungrateful. The instant 
 they become aware of his paying them the least 
 attention, they move contemptuously away ; and no 
 matter how lovingly he drops them a line, all further 
 correspondence is thanklessly declined. It behoves 
 him therefore to keep out of sight as much as 
 possible, never allowing the sun to extend his, shadow 
 across the stream, always also avoiding conspicuously 
 bright clothing ; for notwithstanding the naturalist's 
 persistent assertions as to the dulness of the eyes of 
 fish, owing, it is affirmed, to the skin of the head 
 covering the pupil of the eye, the trout fisher knows 
 very well that in their own element they habitually 
 exercise the most keen and discriminating powers of 
 vision, when the water is clear ; and any moving or 
 brightly-coloured objects outside it attract their 
 attention. In order to deal comprehensively with 
 our subject, for the more especial edification of the 
 tyro, we shall proceed to allude in detail to the leading 
 items already referred to as being essential to success, 
 viz. : — Casting the Fly, Playing or Landing, and 
 Killing a fish. Before doing so however, the ne- 
 cessary appliances must engage our attention. 
 
THE ROD FOR FLY-FISHING. 171 
 
 The Rod, Reel, and Line should be well adapted 
 to act perfectly and in concert with each other. We 
 have already pointed out the inconvenience and dis- 
 aster arising from the common practice of employ- 
 ing implements totally incapable of working together 
 evenly. The intending purchaser most frequently 
 considers what is the strength, length, or thickness of 
 line required for some specified watef or fish, and not 
 for a particular rod. The rod forms the first subject 
 for attention ; the winch, or reel and line being next 
 chosen, with a view to the harmonious working of the 
 whole, the reel to balance and the line to suit the 
 "play" of the tool. This is of the most vital 
 importance. Fly-rods are made of many different 
 woods and dimensions. It is a noteworthy fact, 
 however, that during the two centuries that have 
 elapsed since Cotton first wrote upon what afterwards 
 developed into the most artistic and scientific branch 
 of angling, the length of the fly-rod has diminished 
 by more than one-half. Notwithstanding this dimi- 
 nution of size, and we may also add of weight, the 
 casting powers of the rodster have been so much 
 augmented, that almost double the distance may now 
 be neatly covered by the adult adept than was 
 effected with the unwieldy weapons of our forefathers. 
 The propelling power of the fly-rod depends largely 
 upon the material of which it is constructed. The 
 fine-grained woods of the tropics exceed our own in 
 point of strength, durability, and weight-sustaining 
 powers. 
 
 The following are the materials and dimensions of 
 
172 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRi?YLING. 
 
 a really serviceable fly-rod for small stream fishing : — 
 Three joints or parts, each 3 feet 6 inches, the butt to 
 consist of hickory or washaba, the middle joint of 
 best washaba, green-heart, or blue mahoo, the top of 
 snake-wood, or best jungle cane, the whole being 10 
 feet 6 inches. The ferrule at top of butt should be 
 6- 1 6th inch inside; the one at the top of the middle 
 joint ^ inch. The actual weight of a rod of this 
 description will be small. 
 
 The points to receive attention are strength and 
 pliability ; a combination of these forms the per- 
 fect casting-rod ; and the more these qualities 
 are exemplified in a rod, the greater the distance to 
 be covered by it, and that with perfect precision. 
 With a view to extend in the direction here indicated, 
 we have made many experiments with metal and 
 wood of every variety, as also with other substances 
 of pliancy and strength. Metal, either hollow or solid, 
 is too heavy and cumbersome ; wood of greenheart, 
 red locust, snake, and other descriptions, proves 
 strong and pliant, and is so when spliced, like the mast 
 of a ship, or similar to the glued-up American cane rods ; 
 but there is no especial advantage to commend them, 
 seeing the weight is increased by something like one- 
 third over the same substance soHd and non-glued. 
 The modern three yards rod, as we have said, can be 
 made to deliver more line, and that in a more elegant 
 and sportsman-like manner than a longer one. 
 
 But the question naturally arises, if the fly-rod 
 has been diminished one-half during two centuries, 
 of what dimensions is it likely to become in the 
 
THE LINE. 173 
 
 immediate future ? Our reply is, that in the course of 
 the next decade or so, still further i^eductions will 
 take place. The length of a rod, as is now well 
 known, has very little to do with the distance it can 
 be made to cast the fly ; the casting powers entirely 
 depend on the pliancy and strength, hence it is that 
 the very hardest, and we may also add, the most 
 weighty (for one characteristic is almost inseparable 
 from the other) woods are so far superior to open- 
 grained northern timber. Bone, as is already known, 
 is too heavy, buffalo horn is too limber when dressed 
 in tops. The result of our investigations is, that a 
 combination of the best metal and the best wood, 
 would, if arranged correctly, and in right proportions, 
 be an advance in a desirable direction. We therefore 
 had a rod made of the very best of strong woods, 
 with a fine bevilled steel centre, and this proved when, 
 after some alterations, it was completed, to bear out 
 the hopes conceived in respect to it. We had been 
 enamoured of this idea theoretically, practically it 
 gives every promise of ultimately meriting the pains 
 and researches we bestowed upon it. The reel upon 
 the new rod is made inside the butt, so to speak, thus 
 all nuisance of the line entwining around the reel 
 is entirely avoided. The general working of the 
 implement proves this to be a decided advantage 
 over the old side-fixing system. 
 
 The Line should be plaited of waterproof silk. The 
 eight-plait waterproof fly lines have gradually, during 
 the last forty years, superseded the old hair, as well 
 as the hair and silk lines. As we have elsewhere 
 
174 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 stated, silk is the strongest textile, and, when duly 
 protected from the action of the water, cannot be sur- 
 passed for surface fishing. The new Acmi Line is a 
 further improvement on the above. It contains a fine 
 strand or thread of annealed and specially prepared 
 copper wire, either in the plaiting or in the centre of 
 the line, the whole being carefully waterproofed. The 
 A cmd is guaranteed to extend the angler's casting 
 powers considerably. 
 
 The Reel should be of bronze, or brass, and the 
 handle should be attached to a revolving plate, instead 
 of a miniature windlass. This again is an improve- 
 ment upon old-style abominations. Who has not 
 experienced annoyance and loss from the entangle- 
 ment of the line around the fancifully turned winch 
 handle, just at some critical moment when line was 
 imperatively wanted .' And who can measure the 
 amount of loss this one improvement alone, when 
 generally adopted, will prevent ? 
 
 Multiplying reels are now discarded in favour of a 
 plain check reel without surplus and complicated cog 
 wheels to clog and get out of order. The new reel 
 shown upon the new fly rod, is an ordinary reel put 
 upon the butt in the centre, instead of at the side of 
 the rod butt. These may be attached to any rod, 
 when the socket is of a fitting diameter. A small 
 screw or rivet will secure it permanently, or it may be 
 temporarily screwed and used upon it, as well as the 
 handy side-fitting reels, and can be put on any rod. 
 
 Throwing the Fly, contrasted with other 
 branches of the angling art, has been little written 
 
THROWING THE FLY. 1 75 
 
 upon, and seeing that this is the chief obstacle 
 in the path of the beginner, and also the 
 most important acquirement of the proficient prac- 
 titioner, we think the omission a serious one. To 
 this subject we have devoted much attention, 
 particularly in the construction of new and improved 
 implements for its more ready attainment and practice. 
 It is a well established axiom that in skilful casting lies 
 the chief condition of success. " He can throw a good 
 Une," is equivalent to asserting the proficiency of an 
 angler, whether he be fly, midwater, or bottom fisher. 
 The ordinary routine cast is the first to be practised 
 and acquired by the tyro. This is accomplished by 
 bringing round the rod so as to describe a half circle 
 from over the left shoulder, and delivering it directly 
 over the right, the action emanating from the wrist 
 and elbow only. It is capital practice for the young 
 student to cast upon a lawn or any closely-cut turf. 
 Line to the length of the rod should first be delivered 
 efficiently and neatly, when a hat should be placed as 
 the receptacle of the fly ; after the distances have been 
 lengthened at intervals a tumbler may be substituted, 
 and finally a small wine glass. When these different 
 exercises have been successfully accomplished, with a 
 fair length of line, the rodster may safely try his hand 
 upon the bosom of the watery element. Lightness 
 and precision follow practice and experience. The 
 exercise of casting into a floating walnut shell is a 
 feat, the accomplishment of which, at a distance of not 
 less than a dozen yards, betokens a fair degree of 
 proficiency and precision in casting. 
 
1/6 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 In fly-fishing the ever changing geological bearings, 
 the varying meteorological influences, the position 
 of trees and other impediments, necessitate a constant 
 change of tactics in order to reach the feeding fish, 
 who, as they become more schooled, take up the 
 more inaccessible and secluded positions. Although 
 some streams are comparatively narrow, it is not 
 always incumbent upon, or advisable for the fisherman 
 to take up his stand upon the verge of the water. 
 " To fish fine and far off," as Cotton, the father of 
 all fly-fishers expresses it, is infinitely better whenever 
 practicable. Broken water should be chosen by the 
 novice to commence upon, as when fish are extracted 
 by him from the rapids, and purling streams, etc., the 
 slower running and still waters may prove beyond 
 his attainments. 
 
 After precision and lightness of execution are 
 attained, the casting distance should next be ex- 
 tended, and upon this point we may briefly say that 
 more depends upon the line and rod than, generally 
 speaking, upon the rodster. With an unusually light 
 line and stiff rod it is often a matter of great difficulty 
 to get out properly a few odd yards over double 
 the rod's length. The same result ensues when the 
 reverse is the case, with a very pliable tool fitted with 
 a stout heavy line. The rod in this case is in peril 
 of parting in the middle, or " breaking its back " so 
 to speak, whilst the line, if unreeled to any extent, 
 will constantly be in a state of entanglement. A 
 great deal depends upon getting accustomed to the 
 particular " swing '' of the rod, as when this is the 
 
THE ACME FLY-LINE. \^J^ 
 
 case all other implements are generally rejected in 
 favour of " one like the last." Hence it is that so 
 great diversity exists, even amongst the oldest and 
 best hands, upon every well frequented water. 
 Another consideration is the strength of the muscles. 
 This has so important a bearing on the wielding of 
 the rod, that it is yearly more and more taken into 
 account. by the gradual adoption of shorter and 
 lighter rods. As we have previously stated, we have 
 always paid considerable attention to the introduc- 
 tion of suitable appliances for casting, and that more 
 especially upon fine and clear waters. The great 
 difficulty experienced by young fly-fishers in acquiring 
 the ability of getting out a good line we have at- 
 tempted to remedy by the invention of an entirely 
 new line, which, from its peculiar construction, com- 
 bines weight and strength with excessive fineness. 
 We allude to the now well-known " Acme " fly-line, 
 which, since its introduction, has given such general 
 satisfaction that the practical results now manifest 
 warrant the conclusion that by the removal of the main 
 stumbling block in the beginner's path, namely, the 
 difficulty of a good delivery in casting, a great and 
 important desideratum has been attained. From 
 the testimony made public through the medium of 
 the press, it has been proved that the throwing powers 
 of both tyro and proficient have been augmented 
 considerably by its use. W^ allude in detail to its 
 construction, etc., elsewhere. All that is needful to 
 be observed here is that through the medium of 
 the "Acme Wire-line" the novice may with a fe\v 
 
178 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 hours' practice, cast as effectually and efficiently as 
 he might by the practice of as many months with 
 the old style lines. With reference to the degree of 
 skill and proficiency in the delivery of the fly, the 
 talent of the oldest and best fly-fishers varies. The 
 real adept will adapt him-self to surrounding circum- 
 stances, casting over intervening boughs and bushes, 
 now over an impending rock or boulder, or around 
 some partially submerged substance in. midstream, 
 or jutting portions of the river's bank, without regard 
 to any orthodox principle or rule. 
 
 In short, a thorough command of the rod and line 
 is as essential and important as the wielding of the 
 whip in the case of a tandem or four-in-hand drive. 
 We are reminded by this analogy that the most 
 skilful cast we ever knew wielded the whip : we refer 
 to the famous Royal coachman, Tom Bosworth. Old 
 Tom had, in the early part of his life, driven three 
 successive British Sovereigns, viz. — the Fourth George, 
 the Fourth William, and finally, for a lengthened 
 period, Her Majesty Queen Victoria. As a successful 
 fisherman. Old Tom, when known to the writer, was 
 unsurpassed. He would often fish in the wake of 
 several rodsters, whose energy would exceed their 
 skill, and would extract not infrequently three times 
 over the weight of fish, by skilfully and carefully 
 casting over the awkward and most unlikely looking 
 spots, which the majority of anglers would rarely 
 dream of trying. A favourite freak of his with the 
 whip was to take the pipe from the teeth of a passing 
 pedestrian by a carefully calculated whirl of the whip. 
 
THE WELSH, OR SPEY THROW. 1 79 
 
 and this aptitude was as nemarkably exemplified, for 
 a limited distance, in his use of the rod. Bosworth 
 originated the Coachman Fly,* so much appreciated 
 for night-fishing. 
 
 The cast most useful in boisterous weather is the 
 Welsh or Spey Throw. This is more commonly 
 known to fly-fishers for salmon. The line is whisked 
 off the water by an upward and backward movement 
 of the rod, but is delivered forward again just as the 
 last of the reel-line leaves the top of the water, by a 
 rapid lower whisk of the rod's upper portion. This 
 raises the line above all impediments and encumb- 
 rances in the shape of bushes, etc., fringing the river's 
 bank. Personally we make our longest cast by it.f 
 The usually-deemed impregnable positions of the 
 most choice and best fed fish are brought under fire 
 by a resort to this cast, as indeed are all fish out of 
 the reach of the usual run of rodsters. Some fly-fishers 
 appear never to aspire to a greater distance than the 
 width of the stream or brook most fished by them. For 
 mountain or moorland stream, Scottish beck and 
 burn, and Welsh torrent this may answer amply, but 
 upon the comparatively wide and open water some- 
 thing further and more extensive is needed. Every 
 fly-fisher should be able to cast at least 20 yards of 
 reel-line. The importance of artistically getting out 
 the lure is fully recognised in districts where the 
 
 *This artificial has recently been much used as a "fancy'' fly for 
 day-fishing, and with considerable success. 
 
 + We never threw with a single-handed fly-rod more than zgi yards, 
 but with the Acme Wireline we have been able to exceed this distance 
 by some three yards. 
 
l80 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 natural surroundings render it a matter of vital 
 importance, but as a general thing it is a point not so 
 well practised or understood as could be wished. 
 
 Striking requires a keen eye, and a quick 
 wrist-effect to a greater extent than is easy to be 
 conceived by the tyro. A really accomplished 
 fly-fisher is not so frequently heard to complain of 
 the fish rising short. A dilatory rodster, whenever 
 the fish prove too quick by rejecting the steel- 
 hearted lure, after giving him the customary "pluck," 
 falls back upon the old and convenient excuses, the 
 tendency of which is to charge the effect of his 
 own shortcomings to the fish. Many theories are ex- 
 pounded in reference to the matter of striking. Some 
 anglers recommend an instantaneous " knock," others 
 advise a momentary pause after the lure has been 
 closed upon as being the correct thing, and some 
 affirm that, owing to the difficulty of acquiring the 
 right " knack " of driving home the delicate fly-hook, 
 far more fish are lost by an unnecessarily heavy and 
 spirited motion of the rod in a moment of excitement 
 than if striking were not adopted at all. The late 
 Mr. James Ogden, an old friend of ours, never let slip 
 an opportunity of declaiming against random striking, 
 always affirming that young inexperienced anglers 
 lose the major portion of the fish they raise through 
 awkwardness in this matter. " I have " — says he, in 
 the columns of a leading sporting journal-^—" in the 
 course of my experience seen some of the best rods 
 and tackle broken by this means, during a momentary 
 excitement. I strongly recommend young fishermen 
 
STRIKING. l8l 
 
 not to Strike at all." We can fully endorse this 
 statement; but to be more explicit, although it may 
 be advisable for the youthful aspirant to avoid 
 needless disaster, it is certainly advisable that he 
 should acquire the right and ready " knack " of 
 hooking his rise in an effective and skilful manner. 
 The result of our experience upon this subject is as 
 follows : — 
 
 First : It is an exceedingly difficult, if not impos- 
 sible thing, to successfully hook a fish that has risen 
 at the end of sixteen to eighteen yards of line, in the 
 event of his not hooking himself, as the impetus 
 given to the line through the medium of the rod on 
 the appearance of a rise, reaches the scene of action 
 too late to be of any utility. As a matter of course, 
 when the feeding fish are near at hand, and the line is 
 taut and straight, a small jerk from the wrist will 
 have full chance of being effectual, and in this case 
 the single moment's grace may be granted with safety 
 in still water, as the trout are, generally speaking, 
 more leisurely in their movements. It is essential 
 that the details appended should be thoroughly mas- 
 tered in order to attain proficiency. Our own private 
 plan, after the delivery of the fly in the extending 
 circle of the last rise, is to look out for the gleaming 
 side of the fish as it rises, in order to get which the 
 eye should be centred within the circle, but some 
 little distance nearer the rodster. When this habit 
 is contracted, as it easily is with practice, wonderful 
 accuracy will be attained in efficient striking, even 
 at the longest distances. 
 
182 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 Second : The action and amount of force required 
 to hook the fish, is an intricate matter to deal with 
 definitely, as so much depends upon the bearings of 
 the situation. That small fish require gentle usage, 
 whilst comparatively large ones necessarily require 
 more impulsive treatment, is an aphorism well known 
 to all ; but that the rodster should be cognisant to a 
 nicety of the weight-sustaining power of the fine 
 tackle, and should also be able to calculate accurately 
 the probable result of a sanguine stroke of the hook 
 upon the hard and bony part ; or, upon the other 
 hand, on the soft and impressible portion of the fish's 
 body, is altogether another thing. Beyond this an 
 accurate estimate of the elasticity of the line, etc., 
 should be possessed, and the striking motion accele- 
 rated or modified accordingly. The action requisite 
 is a short, quick, wrist-motion, commenced sharply, 
 but ended almost instantly and abruptly, like a quick 
 movement of the hand in bringing a foil in fencing 
 from tierce to carte. The hand holding the rod is 
 turned upwards and backwards, whilst the arm is 
 stationary when a short line is out, the movement 
 being lengthened when the intervening line is either 
 long or loose. One of the greatest charms of fly- 
 fishing lies undoubtedly in the comparative absence 
 of routine and sameness. The plier of the rod must 
 adapt himself to ever-changing circumstances. It is a 
 curious thing, and one that we have often been puzzled 
 to account for satisfactorily, that it so frequently 
 happens that precisely as the first trout is hooked, 
 so are all subsequent captures throughout the day. 
 
HABITS OF FISh'iN^ FEEDING. 183 
 
 This fact first forcibly impressed us many years 
 since. We were fishing in conipany with Mr. Rams- 
 bottom, of Clitheroe, Lancashire, who wished to try 
 salmon roe* as a bait for trout upon the Dove, 
 suitable tackle for which had been baited by our 
 friend for our personal use, we being then uninitiated 
 in the mystic " roe " fishing. Before rod No. 2 was 
 equipped for action we had hooked a fish, which was 
 ultimately landed. The hook proved to be imbedded 
 in the tongue, a somewhat unusual thing, as we then 
 remarked. "Every fish we take this day will be 
 hooked similarly," coolly prognosticated our friend. 
 At the time we confess to having been rather 
 sceptical as to the likelihood of this proving accurate, 
 but the result verified the prediction, for every fish 
 that fell to our steel upon that occasion was firmly 
 hooked in the tongue. Had the hold of the hook 
 been slight in the first instance, say near the external 
 bordering of the mouth, we were assured that our take 
 would have been diminished, as this would have in- 
 dicated that the fish were not in a feeding mood, and 
 would therefore close upon the bait in a faint-hearted 
 manner. The same is exemplified in fly-fishing, 
 though, perhaps, not in so conspicuously marked a 
 degree. The first fish indicates, as a rule, the 
 temporary state of the whole of his fellows, whether 
 hunger-bitten and eager, or fastidious and indifferent. 
 In striking a grayling, it behoves the rodster to be 
 extremely careful, as not only is the fish excessively 
 delicate and tender-skinned about the mouth, but the 
 
 * The use of roe for bait is now prohibited by the law of the reahn. 
 
1 84 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 tackle, being finer, is less calculated to sustain any 
 sudden wrench. This is not the case with larger 
 quarry ; a few weeks', or even days' lake trouting, 
 will put out the hand for fine grayling fishing for some 
 length of time. What we have always found a safe 
 antidote in these cases is to carefully keep a taut line, 
 and immediately a fish rises to give a forward motion 
 of the rod a foot or so. The downward action of the 
 line thus eased, has the effect of sending in the little 
 delicate hook without the most remote chance of 
 danger. This may appear incredible in theory, but 
 we can answer for its efficiency in practice. In rapid 
 stream fishing a modification of the usual twist of the 
 wrist may be given in the case of the grayling, where 
 rapidity is the essential point ; the twist here referred 
 to should describe a downward direction, as when 
 this is done the first action of the rod tip is directly 
 upwards and opposite. The extent of the momentum 
 ranges according to the pliability of the rod. 
 
 Playing a Fish comes next in order. The 
 instant a fish is hooked the rod should be mounted 
 at a proper angle, so as to feel the fish. The tactics 
 to be employed vary in accordance with the lay of 
 the water, as also with the conduct of the fish hooked, 
 as when he descends immediately upon being struck, 
 pulling heavily in the deep water, fighting hard for 
 his hold, or neighbouring shelter, it may be certainly 
 inferred that he is safely hooked ; but when he 
 exhibits a tendency to fight it out near the surface, 
 occasionally attempting to clear the water altogether, 
 he is, as a general rule, but lightly hooked, and if 
 
PLAYING A FISH. 1 85 
 
 not carefully handled, will to a certainty be lost. The 
 proper method of playing a fish in open water that 
 is clear from weeds, sticks, etc., is to. give him plenty 
 of line, and play him till he is completely exhausted, 
 cautiously keeping the rod on a regular bend ; but 
 in rapid and turbulent rivers playing a fish is almost 
 certain to end, not only in the loss of the fish, but 
 also of a portion of your tackle. 
 
 There are scarcely any rivers free from portions of 
 trees lying concealed in the deep waters, the small 
 holes being well stocked with branches. In the 
 shallow waters there are plenty of piles placed 
 regularly a few yards apart, which are generally laid 
 to prevent depredations by nets, and are seldom 
 unfurnished with branches of trees, etc. When a fish 
 is surprised by being hooked, his next attempt is to 
 dart upon the most convenient stick or pile, and with 
 the rapidity of thought, he entwines your tackle two 
 or three times round it, then he makes good his 
 escape. If he darts into a bed of weeds he stays 
 there, and the line is hopelessly entwined, and you 
 are left to liberate it as you may. Notwithstanding 
 these obstructions, the experienced fly-fisher seldom 
 loses a single fish in the course of a day or two's 
 fishing, though the gut tackle he uses is as fine as 
 possible. When a fish is hooked in a stream, a 
 moderately heavy bend should be immediately put 
 upon the rod, the rodster keeping opposite his prey 
 whenever the bank admits of it, and where this is 
 impracticable line should be given and taken as 
 occasion requires, and circumstances dictate. When 
 
1 86 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 the tackle is light and fine, and the quarry large, we 
 commonly resort to this expedient, which seldom 
 indeed fails. We suddenly stay all show of opposition 
 and head the fish rather than otherwise a little in the 
 direction he makes for so desperately. In open water, 
 where this is more practicable, ninety-nine times out 
 of a hundred he becomes utterly confounded at the 
 sudden change, and will make a faint effort at a new 
 departure in a side direction and widely different 
 angle, but quickly shows broadside, and yields. This 
 may appear incredible in theory, we are, however, 
 speaking from our own experience, and can vouch for 
 its practical result. Whenever a fish is safely hooked 
 it is, as a rule, the fisher's own fault if he be ultimately 
 lost. Personally, we never pass a feeding fish because 
 of his locating in what is usually deemed an 
 " awkward spot." " Where's the use of trying for 
 that fish ?" queries a passing angler. " It would be 
 impossible to land him were you to get hold." 
 
 It has always been our policy to get hold first, 
 as a preliminary ceremony, which done, the landing 
 question is an after consideration. The notion of 
 the main mass of anglers would appear to be, that 
 if an unusually cunning fish takes up an impregnable 
 looking position he is to be religiously left unassailed. 
 "Breakers ahead'' seem to be scented by the over- 
 cautious pliers of the rod, when the chances of 
 conquest are really " as even " as in less dangerous 
 localities ; and even supposing this were not so, the 
 greater the difficulty the more exciting the sport, 
 and the keener the pleasure. There is no necessity 
 
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST LOSS. 1 87 
 
 for lugging out instanter a hooked fish. In these 
 circumstances a short line and a sturdy pliant rod 
 will avert endless disaster, and by holding on like 
 grim death at one end of the line, whilst the terrified 
 fish holds on in a similar style at the other, the very 
 largest and heaviest fish are to be generally exhausted, 
 and that with small risk of failure. 
 
 Amongst the precepts to be impressed upon the 
 mind of the novice are the following : Never play a 
 fish against a stream, as by that means an additional 
 weight is thrown upon the line and tackle, which in all 
 cases is particularly undesirable, as in the event of the 
 tackle holding to its tether, there is danger of the fish 
 being forcibly torn away from the hook. A small 
 fish drawn against the stream, strains the tackle 
 inconceivably. Whenever a fish makes for weeds, 
 roots, or submerged timber at the rodster's side of the 
 river, do not potter with the reel, but haul in the line 
 by the left hand, allowing it to fall at the feet. The 
 height of absurdity to the mind of the writer is the 
 sight of a stalwart fisherman comfortably winding 
 away at the miniature windlass, in an endeavour to 
 hoist a hooked fish that has secreted himself amongst 
 roots, sunken sticks, piles, or other mischief, as though, 
 seeing he had been observed to go in, there was not 
 the least ground for doubts as to his being speedily 
 got out again. Wherever weeds are most prevalent 
 in a trout stream, there the best fish congregate. 
 Like pike, they love to secrete themselves in the green 
 shades of aquatic vegetation, from whence they can 
 dart upon their unexpecting prey. Whenever surface 
 
1 88 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 food is sufficiently tempting, they leave their cover, 
 generally rising upon the less frequented side of the 
 water, where they have still the full benefit of the weed 
 beds which intervene between them and their would- 
 be captors. It is often most tantalizing to lose one 
 fish after another in a vain attempt to keep them from 
 their weedy retreat ; the position of this between the 
 rodster and the fish, coupled with the circumstance of 
 a long line being necessary to reach the rising fish, 
 gives the latter every chance of escape, which, in fact, 
 amply accounts for the presence of the best and finest 
 fish in such quarters. In these cases an exceptional 
 course of procedure may without complication be 
 resorted to. 
 
 Immediately a fish is hooked, line and rod must be 
 held in readiness for the first dash of the fish to the 
 weeds. The interval, as a rule, is not long, as the 
 moment they feel the hook's point, and recover from 
 their consternation, instinct prompts them to make 
 for the friendly shelter of the weeds, which, if entered, 
 the chances are the fisher loses both fish and flies, 
 with a portion of gut lash to boot. To avert this the 
 line must be hauled in as rapidly as possible by the 
 left and disengaged hand, whilst the rod's point must 
 be brought back at right angles from the water, should 
 the fish permit it. As a general rule upon all mode- 
 rately large streams these combined tactics have the 
 effect of bringing up the fish, before the right angle 
 is described, as in' the case of a rod I2 feet long for 
 example, the line is shortened by 24 feet. When the 
 head of the fish is thus brought to the surface he must 
 
AN ADVENTURE AT BAKEWELL. 1 89 
 
 be assiduously held there, line being gradually and 
 carefully taken in as he flounders over the weed beds. 
 A freshly hooked fish will be found to force a passage 
 by the stern or tail action, when firmly held by the 
 head, infinitely better than the rodster unaided, in the 
 case of an exhausted fish, could do it for him. 
 
 We well recollect once fishing upon the Wye 
 (Derbyshire), at Bakewell, when the main incident of 
 the day had a direct bearing upon the subject now 
 before us, and may serve as an illustration of what we 
 have endeavoured to point out. It was about the 
 middle of April, the morning clear and Iceen, the 
 night preceding had been dry and frosty. Before 
 noon myriads of flies were out, whirling in ceaseless 
 activity in the warm rays of the sun. We had been 
 casting in a pre-occupied sort of way up to this time, 
 occasionally creeling a small fish, and now and then 
 imparting some little practical hint to a companion 
 under our tuition. Now that the flies were numerous, 
 the fish turned out to feed, and our lethargy was 
 shaken off in the anticipation of a consequent change. 
 During the half hour ensuing, we had experienced 
 exceptionally good sport, and whilst thus busily 
 engaged the old keeper came down stream, opened 
 conversation upon fish, fishing, etc., and seemed 
 in no hurry to deprive us of the benefit of his 
 attendance. 
 
 "Where do the best of your fish lie, Keeper?" 
 we enquired after a time. 
 
 " Oh, up by the bridge yonder, there's as nice a lot 
 0' fish there as anywhere i' th' river." 
 
igo FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 " How far is it up stream from here ? " queries our 
 companion. 
 
 "Better than two miles, sir; you can do it in twenty 
 minutes or thereabouts." 
 
 Having no special desire to test the accuracy of this 
 statement, we ultimately agreed to fish up. After the 
 lapse of about an hour or so, we arrived upon the 
 spot indicated, in company with the keeper. Here, for 
 about a stone's throw from the bridge, were dense 
 masses of weeds, through which the water passed in 
 narrow channels. The position was not of the most 
 favourable, there being in the immediate background 
 a display of evergreen shrubs, etc., which looked ill 
 for the safety of the tackle. " Well, here we are at 
 last," exclaims our pupil. 
 
 " Yes, gentlemen," put in the old man, " there's 
 any amount o' fish in, but, plague tack um, nobody 
 can get um out; the best fisherman we have canner 
 manage um." 
 
 " Ah ! how do you account for that ? " we en- 
 quired. 
 
 " Oh, them weeds bothers um ; they loses the fish 
 and tackle an' all ;" and after delivering himself of this 
 gratifying reflection, the old keeper calmly inserted 
 his pipe between his teeth, and his hands in the 
 pockets of his breeches, as a preliminary to seeing the 
 fun. At the second or third cast we hooked a fish, 
 and by a strict and prompt application of the tactics 
 previously described, the fish wriggled through the 
 breakers, in a style thoroughly earnest and effective. 
 Once clear of the weeds we relaxed the pressure upon 
 
THE LANDING NET. 191 
 
 the rod, playing the fish at the extremity of a short 
 line until exhausted. 
 
 " You've been very lucky with this un, sir." 
 " We shall be equally as lucky you will find with 
 the next," was our reply. At the very next cast the 
 game was repeated, with the same result, nor did we 
 desist until we had sufficiently punished the cunning 
 old fox, by an extract sufficient to cram both creels 
 with the lazy monsters, whose presence near the 
 bridge we knew to be the keeper's pride. 
 
 Landing. — In trout fishing the landing-net should 
 invariably be included in the necessary apparatus. 
 The tackle is never constructed with a view to extract 
 fish bodily out of their element, moreover it is 
 anything but sportsman-like to attempt it. When it 
 is desired to net a fish, the usual rule is to head the 
 capture to the nearest available place if it should be 
 impracticable where hooked ; and in all cases the net 
 should be the medium by which the quarry is conveyed 
 to land. It may appear a very simple matter to the 
 unpractical mind to net an already hooked fish, but 
 anglers of experience know well, too well, perhaps, 
 that indiscretion and undue haste in landing, or 
 even presenting the net to a supposed exhausted fish, 
 will cause him to make yet another plunge, when 
 least expected, for life and liberty. We always use the 
 net with our disengaged hand, holding it edgeways, 
 partly to enter the water readily, so as to get beneath 
 the fish, and partly to meet the fish, which is so 
 brought round as to enter the net forcibly. Bungling 
 aid we have always found worse than no assistance ; 
 
192 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 and when the practice of netting one's own fish is 
 acquired we feel sure anglers generally will find it 
 much more advantageous and satisfactory. Nothing 
 is more common than for an awkward servant or 
 attendant to hit the quarry by poking at him with 
 the sharp rim of the net, instead of placing it under as 
 he is brought near, thus knocking the fish off the hook, 
 if not otherwise breaking the tackle. Who has not 
 some painful remembrance of some deplorable loss 
 of this kind ? For our own part we have had quite 
 sufficient lessons, not in trout alone, but in salmon 
 and pike-fishing, to cause us to refrain from trusting 
 our net to any individual not thoroughly acquainted 
 with the use and handling of it. 
 
 Grayling especially require delicate handling when 
 about to be netted, for should the rod be unconsciously 
 elevated, so as to cause the weight of the fish to rest 
 upon the hook and tackle, the fish is in great danger 
 of being lost by the hook breaking away under the 
 strain. Fish should not be pulled even in part out of 
 the water whilst the net is placed under them, as this 
 always incurs danger of breakage, from the cause 
 stated. The tail end of the fish, particularly of a 
 large one, is to be inserted first in the net, except in 
 special cases, as when for instance, the quarry heads 
 close by the rodster, up or down stream, when the net 
 may be used as a receptacle for him to head into, 
 when within reach. 
 
 The best times to fish, the seasonable flies and 
 other information for the fly-fisher, we give in the 
 Monthly Notes. We now purpose dealing more 
 
HateY 
 
GENERAL HINTS. I93 
 
 generally with the subject of fly-fishing in its 
 various bearings. Fishing in rapid streams requires 
 somewhat different tactics than those suitable for 
 ordinary smooth running river, or still-water fishing. 
 In these no humouring actions are required to be given 
 to the fly. To draw against or even across stream in 
 these circumstances is to extend to it an unnatural 
 motion. The flies must be cast a few feet above the 
 dimply indication of a rise, and then allowed to float 
 over. This may be repeated several times before 
 moving on, especially if casting over grayling, as 
 these fish are given to take the proffered lure more 
 often than not when passed over repeatedly. With 
 regard to the vexed question of up or down-stream 
 fishing, no strict rule need be observed, a continuous 
 resort to either is not desirable. Adherents of the 
 one deprecate the ever-recurring nuisance of the line 
 becoming slack when cast up stream by the down- 
 ward flow of water, thus lessening, after each delivery, 
 the chances of a rise by the fly being brought again 
 home to the feet. Upon the other side of the 
 question we have arguments in plenty against 
 down-stream fishing, the most important being the 
 habitual position of the fish heading up-stream, and 
 therefore in full ken of the operations instigated for 
 his allurement. 
 
 Our method of fishing a strange stream is, after 
 prospecting the length to be operated upon the night 
 or early morn previous, to commence at its lower 
 end, and casting, as we have attempted to describe 
 previously, according to the lay of the land and 
 
 O 
 
194 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 water and general surroundings, now across, or 
 slanting upward, and occasionally, though rarely, 
 downwards. Where a continuous succession of 
 stream and pool are met with, each should be well 
 and carefully fished. One of the best and most 
 killing styles of still water fishing with the fly is the 
 sunk-fly system. This consists in drowning the flies, 
 so to speak, so that they will readily, though gradually 
 descend, and working them very gently by a very 
 minute movement of the rod tip. The very finest 
 gut line is essential for the successful practice of 
 this mode. The same method may be applied to 
 the deep slower running streams, with deadly effect, 
 when the ,fish refuse to rise to the surface. The dry 
 fly system, is however, by far the most scientific 
 and artistic way of alluring either trout or grayling, 
 and well fished streams will yield more and heavier 
 dishes of those fish to it than to any method or 
 system of angling whatever. At twilight, and in the 
 "gloaming'' of evening, as also in night fishing, it 
 is advisable to cast across and rather down-stream, 
 as the line cannot be kept so well under hand, the 
 command over it being less according to the density 
 of the gathering gloom. Sometimes the sunk fly 
 method is to be applied to the sharp running streams 
 with signal success, as may also the dry fly style to 
 the quieter stills and pools. A change in this respect 
 often proves advantageous, even upon well whipped 
 waters, the educated inhabitants of which so soon 
 fight shy of the persistently applied lures. Whenever 
 one side of a river or stream is habitually well-lined 
 
SPECIAL TACTICS FOR GRAYLING. I9S 
 
 with fishermen, the fish generally rise for the most 
 part dose to the opposite bank, in most cases close to 
 the edge of the water. The plan to practise in these 
 circumstances is to cast directly out upon the opposite 
 bank, and allow the end to drop in a casual sort of way 
 into the water, where it is generally seized instantly. 
 Fly-fishing for grayling and trout are not altogether 
 identical, as we have elsewhere shown. Both are 
 frequently found, however, in the same water, and 
 are to be taken with the same cast of flies. Finer 
 tackle, as a rule, is required in the case of the former, 
 as also smaller and brighter flies. In most trout 
 streams of note grayling are found in profusion in 
 their lower portion, where the water flows more 
 serenely. Here they locate near the bottom, even 
 when surface feeding ; therefore if the dry floating-fly 
 is preferable in the case of the trout, it is doubly so in 
 that of the grayling, which, though perhaps more 
 expert as a fly-catcher habitually, rises a much greater 
 distance to absorb it. We contend, therefore, that in 
 the surface cast and draw method, the fish is scarcely 
 allowed a chance to get within seizing distance. This 
 once prevailing practice of trailing along the cast is 
 now being discarded, and deservedly so. How it 
 should have so long held sway we never could 
 conceive. That fish are occasionally taken by, it we 
 know, and that they are more often abashed by it 
 we understand as being a perfectly rational result; 
 but how the fisherman who trails his lines across, or 
 slantways over a stream, at so rapid a pace as to leave 
 a trail similar to that of a passing rat or water-hen, 
 
196 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 can imagine he is extending to the flies a natural and 
 seductive action, we confess is entirely beyond us. 
 The whole of the land-flies appear naturally out of 
 their element upon the water, and are at the mercy of 
 wind and wave, especially upon broken water ; upon 
 the stills they certainly have a little more power, so as 
 to enable them to essay a paddling excursion with a 
 view to escape impending perils ; but even here, 
 either the floating, or the sunk, or drowned fly is 
 found preferable to the insane system of trailing. The ' 
 native water insects, as every fly-fisher worthy of the 
 name knows, are quite " at home " upon the element, 
 floating down stream with their wings erect in the 
 case of the ephemerals, like the minute craft upon a 
 marine engraving. To meet the case of the fluttering 
 land-flies, wingless or huzzy artificials answer amply. 
 With the duns the wings must be both full and erect, 
 or " cock-up " as it is sometimes designated, so as to 
 admit of the fly being kept comparatively dry for 
 some little time, when, becoming saturated, a few 
 backwards and forwards whisks of the line and rod 
 should be given before the delivery of the cast again. 
 This is repeated whenever the flies become saturated, 
 as by so doing the trouble of repeatedly changing 
 the lure is greatly lessened. 
 
 Fly-fishing in brooks is practised much the same as 
 in large and more open waters. Where the banks of 
 narrow water are clear of encumbrances, the rodster 
 should fish some distance away, so as to avoid need- 
 lessly exposing the person and purpose. The flies 
 for brooks and tributaries of good " trouting " 
 
LOCAL FANCIES. I97 
 
 streams should be somewhat larger than those used 
 for the main streams, to enable the fisherman to land 
 his prey safely and quickly, as, where the water is 
 turbulent and confined, the fish have greater chances 
 of breaking away. Often the least leniency will be 
 rewarded by an entanglement with sticks or roots of 
 trees ; playing in these circumstances is, therefore, not 
 to be considered for an instant. The flies here alluded 
 to are suitable for discoloured waters generally, the 
 hook, hackle,- and wing being somewhat larger to 
 withstand rough usage. The same order of land and 
 water insects appear upon all running waters contain- 
 ing trout or grayling, no matter where situated ; 
 nevertheless, some anglers will persist in presenting 
 upon all and every occasion, a wonderful fly or two 
 which is said to kill upon that river only. For our part, 
 we may state, that we never make any distinction in our 
 list of flies, no matter what river we may cast over. 
 We have often heard the phrase — " Your flies are too 
 large for this water," or—" Your flies are too small to 
 kill here, sir." Upon some Welsh and Scottish 
 streams, the fly-fishers use unduly large flies, whilst 
 upon clear spring waters, the local flies are excessively 
 small, and in this case invariably hackled. Both large 
 and small flies are objectionable when they do not 
 correspond with the " naturals " frequenting the water. 
 We can testify from our own experience, that the 
 flies, irrespective of locality, are the same as regards 
 size upon every river in England, Wales, or Scotland ; 
 even those upon mountain lakes, situated in some 
 cases at great elevation, are similar, in their season. 
 
1 98 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 both as regards size and colour, to those upon low- 
 lying rivers. 
 
 Fancy flies, when used judiciously at the right time, 
 may answer just as well for trout, and especially for 
 grayling, as they do for salmon ; indeed the two last- 
 named have many characteristics in common ; both 
 display an effeminate appreciation of gaudy glitter 
 and happy combination of colours, whilst the more 
 circumspect and subtle trout often ignores the un- 
 natural " artificials," though presented temptingly. 
 The most important of nondescript " artificials " 
 are, beyond doubt, the bumble tribes. These in their 
 various shades seldom fail to kill, when no rising of 
 naturals has occurred during the day, or when there is 
 a miscellaneous host of " oddlings " about the water, 
 under which latter circumstances the palmered " arti- 
 ficials " are undoubtedly taken for some one of the 
 flies about. Another useful " child of fancy '' is the 
 flat gold-bodied whistler fly. This is hackled with 
 red-brown pigeon's breast feather, or with that of the 
 whistling plover, from which it takes its name. This 
 fly is really valuable for discoloured, and even thick 
 rising water. Many are the times we have, instead of 
 having a futile journey, and leaving the rapidly-rising 
 river in disgust, as have companion rodsters, killed a 
 good dish of fish through its sole agency. Upon the 
 Wharfe we, upon a late occasion, took trout sufficient 
 to fill our creel some five times, had they been all 
 retained, whilst several anglers who had repaired to 
 the same length returned to the hotel, under the im- 
 pression that the water was too thick for the worm. 
 
LURES IN MOT WEATHER. 199 
 
 When the fish are basking, during the mid-day 
 hours in the hot summer months, they are not always 
 to be drawn to the surface by small flies. The red 
 caterpillar, elsewhere described, we believe to be un- 
 surpassed for trout and large grayling at mid-day; 
 and when cast as a night-fly in the "gloaming" of 
 evening. Browns and gaudily-dressed lake flies, to5, 
 when cast and played like a minnow, just below the 
 surface of the water, are good. But the combination 
 more Suitable for this method is the dressing known as 
 the " Alexandra fly." This is as large as a full-sized 
 "Sewin fly, the hook employed being a Limerick, the 
 shank carefully wrapped with broad silver tinsel, to 
 represent the body ; the wings, if any, consist of a 
 dozen strands or so of brown turkey feather ; hackles, 
 blue feather from the peacock's neck. This fly was 
 originally introduced by Dr. Hobbs, some fifteen 
 years ago. Upon well-wooded, swift-running waters 
 it is most useful ; the line is allowed to run out with 
 the current, being then drawn back up-stream by a 
 series of short jerks that serve to open and shut the 
 fibres of the hackle, thus exposing the white body 
 only at intervals, at measured distances. It is sur- 
 prising how the fish will follow and take this fly when 
 in the " running " mood. It is, most certainly, far 
 superior to the minnow, from the fly-fisher's point of 
 view. 
 
 In angling there are various influences that aff'ect 
 the fish, and which are as yet but little understood. 
 Not only are their habits and movements most 
 important to the angler, but, for the better pursuit 
 
200 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 of sport, meteorological changes and influences 
 should also,be noted by the observant student. To 
 some it is not known that the temperature of the 
 water is most frequently responsible for bad " taking " 
 days ; we habitually carry a small instrument, by no 
 means generally used by the fisherman, we refer to a 
 small pocket thermometer. This proves most useful 
 in ascertaining the temperature of the water, either at 
 the surface or at the bottom. By the use of such an 
 instrument the observant angler soon learns that when 
 the water is of unusually low temperature, the moving 
 fish will be rare, notwithstanding the favourable atmos- 
 pheric temperature. When the air is cold and the water 
 proves at a higher degree than common, the fish will 
 be certain to be more or less on the feed ; but when 
 both atmosphere and water are genial, every descrip- 
 tion of fish will be found to be upon the " forage " for 
 prey, if not satiated by some proper food supply. 
 The observant fisherman upon any particular water 
 soon finds out much more to guide him in his choice 
 of fishing. The water of different rivers and streams, 
 as a matter of course, varies, and the fisher in any 
 particular water should ascertain precisely, not only 
 the prevailing temperature of the water, but that in 
 which the fish feed most eagerly, as also when it is 
 useless trying to tempt them to " rise " or " run." 
 The old nostrums anent weather wisdom are mainly 
 inaccuracies. In the coldest eastern or north-eastern 
 wind we have killed repeatedly many a fine basket of 
 fish, owing to the temperature of the water being 
 high and unusually genial from some cause or other. 
 
THE EXPERT GRAYLING FISHER. 201 
 
 The ancient belief in the stoppage of sport during 
 a thunderstorm is not strictly true. Some little time 
 before the breaking of the storm atmospheric influence 
 appears to act detrimentally, almost invariably through 
 the warmer months, but during the storm itself the 
 fish will rise more often than- not most eagerly at the 
 numerous insects drowned during the downpour, and 
 this too, whilst the electric fluid gleams and the 
 thunder roars immediately overhead, all without 
 visible effect upon the fish. As regards the fisherman 
 we fear the same observations do not apply with 
 equal truth. The nearest sycamore tree or honey- 
 suckle hedge is sought, and the angler is seldom to 
 be convinced, save by practical arguments, that the 
 time for taking fish is while the rain falls, just as the 
 time for making hay is whilst the sun shines, as the 
 old adage has it. 
 
 Between the tyro and the proficient grayling fisher 
 there exists a wider gulf than is the case with the 
 experienced and inexperienced in any other branch 
 in the whole art of fishing. Practical skill and 
 general artistic bearing are more fully exemplified 
 in fishing for grayling, than for trout and salmon, 
 whilst upon the same ground the unskilled efforts 
 of the bungler stand at a yet more glaring contrast. 
 Mark the long sweeping casts of the adept across 
 and up-stream, ever true to the circulating eddy, the 
 centre of which forms the " bull's-eye " at which to 
 aim. See the gradually whirled line, how lightly and 
 efficiently it is cast, the obstructive force of the air and 
 the flowing water being all taken into consideration 
 
202 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 when that measured swing is given. Obsefve 
 the varying tactics resorted to when called for in 
 varying circumstances, and yet above all the efficient 
 mode of handling the hooked fish while it makes 
 determined efforts to free itself from the tiny thread 
 so recently ignored, and to avoid the necessity of a 
 premature move to other parts of the stream through 
 undue disturbance of the water. Upon the other 
 hand the inexperienced grayling fisher's awkwardly 
 managed line is planted splashingly upon the bosom 
 of some tranquil pool or still deep — the collar, which 
 owing to its dryness, and left to its own wayward 
 course, dancing and dangling in its aerial flight, becom- 
 ing hopelessly entangled (as it inevitably must) the 
 instant it nears the water, causing a break larger than 
 the bold rise of a heavy fish ; all these signs make 
 the presence of their owner known and appreciated, 
 both upon the banks and beneath the surface of the 
 water. 
 
 Fly-fishing at twilight and afterwards is prohibited, 
 and justly so, in some districts. The deadly nature 
 of the practice presents no recommendations to the 
 true sportsman ; nevertheless, where the water is 
 over-run with excessively large fish, whose acquired 
 wariness prohibits thenri from surface feeding during 
 the day, they may with perfect honesty of purpose be 
 legitimately extracted at such times as they may 
 deign to dine. The cast for night fishing should not 
 exceed two yards, the gut being of medium thickness, 
 though round and without flaw or blemish. One fly 
 is ample to fish with, though upon a moonlight night 
 
NIGHT FLV-FISHING. 203 
 
 the usual trio may be used with the three-yards lash. 
 When the evening shades gather and deepen, the fish 
 will be found to rise more upon the verge of the 
 shadow thrown upon the water by high banks, or 
 foliage situate near. We do not comniend the use of 
 salmon casts and swivelled monster moths, etc This 
 may be all very well in peculiar surroundings, when 
 the night is densely dark and the water well lined 
 with sticks and piles, but under these circumstances 
 we must confess to seeing sport only in name. In 
 point of sport and true diversion, there is certainly 
 more in the gloaming of evening when the moon- 
 beams " silver the landscape o'er," rendering the 
 surrounding objects almost as bright as when 
 under the orb of day. Then may the fly-fisher 
 conscientiously ply his art upon fair vantage ground 
 and with a clear conscience. 
 
 The flies to be used are the largest and heaviest of 
 the day flies, such as the large browns, cinnamon, and 
 Stone flies. The first-named form admirable copies of 
 the small grass moths, so prevalent late in the 
 summer's evening. The usual night lures, such as the 
 large moths of the customary shades, the coachman 
 and the caterpillar, may be used with success in the 
 way alluded to. With regard to the best size of moths 
 to use, we do not advise them to be too heavy. 
 It has become the practice recently upon some waters 
 to use lures well-nigh as weighty as the Ameri- 
 can half-ounce ; the size should average that of 
 a live May-fly. An artificial dressed by us to imitate 
 the fluttering action of the moth when upon the 
 
204 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 water, is much used in the Midlands, since its recent 
 introduction — we refer to the " Dun Cut." This 
 dressing has proved itself to more than equal the 
 usual reproductions of the moths. It is a double- 
 hackled artificial, the feathers being dun and brown 
 hen's breast feathers . (usually used for wings), the 
 outside feather being dun ; body, drab fur ribbed 
 with silver twist ; hook, long shanked Limerick or 
 Kendal — May-fly size. 
 
 Before the subject of trout and grayling fishing 
 (which has been dealt with more in detail elsewhere) 
 is concluded, we feel it incumbent upon us to make 
 some allusion to the Dove, upon whose banks resided 
 the first writer upon this, the highest branch of the 
 art piscatorial, in our land. This is classic ground 
 to every follower of Walton. Here have assembled 
 all noted fishermen since the days in which the com- 
 mon sire of us all trod its banks and wielded the rod ; 
 and they still come, though many a famous rod that 
 was wont to whip these waters is laid away for ever. 
 Every rock and pool seems to embue one with 
 
 "Meek Walton's heavenly memory." 
 
 The ancient and original fishing-house, too, stand- 
 ing as it does, scarcely impaired by the ravages of 
 time, seems to impress the mind with familiar associa- 
 tions. It requires no great stretch of imagination to 
 call up the venerable and benevolent features and 
 stalwart form of the "Modern Patriarch Izaak," 
 and his adopted son, discoursing pleasantly whilst 
 making flies, or rigging up the tackle for the 
 evening's rise. 
 
DOVEDALE. 20 5 
 
 " Cheerful, sage, and mild, 
 
 Walton's discourse was like the honey balm. 
 Distilled along these waters wild. 
 
 Smit with the love of angling he beguiled. 
 With his adopted son the hours away , 
 
 Whilst Cotton owned the fondness of a child 
 For him, in whose glad company to stay. 
 Had made the whole year pass like one sweet month of May." 
 
 Yes, the structure and general appurtenances are 
 still the same ; time has dealt most kindly with the 
 erection ; over the portal the immortal inscription, 
 " Piscatoribus Sacrum" remains still unobliterated ; 
 every disciple of the rod may with veneration read 
 
 " His title clear to enter here." 
 
 The Dove is noted for its blue transparency, hence 
 the name. Centuries since other waters were polluted 
 in comparison with the crystal stream of the Dove. 
 The renowned Cotton, the Minstrel of the Vale, thus 
 sweetly sings — 
 
 " Such streams Rome's Yellow Tiber cannot show ; 
 The Iberian Tagus, or Ligurian Po, 
 The Maese, the Danube, and the Rhine, 
 Are puddle-water all compared to thine ; 
 And Loire's pure streams yet too polluted are 
 With thine much purer to compare ; 
 The rapid Garonne and the winding Seine, 
 
 Are both too mean, 
 
 Beloved Dove, with thee 
 
 To vie priority ; 
 
 Tame and Isis, when conjoined submit. 
 
 And lay their trophies at thy silver feet. " 
 
 About Beresford, the scenery through which the 
 stream flows resembles much that of Dove-dale; 
 Beresford-dale being a sort of miniature representation 
 
206 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 
 
 of it. In the first-named, the volume of water 
 is, of course, greater, it being situate several miles 
 lower down-stream. Trout and grayling are the only 
 fish here found, with the exception of a few eels. 
 The trout predominate largely from Dove-dale up- 
 stream ; here the best efforts of the rodster are to be 
 brought into play in order to achieve even moderate 
 success. The water contains a fair stock of fish, but 
 for education and attainments, Dove trout, and 
 especially Dove-dale trout, vie successfully with those 
 of the Wandle, Itchen, Test, or any other stream 
 wherever situate ; and the adept upon the Dove may, 
 with perfect safety, consider himself sufficiently 
 accomplished to rank amongst the first fly-fishers of 
 his day. 
 
 " Oh, Dove, thou art so clear, so bright and sweet, 
 Men's choicest lures with scant approval meet ; 
 Did not the beauteous Dale such charms reveal, 
 The pilgrim rodster oft regret would feel. 
 Romantic vale, renowned for varied scene, 
 Sylvan abode, meet for a fairy queen ; 
 Rare gems of nature deck the scenes around, 
 With wooded heights the lofty rocks are crowned ; 
 Cascades impetuous fall with arrow flight ; 
 Rainbows presented glisten in the light ; 
 The waters, purling at the angler's feet. 
 In crystal streams and sparkling eddies meet. 
 Soft strains of music borne upon the breeze, 
 Resound from warbling choirs amidst the trees. 
 Fair scenes, adieu. Alas ! charmed stream, farewell. 
 Where speckled trout and grayling dwell. " 
 
 W. S. 
 
 Note. — Below the renowned Dale, down stream, the grayling gradually 
 gain the ascendency, until for the last 25 miles of the river's length 
 they predominate over th" trout as eight or ten to one. This may be 
 
DOVE FISHING. 20/ 
 
 owing to the fact of the water being of less rapid fall, and of a slightly 
 higher temperature. Of the two open lengths of the upper portion of 
 the Dove, Dove-dale is five miles northwards from the nearest Station, 
 »;2., Ashbourne, upon the N. S. R. line; Hartington is about ten miles 
 from each of the following Stations, Bakewell, Cheadle, Buxton, and 
 Ashbotirne. The guests staying at the hotels in the neighbourhood of 
 the Dale, are entitled to daily tickets, free of charge. Tickets for the 
 Hartington or Beresford length are issued at the ' ' Charles Cotton, " 
 price 2s. 6d. per diem. No fishing is allowed in June upon this reach. 
 There are over three miles of good fishing upon the Dove-dale length. 
 Except at general holiday times, this length of water is but little fished, 
 as compared with other and less desirable streams of the Midlands. 
 Excellent accommodation is afforded by the host and hostess of that 
 ancient and renowned hostelry," The Isaak Walton," proprietor, Mr. 
 W. Prince. This hotel is conveniently near the river, which is but a 
 stone's throw from its windows. A goodly number of guests also find 
 accommodation at the " Peveril," which has been recently enlarged. 
 
 The Hartington length is up-stream, in a northern direction from 
 the Dale. Accommodation is afforded to anglers fishing this length, at 
 •'The Cotton" (host, Mr. J. F. Wardle). Private lodgings are also 
 obtained in the village. There are many private lengths accessible to 
 respectable applicants, notably below Rocester. There for some miles 
 the freeholders or tenants grant permission to fish for a day occasion- 
 ally to the legitimate angler. In this part the tenants of the river are 
 more varied than up-stream. Almost every species of freshwater fish 
 abounds, and that in many instances to profusion. Upon the Manifold 
 and Hamps, and many other tributaries noted for their trout, tolerably 
 good fishing may be had ; the landed proprietors and holders giving 
 permission in many instances upon application. There are two Club 
 lengths upon the Dove, viz., the Norbury and Okeover lengths. The 
 number of members in the first-named are ten, the annual subscription 
 being £i ; those of the latter number five, the annual subscription 
 
 ;£l2 123. 
 
 COMPLIUS. 
 
208 
 
 Chapter XIII. 
 
 LIVE FLY AND BEETLE FISHING. 
 
 DIBBING or daping with the natural fly is an 
 easy art, and is, moreover, a very productive 
 and, we may add, a very seductive one, when reasonably 
 practised upon a densely wooded stream. It is often 
 useful as a means of weeding out old fish, whose 
 cannibal propensities go far to exterminate their own 
 species, as well as their immediate neighbours and 
 relatives. There is small scope for skill in the use of 
 the live fly, as employed under the above circum- 
 stances, as the foliage lining the banks shields the 
 rodster's person from view, whilst the struggling lure 
 accomplishes the rest. The rod and line must 
 necessarily be both short and stout for the general 
 comfort of fishing. An ordinary fly rod with short top 
 answers admirably for the purpose, whilst the three or 
 four feet of gut bottom line should be strong, round, 
 and clear, without a faulty place or blemish. De- 
 plorable loss often ensues from carelessness in looking 
 over the tackle before commencing operations. It 
 needs everto be remembered that the weakest place in a 
 line, be it of what substance it may, decides its precise 
 degree of strength throughout, as when the testing 
 time arrives, the thing breaks at that point, despite its 
 
SURFACE DIBBING. 209 
 
 strength elsewhere. A flat or unduly thin place in 
 gut should always be taken out before loss and 
 damage are experienced from its presence. 
 
 The systems of using the natural fly for the allure- 
 ment of fish, in use at the present day, are three in 
 number, which may be described as foUows^-rst. 
 Throwing or casting in open water ; 2nd. Midwater 
 fishing, or daping with the sunken fly ; 3rd. Surface 
 fishing and dibbing. The first enumerated is fully 
 dealt with in the Monthly Notes. The method of 
 procedure to be adopted in the case of the sunken 
 fly varies but little from that of worm fishing without 
 a float. The fly is attached to the hook between the 
 wings, the bend of the hook to project towards the 
 tail, and two small shots are fixed a foot or so above 
 the hook. Thus equipped the angler carefully 
 introduces the lure to the notice of the fish which 
 lurk under roots or projecting banks, etc., always 
 endeavouring to keep an eye upon the bait, as the 
 moment to strike is when the fish has closed upon it, 
 and leisurely turns away. By the moment's grace 
 thus given, the rodster is enabled to hook his quarry 
 in . the corner of the mouth, which is ?ilways a 
 desideratum in the case of large fish, trout especially, 
 their mouth being excessively hard, grisly, or bony. 
 The movements of a large trout are always leisurely, 
 and as the bait is genuine no fear need be entertained 
 as to the possibility of his rejecting it, during the 
 moment's respite given. 
 
 Surface Dibbing, as the name implies, consists in 
 working in a natural way the live flies upon the top 
 
 P 
 
210 LIVE FLY AND BEETLE FISHING. 
 
 of the water. In order to do this effectually, the 
 impaled fly is made to float and flutter by the action 
 given to the line, occasionally settling upon the water 
 for a brief interval. Just before twilight, upon a 
 summer's evening, this system of angling is very 
 deadly, and more especially so on small brooks. 
 Here the fish are then wide-awake, and upon the 
 forage for moths, minnows, and other legitimate food 
 which approaches within grabbing distance ; and any 
 other larger insects prevalent that may be placed be- 
 fore their notice are extremely likely to be absorbed. 
 The large white grass moths are capital lures for this 
 purpose. The flies most in repute for daping and 
 dibbing purposes, are the May fly, stone and cinnamon 
 flies, the blue bottle, the alder and oak flies, as also 
 the common house fly. The first of these is usually 
 carried in a small basket, specially made for the 
 purpose, which is strung upon the creel strap. The 
 remainder, being flat-winged flies, may be kept in a 
 glass bottle, the cork having a small, gradually 
 widening nick made in one side, to allow the passage 
 of one fly only when partially drawn, as also to admit 
 air. A fly will always frequent the opening, no 
 matter how quickly they may be extracted. The size 
 of the hook usually employed is a No. 7 Kendal, with 
 shortened shank. Sometimes two flies are placed 
 upon the hook at once, with the smaller of them next 
 the point. This is often found to answer, as the hooks 
 are more obscured and the bait more significant and 
 tempting to a large fish. Always fish over the eddy 
 of a rise, and whenever the bank of wood of any 
 
BEETLES AS BAIT. 211 
 
 description admits, keep well back from the river side ; 
 even the still pools may be found productive. In this 
 case the nearest bank must be fished first, afterwards 
 the middle and opposite side, and then the open water. 
 The instant the fish rises at your fly you must strike 
 as'in artificial fly fishing, and play as is usual in that 
 branch of the art For this open dibbing, a full 
 length of fly cast is necessary, and that too of fine 
 substance. The artistic method of fly fishing with the 
 blow-line, as referred to in the Notes on the Months, 
 is much practised in Scotland and Ireland, upon the 
 lochs containing trout, more especially when the 
 May fly is up. 
 
 Beetles of every kind form admirable baits for 
 trout, as also for chub, and other fish. These are 
 to be had " artificial," and when a maggot or wasp- 
 grub is fixed upon the hook, they are found quite as 
 killing as the " naturals." Cockchafers, cockroaches 
 and dockers are all deemed acceptable to the hunger- 
 ing fish, during the season of low waters and scant 
 food. 
 
 When either Daping or Dibbing, care should be 
 taken to keep a taut and straight line, as intervening 
 slack line renders it a moral impossibility to handle 
 the bait and strike effectually, more especially when 
 angling through a small opening in the bushes 
 bordering a brook. In small places, the small lady- 
 cow (the fisherman's Marlow Buzz or Coch-y-bondu) 
 is used as a live lure in fine water. These hardy little 
 insects do not leave the hook so readily as the more 
 slender and frail flies. A capital plan of using them 
 
212 LIVE FLY AND BEETLE FISHING. 
 
 is to fit up a fine four-yard gut collar, or lash, with 
 four of the insects, three as droppers and one at the 
 point, the former being attached to fine gut hooks 
 (No. 8 or 9 Kendal), when they may be cast as 
 " artificials " when trout are shy ; and when there is 
 a scarcity of ephemeral and other water order of flies 
 this method often proves extremely killing. 
 
213 
 
 Chapter XIV. 
 
 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR 
 FLY-FISHING. 
 
 February. 
 
 THE angler, as a rule, commences to angle for 
 trout and grayling upon St. David's Day, the 
 first- of March, when, according to the calendar, 
 " fly-fishing begins ; " but we would recommend the 
 tyro to try his hand about the middle of February, 
 when he will be sure to effect captures that will give 
 him a relish to follow the pursuit, and exhilarate him 
 to become an adept in the " flying " art. We note 
 that the majority of youthful beginners take their 
 trial trip in July or August, flogging assiduously when 
 the sun shines powerfully, and leaving dispirited 
 with their ill-success, just as the fish begin to feed at 
 sunset. The angler should be at the water-side from 
 eleven to three o'clock — it is little use starting earlier, 
 as the fish do not rise freely except in the middle of 
 the day. Slow-running streams and still deeps are 
 the most likely places on which to cast. We 
 recommend the red fly, the blue dun, or February 
 flapper, and the ordinary rough bumble to make 
 up the cast, as being the most likely trio for early 
 
214 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 spring-fishing. The last named is only a fancy fly, 
 but is an excellent killer in spring and autumn. 
 To the experienced fly-fisher, it is a well-known fact 
 that few flies rise to the surface of their liquid element 
 while the river is impregnated with snow "broth." 
 This cold stimulant "is no inducement for the little 
 insect to quit its sheath in the bed of the river, but 
 when the genial influence exercised by the rays of 
 the sun pierces into its retreat, then the small fly 
 quits its abode, rises to the surface, spreads its wings, 
 and commences life's voyage, which probably ere long 
 is cut short by the appearance of the 
 
 "Pearl tipped snout 
 Of the speckled trout." 
 
 The Red fly first makes its appearance in this 
 month. Its wings and body are of an olive colour, 
 but after two or three sunny days its legs and body 
 assume a russet-brown, and as the weather becomes 
 warmer its colour changes until it attains a deep 
 ruddy hue. The prevailing shade in March and 
 April of both legs and body resembles that of a 
 coffee bean, though slightly claret-coloured towards 
 the tail. The Red fly, we believe, is common to all 
 waters containing trout or grayling. The Welsh 
 anglers consider it one of the best flies that can be 
 used, indeed, it is sometimes called the " Welsh fly." 
 In some districts in this country its local appellation 
 is " Old Joe," in others the " Early Spring Red," and 
 the "Spring Brown," and another local name is 
 the " March Brown." The Red fly's wings lie nearly 
 flat on its back, the wings of the March Brown are 
 
MARCH. 215 
 
 almost upright, after the manner of the duns and 
 other ephemerals. Many a neatly folded packet 
 finds its way into our hands, containing naturals for 
 identification, and as the March Brown proper, like 
 the May fly, does not frequent all waters, this fly, 
 acting in a manner as a substitute, causes endless 
 misconceptions; and vast numbers of the Red fly 
 come to hand which are invariably mistaken for the 
 March Brown. The Blue Dun, or February Flapper, 
 so called because of its fluttering on the water more 
 than any other dun, is of a smoky-blue hue all over, 
 and when once seen can never be mistaken. 
 For further particulars of these flies see page 148. 
 
 March. 
 The angler should be at the water-side from eleven 
 to four o'clock. The fish not yet having recovered their 
 full vigour after the winter season, are to be found on 
 the slow running streams and still deeps. The Red fly, 
 Blue and Cockwinged Duns, Cowdung fly, and March 
 Brown, are the most abundant flies on the water, and 
 therefore are the best to be used. A description of the 
 Red fly has been given under February. For particu- 
 lars of the Blue and Cockwinged Duns, see page 148. 
 The Cowdung fly is a common insect, the appearance 
 of which is well known to all. It is in boisterous 
 weather plentiful on the water. This is a land fly, 
 and is found in profusion on rich meadow land where 
 cows have been pastured. These insects rise from the 
 earth with the first days of spring. On cold windy 
 days, or in a sharp wind succeeding a few hours of 
 
2l6 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 bright open weather, \ivhen the inclement season has 
 terminated, these flies are carried by the wind upon 
 the water, the surface of which being thus quickly 
 besprinkled with struggling atoms of life, the atten- 
 tion of the hunger-bitten trout is speedily arrested, 
 and under these circumstances they seldom fail to 
 shake off their lethargy to feed freely upon them. 
 It is the best fly that can be used early and.late in the 
 day through the whole of this month, and occasionally 
 in April. 
 
 The March Brown is a general favourite with 
 both fish and fishermen throughout Britain. In 
 Wales it is termed the Cob fly. In the northern 
 counties of England it is known as the brown or dun 
 drake ; but, though in different localities the name 
 varies, the insect itself is characteristically the same 
 everywhere. The wings are nearly erect, after the 
 manner of all the duns, the colour being a beautiful 
 freckled brown, and the legs the same shade. The 
 body varies, but is generally a decided rusty hue, 
 with yellow ribs protruding, and it resembles the green 
 drake or May fly more closely than any other species. 
 It is two-thirds the size, and goes through similar 
 changes. As the weather gets a little warmer these 
 flies appear a shade smaller in size, and lighter in 
 colour. This is called the Turkey Brown, though 
 exactly the same ephemeral. It is often erroneously 
 supposed to be the female March Brown. This 
 large brown, with its metamorphosis, the Great Red 
 Spinner, lasts until May, and even June, and appears 
 again in August, but smaller still in size. In the 
 
A MARCH ADVENTURE. 217 
 
 Scotch Highlands it is used as a general fly throughout 
 the summer, and is a capital killer. Many a weighty 
 pannier have we had the pleasure of creeling through 
 its agency, for when once really well on the water, 
 which it annually is on most streams, better sport 
 is not afforded by any fly. The Gre-at Red Spinner 
 referred to is an elegant fly, and is sometimes a good 
 killer, but as in this stage it lays the eggs that 
 propagate its species, like all the other spinners, it is 
 scarcely more than a film or shell, after having fulfilled 
 its natural functions, and it is no matter of surprise 
 that the lusty fresh browns are more appreciated by 
 the fish. 
 
 It is the last Sunday in March. Nature is again 
 assuming her green garb, and the birds are joyously 
 carolling their overflowing meed of earthly bliss at 
 the return of ever welcome spring. Tempted by the 
 promise thus held out of an enjoyable commune with 
 nature, you, after the morning's devotions are over, 
 indulge in a quiet stroll by the neighbouring trout 
 stream. After a time you observe what mayhap had 
 previously escaped your notice, namely, that there 
 are quite a number of up-winged " browns " about. 
 You approach for a nearer inspection. A glance at 
 the water proves the fish to be equally curious. 
 Dexterously capturing a specimen in your hat, you 
 pronounce it a March brown. The fish, too, seem to 
 have made a similar discovery, as all the way down 
 stream you are treated to a constant repetition of the 
 sweetest sound in the whole range of music to the 
 angler, " the plump little swish of a rising fish," and 
 
2l8 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 you console yourself with the reflection, that, as the 
 March brown is well on to-day there will be murder 
 to-morrow. By ten the next morning you are 
 therefore upon the scene of action. As the slanting 
 rays of Old Sol penetrate the murky clouds the flies 
 commence to rise from the bed of the river, sweeping 
 in battalions up and down-stream, or buoyantly 
 breasting the miniature rippling waves. Having 
 hastily put together your rod, and rigged up your 
 cast with a trio of March browns, you approach the 
 stream ; first wetting your line by way of prelude, 
 and carefully measuring your distance, you cast in the 
 midst of the perpetuated eddies. " There," you hook, 
 almost at the same instant, two fish, one on the bob 
 and the other on the stretcher, which immediately 
 dash counter to each other, smashing up your 
 delicately fine cast. The lesson here experienced 
 teaches that the extra-fine grayling lash of the 
 previous autumn is not equally adapted for heavy 
 trout. But lose no time. Quick! Look out something 
 more substantial. Ah, to be sure ! this looks more 
 like it. Pull out the coils by drawing the gut slowly 
 through your fingers. We must now " rig up " again 
 with fairly substantial artificials; which done, we move 
 on a little ahead. Now, very carefully by the foot of 
 yonder old alder. There, splendid ! You have him. 
 Gently ! Mind the weeds and hold the point of the 
 rod well up. Be careful ! He exhibits a strong 
 desire to embrace that old stump. Ah ! keep his 
 head well up, and take in line with your left hand. 
 Look out ! There is some spurt in him still ; show 
 
APRIL. 219 
 
 him due courtesy by paying away line with due 
 reserve nevertheless. Now he wearies, and lies 
 athwart the glistening surface of the water, as pretty 
 a contrast to its silvery ripples as can well be 
 imagined. Here we are at last, with a splendid 
 one-and-a-half pounder, which ultimately proves 
 but a type of a dozen or more which grace your 
 basket at sundown. The only rivers of the north 
 that the March" brown does not frequent are the 
 Tay and Tweed. Upon every mountain burn and 
 moorland stream this fly is a standard killer. The 
 rough bumble is also an excellent lure. 
 
 April. 
 
 This is the best month in the year for fly-fishing. 
 The proverbial showers which characterise the 
 month, have the double effect of drowning the 
 flies, and stripping the water of its transparency ; 
 indeed, the more inclement the weather, the greater 
 chance of sport. The flies are more sturdy than in 
 the summer months, getting more delicate as the 
 season advances. 
 
 The flies recommended for last month will be 
 found equally serviceable in this, especially if the 
 season is rather backward, the weather retarding 
 the progress of the little insects in proportion to 
 its severity. There are the Yellow Dun of April (two 
 shades). Pale Blue Dun, see page 150, Red Spinner, 
 Sand fly. Stone fly, and Foster's intermediate. The 
 Iron Blue Dun comes on in this month, but is much 
 more numerous in the next, for which see description. 
 
220 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 The Yellow Duns of April (two shades) and the 
 Pale-Blue Dun, being April specimens of the Olive 
 Dun (ephemerals) are of great importance ; indeed, 
 I look upon this fly in its various stages as being 
 the most useful to the angler through the whole 
 season. This fly, after living three days, casts its 
 coat, and then appears as the Red Spinner. These 
 flies whirl in clouds a distance above the water, 
 frequently alighting on the surface; every time 
 they do so they deposit an egg, which, as we 
 have observed elsewhere, produce duns of the 
 olive family, ranging in shade from the blue dun, 
 to the pale evening white, according to the 
 temperature of the water and weather, when the 
 larva attains its maturity. The Red Spinner is a 
 delicately transparent fly, the legs are fiery brown, the 
 tail double the length of the dun's, the body a ruddy 
 yellow. In consequence of the tails being long, it is 
 necessary to put them on the artificials, though not 
 requisite in the case of the duns. As the fish gene- 
 rally rise at the tail-end of the fly we have found it 
 detrimental in hooking, especially when rabbit's 
 whiskers are used, as is generally the case. When we 
 do attach the tails, we use three fibres of a large cock's 
 hackle. Towards evening is the best time to use 
 these flies, las in the heat of the day they take refuge 
 in the foliage of bushes and small trees on the banks 
 of the stream, but at sunset appear in great numbers. 
 The duns are principally used at mid-day, the light 
 April Dun, and Pale Blue Dun on light genial days, 
 the Dark April Dun on dull cloudy days. It may be 
 
APRIL. 221 
 
 as well to remark that, if the water be clear, with a 
 bright sun, it will be useless to fish on the still deeps 
 and slow-running streams ; but eddies, small holes, 
 and rapid running streams, are the best places to 
 fish. Should, however, a strong breeze of wind dis- 
 turb the surface of the water, the angler may pursue 
 his sport on the smoother reaches. Foster's Inter- 
 mediate will be found very effective when duns are 
 on the water. This is a copy of all the duns prior to 
 their re-appearance as spinners. It is well-known 
 that fish invariably seize sickly or maimed insects, 
 or small fry, etc., from the midst of their more lively 
 companions. The Sand fly, as its name implies, is the 
 colour of reddish sand ; it is a flat-winged fly, and is 
 very plentiful in this month and the next, and is a 
 good killer when there is no quantity of any particular 
 flies on the water. 
 
 The Stone fly is a flat-winged fly ; the wings and 
 body are of a dark stone colour, the latter is strongly 
 marked with yellow ribs ; the legs are of a greenish 
 brown, and these it uses with extreme activity. When 
 not on the water it frequents stones and pebbles by 
 the sides of streams, on the rapid parts of which the 
 artificial should be used. Many fish are taken by 
 dibbling with the natural fly near the roots of over- 
 hanging bushes. It resembles a beetle in its flight, 
 falls veiy heavy on the water, and is a substantial 
 bait for large fish. On some streams it is known as 
 the May-fly, as the green drake does not appear on 
 those waters. It is a water-fly, and lasts from the 
 beginning of April to the middle of June. 
 
222 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 The Grannum, or Green-tail, makes its appearance 
 in this month. This is a flat-winged fly, of the size 
 and shape of the Sand fly, with the addition of a 
 green appendage at the end of the body, which is its 
 egg-pouch. This fly is quite a favourite with fisher- 
 men in April, but we confess we have seldom done 
 much with it till the latter part of summer. 
 
 May. 
 
 At this season of the year the fish leave the deep 
 water ; and sport on small streams is now good. The 
 best flies for this month are the Hare's Ear, Yellow 
 Dun of May, Iron Blue, and its transformation the 
 Jenny Spinner, the Alder fly, and the Yellow Sally. 
 The Green Drake, or May fly, seldom appears on any 
 stream before the last week in May or the beginning 
 of June, under which month we give a descriptive 
 account of the various methods of using it. The 
 title Iron Blue will now be found very abundant 
 upon most waters, especially in the Midland and 
 Southern counties. Its local appellations are nume- 
 rous, but being precisely the colour of a piece of new 
 iron, the very appropriate and descriptive term. Iron 
 Blue, is more generally adopted. The fly appears a 
 shade lighter upon the body in this month, a mauve 
 colour prevailing. This fly assumes no other name 
 upon undergoing this change of colour in the body, 
 but is universally recognised as being one and the 
 same fly. Were this the case with the larger species 
 of duns, much complication would be avoided. To 
 the entomological student, the habits of this little insect 
 
NORTHERN PREJUDICES. 223 
 
 form an interesting and amusing study. It is ex- 
 tremely hardy, being a lover of inclement weather. 
 Its water nympha frequents the cold spring heads 
 during the whole summer, rising to the surface in 
 clouds whenever the weather happens to be dull, 
 with obscure sun. A cloudy morning will entice 
 myriads from the watery depths, the fish being in 
 turn allured from their accustomed haunts in the 
 bed of the river to the surface of the water, where they 
 regale themselves upon these prim little yacht-like 
 insects. Great execution may often be effected 
 •through the medium of a good copy of this especial 
 favourite of the fish, even in the hands of an in- 
 different rodster, though it is not to be inferred ' that 
 any artificial, or even a bad rendering of the Iron 
 Blue will be equally effective as when the light 
 coloured " blues " are absorbing the attention of the 
 fish. The dark shade will, in clear water, often fail 
 to accomplish much ; in these circumstances, no 
 matter how well the fish may be rising, other 
 " artificials," infallible as they may be in their seasons, 
 will prove utterly useless. 
 
 Whilst fishing the Kennet upon one occasion, not 
 very long ago, a rather striking instance of this came 
 before our notice. Out of a round half-dozen of 
 fishermen upon the length we were about to fish, 
 there were two northern anglers, spider theorists. 
 These gentlemen, being strongly prejudiced against 
 the southern regimen, had very eloquently declaimed, 
 prior to our setting forth, against the absurdity of 
 attempting to copy any special fly, maintaining 
 
224 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 that when fish are inclined to feed, one fly is as good 
 as another, so long as the size is somewhere near the 
 mark, adding that when fish were not inclined for 
 feeding " every conceivable object in the fiy-book 
 would fail to tempt them." 
 
 Finding verbal arguments ineffective, we had 
 adjourned to the river's brim to try the effect of 
 practical ones. The day opened bright and clear, 
 with no files on the water, and no fish on the rise, 
 in which circumstances our Scotch friends wisely, in 
 their own opinion, declined to fish. The remainder 
 of the party, upon the other hand, rigged up with 
 double-hooked Palmers, and commenced. These are 
 cast on the water the same as the fly, and are then 
 allowed to sink and move with the current, see page 
 243. After a few fish had been allured from unseen 
 haunts in this manner, to the amazement of the 
 north countrymen, they protested that alluring oint- 
 ment must have been used, which imputation was 
 indignantly resented by several of the company, who 
 affirmed that the sense of sight in fish was all they 
 attempted to deceive ; that no modern fisherman 
 believed in the efficiency of obnoxious ointments, and 
 other pigments, and that the whole reason that 
 Walton and Cotton shone above their numerous 
 contemporaries so conspicuously was owing to the 
 fact of their having proved themselves to be half-a- 
 century ahead of their times, by ignoring such like 
 trash. About noon a smart breeze sprang up, the 
 sun being occasionally obscured by drifting clouds, 
 and an odd fish or two now began to rise. The 
 
THE TEST OF THE CREEI,. 225 
 
 prim little Iron Blues quickly appeared, as though 
 by magic, on the water's surface, jauntily riding 
 the tiny, billows in quaint style. Now all set to with 
 right good will. The party separated for business, 
 and during the ensuing hour-and-a-half we had taken 
 as many iish as could conveniently be creeled, as had 
 also a neighbouring rodster, when one of the Scotch- 
 men hove in sight round a sudden turn. " Now 
 for an exemplification of the relative virtues of spider 
 and flies," observes our neighbour. " Science versus 
 ignorance and presumption," was our response. 
 
 Scotchman — "The fish are really playing and not 
 feeding ; I have risen dozens, but have not hooked a 
 single fish." 
 
 " Indeed," was the reply, " but then you see you 
 do not use alluring ointments !" 
 
 At this moment our acquaintance of the morning 
 hooked a good fish, which, judging from the un- 
 ceremonious way in which it was landed over some 
 weeds, must have been hooked very well indeed. 
 
 " They would seem to be feeding a little better 
 hereabouts." 
 
 " Rather," sagely observes our friend, as he opened 
 his well- filled creel to squeeze in his late capture. 
 
 "By heavens!" ejaculates the disciple of typical 
 delusion, "you don't mean to say you have taken 
 that basket of fish this afternoon .'' " 
 
 " That's precisely what I do mean to say, never- 
 theless ; and what is more, I will wager the price of a 
 dinner that each of our fly-fishers have accomplished 
 something similar." 
 
 Q 
 
226 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 " Oh, you may take my word for it there has not 
 been a fish killed down below ; but I tell you what, 
 I am going in for one or two here ;" saying which, 
 he assiduously set himself to work. Our offers of 
 the taking fly were declined by him, although the 
 tongue of every fish taken was seen to be covered 
 with one particular fly, and that fly the Iron Blue. 
 Obstinacy and prejudice still held rampant sway, 
 obstructing the path to success, and damping the 
 spirits of the inner man as effectually as the proverbial 
 Scotch mist does the external one. Some fish were 
 still to be seen rising. 
 
 " I thought I had that fish, he rose within two 
 inches of me at something else ; it's very strange they 
 will not take it." 
 
 " It would be strange indeed if they did" was the 
 reply. 
 
 After witnessing more futile efforts on the part of 
 the angler with the infallible artificials, we landed a 
 small fish or two, evidently to his no small discomfort, 
 and then wound up for the day. By the time all 
 had met at the hotel, every creel was found to contain 
 fish, with the exception of those of the free-thinkers, 
 who returned in company, troubled and dispirited. 
 It is needless for us to add that next morning saw 
 them on board an early train bound for other lati- 
 tudes, where it is hoped they will benefit by the 
 lesson taught by experience. 
 
 The Jenny Spinner is the metamorphosis of the 
 Iron Blue. It is of a universal milk-white colour, 
 with the exception of two crimson bands, one at each 
 
VARIED SHADES OF THE IRON BLUE. 22^ 
 
 extremity of the body. In this new dress, the insect 
 after the manner of all other spinners, is prevalent 
 at sunset, whenever the Iron Blue has been well on 
 in the course of the day, which generally is the case 
 on all cloudy days, between April and October, 
 though the colour of this fly changes somewhat during 
 this period. In August the Iron Blue assumes a 
 more olive cast upon the body ; in September and 
 October the precise shade and colour in wing, leg, 
 and body is the same as the Olive Dun of the same 
 period, having a rusty shade upon the body precisely 
 similar, the only difference being in point of size. 
 These little duns are sometimes erroneously supposed 
 to be half-matured Olive Duns ; but flies do not grow 
 or expand gradually, they are full sized when they 
 quit their sheaths, as in the larva and pupa state 
 they feed voraciously, laying up an internal store 
 which lasts them the remainder of their existence, as 
 we have elsewhere observed. The Jenny Spinner is a 
 good killer, even when the water is extremely fine. 
 The Yellow Dun of May is very prevalent on fine 
 days, when it should be on the cast. The Alder 
 fly is very abundant from about the last week in May 
 to the middle of June. It is a flat-winged fly, and 
 comes from a water nympha. The wings are of a 
 dull brown, veined, the body being a dark claret, and 
 the legs of a rusty black shade. It is a great favourite 
 with trout and chub, particularly towards evening. 
 The natural insect may be used for dibbing, it being 
 a large fly, though slightly varied in different localities. 
 The Black Gnat is a very small fly, which is a great 
 
228 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 favourite with trout and grayling, when fully on the 
 water. The fisherman's Black Gnat is a small winged 
 fly, and is not to be confounded with the angler's 
 plagues or pests, so prevalent at the latter part of 
 the season ; indeed, the naturalists aver that it is not 
 a gnat in reality, that term being correct only in the 
 case of the minute black smuts referred to, which 
 resemble nothing better than a fine speck of soot. 
 The copies, however, of the Black Gnat, generally 
 speaking, are much too large, being nearer the size 
 of a Blue Bottle. The same observation also applies 
 to the Iron Blue, the Jenny Spinner, and other small 
 flies. Just when the May fly begins to appear the 
 gnats generally come on in clouds, they being the 
 forerunners of this celebrated fly. 
 
 June. 
 
 As this month opens, the nymphs of the Drake, 
 as a general rule, arrive at a sufficient state of 
 maturity to essay a change of element. They become 
 active prior to the impending change, and by their 
 movements in the bed of the water attract the 
 attention of the trout, which feed upon them for some 
 week or ten days before the great and continued 
 rising. Just as the aquatic insect begins to change 
 into the aerial being, the attention of the fish is not 
 attracted by them. Fish appreciate the quantity as 
 well as the quality of their edibles, therefore, as long 
 as the majority of the insects remain undeveloped 
 in the water, their attention is monopolized by them. 
 When, however, the surface is plenteously laden with 
 
GREEN DRAKE FISHING. 229 
 
 feathery atoms of life, they speedily become as bold 
 as the angler could desire. 
 
 Before fully entering on the subject of Drake 
 fishing, it would be as well, perhaps, to enumerate 
 the small flies that are killers, more especially early 
 and late in the day, before the May flies or Drakes 
 appear. These we give as under : Little Chap, Black 
 Gnat, Oak fly, Alder fly, and the Spinners. These 
 naturals often in part accompany the Drake upon 
 the water, before and after its appearance. The fish 
 feed upon them when' prevalent ; before ten a.m.. and 
 after six p.m. being the most likely times for their 
 proving useful ; though it is by no means uncommon 
 to find the fish taking the small flies at mid-day, when 
 the Drake has been on for awhile. We have often 
 watched a heavy trout eagerly skim the surface of 
 the water in chase of a small gnat, which fish has 
 ultimately proved, on being brought to land by this 
 minute insect, to be fairly gorged with the May fly. 
 The only explanation we can suggest is, that Master 
 Speckle was anxious for a change of diet. 
 
 The Green Dralce appears upon the lower portions 
 of the streams first, often being four days or a week 
 later in rising near the source, where the water, being 
 colder from the springs, retards its maturity. The 
 season of these flies varies in different localities. 
 There are three lakes at varying altitudes at Mullingar, 
 in Ireland. The May fly first makes its appearance 
 upon the lower lake and is plentiful, and the fishing 
 here is good so long as these flies remain on the 
 water. They usually last ' ten or twelve days, and 
 
230 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 when all is over on the bottom lake they commence 
 upon the next in elevation, where they also last about 
 the same period. Then the angler must travel a little 
 higher, to number three lake, and here the May fly 
 will just be found coming out, and the fishing is quite 
 as good as on the lower waters. The fish run large 
 in these lakes, not infrequently a four or six pound 
 trout is taken in the day, and sometimes much larger 
 fish are killed. Throughout Ireland the May fly 
 comes out in abundance on many lakes. In Scotland, 
 on the other hand, there is very little Drake fishing. 
 Upon a few odd lochs, the Awe, Lomond, and others, 
 a few of these flies make their appearance, but sport 
 is not good. Upon the other hand the May flies are 
 extremely abundant upon almost every stream that 
 produces trout, no matter in what latitude or clime ; 
 and with regard to the exception referred to, the 
 Stone fly forms an admirable substitute, being equally 
 abundant at the precise time the Drakes should 
 appear. The fishy feast of St. May fly is annually 
 looked forward to by the major portion of fishermen 
 as the " good time coming." Many an old timid fish 
 that at other times only ventures abroad by night, 
 or at twilight, now boldly makes its appearance at 
 raid -day ; and a long, thin, underfed fish, with dispro- 
 portionate head, will in a few days become vigorously 
 healthful and plump, and of nearly double the strength 
 it possessed previous to feeding on the Green Drake. 
 
 We have had the pleasure of wetting our line upon 
 all trout streams of note in the three kingdoms, but 
 nowhere have we had such sport with this fly as on 
 
DRAKE FISHING IN THE DOVE. 23 1 
 
 the Dove. Centuries ago this river was considered 
 the best stream for trout fishing in England, and it 
 still bears the palm for Drake fishing. In this re- 
 nowned dale, which not only takes its name, but 
 whose sylvan scenery derives an indescribable charm 
 from the river, the flies are far more numerous than 
 on any other stream. This may be due to various 
 causes, the sheltering of rocks and foliage, or the 
 geological formation of the bed of the river. This, 
 however, we pass over; suffice it that the Green 
 Drake, when scarce and almost a failure elsewhere, 
 is to be found in clouds in Dovedale. Here fisher- 
 men of all grades throng the banks of bonny Dove 
 with almost every conceivable equipment ; long 
 men with short rods, small men with large ones, 
 from the youthful novice to the venerable old fly 
 fisher of seventy years. 
 
 And now, with our reader's kind permission, we 
 will conduct him to a favourite length some distance 
 up stream, keeping a look out meanwhile in our 
 progress as to what is doing. The first object that 
 strikes our notice as we walk leisurely along, is an 
 old man, who sits rod in hand under the friendly 
 shade of some rather overgrown bushes, quietly and 
 contentedly blowing his weed, his eye intently fixed 
 on some object on the water near. 
 
 " Why, he's certainly float fishing," you observe. 
 
 " Not so." we reply; " it is the hale old miller from 
 above, who has been tempted by the morning's 
 bright promise of this being a good day with the 
 Drake, with one of which he is dibbing or daping 
 
232 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 upon the water's surface, near the roots of the haw- 
 thorns." 
 
 " But surely he cannot hope to do much in that 
 way ? " you ask. 
 
 " The very largest fish are taken in this manner. 
 You observe he is perfectly still and easy; he has 
 evidently seen the rise of a feeding fish below there, 
 and he is content to patiently watch. Ah ! there, he 
 has missed that fish ; the fly is gone and so is the 
 fish ; he has taken his ' hook ' and left the miller's." 
 
 " Any fault of the angler's ? " 
 
 " Oh no, none whatever. The fish has simply 
 taken hold of the living fly by the tail, and so stripped 
 it from the hook, which was placed between the 
 wings ; he is rather fastidious in feeding. The flies 
 are merely out as stragglers yet ; if two naturals be 
 put upon the hook, he will, ten chances to one, get 
 him the next time. The strongest tackle is used in 
 this primitive style of angling ; the shadow of the 
 thick foliage, and the actions of the impaled insect, 
 aiding materially in effecting the deception." Every 
 minute now the sun shines brighter, and more flies 
 appear. We now move onwards, passing several 
 more fishermen of the daping school. And now, 
 directly preceding us, a fisherman is observed with a 
 conspicuously long stiff rod, attached to which is a 
 very inconsistently fine line, which is out a great 
 length. The rodster is as motionless as though the 
 least action would upset his equilibrium, and seriously 
 imperil the safety of his person and property, the 
 twenty foot rod in question. 
 
BLOW LINE FISHING. 233 
 
 " Gracious goodness ! Whatever kind of fishing 
 do you call this, pray ? " 
 
 " This is in general use upon the lochs frequented 
 by the May fly, and is sometimes very successful here. 
 The line consists of the finest possible substance, 
 of the very strongest textile procurable, viz., that of 
 pure raw China silk, which, though not perceptibly 
 thicker than the gut lash, is infinitely stronger. At 
 the extremity of this is a live fly, which, if you watch 
 very closely, you will see is made by the almost 
 invisible action of the tip, to gently frisk and flutter 
 in the most natural manner possible, upon the top 
 of the water, exactly like a lusty insect in the full 
 enjoyment of perfect liberty. This is a much more 
 scientific way of dibbing than the one recently 
 noticed. The gut is generally used three yards long, 
 and is as fine as it is possible to draw it. The hook 
 is small and is a cropped short shank ; this is usually 
 inserted between the wings, as in the other style of 
 daping. Occasionally two hooks are placed back to 
 back, in which case two flies are used, this more 
 particularly on cold windy days." 
 
 " How about the wind ? I should imagine the 
 whole thing impracticable without wind." 
 
 "A slight breeze is certainly essential to the 
 successful working of the method ; but, when too 
 strong, a small sized split shot, attached near the foot 
 line, acts admirably as ballast." 
 
 " See yonder ! we have still another type of a 
 Drake fisherman. His method is more difficult to 
 practise, but it is more scientific, and is generally 
 
234 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 more successful- Mark how carefully he measures 
 the distance requisite to reach the rising fish, which 
 now forms the focus upon which his entire attention 
 is fixed. He is evidently a more than ordinarily 
 skilful fly-rodster. Observe how carefully he keeps 
 away from the river's edge, casting dexterously within 
 an inch or two of the rising fish." 
 
 "Is he not rather circumspect in his use of the rod.'" 
 " He is casting the live fly, and that careful swing 
 round from the left to the right is absolutely requisite 
 to retain the fly upon the hook. Were not due care 
 and caution paid to this the fly would continually be 
 flipped off, and nothing but bare hooks presented to 
 the fish. It must not be forgotten that 
 
 ' Though gudgeons strike 
 At the bare hook and bait alike. 
 The wily trout regardless lie. 
 Till art like nature sends the fly.' 
 
 The rodster before us is an adept at this particular 
 branch of the art of fly-fishing. His rod is very 
 pliable, as is necessary ; and providing his gut and 
 tackle are of the finest description, he will do some 
 execution before night-fall." 
 
 Whilst we have been taking observations the fish 
 have turned out from their hidden haunts and 
 sheltered nooks, attracted by the ever-increasing 
 show of May flies, which flutter upon the surface of 
 the water. Without waiting to see the luck of our 
 ideal rodster, we hasten onwards until our favourite 
 swim, is reached. Here the tackle is speedily 
 arranged, fine double hooks mounted back to 
 
THE DRAKE IN ACTION. 235 
 
 back upon the finest stained gut, being attached to 
 the extremity of our treble X fine lashes. A live 
 Drake is now placed upon the larger or uppermost of 
 the two hooks, the hook being inserted in one side of 
 the haunch forming the shoulder, which will admit of 
 its maintaining a natural position when thrown into 
 the water. And now we commence. But stay ! your 
 rod being not made specially for the purpose, will be 
 found too stiff and difficult to use successfully. We 
 must first remedy this little, though serious matter. 
 This small piece of fine lead wire will work the oracle 
 if rolled round the tip of the top. " There, how does 
 that feel ? Rather limpy ? Take an inch or so of wire 
 off then. Now it is all right, everything that could 
 be wished, in fact. Now let's at it ! Bring round the 
 rod over the left shoulder, taking especial care not 
 to whisk, or whip off the fly. Now that was done very 
 nicely indeed, and if it only had reached that fish 
 over there, it would doubtless have been appreciated, 
 as it in all justice deserved. Again, ' up he comes.' 
 Strike! Right! You have him this time; 'handle him 
 gently, treat him with care' — slightly parodying Tom 
 Hood. Take him a little below there to the shallow, 
 and land him, or he will damage our sport hereabouts. 
 That was very prettily done; sharp for another fly; 
 here, you have it upon your coat ; the very air is 
 getting thick with flies. Ah ! the sun is now 
 obscured by passing vapours ; stay your hand ; now 
 for the artificial. Art before nature, when there is a 
 lively chance of its being successful. Here we have 
 our floating favourite, the Canadian wood-duck-winged 
 
236 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 Drake, with hollow wheaten straw body, let's have 
 him on. Now for business. Away surges the line, the 
 further extremity of which no sooner touches the 
 water than it is seized, and you have an antagonist 
 who, in the tug which immediately ensues, proves 
 worthy of your steel. The iirst terrific wrench he 
 gives the rod and tackle as he dashes majestically 
 away, shows him to be the tyrant of the length 
 hereabouts. Did you not courteously give to his wild 
 and indignant rush with faint reserve, the fight would 
 be brought to an abrupt conclusion, for had your 
 tackle. thrice the strength it has in reality, grim force 
 would be utterly futile. Play upon him by placing a 
 heavy strain upon the rod, allow him to steal his 
 lengths heavily, and more heavily, in his frantic efforts 
 to escape, ever keeping a look-out for mischief, such 
 as sunken timber, roots, and sticks, to avoid which the 
 heaviest strain the line is capable of standing must be 
 put upon him, or he will prove victor, and will vanish 
 with his spoils, which, though they may desperately 
 encumber him, are not to be recovered ; consisting of 
 several yards of choice gut, and perhaps your last 
 artificial. Exercise, therefore, your judgment and 
 ingenuity, and his natural cunning will be put to 
 rout. Time is no especial object in a fight of this 
 description ; every waning minute is a minute gained ; 
 the heavier the fish the longer the time to be ex- 
 pended over him. According to the poundage of a 
 trout, as a rule, the sport he gives extends over an 
 equal number of minutes, though, in a case like this, 
 each seems an hour." These disjointed sentences 
 
WEEDING OUT VORACIOUS FISH. 237 
 
 escape us as the scene is prolonged. Now, however, 
 our captive's spirit is broken, his golden broadside 
 lies athwart the silvery stream ; and as he is " limp as 
 a log," you slowly tug him ashore. " Don't present 
 arms with that net, but keep it out of sight until his 
 tail end can be got at first. Capital ! There ! Safe 
 at last, a three-and-a-half pounder if an ounce ; small 
 danger of your eclipsing this if you fish for a week. 
 But now is the prime time of the whole season, the 
 fish are all out and feeding, therefore it is the time for 
 the angler to weed out heavy fish, whose cannibal pro- 
 pensities are exemplified the more weekly, monthly, 
 and yearly, until the water near their haunt is entirely 
 depopulated. Let us see how's the enemy ? — 2.15 p.m. 
 You will extract a heavy pannier before dinner, if you 
 labour against time ; though the fun may furiously 
 thicken, don't retain more than your fill." 
 
 Personally speaking we make a practice of drawing 
 the line at the lid of the creel, all conquests afterwards 
 being relinquished as soon as effected. This rule, 
 humane reader, we would commend to your accept- 
 ance, in all exceptionally favourable circumstances, 
 whenever practicable. 
 
 Should the weather prove fine, and favoured with 
 warm sun, the flies will appear a few days earlier in 
 each locality, but will terminate a week or so before 
 their wonted time. The genial weather and warm 
 temperature of the water admit of their attaining 
 maturity almost simultaneously; and in these circum- 
 stances, it naturally follows that their stay will be 
 more limited. Chub are bold risers at the May fly, 
 
238 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 and after the close time, that is about the last week 
 of the Drake, much diversion may be derived from 
 Mr. Leatherhead. Grayling and ajl coarse fish come 
 in season on the i6th of June. The small flies, when 
 numerous, tempt them from the slow-running deeps 
 to the rapids or shallows, where they congregate in 
 shoals, being a gregarious fish. The Little Chap 
 and Black Gnat — both very small flies — are usually 
 picked off by them in preference to the Duns, 
 Spinners, Oak fly, or what not, that may be plentiful. 
 We have frequently counted eight or ten fine fellows 
 rising within the compass of a few yards, while at the 
 same time there has not been another fish rising up 
 or down stream. Under these circumstances, it will 
 be obvious to all that great care is necessary in 
 " playing " the fish, for should the rodster land his 
 fish in a reckless or clumsy manner, his chances of 
 hooking a second will be exceedingly small. The 
 best way to land a grayling, under the above 
 circumstances, is to keep a gentle pull on the rod, 
 and let the fish bolt down to the bottom of the water 
 for some distance below where he rose, where he may 
 be safely bagged. Grayling may be taken in the 
 latter part of June with the Honey-Dun and Mulberry 
 Bumble, Little Chap, and small Midges. The rod, 
 like the line and gut, should be fine ; an ordinary one- 
 handed fly rod, in good play, is decidedly the best, as 
 with it you will often feel the fish in time to hook 
 him ; whereas, with a less pliable tool you will feel 
 nothing, save perchance a stake or a root. An hour 
 or so at daybreak will, at this season of the year 
 
FLIES TO FOLLOW THE DRAKE. 239 
 
 seldom fail to yield capital remuneration in the way 
 of sport, as, during the warmer weather, numbers of 
 insects fall upon the water in the dark hours, and 
 are taken by the fish as soon as they are discernible 
 each morning. This is a wrinkle. 
 
 For a week or ten days after the Green Drake has 
 disappeared the trout lie dormant in the deeps ; until 
 again hunger-bitten they disdain small food, but after 
 the lapse of this time, they leave the stills and return 
 to the shallows and rapids. 
 
 The Oak fly is really invaluable to the fly-fisher in 
 June, after the Drake season. This fly has the form 
 somewhat of a Blue-bottle, and the colour of the 
 Sand fly, the body being more slender than that of 
 the former, and ribbed with black. This is a good fly 
 to dib with in a style similar to the May fly (see page 
 232). Towards evening, after sundown, the Red aiid 
 Golden Spinners are generally on the water in great 
 force, at intervals here and there, mostly near weirs, 
 bridges, or overhanging trees and bushes, where they 
 may be seen whirling in clouds. The trout are in 
 better condition at the latter part of the month than 
 at any other part of the year, a small half-pound fish 
 proving as strong and vigorous as a fish double the 
 weight a month or two earlier or later. The extra- 
 ordinary fattening qualities of the heavy ephemera 
 are mainly instrumental in effecting the change. 
 
 July. 
 The fish are now to be found in the small eddies 
 and small streams behind large stones, sunken rocks, 
 
240 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 or any other impediment, in and by the sides of 
 rapid streams. The Golden, July, and Pale Evening 
 Buns, and the Pale Evening White (shades of the 
 Ephemera Olive) will predominate. The Spinners, 
 especially the Golden, are very numerous, as are also 
 the Midges and the Grass Moths. 
 
 This month is perhaps the most difficult to fish 
 successfully during the whole season. We often meet 
 with young inexperienced anglers during a long 
 sultry July day, who flog industriously from " early 
 morn till dewy eve," meeting with but faint encourage- 
 ment. Fine weather would seem to act as a magnet 
 to draw the uninitiated to the water side. For the 
 special guidance of such, we append a few brief 
 instructions as to the plan of procedure. To com- 
 mence at daybreak, a cast of flies similar to the dead 
 ones seen upon the water beneath the overhanging 
 boughs of bushes, trees, etc., should be used over 
 the moving fish before breakfast ; when it is no 
 uncommon thing to find the fish rise until the dead 
 flies are picked off. During mid-day it is of small 
 use whipping the waters, unless the day be windy, 
 wet, or cloudy ; in these circumstances a cast of 
 " artificials," corresponding with the " naturals " then 
 upon the water, will be found to take. In the event 
 of the weather being hot and oppressive, use the Red 
 Palmer Caterpillar, of which more anon. At sunset 
 small flies may again be resorted to. The evening 
 rise after a seasonable day at this period is a sight 
 worth seeing upon any well stocked water. During 
 and after twilight the Caterpillar, Dun Cut, Moths, 
 
THE "angler's plague." 24I 
 
 Coachman, and any of the large trout flies contained 
 in the fly -book, will he found most deadly. In 
 concluding, we may state that, provided with suitable 
 tackle, the fault lies with the rodster if no sport is 
 obtained. 
 
 In the middle of the day, during the whole of this 
 month, small blacks are frequently numerous ; both 
 trout and grayling feed upon them when on in 
 sufficient strength. These tribes of blacks are almost 
 invisible in most lights, and especially so when on the 
 water. Whenever the fish are rising at these minute 
 specks of life, it is almost vain to present anything 
 else to their notice. The tantalizing eff'ects of this 
 insect upon the temper of the fisherman has caused it 
 to be stigmatized as the " angler's plague ; " the pests 
 themselves being little larger than a grain of mustard 
 seed, closely resembling the appearance of a minute 
 ball of soot, the wings so filmy as to be almost 
 indistinguishable to the naked eye. This is the 
 black gnat of the naturalist; the gnat of the fisherman 
 is a much larger insect. The term gnat is usually 
 associated with the troublesome insect whose habitual 
 tendency would appear to be to plague and annoy 
 the human race. The fly-dresser's gnat is usually 
 of quite a different species, being of wondrously 
 increased dimensions, more often resembling the 
 common house-fly rather than the gnat. The fisher- 
 man's Black Gnat proper, is a fly a little less than the 
 Iron Blue, and should never be dressed larger. The 
 artificial "plague" is ingeniously contrived by a fine 
 point strand of black ostrich herl ; but the hook used 
 R 
 
242 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 being too small to be effective for anything except 
 grayling or small trout, we can scarcely commend 
 their use. It may be an artistic feat to land a fish 
 through the instrumentality of an artificial of this 
 description, when attached to gut collars as fine as 
 human hair, but the predominating chance of break- 
 ages, and the uncertainties over which the fly-fisher 
 exercises little or no control, of unsafely hooking, etc., 
 cause us to ignore the.se, adopting in preference a 
 safe-sized hook and fly, viz., the Little Chap. This 
 is somewhat less than the angler's Black Gnat, and 
 is dressed buzzy, and with this the fish's chance of 
 hooking and holding are largely increased. There are 
 some fly-fishers who care less about landing fish than 
 hooking and turning them; to such as these, as a 
 matter of course, a more correct copy is preferred. 
 
 About the middle of this month the Wren Tail 
 appears, and on hot days often in large numbers. 
 Being a land insect it is of much consequence to the 
 angler in calm weather. There are always, through 
 the season, a variety of " oddlings '' about, which, as a 
 rule, affect neither fish nor fisherman, especially when 
 seasonable flies prevail. Favourable weather at this 
 part of the year for the fly implies brisk breezes, dull 
 cloudy skies, or sharp showers. The evening rise 
 after a hot, dry, sultry day, is nevertheless a famous 
 time for sport, the fish usually rising vigorously until 
 after twilight. The flies that have risen and hidden 
 in the foliage fringing the river's bank during the 
 day, turn out immediately the power of the sun begins 
 to wane. From the natural position of the fish in 
 
THE RED PALMER CATERPILLAR. 243 
 
 clear water, they have every advantage of position, 
 and faculty for distinguishing differences the most 
 trivial between one fly and another ; and often is the 
 angler nonplussed in his endeavours to arrive a1 the 
 precise thing absorbing their attention. A valuable 
 aid at these times, we have always found in the use 
 of a small glass-bottomed drinking horn, as in the 
 froth and foam that is found in quiet corners, at 
 points where the water eddies round, drowned speci- 
 mens of what are monopolizing the attention of 
 the fish are sure to be discovered. Whenever the 
 trout are not to be drawn to the surface, owing to the 
 scarcity of surface food, there is for the fly-fisher a 
 rarely failing method of procuring sport by means of 
 the Red Palmer Caterpillar. The way we use it is to 
 cast it precisely the same as the fly, at the extremity 
 of a nine feet gut lash, in which fineness and strength 
 are combined. This done, and all being in readiness, 
 the mounted cast is delivered with more than ordinary 
 care, a couple of yards or so above any fish that may 
 be on the look out for what the stream brings forth. 
 In comparatively still and clear water, this style of 
 angling excels most from a genuine sportman's point 
 of view, as each movement of the fish is plainly 
 visible to the angler. The lure should be slightly 
 worked by a. wrist movement, just sufficient to, open 
 and shut the feather fibres. When the artificial has 
 passed the fish the operation must be repeated ; and 
 fish, especially large ones, are more often than not 
 killed after a certain amount of attention in this 
 matter. We have often creeled a trout, graylings 
 
244 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 salmon, or chub, after casting twelve, fifteen, and even 
 twenty times, the bait being subjected to an all round 
 inspection each time of its appearance. It is thought 
 by some, that by this repetition of casts and workings 
 the fish finally becomes eager, under the impression 
 that from the constant succession of baits they are 
 becoming numerous. Be this as it may, that the fish 
 do take this bait not only in these, but in a variety of 
 other circumstances, is now an established fact, placed 
 beyond all dispute. We have personally used this 
 lure for more than forty years, and can fully testify as 
 to its killing powers when properly presented. By its 
 use the fly-fisher is enabled to pursue his sport at any 
 time of the day (or night) when the fish are not 
 rising, and all ordinary means fail. This bait was 
 originated by a famous Dove angler some half-century 
 or so ago. This worthy, however, assiduously kept 
 the thing private, and it was finally divulged in a 
 purely accidental manner. Mr. Professor having, 
 during a fly-fishing match, through a laxity of vigi- 
 lance, left a type of the unknown mystic lure upon a 
 twig on the opposite bank, his rival, upon whom the 
 action had not been lost, being in the vicinity, took 
 the opportunity of solving a problem that had per- 
 plexed him and other fishermen for several seasons, 
 as to the nature of an artificial capable of killing 
 almost unfailingly, and that, too, when all ordinary 
 artificials were all but useless. The discoverer referred 
 to, was the writer, from whom the author of the " Fly- 
 fisher's Entomology]' and the general public, obtained 
 the secret of the mid- water fly. As Mr. Ronalds 
 
FLIES FOR AUGUST. 24S 
 
 points out, the artificial in question is a copy of the 
 Arctia Caga, or Tiger Moth." In Scotch and Irish 
 waters it is equally killing when dressed somewhat 
 larger, as it is in the well-whipped streams of England. 
 To both the salmon and trout fisher it forms a sort 
 of auxiliary in reserve, convenient in otherwise trying 
 circumstances. 
 
 August. 
 
 During this month the most favourable days for 
 fly-fishing are when the weather is cloudy, and the 
 water's surface is slightly ruffled by a breeze of wind. 
 As the weather usually prevailing is similar to that 
 of the month preceding, the instructions there given 
 apply equally to the present month. Upon clear 
 sunny days the fish will be found under the shade 
 of the bushes, on the sides of the banks. The Cater- 
 pillar, both as a mid-day and night fly, may be used 
 with success, seasonable weather prevailing. The 
 best evening flies are the Greentail or Grannum, 
 Golden Dun, the Spinners, and the Intermediate. 
 The last is a representation of the fluttering attitude 
 of a dun during the transformation scene, when it 
 slips from its old covering. Or skin, and re-appears 
 more delicately graceful and fragile than before. The 
 fish are especially partial to the up-winged naturals 
 when in this temporary transitory stage, for which 
 there may be many reasons, the most important being 
 that the metamorphosis always, or nearly so, takes 
 place upon the top of the water, and therefore within 
 
 * More commonly known as the Woolly Bear, 
 
246 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 reach of the feeding fish, which, it is well known, show 
 a marked partiality for deformed or distressed prey, 
 inasmuch that they will seize the sickly little fish, or 
 a copy of one, from amongst a shoal of perfect fish, 
 almost any one of which was in their power. 
 
 The Red and Black Ants, Grey Gnat, and Wren- 
 Tail, are to be seen upon the water on bright days, 
 the small flies being then abundant. These are essen- 
 tially mid-day flies, the larger species being numerous 
 towards evening. When the fish are feeding upon 
 small " naturals," the contents of the stomach of the 
 fish taken should be examined, so as to ascertain 
 correctly the taking fly. Sometimes this is discerned 
 by an inspection of the tongue only, especially when 
 the fish are feeding well. 
 
 About the loth of this month, the August shade 
 of the Large Browns (August Dunj comes upon the 
 water ; north of the Midlands it is much later. This 
 fly, in common with the duns, seeks the shelter of 
 the neighbouring foliage immediately upon rising' 
 from the bed of the river, venturing forth about sun- 
 set. This, and the light Turkey Brown shade, are to 
 be used with signal success until the fisherman can 
 no longer see to manage his line. The March Brown, 
 dressed a size or so larger than those usually used 
 this side the border, is the best trouting fly through- 
 out Scotland, being a standard killer upon all its 
 waters, excepting the Tay and Tweed, for which 
 rivers the ordinary southern flies are adapted. In 
 1864, Lord Erskine took the heaviest take of trout of 
 the season upon the Tweed, with the small black Gnat. 
 
SPORT IN SHOWERS. 24? 
 
 A heavy shower often has a very beneficial effect 
 upon the rodster's sport. We have frequently seen 
 j'oung anglers, at the preliminary drops of an im- 
 pending shower, rush for the nearest shelter, whilst 
 the descending rain drops, beating down myriads of 
 insects upon the water, allured the fish from their 
 customary haunts to the surface, where in these cir- 
 cumstances they are to be readily taken by the 
 persevering- angler. Directly the favourable and 
 friendly rain has ceased to fall, Mr. Novice assidu- 
 ously recommences to flog the stream, inwardly 
 congratulating himself, doubtless, at having been so 
 fortunate in evading an unpleasant experience. 
 
 Amongst the flies numerous in the evening of sultry 
 days, the spinners figure conspicuously, from the 
 Great Red of the heavy browns, to the prim little 
 creatures of the Iron Blue order. The fish are usually 
 all life from sunset till dark, and after this, too, when 
 the moon rises ; thus, if the angler is not busy too, 
 in all probability the fault lies with himself. This 
 month is the best in the whole season for minnow 
 fishing in brooks and rapid running waters. For 
 information upon this subject we refer our readers to 
 Trout Spinning. The largest trout are generally 
 found feeding at some distance from very deep water, 
 encumbered by tree roots or large stones ; sometimes 
 the bank is hollowed under an old tree root for yards, 
 by the constant washing of the water. When dis- 
 turbed, the trout will make for these retreats at a 
 rapid pace, and should the unfortunate angler allow 
 the fish once to get to his hold when hooked, he will 
 
248 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 to a certainty lose his capture, and imperil his tackle. 
 Much is to be learned, therefore, when the water is 
 ■fine and low, as then observations may be taken as 
 to the lay of the river's bed, etc. 
 
 September. 
 Grayling are now rapidly coming into condition. 
 Seasonable weather prevailing, good sport is afforded 
 by these fish wherever prevalent. Trout and grayling 
 take the fly in an entirely different way ; the former, 
 as a rule, comes up boldly to meet the fly as it floats 
 down-stream, whilst the grayling seldom rises at a fly 
 until it has passed over or close by him. This is 
 owing to the singular formation of the mouth of this 
 fish, the upper part of which, projecting over the 
 bottom lip, incapacitates it from closing upon the fly 
 when before it, as is habitual with the trout. The 
 grayling being gregarious, it is of the utmost im- 
 portance that each fish should be landed quietly and 
 carefully, with the least possible disturbance of the 
 water. In order to accomplish this satisfactorily, the 
 hooked fish should be headed down-stream, whenever 
 practicable, to the nearest available spot for landing. 
 The angler who has been accustomed to whip for 
 trout upon the waters of a small lake or pool will 
 know perfectly well how to accomplish this. To be 
 a successful grayling fisher, it is essential to have a 
 thorough command of the rod, to have a sensitive 
 touch, a quick eye, and a gentle hand. The secret 
 of success, in fact, as in other branches of the art, 
 lies in the acquirement of certain details, which 
 
STRIKING GRAYLING. 249 
 
 together constitute proficiency. First, the art of 
 throwing should be thoroughly understood and 
 acquired. This rule is imperative, as the least 
 awkward movement will " knock the fish off the 
 feed." It should ever be remembered that the eye 
 of the grayling is even quicker and keener than 
 that of the trout, though his cupidity is greater. 
 
 Next in importance ranks " striking." \This requires 
 a quick hand and eye ; and if either one or the other 
 be in any way defective, the angler should not strike 
 at all, but should let the fish hook himself. Striking 
 forms one of the most fertile sources of loss and 
 disaster that exists in the modern method of fly- 
 fishing. This is particularly exemplified in the case 
 of grayling, they being, as an old writer quaintly 
 expresses it, "excessively tender about the chaps," 
 and a very slight motion of the wrist is ample to 
 drive home the small hook. It is here that quickness 
 of sight and tenderness of touch are called into play, 
 in the absence of which requisites the delicate tackle, 
 or the hold of the hook, and sometimes even a portion 
 of the jaw of the hooked fi.sh, will be broken away 
 by an impetuous rodster. Great care is therefore 
 essential in this matter. 
 
 Whenever the grayling are not rising, unlike the 
 trout, they congregate in considerable numbers at the 
 bottom of deep holes ; but when there is a good num- 
 ber of flies upon the water, they quickly leave the 
 deeps, and will be found in the slow running streams, 
 more especially where the water averages a depth of 
 three to four feet. Here they rise freely, so long as 
 
250 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING.' 
 
 the supply of flies is unfailing; but upon these quitting 
 the surface of the water, the fish gradually retire againi 
 to the still deeps. The best flies to use for grayling 
 are the Grey-palmer, Willow and Needle Fly, the 
 Little Pale Blue, and seasonable shades of the Olive 
 Dun order, which are all more or less numerous at 
 this time, if seasonable weather prevails. The first- 
 named is taken freely when the common wood and 
 house flies are stricken with cold, and are carried upon 
 the water by every gust of wind. Every naturalist 
 knows that these flies go blind in this and the follow- 
 ing month, but they don't all know that they furnish 
 food for fish. Father Izaak used to make this fly 
 from grey badger's hair : he terms it the Hearth fly ; 
 but there is every reason for believing it to be the 
 common house fly. The inexperienced would natu- 
 rally suppose that a copy of the insect at rest, in 
 correct attitude, would be the thing to fish with ; but 
 owing to the incessant struggles of the " natural" 
 when on the water, this would practically prove a 
 great mistake. Most land flies flutter conspicuously 
 when upon the water, causing a ripple which is npt 
 infrequently taken for the rise of a fish. The Willow 
 and Needle flies are also great favourites with these 
 fish, and when sufficiently prevalent are the centre of 
 attraction for the time being. The Little Pale 
 Blue (September shade of the Iron Blue), like all 
 little ephemerals, is fully appreciated throughout the 
 autumn. These flies appear upon bright days, and 
 are general flies upon every trout and grayling stream. 
 The temperature of the weather and water being now 
 
SEASONS FOR SPORT. 25 I 
 
 similar to that of May, the shades of Duns common 
 to that month are again prevalent, and are useful 
 for the capture of trout and grayling. The whole of 
 the foregoing flies are seasonable '' naturals." There 
 may be days, however, upon which none of these may 
 be out, when the fly-fisher has to fall back upon what 
 are designated " fancy " flies, the chief and foremost 
 of which are the palmered-dressings, known as the 
 Tassel fly or Bumble. These are constructed in 
 many shades, ranging from the blue-white ordinary 
 dressing to the dark furnace or black red one. The 
 Honey Dun, the Red, and the Common Bumble are 
 the best for autumn fishing. Tag-tailed artificials are 
 also used to tempt the fastidious fish, being hackled 
 flies with a tuft of wool or feather at the tail, after 
 the fashion of a salmon fly ; but fly-fishing for gray- 
 ling cannot be said to be usually lucrative when the 
 fish are not on the rise. The food of the grayling 
 consists of aerial and aquatic insects and their larvae, 
 small worms, grubs, etc. Amongst the contents of 
 their stomachs are also small shells and pebbles ; 
 these latter, we doubt not, are taken up, as in the 
 case of gallinaceous birds, to serve some digestive 
 function. 
 
 In most rivers containing these fish they are not 
 found in the higher portions ; they seem to prefer 
 the deeper waters, at the bottom of which they lie in 
 the hot months, to avoid the effects of the high 
 temperature of the atmosphere. Whenever the water 
 is a little discoloured the fish will be on the move for 
 food ; a little inclement weather often does wonders 
 
252 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 in preparing the water and its inhabitants for the 
 pursuit of sport ; and the most favourable time for the 
 tyro in fly-fishing for grayling is to repair to the 
 river's bank when the water and weather are thus 
 favourable. Grayling will frequently take a sunken 
 fly upon the stills, ofttimes even when some consider- 
 able distance below the surface ; but this method 
 need never be resorted to when they care for surface 
 feeding. Upon windy days the Cinnamon fly is often 
 found useful amongst the trout, which are as partial 
 to the larger naturals as the grayling to the smaller 
 ones. In genial weather it is of little use employing 
 it ; as, although there may be thousands upon the 
 grassy bank near the river, a smart breeze is needful 
 to carry them upon the water within the reach of the 
 fish. Clear, frosty nights tend to improve autumn 
 fishing. They invigorate the grayling, causing them 
 to fight gamely when hooked, which is the case with 
 other fish seasonable in the colder season. 
 
 October. 
 
 This month may be said to be the best in the year 
 in which to fish for grayling, which are now in prime 
 condition. These fish have acquired a reputation for 
 being less wily, and therefore more easily deluded 
 than trout. This may have originated from the fact 
 of their being at times given, like the salmon, to take 
 some gaudy combination resembling no living insect 
 in creation. The angler who contemplates an excur- 
 sion to the haunts of these fish, fully expecting to 
 do much execution by such unnatural lures, will, nine 
 
KEEN vSIGHT OF THE GRAYLING. 253 
 
 hundred and nin-ety-nine chances to a thousand, be 
 grievously disappointed ; an odd brace, indeed, may 
 be considered the average yield per diem of the 
 nondescript artificials. 
 
 Our earnest endeavours have always been to put 
 the novice in the way for thorough sport ; and having 
 this object in our mind's eye, we would impress 
 upon the mind of such an one that, although in an 
 exceptional way a fish now and again at rare intervals 
 may be turned over by almost anything in the shape 
 of an artificial, usually they are found to be more 
 expert in discerning the points of difference between 
 a natural and its copy than any trout that ever 
 evaded hook. Their visual organs we believe to be 
 superior to those of any other fish ; for, although they 
 habitually lie at the bottom of the water, they are not 
 only greater adepts at fly-catching, but can discern 
 the most trivial deficiency in colour of any imitation 
 of what may be so monopolizing their attention. 
 Prodigious takes of these fish are often secured,* when 
 fully upon the rise at the flies with which the water's 
 surface is laden ; but these are effected by an exercise 
 of considerable proficiency and caution on the part of 
 the rodster. The October shade of the Iron Blue 
 Dun order, the April shade of the Olive Duns, 
 together with the Willow and Needle Flies (small), 
 and Grey Palmer, are the flies that will be found in 
 
 * Since the introduction of artificially hatched trout, in well-nigh 
 unlimited quantities in our rivers and their triliutaries, these delicate 
 fish appear to have become more local than was the case before. We 
 see no reason why the artificial propagation of the grayling should not 
 be followed more assiduously in conjunction with that of the trout. 
 
254 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 this month. In unseasonable weather there are often 
 a multiplicity of winged insects about, each species 
 having but few representatives; in these circumstances 
 the sunk-fly system may be practised with success. 
 This is more particularly resorted to upon still deeps, 
 when the cast of flies, after being thoroughly satu- 
 rated, are allowed to sink some five inches beneath 
 the water's surface. Here the rodster has to discern 
 by the feel when a fish touches the lure. Grayling 
 will often examine the fly in a very leisurely sort of 
 manner before essaying to finally absorb it. A gentle 
 hitch should always be given before taking the line 
 from the water, as by that means fish are often killed 
 that would otherwise be broken from and lost. It is 
 also necessary to cast direct across stream, a few feet 
 above the rising fish, instead of directly up-stream, as 
 in the case of the trout ; as with a slack line the gray- 
 ling are apt to reject the fly without being hooked, 
 when under water especially. A gradual drawing 
 motion, when not tempting the fish upon the surface, 
 may be described, until the gut collar reaches the 
 rodster's side of the river. The very largest fish take 
 the fly in a remarkably quiet manner, therefore it is 
 essential to give a slight feeling motion of the wrist at 
 the least possible indication of a rise. A marked 
 characteristic of the grayling is, that he will often 
 unconcernedly permit the lure to go by many, times 
 before closing upon it. This is exemplified in a very 
 marked degree in grub fishing,* when, after the bait 
 has passed say nineteen times out of twenty, the 
 * Of this a separate description has been given. 
 
A DAY ON THE DOVE. 255 
 
 twentieth by no means infrequently proves successful. 
 The accredited theory is, that the constant passage of 
 the lure acts as a sort of ground bait in exciting the 
 attention of the fish. Be it so or no, the fact remains 
 that grayling are thus to be taken when not exactly 
 upon the feed, and more especially the larger fish. 
 Frosty nights and genial days bring the flies upon 
 the water, and the delicately fastidious grayling upon 
 the rise in a thoroughly healthful style ; and if the 
 angler fails then to do considerable execution, the 
 fault most assuredly lies at home. One of the best 
 day's grayling fishing we ever experienced was on the 
 Dove, a few miles above Uttoxeter. The water's 
 surface was plentifully besprinkled with the October 
 shades of the Iron Blue, every grayling upon the 
 length seemed to have left its accustomed haunt in the 
 bed of the water to feed upon them, and as these 
 fish, in the lower portions of the river, predominate 
 largely over the trout, the few rods that happened to 
 be out were doing heavy work when once furnished 
 with presentable "artificials." Two fish were now and 
 again taken at the same cast. This scene was pro- 
 longed for several hours ; a sudden atmospheric 
 change, however, finally caused the almost instan- 
 taneous retreat of the flies from the water's surface, 
 the repast of the fish and our sport being as suddenly 
 brought to an abrupt conclusion. The produce of a 
 couple of neighbouring rods were to be enumerated 
 by the dozen ; not only their basket, but their empty 
 provision receptacles were filled with silvery grayling 
 of all sizes upwards of half-a-pound. For our own 
 
2S6 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 part, we had captured at an early part of the day- 
 sufficient to fill the vacuum in our pannier, and for 
 the remainder and greater part of the time had 
 returned all subsequent captures. Such days as 
 these are ever to be looked back upon as memorable 
 reminiscences, and at the end of a long life of 
 activity, cannot fail to form food for pleasing 
 reflection. 
 
 November. 
 
 As the season advances, the grayling will be found 
 a few yards above and below the deep holes, where 
 they will rise when the flies are on the water, even 
 in severe weather ; indeed it is by no means an un- 
 common thing to find grayling taking well during a 
 severe frost, when the line resembles an extended 
 icicle, for like Jack, the grayling are in the very zenith 
 of healthful vigour in the cold season of the year. 
 When the world of vegetation is lifeless, and the whole 
 landscape is submerged by an arctic wave, no sport 
 can possibly be more exhilarating, or more conducive 
 to health than grayling fishing in these circumstances. 
 The rodster uses grasshoppers or hoppers of another 
 shade before and after mid-day, filling up the interval 
 with the fly, say from twelve noon to two p.m. A 
 pleasing variety is thus afforded, which seldom fails 
 to meet with due appreciation on the part of the fish. 
 The flies to use, even in mid-winter, should be chosen 
 from those last " on " in the latter part of the fall ; as 
 when old Sol makes a feeble effort to rise in the 
 heavens, a few insects are almost invariably induced 
 
FLIES FOR THE MONTH. 257 
 
 to leave their retreat to meet death, either in the jaws 
 of the fish or by the nipping wind of night-fall. A 
 capital fancy fly throughout the grayling season is 
 an artificial we term the Winter Dun. The body of 
 this is formed of flat gold or silver, neatly laid on ; 
 legs, light blue hen's hackle ; wings fieldfare. This 
 fly should be fished point. We can commend this 
 before all the fancy fly species for the allurement of 
 grayling in either clear or discoloured water. In the 
 early winter season the flies prevalent in February 
 will be out ; the sombre-hued dun of that month, and 
 on fine days the cock-winged dun will be seen about ; 
 and as flies appear merely in nominal numbers, the 
 grayling exhibit great eagerness in taking what comes 
 within their ken. Should the day prove cloudy, with 
 wind or showers of rain, the Light Bumble will be 
 found deadly, as will also the Grey Palmer. Upon 
 these occasions the Cinnamon Fly is often to be 
 observed on and about the water, and when this is so 
 a copy may be placed as dropper* with, advantage, 
 as, though grayling as a rule prefer small flies, the 
 big fish will often rise to larger lures. In clear 
 water the fish will sometimes be observed to double 
 back, after cautiously rising to the surface, without 
 closing on the fly presented. This is often owing to 
 the tackle being too strong and coarse. We would 
 impress upon the tyro in the art of " flying ' for 
 grayling, the absolute necessity of the very finest 
 
 * The reasons for employing this fly as "bob" are simple. It being 
 a fiiU-winged fly, a good sized hook may be used, which, being well 
 feathered, is more buoyant on the water, and more natural, and you can 
 make almost certain of hooking every fish that rises at it. 
 
2S8 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 
 
 bottom tackle, ere he can pursue his sport with any 
 degree of satisfaction. As in trout fishing, whenever 
 the water is slightly discoloured the chances of sport 
 with the grayling are enhanced, as then the fish are 
 on the move. In these circumstances the novice, 
 providing he can put out a moderate line, will achieve 
 wonders ; but upon the other hand, when the day is 
 calm and clear, with no friendly breeze to detract 
 from the transparency of the stills of the limpid deeps, 
 the proficient's best exertions and most accomplished 
 skill is called as much into request in November as 
 with trout in July. 
 
 By way of conclusion we would observe that when- 
 ever mist is observed to rise from the surface of the 
 water, either at night-fall in the warmer months, or at 
 any part of the day in late autumn, all prospects of 
 sport are to be considered annulled. However much 
 a descending or descended cloud may enhance sport, 
 certain it is that an ascending one infallibly indicates 
 to the observant mind that further attempts at allure- 
 ment would be futile, the fish being off the feed for 
 the time being. 
 
259 
 
 Chapter XV. 
 
 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 The Salmon ; ■ Sea and Bull Trout ; Sewin ; 
 Salmon Fishing as a Sport ; The Rod, 
 Line, and Reel ; How to Use them ; 
 
 JiGGERING and SuLKY FISH ; SALMON 
 
 Flies ; Spinning, etc. 
 
 BEFORE entering into the practical part of this 
 ponderous subject, we think a few remarks as 
 to the varieties of salmon, sea or white trout, and 
 other andamorous fish, may not only be necessary, 
 but may also serve to supply a deficiency hitherto 
 conspicuous in angling works. 
 
 In the ichthyological classification of migratory 
 salmonidse much difference exists, the ordinary 
 method followed by naturalists in determining species 
 proving inadequate. So innumerable are the varia- 
 tions, that the sub-generic group (Salmones) are for 
 the most part named after the wdter they inhabit, 
 as Galway sea trout, Tay salmon, Shannon salmon, 
 etc., etc. The differences between these consist both 
 in size, form, and colour; and are due to the following 
 amongst other causes : — First, the varying properties 
 of the water in different localities ; second, the 
 
26o SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 complications implied by interbreeding — an extremely 
 fertile source of difficulty, producing, as it does, 
 endless changes in detail amongst the Salmonoids ; 
 and thirdly, the varieties dependent upon age and 
 sexual development. 
 
 Salmon proper attain much greater weight and 
 dimensions than the sewin, sea, or white types, and 
 when in condition are also distinguished by outward 
 form and colour, in both of which we deem it un- 
 equalled by any other order, family, or species of fish. 
 The sea and bull trout — the former shorter and 
 broader than salmon proper — are distinctively marked 
 by a quantity of black spots, which, when the fish is 
 cooked, become more vivid. There is also a marked 
 absence of that beautiful fiery bronze natural to the 
 well-conditioned salmon ; and lastly, w.e may state 
 that, if not distinguishable from the genuine species 
 in its outward aspect, its inferior edible qualities 
 should render it easily discernible. In the north the 
 sea trout is equally abundant with the salmon, and 
 large quantities find their way to the southern towns, 
 where they are retailed by the fish dealers, whose 
 boisterous cry of " Salmon without any gammon ! " 
 is heard whenever a fresh instalment arrives. In 
 many cases these people have been unwittingly 
 " gammoned " themselves, their customers, neverthe- 
 less, being the ultimate dupes. From the fisherman's 
 point of view, the sea trout is equal to the finest grilse 
 that ever ascended Tay or Tweed, exceeding, as he 
 does, for gameness and pertinacity every other British 
 fish. The bull trout ascend their native rivers in April 
 
VARIETIES OF SEA TROUT. 25 1 
 
 and May, their first appearance at any distance from 
 salt water being immediately after an early spring 
 flood. These are for the most part young fish, rang- 
 ing from three to five, and occasionally six pounds. 
 The oldest and best fish ascend in great numbers in 
 November and December, ranging from six to twenty 
 pounds in weight. In some localities the term bull 
 trout is erroneously applied to the sea or white trout ; 
 nor is the error confined to the illiterate, some authors 
 of eminence having endorsed this inaccuracy. Mr. 
 Frank Buckland was convinced of the fallacy of this 
 when he penned the following : — " It is supposed by 
 some that the sea trout and bull trout are identical. 
 I know the bull trout very well ; indeed, I could pick 
 him out amongst a thousand other salmonidae. I am 
 certain, therefore, that there is a difference between 
 the ordinary sea trout and bull trout." From our 
 own observations we are led to think that the bull 
 species are hybrids between the salmon and sea trout 
 (S. trutta). The external difference between the 
 salmon and bull trout is much less than between 
 salmon and sea trout, both in point of colour and 
 size, thirteen to fifteen pounds being the average 
 weight. The sea or salmon trout, upon the other 
 hand, seldom attain more than six or seven pounds 
 weight. They abound in nearly every beck and 
 burn, loch and river of Scotland and Ireland, and 
 are readily taken with the fly. We have already 
 adverted to their gameness : the bold dash, wild leap, 
 and game fight are more or less exemplified wherever 
 they may be found. The rivers most noted for these 
 
262 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 fish are the Spey, Don, Tay, and Tweed. The peal, 
 or salmon peal, as it is termed, is the grilse stage 
 of these fish, as it is also of the 
 
 Sewin (S. Cambricus), which species, though 
 chiefly found in Wales, is also abundant in several 
 southern rivers of England. This fish is closely 
 allied to the sea, white, or salmon trout. It has the 
 delicate colouring of the salmon parr, the prevailing 
 hue being a pale slate blue, which graduates from the 
 dull black upon the back to the pure chaste white of 
 the breast, the broad expanse of the side being 
 profusely spotted with black, and occasionally red ; 
 the latter about the lateral line. Sewin, in common 
 with the whole species, are subject to great variety 
 of tint, the action of fresh water causing them, 
 after a protracted stay, to assume somewhat the 
 colour of the ordinary brown trout. Commercially 
 the sewin is not nearly so important a fish as the 
 salmon trout. Its flesh is generally preferred as an 
 article of diet, but it is not so plentiful as its nor- 
 thern relative. The whole migratory body of the 
 salmonidae family flourish infinitely better in the 
 more northern than in temperate regions. The 
 salmon of Norway, and even so far north as Iceland, 
 attain much greater dimensions than the natives of 
 more southern latitudes. The sewin is far less 
 vigorous than other members of the same family, 
 and when its instincts prompt it to ascend the rivers 
 to attain the requisite medium temperature of water 
 and atmosphere to insure the vitality of its eggs, is 
 more easily obstructed in its passage. 
 
THE SALMON. 263 
 
 Bull Trout have the most hardy temperament, 
 being more vigorous than the salmon, and owing 
 to this, generally succeed in reaching and occupying 
 the best and most favourable spawning beds, before 
 the salmon put in an appearance. 
 
 With the Salmon we have dealt under the heading 
 of " Habits and Haunts of Fish." From a piscatory 
 point of view, it is a truly noble fish, and affords 
 splendid sport, as every angler will corroborate who 
 has had the pleasure of landing a good lively fish, 
 after a hard and heavy fight. Upon salmon fishing as 
 a sport much might be written : the salmon fisher is a 
 sportsman of an almost distinct species from ordinary 
 anglers. The superiority of this game fascinates its 
 followers, and prompts them to ignore, not only all 
 other and inferior branches of the gentle craft, but by 
 no means infrequently other field sports and national 
 diversions for the pursuit of the salmon when in 
 season. The true sportsman, however, pursues his 
 peculiar vocation arduously, zealously, and spiritedly, 
 and whether it be Nimrod, ramrod, or fishrod, for the 
 time being his whole soul is thrown into the pursuit. 
 Salmon fishers now wander far-a-field for pastures 
 new ; some enthusiastic sportsmen make the pursuit 
 of the salmon their one object in life, roaming over the 
 vast area of the European and American continents, 
 and of late years the boundaries of these have been 
 overstepped, since the virgin waters of the antipodes 
 have proved so fertile. The popularity of salmon 
 fishing has increased something like a hundred per 
 cent, during the last half-century. Since the opening 
 
264 salm'on and sea trout fishing. 
 
 up of the Scotch Highlands by the royal steam 
 route, branch extensions have rendered districts, once 
 remote, comparatively easy of access, and a part of 
 the brief vacation of the most eminent statesmen 
 and professional men and others, forming the brain 
 power and intellect of the nation, is spent annually 
 in the northern wilds, the royal emporium for the 
 sportsman. Here in the 
 
 " Land of brown heath and shaggy wood, 
 Land of the mountain and the flood, " 
 
 the roving disciple of the rod wanders up to the 
 head of the river, into the heart of the mountains, 
 sometimes cheered by the pleasant converse of a few 
 true men and honest anglers like himself, often alone 
 with nature in her fairest or wildest loveliness. Soli- 
 tary or social, his appreciation of all the sweet charms 
 of wild nature is ever keen and lively. Ubiquitous 
 even as the " Murray ''-bearing British Tourist is now 
 the rod-carrying British angler. For his enthusiasm 
 Scotland's most extortionate hotels have no terrors, 
 nor do Norway's ruggedest solitudes and coarsest fare 
 deter him from seeking the lordly salmon by many a 
 " fjord " and " foss.'' 
 
 Before passing on to the practical part of the art, it 
 will be necessary to enumerate the chief articles re- 
 quisite to a tolerable equipment. 
 
 The Rod first claims our attention. The remarks 
 anent the choice of a rod for fly-fishing — as also winch 
 and line for small stream fishing — apply equally to 
 salmon fishing. The lake and large river implement 
 is of necessity of greater dimensions. The Castle 
 
ROD, LINE, AND REEL. 265 
 
 Connell style of rod is tolerably good for some waters ; 
 but the small "grip" or hand-hold afforded by the 
 slender stock has a very cramping effect when the rod 
 is wielded industriously for a lengthened period. The 
 six feet joints, with the delicate spliced extremities, 
 are very liable to damage whilst travelling. Green- 
 heart is undoubtedly the best wood for heavy work. 
 There are, however, good and bad varieties of every 
 description of wood without exception. Thus we 
 have indifferent Greenheart, Wahaba, Maho, and 
 Locust, just as often, and perhaps more so than not, 
 made up into both salmon and trout rods ; but the 
 most deplorable error, and the one to be most assidu- 
 ously avoided, is cross-grained joints. TJiere are 
 individuals careless and unprincipled enough to make 
 up short or cross-grained wood in most rods made by 
 them. This defect is most noticeable in coloured or 
 japanned articles. The steel-centred salmon rod is 
 a weapon several feet shorter than the usual old-style 
 lengths ; a rod of fourteen being quite equal to an 
 all-wood tool of sixteen-and-a-half feet. 
 
 The Line and Reel need but little comment. 
 The former should be from one hundred to one 
 hundred-and-twenty yards in length for all round 
 lake and river work. Salmon lines, as well as trout, 
 are plaited taper, both double and single. Personally, 
 we prefer a straight line, no matter of what material 
 it may consist. The fine ends are worn and frayed 
 by the constant friction, becoming soft, limp, and 
 waterlogged, whilst the thicker parts of the line, not 
 coming in for a fair share of the work, remain sound 
 
266 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 and good. The weakest part of a line, always in 
 constant casting or spinning, gets the twist and turn, 
 and is thus the more readily frayed away. The hair 
 and silk, cotton cord, and plaited hemp lines are 
 inferior both in point of strength and durability to 
 silk, plaited, and prepared to resist the action of the 
 water and friction. The new Acm^ line, as we have 
 already pointed out, is an advance on the waterproof 
 silk lines. The nuisance of a bad or defective line 
 can only be equalled by a defective reel. The salmon 
 reel should be bronzed, and 'when made with check, 
 this action should be of steel. Brass cogs are a 
 delusion, being simply useless for heavy wear. It is 
 no uncommon thing for an ordinary reel of this 
 description to get completely deranged, through the 
 non-durability of the centre parts. This is particularly 
 noticeable in Indian Mahseer fishing, in which the 
 wear of the winch is heavier still. The advantage of 
 the centre stock reel is yet more exemplified in the 
 larger tools. The convenient catching place for the 
 loose line, always afforded by the side fitting winches, 
 is removed ; indeed, we have equal confidence in the 
 centre butt winch doing away with a fertile source of 
 annoyance and loss, as we previously had in respect 
 to the revolving plate, when we perfected that im- 
 provement, as compared with the old windlass handle 
 which is now being discarded in favour of our 
 improvement. A small hole should be pierced in the 
 revolving plates of large reels to admit of oil being 
 inserted when needed. 
 
 How TO USE Rod, Reel, and Line. This is a 
 
LONG CASTING. 267 
 
 difficult matter to deal with on paper. Observation 
 and practical instruction are so superior as means 
 for conveying knowledge, as compared with mere 
 verbal instruction, that we recommend the novice 
 to make a combination of the two, by placing himself 
 under the guidance of an experienced salmon fisher, 
 if his circle of acquaintance embraces one. 
 
 Long casting ranks amongst the foremost of the 
 attributes to success and proficiency ; and when some 
 twenty-five yards can be put out tolerably straight 
 the rodster may congratulate himself upon his having 
 overcome the leading difficulty in the beginner's path. 
 When a cast can be made fairly well, the knack of 
 striking, etc., follows as a natural consequence. This 
 is readily acquired from that best of tutors — ex- 
 perience. We have invariably found that if the loss 
 of fish and tackle does not instil knowledge and 
 suggest improvement, other expedients will be equally 
 futile. The rules already laid down for casting in the 
 case of trout and grayling hold good for salmon 
 fishing, though with this difference, that the imple- 
 ments and tackle being of heavier calibre, a greater 
 distance is to be attained by the action and impetus 
 given to the rod and line. Precision is also of equal 
 consequence, as the rodster has to cast when the fish 
 are in a sportive humour, within the " ring " of a rise, 
 just the same as when in quest of smaller quarry. 
 This requires a considerable amount of application 
 to accomplish at a good distance; but just as the 
 experienced cricketer handles the bat with tact and 
 gkill, so must the salmon fisher wield the rod ; 
 
268 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 proficiency in both is the reward of constant practice, 
 and of that only. 
 
 Some anglers acquire a certain right, and in some 
 instances left-hand cast, and acting up' to an orthodox 
 system, swing without deviation upon all occa- 
 sions. The thing to do is, as we have elsewhere 
 stated, to adapt one's self to the situation at all times, 
 and learn to handle the tools so as to cast in any 
 direction requisite to reach the fish. It is an endless 
 source of pleasure to the adept to test his powers of 
 casting under more than ordinarily difficult circum- 
 stances. He well knows that assiduous application 
 to this matter is repaid by exceptional sport, and 
 that too, when but little is doing in the well thrashed 
 open. 
 
 When a fish is hooked, the variety of expedients 
 resorted to is frequently considerable, one of the most 
 common is that of "jiggering." In this a side to side 
 motion is described by the line in the water. This is 
 caused by the fish endeavouring to rake or rub out the 
 hook in the bed of the water, or upon a flag or sub- 
 merged stone. It is believed by some to be caused 
 by the mere shaking of the fish's head in mid-water, 
 but this is pure nonsense. We have watched the 
 action of jiggering fish in clear water often, at 
 almost every angle, and have generally found that a 
 continued "jigger" bodes ill for the consummation 
 of the capture. During a late visit to the Hebrides 
 we experienced a rather striking instance of this. 
 Upon the occasion in question we had hooked a good 
 salmon, but at the expiration of two-thirds of an hour. 
 
A DEVICE FOR A JIGGERING FISH. 269 
 
 had not succeeded in landing, owing to our peculiar 
 position. We had hooked our fish whilst bank 
 fishing upon a perpendicular rock, some six or eight 
 feet above the surface of the water. During the 
 greater part of this time the salmon had been active, 
 so much so, that more .than once our fine gear was 
 in imminent danger of being severed. After these 
 plunges and wild determined rushes to and fro had 
 subsided, our quarry finally settled, in deep water, 
 near the rock upon which we stood. There an un- 
 pleasant jiggering motion was described by the line. 
 In this instance, the water being comparatively clear, 
 the movements of the fish were plainly discernible, 
 some ten feet or so from its surface he was ener- 
 getically rubbing his snout upon a jutting part of the 
 rock, from right to left, and left to right, without a 
 moment's cessation. We ran paper down the line 
 in the usual way, to no purpose, the exasperating 
 "rub-rub" still continuing. Donald, the keeper, had 
 meanwhile set off to explore for pebbles, but even 
 this chance was denied, returning as he went, empty- 
 handed. As a last desperate venture, our pocket key- 
 ring was fixed on the line (it being split steel), and 
 run down. No sooner was this accomplished than 
 the fish dashed away towards the open. Now for the 
 first time the thought struck us that if the fish was 
 not taken our keys were irrecoverably lost. Regretting 
 our impetuosity, we cautiously gave and took line as 
 occasion required. The presence of the nose ring 
 and jingling appendages, meanwhile kept the fish in 
 action. This, however, speedily told upon him, and 
 
270 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 finally he was safely gaffed in a more accessible 
 situation. Since this occurred, we have had a number 
 of small bright metal rings made, which we have 
 found most useful for both sulky and jiggering fish. 
 
 Another frequent freak of the fish is to make for 
 underneath the boat, when the angler occupies one ; 
 there the tackle is in danger of damage from the 
 rough keel, even if the fisherman is quick enough to 
 pass the rod's point around the stem or stern in time 
 to avoid a dead wrench upon, and probable smash of 
 the tackle. The sulking propensities of salmon when 
 hooked and wearied by futile efforts to escape, are 
 well-known traits of their character. It is very tanta- 
 lizing to await the pleasure of a stubborn fish of this 
 description. There are instances upon record of 
 anglers staying through the dark hours with a sulky 
 fish. All that we would say further upon this subject 
 is, that the necessity of such a thing is entirely 
 obviated by the use of any small metal contrivance 
 that will serve to drop down the line to arouse the 
 fish from its lethargy or persistent doggedness of 
 disposition. 
 
 In river fishing for salmon, every stream, pool, and 
 likely eddy, should be well and carefully fished. 
 When the gleam of a fish is discerned below the fly, 
 and no rise ensues, a change of flies should be made. 
 Salmon for fastidiousness stand unequalled. Upon cer- 
 tain days they take with avidity a certain kind of fly, 
 whilst for some time afterwards it may be refused for 
 another and totally different description. Upon the 
 most frequented salmon waters peculiar flies are used 
 
FLIES FOR SALMON. 27 1 
 
 of local notoriety. We do not believe, ourselves, in 
 the hard and fast rules given as to this or that special 
 dressing being infallibly successful upon any specified 
 water, and on its uselessness upon another adjoining 
 lake or river. The salmon fly is but a fanciful com- 
 bination, arranged with a view to the general artistic 
 effect ; and as nature presents no model for man to 
 imitate, the fanciful amalgamations of feathers, tinsel, 
 fur, and wool, are closed upon by the sportive and 
 capricious fish, in a mere spirit of wantonness, or 
 because of its being novel. We have often (and we 
 doubt not that a few of our readers have had similar 
 experiences) surprised native rodsters by the effect of 
 a non-observance of their given rules of procedure. 
 A strange fly, whether it happens to be sombre or 
 gay, frequently does wonders amongst these fickle 
 fish. Change, in this respect, is far more effective in 
 influencing the nett yield than can easily be credited. 
 Salmon flies exist in myriads of varieties, and to 
 attempt to enumerate the whole of those in general 
 esteem would be a needless task. The following are 
 a few of the standard killers of universal repute : — 
 The Jock Scot. The Wasp. 
 
 Black Dose. „ Doctor. 
 
 Spey Dog. „ Rainbow. 
 
 Butcher. „ Captain. 
 
 Shannon. „ Lightning. 
 
 Parson. „ Blacker's Patterns. 
 
 Ranger. etc., etc. 
 
 In addition to the above, we commend the fol- 
 lowing : — The Spanker, the Rob Roy, the Spartan, 
 
272 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 the Tarn o' Shanter, and the Mac Sporran, for a 
 description of which see Salreron Fly-making. The 
 impartiality of this fish towards any particular lure 
 or class of artificials for all seasons and occasions is 
 at a marked contrast with the pedantic partiality of 
 many anglers, who pin their faith upon an odd fly or 
 so, that has happened to do something exceptional in 
 their hands, it may be ; but it is of small use trying 
 to convince these of their error. Prejudice and ob- 
 stinacy satisfy them that they are infallibly right. 
 Whilst fishing some few years ago on Loch Nell, we 
 took an exceptionally large salmon, whose habitual 
 haunt was in one particular spot, near a submerged 
 rock. Upon our return to the inn, the landlord 
 eagerly enquired as to what part of the water he had 
 been extracted from; and our capture proved to be 
 an old acquaintance of his, a fish that had never- 
 theless cut his acquaintance very frequently according 
 to his account. Though the form and dimensions of 
 the fish greatly interested our worthy host, the fly that 
 had been instrumental in his capture monopolized his 
 chief attention. Ever after this event the landlord 
 played the " Spanker " without cessation or intermis- 
 sion. Subsequently, whenever the man was seen with 
 a fish, the query " what fly ? " was certain to elicit the 
 reply " Spanker ! sir ; " indeed, among the visitors, the 
 virtues of the Spanker was so well worn a topic, that 
 the subject was finally suppressed at first scent. 
 
 Next in importance to the fly is undoubtedly the 
 gut cast. Personally, we invariably use single gut of 
 the strongest and best description, with a yard and a 
 
FINE AND STRONG TACKLE. 273 
 
 half of the same double and treble cable laid {i.e. 
 twisted like the cable of a ship, which method ensures 
 greater permanency in water), or plaited in taper 
 form to serve as connecting foot line, between the 
 reel line and gut lash. Round and sound single 
 salmon gut, new and strong, we believe to be tran- 
 scendently superior to anything hitherto discovered 
 or applied to the piscatory purpose. Long and 
 careful experimental experience upon well-fished 
 waters — under conditions as far removed from those 
 described by the eminent votary of modern science, 
 Sir H. Davy, in his SalmonidcB, as can be well 
 imagined — has led to this conclusion ; indeed, as 
 with other and less important styles of angling, so 
 with salmon fishing, needlessly strong tackle is open 
 to deprecatory attack. It is unworthy the accom- 
 plished fisherman, and will with time be regarded 
 with increasing discredit For, though the advance 
 achieved in the manipulation and skill in the use 
 of salmon tackle has not for the latter half century 
 been significant, still its scope has been such as to 
 inspire what may be termed the more scientific 
 portion of the angling fraternity with bright hopes 
 for the ultimate progress in refinement and utility 
 of the implements employed by them, a progress 
 which is assuredly already inaugurating. As anglers 
 multiply, the laws of merit will assert their exacting 
 influence gradually and surely, the force ' and com- 
 bination of circumstances and changed conditions 
 of sport will increasingly deter the habitually or 
 preferentially indifferent angler from consummating 
 T 
 
274 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 the end in view. Artistic skill and exactitude of 
 execution have yet more and more to exhibit their 
 claims in practical issues and results to priority, and, 
 as in succeeding generations, waters frequented by 
 the salmonidcs ismiXy are more heavily and constantly 
 whipped, the results indicated will be the more 
 apparent. To return. 
 
 The rules given under another heading as regards 
 the colour of gut under different conditions, are 
 equally applicable to salmon fishing. Under no 
 circumstances should it be strongly stained, a faint 
 and permanent dye should be employed, no matter 
 what shade may be desired. Good gut is transparent, 
 so should be the stain. We have seen casts black as 
 ink (they frequently having been stewed in that 
 commodity), stretched over the haunt of a salmon 
 vainly, and because so vainly, persistently for a 
 protracted period. Purblind fishermen but seldom 
 meet with purblind fish ; therefore, when a fish is 
 seen to be hooked, fought, and it may be safely 
 gaffed by the next rod on the length, the temporary 
 baffled disciple of the rod strolls or steers for the 
 scene of slaughter to be in at the death. Arrived 
 here he plies the usual query. What fly? which 
 elicits a courteous reply, together with perchance 
 a fly of the kind killing. The black lash is again 
 whirled away, and is allowed to stretch its full length 
 over all the most likely places, till finally the non- 
 plussed and unsuspecting victim grows irritable. The 
 mood intensifies until, in a fit of exasperation the 
 climax is reached, the deleterious lash is snapped 
 
HINTS ON COLOURING GUT FOR CASTS. 275 
 
 through its having caught away back in the rear 
 in making an exceptionally and recklessly long throw. 
 Another and less objectionable one is nowinstalled in its 
 stead, and a consequent change in the sport prospects 
 forthwith ensues. A fast sky blue hue is the shade 
 best adapted for the generality of waters. From the 
 position of the fish beneath, the medium con- 
 necting the fly and the reel line should show small 
 constrast with either the blue haze of the firmament, 
 or the transparency customary to the liquid element. 
 Broken and fallen water shows plainly and un- 
 mistakably the true tint prevailing on the river about 
 to be fished. Appearances are liable to be deceptive 
 when viewed tranquil, owing to disparity in the 
 geological formation, as also in the variety of 
 substance forming its bed. For habitually discoloured 
 waters, a light brown or a delicate olive may be 
 advantageously employed. The former may be had 
 from either fustain chips, barberry bark, or the coffee 
 bean when pulverised and made into a solution by 
 the application of boiling water. The gut not, 
 however, being inserted until the liquid has cooled 
 down to a few degrees above blood heat. Gut is 
 often irretrievably ruined by being scalded in the 
 process of staining ; gut damaged in this manner 
 looses strength and stiffness, and is thus rendered 
 weak and limp, with a marked tendency to rub rough 
 with slight friction. To boil, in short, is to surely 
 spoil the best and strongest gut ever obtained from 
 the worm. Gut, indeed, of any description will fail 
 to withstand the process, though the product of the 
 
276 SALMON AND SKA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 invaluable little silkworm in its compactness and 
 strength will stand successfully more tampering with 
 than others. An olive may be had from logwood 
 and fustian chips, with a mere atom of copperas or 
 sulphate of iron, no more of the latter substance 
 than is needed to give the -shade requisite to the 
 solution when boiled.* 
 
 Upon a two and a half to a three yards lash, one 
 or more droppers may be used. Upon lakes or broad 
 open rivers they should be habitually employed as 
 in the case of trout fishing. " Tippets " are used to 
 connect the looped flies to the gut line, these are 
 simply stout gut lengths with a tight knot at one end, 
 and a wrapped or knotted loop at the other ; the 
 latter is attached to the line by being " linked " around 
 it, the tag end is then attached to the fly by means 
 of the knot known as the " Carrick " bend, which is 
 formed in the following manner. The knotted tag 
 threads the loop of the fly, then goes round and 
 through the single gut loop thus formed, again it goes 
 round the middle strand, but backwards, and the tag 
 is threaded through this last formed loop, and then 
 all is tightened ; the knotted tag being bedded or 
 nestled up near the knot for greater security. An 
 ordinary slip knot or running noose is commonly 
 used by some anglers, others again eschew both, 
 preferring to loop both fly and cast in the traditional 
 style, or otherwise adapting some one of the endless 
 variety of knots for their purpose. Droppers should 
 
 * For further information on gut staining, see receipts. 
 
PISCATORY DEVELOPMENT. 277 
 
 hang five inches or so from the cast when attached, 
 the " tippets " used being of first quality to ensure the 
 needful amount of stiffness which is essential to avoid 
 entanglements and obnoxious twistings. In river 
 fishing, the angler accustomed to the single hand 
 trout rod will find but little difficulty in his path in 
 the pursuit of the salmon. His former ideas and 
 conceptions need expansion, though, as regards call 
 for skill, certainly not elevation ; his gossamer gut 
 is exchanged for the opposite extreme, the lightly 
 made, well-balanced, single-handed rod, is exchanged 
 for a double-handed weapon double the weight and 
 dimension, with which double the distance must be 
 covered in casting. If he couples with the foregoing, 
 a like advance in regard to manual exertion, in short, 
 with his entire physical and emotional organism, the 
 trout fisher will have comprehended the nature of 
 the distinctive elements of the two highest branches 
 in piscatory art. Entomology, it should not be 
 forgotten, is marked from the lists in the trout- 
 fishers' new regime as salmon-fisher, a knowledge of 
 meteorological changes only so far as they aiifect the 
 fish being needful. A study of the nomenclature of 
 the migratory and non-migratory orders of salmonidce 
 leads the observer to this conclusion, that their 
 advancement in educational attainments, acquired 
 wiliness and keenness of demeanour, is not identical. 
 The location of the one permanently in fresh water 
 causes a continuous development of the ocular and 
 optical faculties ; whilst, upon the other hand, the 
 marine trips to fresh feeding grounds are sd strikingly 
 
278 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING- 
 
 beneficial to the constitutional functions of the fish, 
 that the recollections of former experiences are 
 apparently dulled, if not .entirely erased. With the 
 conditions of life so at variance, there exists small 
 grounds for surprise at the issue. 
 
 It may be as well here, prior to plunging into 
 generalities, to append an outline of the mode of 
 procedure in two-hand casting, which is due to the 
 tyro, for whom we venture to assume upon the 
 indulgence of proficients. Sea or white trout fishing 
 forms a sort of intermediate stage between trout and 
 salmon fishing proper, therefore may, with advantage, 
 be tackled prior to the latter. The essentials are : — 
 (ist) Lake rod of fourteen or fifteen feet, strong and 
 moderately supple. (2nd) Winch, 3 in. or more 
 diameter, metal. (3rd) Seventy to ninety yards of 
 line, medium thickness and strength. These, with 
 the usual accessories for fly fishing in the shape of a 
 fly book replete with flies, and gaff, of which latter 
 article — by the way — there are well nigh endless 
 varieties, portable and otherwise. Individually we 
 prefer a good plain article, though a full sized 
 strongly made telescope metal is fairly good for use, 
 and highly convenient for travelling. A very useful 
 implement, especially for boating and loch fishing, is 
 a large, rough, and plain landing, net, consisting of an 
 iron hoop, say three feet in diameter, which is con- 
 nected by means of two straightened and strengthened 
 ends of the circle of metal which are turned outwards 
 at right angles ; when flattened, these admit of the 
 hoop being lashed to a handle or shaft, temporary or 
 
DOUBLE-HAND CASTING. 279 
 
 otherwise (a hazel sapling answers well for the purpose). 
 The net should be four if not five feet in depth, with 
 an inch and a half mesh. A landing net of this 
 description is more useful than can easily be 
 conceived. In both loch and river fishing, a large 
 tanned canvas bag, nicely partitioned and lined with 
 indiarubber, will be found convenient when stocked 
 as a " possibility bag " for general purposes, and now, 
 supposing the young student to be equipped with 
 these requisites, we transfer ourselves to the ground, 
 or rather the water, for operations. 
 
 Here, not at the brim, but out upon its bosom to 
 avoid troublesome objects of obstruction, seated in 
 any posture most convenient on the cross-boards of 
 the boat, line is unreeled, and, as a novice, you make 
 your first essay at double-handed casting. The 
 rod and line at first scarce would seem to act in 
 concert, so varied are the twists of the former, and 
 the curls and capers of the latter. A small amount 
 of handling will enable the adept angler for smaller 
 fry to feel his way to the accomplishment of a 
 respectable out-put of line, and even the genuine 
 tyro, a perfect stranger to the rod, will encounter but 
 comparatively few difficulties in his path. A strict 
 determined application to the course of the essential 
 three P's, viz.. Practice, Patience, and Perseverance, 
 will thoroughly indicate the first principles of the 
 art, and, if aided and supplemented by an intelligent 
 application to the several studies which, while outside 
 the immediate operation of fishing, are yet so 
 connected as to be the very heart and soul of it, the 
 
28o SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 progressing path to proficiency will open right 
 rapidly. But to our casting. 
 
 The amount of force to employ with a light two- 
 handed rod is one of the principal points needing 
 thorough comprehension, but first we would endeavour 
 to initiate as to the motions described by, and the 
 mode of wielding the rod, in orthodox throwing, etc. 
 The hands grasp the butt some distance apart, the 
 winch between ; in right shoulder casting, the left 
 hand is placed below the reel or winch, and the right 
 hand some distance above. In left shoulder casting, 
 these positions are exactly reversed : and now in 
 extending motion to the rod and unreeled line, work 
 gently, allowing sufficient time (the length of which 
 must graduate in obedience to the length of line 
 out) for the back line to extend into position for the 
 forward impetus, by means of the customary side 
 swing (by which a sort of horse-shoe sweep is 
 described in hurling back and paying forward again 
 the line), control may be still exercised as it straightens 
 out and falls to the water by action extended to the 
 rod tip ; the character of this interposition varies, as 
 a matter of course, with circumstances, but the usual 
 action is to raise backwards and upwards the rod's 
 point a foot or so to each dozen yards of line out ; 
 this, if accurately performed, ensures greater precision 
 and lightness in delivery. 
 
 The right and left shoulder casts tried, antj a know- 
 ledge of them as performed with the two-handed rod 
 acquired, the Welsh whisk, or cast, is next to be tried. 
 
EXTRA "PURCHASE" CASTS. 281 
 
 This we have already alluded to ; * the longest 
 distances are attained by it. The motions of the rod 
 and line are precisely the same as in the case of trout 
 and grayling fishing. You raise your length of line 
 from the water upward and backward in the usual 
 way, but deliver forward in a direct line, a little under 
 the back line, ere the fly quits the water. This cast 
 may be effected either from the right or left sides — 
 it is as well to acquire both methods — the same 
 individual is seldom equally proficient in the two, but 
 it has an easing effect on the muscles to exchange 
 and exercise in different postures, which is a considera- 
 tion often important. The usual dexterity called for 
 in fishing a clear, well-fished southern trout stream, 
 may be of use here in salmon and sea trout fishing. 
 The many magnified conditions of sport may render 
 more strength necessary, but mere blustering and 
 purposeless whizzing and whirling of the tools is 
 scarcely exemplary of the artistic proficient in any 
 branch of angling, not excepting salmon fishing. 
 The experienced skater glides gracefully, rapidly, and 
 well-nigh silently over the frozen surface of the water, 
 whilst the awkward " scuttler " flusters and flounders 
 in his energetic wayward course, clumsily cutting up 
 the smooth surface of the ice to the general detri- 
 ment ; so with fly and bait casting, as a rule, the 
 more successful fisherman will expend less muscular 
 power in delivering a long line than will the less 
 experienced a much shorter one. This qualification 
 
 * See throwing the fly, pages 175-80. 
 
282 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 and degree of proficiency should ever be held in 
 the mind's eye for ultimate attainment. Casting 
 has, after precepts and rules have been assiduously 
 and carefully instilled in the mind and thoughts of 
 the angling aspirant, still to be learned. The exercise 
 of judgment in calculation of the bearings of sur- 
 roundings, and the influence of the atmosphere in 
 its ever changing moods, have to be taken into 
 account at all times. Therefore, the mere routine 
 cast is but the first step of necessary knowledge. To 
 pursue this path more deeply is the self-imposed and 
 cheerfully assumed task of every disciple of the 
 rod ; some are given to loiter at the earlier stage of 
 the journey, many press onward until the pathway 
 is difficult to tread — finally, when difficulties thicken, 
 and the track is lost in the unexplored maze, few, 
 how few, are then the wayfarers eager for progress and 
 advancement. This is but a type, however, of what 
 exists in every pursuit ; the large capacity for 
 endurance, natural perseverance, and play of intellect 
 demanded in successful pioneering science, debars 
 the main mass of minds from attempting the efforts 
 necessary for investigating the great maze of unknown 
 knowledge. 
 
 Before concluding the subject of casting, we would 
 add an extra purchase method or two. The first is 
 this — when a long distance is desired to be reached, 
 and the longest line that can be rightly held under 
 control is out, a few additional yards may be got out 
 by unreeling and allowing the line to fall at the feet ; 
 this is allowed to run through the rings when the 
 
"warpy'' rods. 283 
 
 forward impetus is given. If rightly achieved, this 
 will carry out the line loosed (without interfering 
 with the precision of the cast), thus reaching a greater 
 distance than could be attained in the usual way. 
 
 Another, and perhaps a still more successful way 
 in which additional distance can be covered, we here 
 append. Loop down the line from between the 
 rings of the second joint- in one or more links, 
 these can be held by a finger of the hand upper- 
 most on the rod's butt, let go as before, when 
 the line is surging forward, prior to it straightening 
 out and descending over the liquid expanse. 
 Greater facility is afforded by this resource for 
 the passage of the reserve line through the rod 
 rings. In taking a long line from the water, the 
 strain upon the rod is much more marked than 
 is that borne in its delivery. It is, in fact, the 
 constant lifting of lengths of line partly submerged 
 that permanently warps and bows the rod to the 
 side occupied by the rings. This is often so marked 
 a tendency, that the periodic reversal of the rings 
 is rendered necessary. In the case of a really 
 good rod this weakening is seldom exemplified, but 
 as all rods do not come under the category here 
 implied, it will be perhaps as well for us here 
 to notice a simple though effective method of 
 obviating this necessity of ring changing, i.e., — 
 when whisking out and back the line, the rings 
 may be brought uppermost by a twist of the 
 wrist ; this utilises the strain and counterbalances 
 the effect when the joints are beginning to give 
 
284 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 and curve. Many an old prized implement has closed 
 its chequered career in a vain attempt to whirl 
 backwards a length of sunken line. A defective 
 new rod will frequently collapse under a similar 
 trial. The nature of wood expends itself after a 
 number of years' straining service ; this is more 
 rapidly effected in woods worked persistently one way, 
 hence it may be perceived that a little considera- 
 tion is amply repaid in these matters. 
 
 In plying the fly over salmon, much divergency of 
 method is evinced by different anglers whose indi- 
 vidual modes are contracted under different conditions. 
 The plan of the old school, which is still largely 
 followed, is to " dribble and jerk " and otherwise 
 "humour," or, as they express it, work, the guile in a 
 tempting and seductive manner. The action thus 
 employed consists of a series of "shakes " and "draws" 
 against the current. This " humouring " action is 
 conceived to be giving a life-like and natural 
 motion calculated to entice capricious fish. That 
 it is occasionally successful we cannot deny, as our 
 thoughts recall instances of its having proved irresis- 
 tible when other means have been futile. Unfor- 
 tunately, however, the humouring in this method of 
 salmon fly-fishing is not always on one side, mostly 
 we have found a very little " humouring " edify and 
 enlighten a sportive fish to an extent sufficient to stay 
 all trivial tendencies, instilling at once desire for 
 food and reflection in quiet retirement. But, as we 
 have said, it is sometimes successful, and these times 
 are generally when the beclouded sky and the 
 
STRIKING SALMON. 285 
 
 ruffling breeze ripples in gentle wavelets the surface 
 of the element of the fish, thus aiding the guile. 
 Upon some waters it " pays " better than upon others. 
 The straight drawing or trailing system over moving 
 sportive or poised fish we have ever found most 
 worthy allegiance for all round salmon and sea trout 
 fishing. When a fish shows himself and is cast over, 
 and fails or refuses to take when the fly has been 
 neatly put, out to him, it may be steadily drawn over 
 his home or haunt, then slantwise and by him in 
 side directions, should he be still indifferent, finally — 
 humour. Our method of so doing is generally to let 
 him alone for a season ; his fit of coyness most fre- 
 quently vanishes ere long. A heavily plagued fish is 
 often to be got when a passing mass of vapour in the 
 form of a threatening cloud loams between the earth 
 and the sun's beams, or a ruffly " choppy " bree;5e 
 befriends by obscuring the too apparent deception. 
 Rest assured too sanguine impetuosity is not rewar- 
 ded. Many fishermen are given to wield the rod 
 and ply the fly for hours after being honoured with 
 an offer from a fish seen on the move. Long hours 
 are by no means infrequently expended in working 
 the tackle as industriously and laboriously as though 
 the motive power was a piece of mechanism propelled 
 by steam. Rest assured, friend student, few fish 
 are to be bullied into biting; this is a truism, if not 
 to be recognised as a proverb ; therefore, the true 
 angler's virtue — " patience " — the virtue undeniable of 
 the fraternity it follows, is the best policy. This, with 
 skill and tact, precision in delivery, and perseverance, 
 
285 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 are the most important constituents of proficiency in 
 salmon fishing. These it is incumbent upon every 
 angling aspirant to possess in some degree. Upon 
 different waters widely different methods are in vogue 
 as to striking, playing, and gaffing. Impetuosity is bad 
 for sport, as we have endeavoured to point out in well- 
 nigh every phrase of angling, no matter in what way 
 it is displayed. In striking, however, it is in the 
 majority of instances absolutely fatal to the end and 
 aim in view. In the case of the inexperienced, who, 
 failing to put out a good line, strike at the least 
 resemblance to a rise ; this, at the end of a compara- 
 tively short line, has the totally unintended effect 
 of frustrating the intentions of the fish. To try to 
 treat with a rise after the proficient's style, at the 
 extremity of thirty to thirty-five yards of line, 
 is to commit an error ; the conditions are widely 
 diversified, and so are the results. We have devoted 
 some space to the subject of striking in another 
 chapter, and from what is there advanced it may 
 be inferred that it is impossible to pay too much 
 attention to this important point, no matter what 
 may be the conditions of sport. 
 
 When a salmon rises to the fly, it is either with the 
 intention of seizing, or to merely inspect — at the 
 dictum of aroused curiosity— and if the latter, as 
 it by no means unfrequently is, especially in still 
 and slowly flowing water, it is purely suicidal to 
 jerk back the line and lure, the fish, rest assured, 
 will close upon it if permitted when so minded. 
 Should the appearance of the fish or the evidence 
 
INDIFFERENCE AND ITS ISSUES. 287 
 
 of a rise be accompanied by a tug of the line, you 
 may then safely strike, speedily and with moderate 
 force. The measured stroke varies mainly with the 
 distance, as when this is short, the stroke should be 
 short too ; but a small tug of the rod's upper portion 
 with a taut line will serve to send the hook well 
 home into the fish. The mouth of a salmon, it 
 should ever be remembered, partakes more of the 
 delicate outline — whether internal or external — of 
 the adult grayling upon an enlarged scale, rather 
 than that of the trout, and is therefore still less to 
 be confounded with the heavily' armed pike. With 
 a bold rising salmon every chance of good vantage 
 ground is afforded the fisherman at the onset, and 
 he assuredly has very seldom ulterior causes for 
 complaint or blame in the event of miscarriage in 
 the course of treatment imposed. Occasionally it 
 may be that in the rapid dash for the fly he misses, 
 turns or doubles, and takes in thorough style at the 
 next offer. This is more exemplified in rapid run- 
 ning water, or where the fly is " worked " somewhat 
 energetically over the fish's lair. Even here, keenness 
 of perception, a quick hand and eye, with an exercise 
 of prudential patience, will more surely yield 
 success. The amount of force to be employed, as we 
 have said, depends wholly upon circumstances, such 
 as the intervening distance, the loose state or 
 otherwise of the line, and the characteristics of the 
 rod. Each of these several points materially bear 
 upon the case, and have to be calculated upon at the 
 moment of action. 
 
288 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 To exercise command over the perceptive faculties, 
 so as to adapt oneself to the necessities of the 
 case when the pulse quickens and the nerves thrill 
 with sudden excitement, this proclaims the adept. 
 The great precept to be impressed upon the mind 
 of the tyro, and one which is applicable to every 
 branch of angling, is this : never cast without expecting 
 a fish. How often is the rise taken out of the 
 indifferent angler of sanguine temperament and 
 excitable disposition by the plunge of a speculative 
 fish, whose demonstrative turning has the effect of 
 a galvanic battery, recalling the absent-minded one 
 to things present, of personal import and bearing- — 
 the pipe has fallen from the partially distended 
 jaws, the hat, too, is raised somewhat by the 
 suddenly manifested upward tendency of the hair. 
 These things are re-adjusted, the tangled line put 
 straight and in trim, and now how industriously 
 and ardently is the fly whirled over the waving 
 ringlets widening from the point of disturbance. 
 Praiseworthy perseverance is expended, the greatest 
 nicety of delivery put forth in presenting the lure, 
 but to no purpose ; your steel has been felt, and 
 an opportunity for re-opening negociations is denied 
 for the time being. Every pursuit, without excep- 
 tion, has a sure Nemesis following upon indolence 
 and half-heartedness, hence it is that thorough 
 application achieves the heavier feats, and claims, 
 thus, our ungrudging allegiance. 
 
 The weight of a salmon rod, reel, and line, when 
 out in action, is often a source of complaint on 
 
RE REELS — A NEW IDEA. 289 
 
 the part of some habitual salmon fishers ; many 
 eschew the sport solely on the grounds indicated. 
 Veteran fishermen, too, find their physical organism 
 fail before the perceptible decline of the mental, 
 and it is with grievous regrets the old favourite 
 rod is laid aside for the last time. Many, very 
 many, are the instances we have known of the 
 time honoured heroes of many fishy fights, anglers 
 sterling and true, whose piscatory pleasures have 
 been abruptly closed by the stern mandate of 
 declining strength and feeble health. When man 
 is touched by the first frosts of the approaching 
 wintery period, and his habitual physical powers 
 are felt to be on the wane, how tenaciously and 
 persistently for a time does he cling to his cus- 
 tomary pursuits ; but, alas ! his determination is 
 short-lived — nature is not to be overruled. Who 
 can describe, or, in fact, conceive the reflections of 
 such an one? None, surely none, but they who 
 have experienced them can truly sympathise. 
 
 Expedients, practical in their bearings, might be 
 suggested, by way of neutralising, at least for a 
 season,, these effects. The only feasible plan that 
 would appear to commend itself is to tone down 
 somewhat the heavy tools employed ; first, the winch, 
 weighty and cumbersome, may be reduced much 
 more than a third in substance of metal by con- 
 structing it from a skeleton design. We have made 
 and used large and small reels constructed on this 
 principle for some time, and find it a genuine 
 improvement to have the solid plates of the winch 
 
 u 
 
290 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 hollowed and cut out in such a manner as to retain 
 the real actual strength, while much surplus weight 
 is avoided. The flat circular plates are cut away 
 to some approved design, leaving intervening bars 
 to support the axis, or, in other words, crossbars 
 are left to connect the centre with the outside 
 edge (a Roman cross design answers the purpose as 
 well as any). The bobbin,, too, may be made with 
 perpendicular sides which may be reduced in fine 
 strips so as not to admit of the line protruding, the 
 revolving plate and flat bar may also be skeletoned 
 in like manner. The centre-fitting winches equally 
 with the side fitting ones are improved by the 
 reduction, and if diminished weight is a desideratum, 
 there cannot be a doubt but that the idea given 
 is an advance in the right direction, and that it 
 is applicable to reels of metal generally. With 
 reference to the rod, we have already alluded to one 
 great change, implying less material and weight 
 for strength, as also a decrease of the length of the 
 salmon rod — we refer to the steel centred principle. 
 The old thick butted tool contrasts very badly with 
 the Castle Connel style of rod, but both are improved 
 on by the combination of the fine yet strong metal 
 core in the hardest pliant wood procurable for the 
 purpose, viz., greenheart. Durability in the first 
 quality of this wood is combined with pliability; 
 this to an extent other woods have failed to equal, 
 when tested in conjunction. Another plan to resort 
 to in order to allow ease in casting moderate distances 
 more especially from a boat, is this : — a strong 
 
PROGRESS OF PISCATORY ART. 29 1 
 
 leathern band or belt is affixed around the body, 
 upon which has been secured safely a small round 
 receptacle for the button, or "mushroom" as it is 
 sometimes called, at the termination of the rod ; this 
 termination of .the rod should be of india-rubber 
 which works in the small round socket thus provided. 
 This arrangement lightens the weight incredibly, 
 transferring sustaining power to a more convenient 
 quarter. This method of easing the muscles of the 
 arms and hands is useful in very many styles of 
 fishing, though more especially, as we have said 
 before, in boating. The line if tapered single or 
 double is considerably lightened, and when the latter 
 object is the premier consideration, tapering is to 
 be commended as efficient. The wire lines are much 
 reduced both in substance and actual weight. Thus 
 equipped, the ease and comfort of fishing and casting 
 powers are enhanced. 
 
 For salmon and sea trout fishing, the employment 
 of German silver wire ensures still greater strength 
 and casting power ; this metal being a combination 
 of zinc and brass, is hard and durable, and increases 
 the springing tendencies of the line. 
 
 The distinctive issues of real artistic angling — 
 scientific fishing — and mere thoughtless blundering 
 wielding of the rod cannot be shown too vividly; 
 there exist small grounds for apprehension of 
 exaggeration in the matter ; we are too apt to ignore 
 the teachings and dictates of experience to be in 
 danger of erring on the side here implied. 
 
 All things worthy the earnest application of human 
 
292 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 intelligence, demand the concentration of the whole 
 of the faculties, both physical and mental. The 
 gradual development of scientific knowledge grants 
 us further instalments and extensions of power, which 
 necessitate an increasing application and attention 
 to rightly develop. Each and every pursuit, no 
 matter whether recreative or industrial, ranks without 
 distinction under this general rule. Salmon fishing 
 can therefore offer no exception. Some few years 
 since there were methods in common every-day use 
 for the capture of the salmo-salar, then looked upon 
 as being perfectly legitimate, but that are now 
 branded as illegal by national statute.* Primitive 
 and unsportsmanlike methods of taking fish have 
 been more and more discarded, as years roll on, in 
 every branch of the " gentle art." The more general 
 impression of the popular mind is, that these semi- 
 poaching methods are the more successful ones from 
 a pot-hunting standpoint. A supposition true in the 
 abstract only, as we will proceed to instance. The 
 medley of modes of taking fish by means other than 
 legitimate angling for, and thus attracting and 
 beguiling fish, are not included in the scope of 
 observations advanced here or elsewhere throuo^h this 
 book. The instance we have promised to relate 
 transpired upon one of the Black Lakes more years 
 since than we would care to count, and the point in 
 the incident was repeatedly confirmed upon Lochs 
 Awe, Nell, Ness,. Kalliper, and others. The eye 
 
 " Otter " trailing, salmon, and other ro^-fishing have recently 
 been added to the prohibited lists. " 
 
ANGLING INCIDENT IN THE HIGHLANDS. 293 
 
 brightens, and life's citadel pulsates at a heightened 
 rate, as the mind in magic thought lives in, and 
 wanders through the pleasurable adventures of the 
 past. As we write we once again see the broad 
 expanse of slightly heaving water, bordered and bound 
 by the huge heather-clothed hills through which ever 
 and anon the primeval moss-clad rocks are seen to 
 peep in clusters, adding nobility and grandeur to the 
 scene. From the green-garbed slopes, rich in verdure, 
 upon which the shaggy wild-looking north country 
 cattle are grazing peacefully, to the shining waters 
 that reflect the rising sun in his refreshing splendour, 
 our mental gaze wanders. All nature seems serene, 
 "save when the crack of a distant gun, or the splash 
 of an oar, betrayed the presence of man. Now and 
 then a sportive fish, fresh run salmon or bull-trout, 
 causing a quiet boil, shows his broad tail above 
 the rippling water's surface, in his playful friskings or 
 wilful plunges, after real or fancied food. Dotted at 
 long intervals are several boats, occupied by 
 fishermen. One of these moves rapidly in response 
 to the heavily-worked oars, leaving, as it progresses, 
 an extended line of curls and bubbles in its trail. 
 This is tenanted by an angling visitor who, with his 
 attendant or gillie, is plying the " otter."* This 
 
 * This engine consists of a strong cord, from fifty to seventy yards 
 in length, to this is affixed a miscellaneous assortment of baited or tin- 
 garnished triangles, veritable meat hooks in coarseness, mounted on ■ 
 gimp ; these were attached to one end of the cord at intervals, together 
 with a large-sized single hook or two, wrapped on strands of gut, these 
 being disguised with scarlet wool, and a strip of white goose feather 
 higher up the cord, a large lead of about I J lbs. weight is fixed to 
 serve as sinker. The whole is used upon a reel, formed by a square 
 framework of wood, with a loose peg to turn upon. 
 
294 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 boat is observed to work an isolated portion of the 
 loch, by incessant repetitions of long roving flights, 
 intercepted only when nearing either shore, or when 
 about to turn. The trailing " otter '' then is relieved 
 of its captures, if any. The way in which this 
 operation is effected sufficiently initiates as to the 
 unsportsmanlike nature of this mackerel-line style of 
 taking fish. The line is hauled in rapidly, hand over 
 hand, the string of lures is with small show of 
 ceremony banged aboard with but meagre regard 
 for consequences ; a sort of certainty of success 
 seems responsible for the rude and ready way in 
 which the whole apparatus is plied. The natural 
 issue is, that the larger fish hooked are more often" 
 than not lost by bungling treatment when nearing 
 the boat ; indeed, it was a common practice to strike, 
 and thus stun the larger fish (after the fashion 
 followed still upon the St. Lawrence, and other 
 American rivers), preparatory to unhooking them, 
 line or rather rope being loosed immediately in case 
 the blow should fail of the desired effect. Personal 
 interest had invited our attention as to the mode of 
 procedure in " otter " fishing, on the occasion in 
 question. We had consented to make an effort to 
 out-bag the product of this appliance preparatory to 
 our setting out, the owner thereof having a breadth 
 of water set apart for his use, whilst we individually 
 had a roving commission. 
 
 The earlier hours of the day had yielded us but 
 meagre sport ; brown trout, with the exception of 
 a solitary sea trout, were our only acquisitions up to 
 
BEGUILING A VETERAN. 295 
 
 mid-day, whilst the '' otter " boat -had been busily- 
 engaged, and to all appearance, had been much 
 more successful. After noon, however, the prospect 
 speedily brightened as the brilliancy of the sun's 
 reflections were temporised by passing clouds brought 
 up by a smart breeze. Now we turned our attention 
 to the known haunt of a good fish, whose habitual 
 resting-place we were well acquainted with. On our 
 way we rose and hooked into a grilse by a random 
 cast, this was picked up safely. The , " good " fish 
 however, was good enough to inspect, and reject the 
 sombre-hued lure proffered. We, therefore, presented 
 a more attractively dressed fly, but to no purpose ; 
 bright and gay, dark and dim, were severally ignored, 
 we thereupon leave with the inward resolve of an 
 attempt to re-open negotiations later on. The boat 
 is now steered in the direction of a fish seen moving 
 in the vicinity, this is ultimately moved and missed. 
 At Sandy's (the water-keeper) suggestion, who is in 
 charge of the boat, we now visit the adopted home 
 of a wondrous fish he described as having acquired a 
 reputation for eluding the gaff, though not so vigilant, 
 it would appear, in evading the hook. The hollow 
 side of a sunk boulder, the top of which was just 
 discernible above the water, was pointed out as being 
 his usual position, and after having elicited what 
 further information we could get as to the way he 
 lay, we selected and fitted the best and niost reliable 
 single gut lash from the book, furnishing with a 
 monster red-sterned humble bee, for which we were 
 informed he had already displayed a weakness. This 
 
296 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 was cast over and worked repeatedly across in a 
 variety of ways, but the " bee " had evidently lost his 
 fascinating attractions. The hidden sting was not 
 outshone this time, at least, by the brightly bedecked 
 nether end. After half-an-hour's attention to the 
 salmo-fario, we approached the "invincible" once more. 
 The Parson is awarded the post of honour this time ; 
 he, however, fails to meet with due appreciation, and 
 we try the Doctor, but with no more success. 
 Just, however, as we are about to substitute the 
 Captain, the azure lure is closed upon, and the 
 necessity of plunging further into the professions 
 is obviated. We drive home our steel instantly. The 
 play that ensues is of a lively description ; a con- 
 siderate and careful use of the line, rod, and boat, 
 wards off the effects that appeared impending from 
 the boisterous determined plunges. After these have 
 somewhat subsided, the salmon ring prohibits an 
 inconvenient show of sulkiness or jiggering, and two- 
 thirds of an hour from the time of hooking sees the 
 fish, an exceptionally fine salmon, safely gaffed and 
 boarded. 
 
 During this lapse of time the " otter " boat has been 
 industriously propelled well-nigh without cessation, 
 but with what result we cannot surmise. In casting 
 over one or two more fish showing themselves as the 
 day wears away, the plan of persistent plaguing is 
 ignored still as far as it is possible, strict and un- 
 flagging attention is devoted to the ulterior bearings. 
 These, more frecjuently regarded as outside issues, 
 we would emphasize by repeating, are inseparable in 
 
SPINNING FOR SALMON. 297 
 
 their connection with the end held in view, by the 
 devoted angler. It is simple trifles, insignificant 
 in themselves, that combined form results. The 
 shadow thrown by a towering rocky cliff, and the 
 shelter afforded by sedges grouped near a moving 
 salmon, aided us in rising and hooking two fish which 
 were brought within reach of Sandy's ready clip. 
 The first of these being a kipper was returned, the 
 second proved a 14 lbs. clean fish. By this time 
 the sun was sinking rapidly behind the western 
 heights. During the remaining hour or so of day- 
 light we took a fine fish with the Mac Sporren, and 
 subsequently lost a white trout from the same fly 
 after a few minutes' play. This terminated the day's 
 proceedings so far as sport was concerned. In 
 crossing for the usual rendezvous for landing, we 
 encountered a squall which, beating dead against our 
 cockle shell craft, necessitated the united and utmost 
 efforts of its occupants to keep her head to the wind, 
 and it was only after a row of a couple of hours 
 in darkness and danger that we effected a safe 
 landing. The " otter " boat we subsequently ascer- 
 tained had put in but a short time prior to our 
 appearance. 
 
 The analysis of our take was reported as follows : — 
 four salmon (weight) 34J lbs., 22 lbs., 14 lbs., and 'j\ 
 lbs., and white trout \\ lbs., total 8 if lbs., together 
 with our nineteen dozen brown trout. 
 
 The contents of the '' otter " boat proved to be very 
 much under the salmo salar yield, but slightly in 
 excess of the smaller fry ; the five largest fish scaled 
 
298 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 from 1 1 lbs. downwards ; their combined take being 
 under two-thirds of the yield of the rod and line. 
 
 Spinning and Trolling continues still a common 
 practice upon most waters in fishing for the higher 
 orders of salmonidcB . Upon lochs, as also the estuaries 
 of salmoa waters, a boat is propelled with the bait 
 trailing at a distance of fifty yards or so in its rear. 
 Whenever the fish refuse to rise, spinning may with 
 advantage be resorted to ; indeed, midwater fishing 
 may, under these circumstances, often be practised 
 with signal success, though as a general thing, it yields 
 not the sport of surface fishing. Small fish of almost 
 any description, when from four to six inches in 
 length, may be used. The best artificial baits are 
 the metal ones, the " Universal," " Excelsior," 
 " Devon," etc. The Derby Killer is also good, 
 salmon size. 
 
 The Red Caterpillar is as killing a lure for salmon 
 and sea trout, when they are not rising, as it is for 
 common brown trout, etc. It is used in precisely the 
 same way, but is constructed, as a matter of course, 
 much larger ; the loop too, at the head, should be of 
 double salmon gut. Black palmers, with silver twist, 
 are also good, but not to be compared with the red, 
 as the habitual users of both can testify. If there is 
 anything objectionable in the use of the Caterpillar 
 for sea trout and salmon, it is the partiality of the 
 smaller fry for them ; they, especially the brown 
 trout, are really boring in .their incessant attentions. 
 At the end of a day upon the Awe in Argyleshire, 
 when we had been more than usually pestered in this 
 
A TOO ATTRACTIVE BAIT. 299 
 
 manner, the following colloquy ensued with Gibby, 
 the gillie in charge of the boat. 
 
 " Weel, noo, dun yer ken what fysshe wa'en ta'en 
 the day, wath the hairy worrem ? " 
 
 "No!" 
 
 " Wal, twanty-four dozen sma' throut jest — an they 
 twa white fysshe — sure, it's a fearsome baste, an' a 
 regular kill deil." 
 
 To those anglers who habitually smoke whilst 
 fishing, and their name is legion, we would tender a 
 word of advice. Never carry vesuvians loose in any 
 of your coat pockets, or you may perchance be 
 troubled with a touch of heartburn externally, as was 
 the experience of the writer on one occasion whilst 
 playing a fish from the banks of the Tweed. We had 
 unconsciously given the receptacle of the pipe lights 
 a touch with the butt end of the rod, when the whole 
 ignited, the result of the conflagration being loss of 
 the fish, and the spoliation of certain garments. 
 
 We may here also observe that, when landing a 
 fish with a short-handled gaff upon a high bank over 
 deep water, it is not always safe to be backed with a 
 well-filled creel, for should the creel happen to 
 suddenly and unexpectedly find its way to the 
 front, why you may feel as we did once, viz., that 
 a cold water plunge is inevitable under the circum- 
 stances. 
 
 In salmon as in trout fishing, the location of a fish 
 poised for feeding or perhaps rising, requires often a 
 little reconnoitring. The course of the water in his 
 immediate vicinity should be noted, and the lure 
 
300 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 
 
 presented accordingly. In order to circumvent 
 exceptionally large fish more particularly, it is by 
 no means advisable to cast haphazard in the vicinity 
 of the fish before the distance is rightly calculated, 
 or the course of the water appreciated. If it is your 
 earnest desire to take the fish seen rising, like an 
 efficient general you must take in the bearing of the 
 situation, with a view to so presenting the lure as 
 to leave nothing wanting in skill and judgment upon 
 the part of the angler. 
 
30I 
 
 Chapter XVI. 
 
 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, Etc. 
 
 Utility of Knowledge in Emergency ; Choice 
 OF Materials for Rods; Rod Making; 
 An all-round Tool; Splicing under 
 Difficulties ; Accidents and Expedients ; 
 Hook Dressing ; Flight and Cast Making ; 
 Knots; Useful Receipts. 
 
 ONE of the most fertile sources of pleasure to the 
 fisherman is undoubtedly that of alluring fish 
 with baits, etc., fashioned by his own hand and 
 ingenuity. In having made the medium of allure- 
 ment, he experiences an extra spice of genuine 
 enjoyment when his skill is crowned with success. 
 Making and working combine in the causes for 
 self-congratulation ; not only this, the mere power 
 and tact exercised in so altering a rejected lure as to 
 render it successful subsequently, tends to a similar 
 
 result. For example, J makes the discovery, after 
 
 vainly trying to raise fish seen feeding, that his copy 
 of the fly prevalent is defective in colour in its most 
 important point, viz., the body, this showing a pro- 
 nounced departure from that of the natural. A 
 
302 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 strand of the needful shade of silk supplied by an 
 obscure recess of the fly book forms the requisite 
 material, and the next moment sees the necessary 
 transformation accomplished ; the silk having been 
 wound' round and over the existing body, is finally 
 knotted off in the usual way, and now fishy favour 
 and sedate finny wisdom succomb readily to the 
 faithfully pourtrayed fly. 
 
 Again, as each gust of wind upon a rough autumn 
 day scatters leaves, twigs, and insects upon the 
 water's surface, a copy of the fly most plentiful is 
 temptingly presented at the extremity of the 
 customary fine cast, and the gleaming side of a 
 moving fish is seen as it advances to take — ah ! no ; 
 he turns, doubles down, and is gone. This is the 
 effect ; the cause needs investigation. A contrast 
 of artificial and natural reveals nothing definite ; the 
 ■ eye finally falls upon the stream, the vast majority 
 of insects there are seen to be drowned, and are 
 borne along at the wild will of wind and wave. On 
 this becoming apparent, the hackle of the copy is 
 thinned out or cut away to two-thirds its original 
 bulk, which extracts from its buoyancy and materially 
 changes its appearance. It is again whirled on its 
 diplomatic mission repeatedly, and proves its success 
 in the net yield during the subsequent hour or two. 
 
 Herein is exemplified the veracity of the philo- 
 sophical assertion, " In knowledge reposeth power." 
 
 The followers of every given, pursuit, whether 
 recreative or industrial, are ever liable to be thwarted 
 and frustrated by unlocked for contingencies. 
 
NEW PHASE OF ANGLING. 303 
 
 accidents, or breakages in the varied requisite 
 appliances, and the ability to rise in the case of 
 urgent emergency, to adopt oneself to an occasion 
 of pressing necessity when thrown entirely upon our 
 own resources, is commendable in all circumstances, 
 hence our object in writing under the heading here 
 given. The accomplishment of being able to 
 creditably dress our flies may be, and doubtless is, 
 a pretty general one ; but anglers capable of splicing 
 efficiently a broken reel line, a smashed middle joint 
 or rod top, when in a position remote from competent 
 aid, are certainly not so plentiful. How much 
 annoyance, irritating waste of time and opportunity, 
 is often occasioned by a single mishap occurring when 
 least expected ; but upon the other hand, what is 
 gained by a little aptness in rising to the level of the 
 emergency, the individual practitioner alone knows. 
 
 We are here reminded of an instance bearing upon 
 the points indicated, in which also was implicated the 
 late Professor F. (the well-known lecturer on the 
 natural sciences), who had happened to be fishing the 
 same water with us, whilst wandering solitary at 
 will among the then open and freely accessible waters 
 of Norway, then, as now, a veritable Eden to the 
 piscator, a paradise not wholly devoid of penalties, 
 nevertheless — as for the recognised monument of 
 patience to discover his stock of mild Honeydew or 
 Birdseye run out when three days to a week from 
 a source of supply ; invariably proves the force 
 of the compact between patience and tobacco, and 
 that disunion means a mutual collapse. 
 
304 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 The particular predicament to which our mind 
 recurs, however, partook much more of the tragic 
 element. A native nondescript craft had capsized 
 in shooting a sharp rapid, distributing rods, gaffs, 
 lines, and the whole paraphernalia of oddments 
 necessary to the equipment of fishermen on a walking 
 tour in isolated regions, far and away ; necessitating 
 a new departure in piscatory operations, viz., fishing 
 for tackle. The boil of the foam-beaten and falling 
 waters obscured the whereabouts of the varied 
 appliances dispersed through the mishap. The 
 movements of two forming the trio (the third 
 person of which was a native piece of animated 
 nature, to whose stock of stupidity we owed the 
 ducking and disaster) were greatly hampered by 
 the water-tight fish bags which, filled with the 
 gushing liquid, stood from the back like eastern 
 leather bottles. Thus laden, after gathering whatever 
 was visible in the shape of tackle, we struck out for 
 terra firma, which, safely attained, our first act was 
 to disburden ourselves of the heavy fish receptacles ; 
 our next, at the suggestion of the Professor, to probe 
 a hole in their bottoms, to prohibit a possible 
 repetition of their water-bagging proclivities, thus 
 adopting the quaint Highland custom of providing 
 ample exit for the liquid element in the shape of 
 gimlet holes in the soles of boating and shooting 
 boots. On our comparing notes, it was found that 
 rods and their immediate accessories in the shape 
 of lines, winches, and gaffs, had been secured almost 
 without- an exception, but the fly books were gone. 
 
FLY-MAKING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 305 
 
 Keen search for signs of their presence in the 
 whirl of waters revealed nothing, and it soon became 
 evident they were lost beyond recall. Thrown upon 
 our own resources, we hastened to the apology for 
 an inn, the primitive comforts of which never 
 appeared so favourably to us as when, in changed 
 apparel, we prepared to make a fly or two for 
 immediate use, in the genial warmth of a glowing 
 pine wood fire, the logs of which, rich in resinous 
 matter, burnt brilliantly, brightening and bathing in 
 cheerful light each primitive object within the four 
 or more (here we cannot be precise) angles of the 
 room. In the collection of material, the first 
 essential, i.e., hooks, were not to be found, and after 
 a time we recollected having put them in a missing 
 case. Upon this stern fact becoming evident, 
 something bordering on dismay threatened to 
 enthrall our spirits. A packet of small dun hooks 
 was all we had to rely upon for a period indefinite, 
 far too long for us to regard with feelings of serenity, 
 and it was speedily arranged that we should severally 
 prepare some plan of solving the perplexing problem 
 of the moment. Minus flies and minus hooks, save 
 such as were suitable for the Iron Blue, how were we 
 to re-open negotiations with salmon .-' At this we 
 mutually and severally set to work. The result of 
 an hour or so's ardent application being three ideas 
 in practical shape, which may be briefly described as 
 under : — 
 
 The first consisted of a needle, two inches or more 
 in length, softened by fire, and transformed into a 
 
 V 
 
306 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 hook, heated agahi, and hardened by sudden 
 immersion in water ; upon this foundation was fixed 
 the ordinary materials used in the composition of a 
 " Butcher." 
 
 (2nd.) — This was a very natural representation of 
 a monster humble bee, it being dressed upon an 
 eyed spinning lead, the yellow and red rear end being 
 garnished with a battery of six small dun hooks, in a 
 band or circle. 
 
 (3rd.) — Was the combination known as the Black 
 Dose (a famous Norwegian fly), which presented a 
 strikingly original appearance, the long and neatly- 
 proportioned body terminating with nothing more 
 prominent than one of the insignificant minute 
 hooks previously referred to, but in lieu of the 
 Jiackles for legs, stained gut had been used, each 
 of the numerous strands being tipped with a fine 
 hook. 
 
 Practical testing proved the first to be of indifferent 
 worth. The notion was no doubt good, and ample 
 for the purpose, but the difficulty of tampering with 
 already tempered metal was not got over successfully 
 before the supply of these very necessary domestic 
 implements failed. 
 
 The second answered very well, but the plan was 
 not equally applicable to the generality of salmon 
 flies, and as the humble bee was no more infallible in 
 its death-dealing qualifications than any of the 
 thousand and one reputed never-failing guiles, our 
 main stay was the "centipede" salmon lure, which 
 answered most admirably the necessary end and 
 
WOODS FOR ROD-MAKING. 307 
 
 purpose during the eight or ten days intervening the 
 arrival of a supply of Limericks. 
 
 We purpose, firstly, to give simple directions for 
 amateur rod-making, to be followed by a few brief 
 suggestions as to repairs, temporarily or otherwise ; 
 secondly, to deal briefly with cast and flight 
 constructing, hook mounting, etc. Re rod, the size 
 and dimensions are first to be decided upon ; this 
 settled, the wood must be chosen to suit the particular 
 description of rod desired. 
 
 For fly fishing, the material of which a rod is 
 composed is of the greatest possible importance. 
 The scope for selection, too, is so extensive as to 
 be perplexing to the inexperienced. Each clime and 
 country contributes woods of a specific class. Some 
 are so compact in substance, and fine in grain, as to 
 be equal to metal, both as regards weight and solidity. 
 Others, again, are porous, and open-grained, light and 
 lithesome, and are talkative, so to speak, when handled ; 
 indeed, it is an infallible rule that if a dry scrap of 
 timber sounds in echo to the friction of the fingers, 
 or when struck lightly with some hard substance, it 
 is unstable, and is unworthy for any particular 
 purpose. There is a happy medium, however, to 
 all this. Outside the tropics, and yet within the 
 influence of a genial sun and climate, there are many 
 varieties of woods that, whilst being slightly porous, 
 yet retain so much strength as to be tough and stiff, 
 pliant, and comparatively light. The best of such 
 are greenheart (Australian), washaba, snakewood, 
 blue mahce, red locust, partridge wood, white hickory. 
 
308 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 logwood, Brazilian lance, etc., etc. It is never 
 advisable to make all the parts of a rod from the 
 same wood. They should be graduated according to 
 strength, nature, and quality. There is invariably 
 great divergency in the, nature of the same species 
 of wood when grown under, different conditions. 
 Thus Cuban lance is below the yellow variety found 
 in South America in general utility. The distinction 
 in quality, in one and the same variety of wood, is 
 not generally so strikingly marked as to enable the 
 manipulator to cut the butt from the same log as the 
 top. An amalgamation is, therefore, mostly adopted, 
 the lighter woods of fair strength being used for the 
 butt, medium for the middle joint, and the very best 
 and most select for the tops ; but we would commend 
 a still closer application of this rule, by the adoption 
 of the same routine in the tops, good wood being 
 used at foot, better up to second splice, and the very 
 best it is possible to procure for the tip of the top. 
 This may appear superfluous perhaps to some ; the 
 bean stick epoch, in the career of many anglers, 
 appears to leave primitive longings for unpermissible 
 things. We would remind such that perfection is 
 only to be attained by trifles in construction ; it is 
 purely by keen application to these that sterling and 
 permanent improvement is achieved. 
 
 The length and number of joints decided upon, the 
 wood and sizes of ferrule chosen, the first step is to 
 take off the four corners (presuming the wood to be 
 square), of the butt with a "jack plane," there are 
 then eight smaller ones to be taken off in like 
 
ROD-MAKING. 399 
 
 manner. This done, the joint will be found to be 
 fairlyround, and now the shape must be determined 
 upon, as,' if the rod is intended to be light, limber and 
 small, it should be shouldered or " bottle necked " 
 a little above the usual handhold, thus impai-ting a 
 feature of the balance handle to the joint. The 
 alternative is, to leave a gradual slope or taper' up to 
 the ferrule. And now for fixing on the metal. In 
 fixing ferrules, one great blunder and cause of 
 disaster should ever be assiduously avoided, viz., 
 cutting foundations for their accommodation. The 
 metal should be made to fit 'the wood, and not vice 
 versa, as is, we fear, the more general custom. To 
 rob the wood to accommodate the meta), is to 
 sacrifice future convenience for a little present effort 
 and legitimate common sense precaution. Each 
 ferrule should be so tapered as to fit over the wood ; 
 this tapering process is easy enough to accomplish 
 a " mandrill," i.e., an iron or steel rod is procured, 
 and the ferrule threaded upon it and beaten with a 
 smooth-faced hammer, and thus swelled to the 
 requisite extent. The next joint should follow in 
 process precisely similar, which done, the top is put 
 together in the following manner : — The pieces of 
 wood chosen are cut to meet each other evenly at 
 the joinings or splices, which are then charged with 
 -best joiners' glue, and bound tightly at each splice 
 •with a scrap of waxed hemp, the whole must now 
 ;be straightened before leaving to harden. It is a 
 common practice to employ quick-drying spirit 
 ivarnish to avoid the waiting time necessary in using 
 
310 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 glue, but this again is false economy, for shaky- 
 joinings and weak splices are almost invariably the 
 result, and then one hears the well-worn expression : 
 " My top has given way ; it is quite weak at the 
 wrappings ; there, see, I shall most certainly have 
 to get a duplicate." When reason dictates the splice 
 should be the stronger part of the whole piece, we 
 comprehend the evil arising from this cause. 
 
 Directly the ferrules are mounted, and the tongues 
 cut upon the foot of the top and second piece, and 
 the holes bored at the top of the last-named and 
 butt, the whole may be put together to ascertain 
 the power and play. A little taken off here and 
 there evenly, adjusts* and perfects, which done 
 satisfactorily, polishing with fine emery cloth or 
 shark's skin following next, it then remains for the 
 rings and similar furniture to be fixed upon it by the 
 usual silk bindings. The ferrules are to be set on 
 permanently, with thick oil varnish, and finally 
 riveted ; the whole is then ready for coating, first 
 with French polish, then with copal or some other 
 equally good waterproof varnish, and your rod is 
 done, though by no means ready for immediate use, 
 as many days are often required for its " coat " to 
 thoroughly harden ; indeed, the better the quality of 
 the varnish, the longer time necessary for hardening. 
 Spirit varnishes, dissolved shellac, and other gums, 
 dry in a few minutes, or hours at most, but they are 
 comparatively of small value as waterproof protections 
 against wear and weather. An additional short top 
 converts the foregoing into a good stiff spinning rod 
 
SPLICING. 311 
 
 .whilst an extra short butt of say from 18 inches to 2 
 feet makes a general implement for all round use, as 
 with the long top and short butt the result is a whippy 
 small stream rod, but with the long top, and the long 
 butt a powerful rod for heavier waters, and yet again 
 with short top and butt too an excellent pike rod is 
 the result. 
 
 How to make a splice. Localities are highly 
 important here, as splicing a broken joint at home 
 and at leisure is an operation depending upon widely- 
 different issues than when at the waterside, with but 
 a pocket knife and twine as repairing agents. With 
 the former we must deal first as a sort of ideal at 
 which to aim in less advantageous circumstances. 
 The mode of procedure is briefly thus : the two 
 portions are each marked some three inches or more 
 from the broken ends (short joinings are 
 unsubstantial), and now, after seeing to the row of 
 rings being in a direct line, the taper cutting is to 
 be carefully done by means of a keen wood chisel ; 
 this carefully effected, the splice must next be fitted 
 with the greatest possible exactitude with a file. The 
 glue having meanwhile been prepared, the splice is 
 effected and secured firmly by stout cord, and when 
 the glue is dry any remaining uneveness is erased by 
 the file, and the whole is then carefully wrapped and 
 strengthened with strong silk, which is again 
 protected with wax and varnish in the usual way. 
 
 Temporary splicing at the water-side may be done 
 both quickly and effectually by the observance of 
 the following simple directions : — First, the length of 
 
312 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 the intended splice is to be decided upon, and pencil 
 marked on each of the detached pieces, then care 
 must be taken ere you ply the knife that the rings 
 will be in a direct line on the top when finished. 
 In order to get at this the cutting upon the one half 
 of the top must be directly opposite to the other, i.e., 
 if you pare away from the ring side of the one 
 broken and detached piece of the top, it is imperative 
 the corresponding paring should be made upon the 
 ■ side opposite the rings. As soon as the detached parts 
 are fairly even, cut to fit, they should be rubbed 
 with fly-maker's wax ; finally, by means of a few 
 feet of strong twist, or a scrap of fine line, the splice 
 may be " whipped," or bound up, which is the better 
 accomplished when wound transversely, as by wrapping 
 rapidly from end to end greater security is allowed 
 for a temporary purpose. 
 
 Perhaps the most deplorable accident that can 
 happen to a rod is a breakage where the ferrule joins 
 the wood. All the joints of a rod improperly fitted 
 at this point are liable to breakages when strained 
 more heavily than common, as we have elsewhere 
 pointed out. The only practical way of rendering 
 a rod again capable of casting for the remainder of 
 the day, in the case of an accident of this kind, is to 
 ignite a few dry twigs, and thus burn the wood from 
 the ferrule socket, which done, it may again be fitted 
 upon the joint, with small difficulty. Should the 
 ferrule be broken from the top of the butt, second 
 or in the case of a four part' rod, the third joint, a 
 socket for the tongues of the next upper joint may be 
 
HOOK-DRESSING. 313 
 
 bored by means of the pyramid piece, upon an 
 ordinary pocket penknife, providing tiie wood to be 
 operated upon be first wound about with a bit of 
 twine or other substance equal to the purpose, as 
 this operation is a guard against splitting. 
 
 Often when fishing upon a showery day the tongues 
 or pegs at the foot of the joints will stick in their 
 sockets, owing to their having expanded somewhat 
 by the presence of moisture within the fittings. An 
 ignited vesuvian, or a scrap of paper in a blaze will, 
 on being applied in a way effective enough to cause 
 the steam to leave the ferrule, render the joints 
 readily detachable. 
 
 Winches and reel lines cannot well be constructed 
 without the necessary appliances, in the shape of 
 machinery. When the former consisted of a simple 
 arrangement of wood and wire (the latter forming the 
 handle, centre pillar and side pillars too, whilst the 
 wood was employed for the circular terminations), 
 the article was easy to construct, but now that the 
 .various parts are made detachable, and are cast and 
 dressed up superbly, endless tools and skill in lathe 
 turning are requisite to construct a metal winch of 
 an improved pattern. Our object we conceive to be 
 purely to initiate and interest, as much as possible, 
 the amateur in the construction of his own tackle, 
 so far as is practicable. Plait lines, casted and turned 
 winches we pass over, as articles as yet beyond the 
 ordinary amateur's attainment and capacity. We 
 resume with flight-making, etc. The first essential 
 step in tackle constructing is undoubtedly that of 
 
3,14 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 hook dressing. To attach gut or gimp to a hook 
 may appear a very simple operation at first 
 sight, but to firmly secure it, in a style eligible 
 for the best and most particular purposes, the novice 
 finds to be by no means so easy as it would first be 
 assumed to be ; indeed, many angling writers, up to 
 comparatively recent times, recommend a knot to 
 be tied at the end of the substance it is intended to 
 attach to the hook, " to aid," as they assert, " in 
 preventing a slip." Another practice in vogue, even 
 now, is to twist the gut or gimp around the shank of 
 the hook in the process of tying, to avert the same 
 catastrophe. That hooks often do slip when the 
 moment of trial arrives no one can attempt to 
 confute ; but that they can be securely dressed, 
 without knot or similar artifice, is known by the 
 major portion of accomplished fishermen. All that 
 is really needed to ensure security and solidity in 
 whipping on a hook is to hold both -silk and hook 
 firm, and to extend a strain to the tying silk as great 
 as it is capable of bearing ; this done evenly and well, 
 it will be found (providing the tying silk is not 
 tender), inseparably secure. To tie on a hook, 
 three whisks or wraps may be given on the bare 
 shank, then the substance it is desired to connect 
 may be placed alongside, when the wrapping silk 
 may be carefully wound around, the utmost tension (as 
 we have said) being extended to the tying silk, which 
 should be bedded closely and evenly, until almost 
 opposite the barb, when it may be knotted off by 
 means of the ordinary invisible knot or slip noose. 
 
SPINNING TACKLE MAKING. 31S 
 
 In flight-making an arrangement has first to be 
 decided upon, and the materials procured ; this 
 settled, the hooks are to be lashed in the positions 
 needed, to work out the pattern selected. A pike 
 flight is the best to commence upon, the coarser 
 materials are the more readily united. In wrapping 
 gimp it is often advisable to unwind the end of the 
 gimp for a distance equal to one-half of the hook's 
 shank, as this ensures a desirable taper. In wrapping 
 on a triangle or treble hook, the same thing is needful 
 to aid in security, the flossed end of the gimp being 
 in this case brought tightly round the back of one 
 of the hook's bend, and is then lashed alongside with 
 the wired portion of the gimp. A precaution advis- 
 able in the case of large fish is, to wind a strand of 
 the fine wire taken from the gimp over the silk 
 wrapping, this protects the latter in a measure from 
 the raking jaws of the fish. 
 
 For trout spinning traces fine flat tinsel, gilt or 
 
 silver, answers the same end, whilst it adds to the 
 
 attraction of the bait it adorns. A flight of hooks 
 
 protected thus will wear a much greater length 
 
 of time than a non-protected one ; varnish, of 
 
 course, is added, to give- finish and solidity to the 
 
 whole. 
 
 Barrel and dropper leads are moulded in metal 
 
 moulds made for the purpose ; but, from lead wire 
 
 of the requisite thickness both may be fashioned. 
 
 For the first-named the wire, after being cut the 
 
 length required, needs tapering towards each 
 
 extremity, which done, it may be partially split 
 
3l6 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 from end to end with a knife, the gut or gimp 
 untwisted, and then closed in the same way as a 
 split shot. A minnow tackle dropper may be 
 fashioned in the same way, but in lieu of the 
 splitting, a small hole is drilled at one end, from 
 which the whole should gradually taper. Two-thirds 
 of an inch is the usual length of a lead of this 
 description. It should, in the case of being bored, 
 be attached to the trace by means of a loop, to admit 
 of freedom. Movable lip hooks are also looped on. 
 The hook in this case is tied on to a separate scrap 
 of gut, the ends of which are turned back on the 
 hook's shank, and secured with the tying silk, thus 
 forming two tiny loops through which the main line 
 or trace may be threaded, a twist of this around the 
 middle of the shank, after being threaded through 
 one loop, and before going through the next, is often 
 done, to ensure a necessary degree of stiffness to the 
 movable hook. 
 
 Cast making is a task of easy accomplishment, 
 when the knots are known, as after the most useful 
 of these are acquired, care in tapering the cast, in 
 utilising the gut by the least possible expenditure 
 of material, in waste ends from knots, is readily 
 attained. The knot most indispensable is the one 
 known as the fisherman's. It is formed as follows : 
 place the two ends (one in each hand) it is desired 
 to unite horizontally side by side, take one of them 
 and turn it back so as to form a loop, now bring the 
 tag end of this loop round under the straight end of 
 -the gut hitherto untouched, and then through the 
 
KNOTS. 317 
 
 loop. It is merely forming a couple of Staffordshire 
 knots, the one being knotted on to the other. This 
 knot is invaluable in cast making, as it may be 
 opened without loss of time (by drawing the two 
 knots apart) when it is desired to exchange the fly. 
 A little practice with a piece of twine soon leads to 
 the acquirement of the knots most commonly in 
 use amongst inland anglers. The " bow-line " knot 
 forms a loop which never draws ; it is sometimes 
 used for attaching the droppers to a cast not made 
 with the opening knot above described. The " bow- 
 line " is also formed on the lines of the well-known 
 Staffordshire knot, as one end of the gut, or other 
 substance forming the knot alluded to, is brought 
 back and re-inserted in the open bow of the knot, 
 the other end is then threaded through the second 
 loop thus formed, the dropper — if knotted to prevent 
 slipping — is inserted in any part of the knot prior to 
 its being tightened up. If no knot is used upon the 
 gut of the dropper, it is threaded through twice or 
 thrice, and is tightened as before, and all is secure 
 with very little show of a splicing place. 
 
 The ordinary " slip link," or catch, is another 
 useful knot by which the " bob " flies may be secured. 
 It is most convenient, owing to its simplicity, and the 
 rapidity with which the operation may be accom- 
 plished, without severing the cast. It merely consists 
 of a bowed loop or link, threaded by yet another 
 link ; the first being drawn tight, leaves the second 
 loop open for the knotted dropper, which is inserted, 
 the cast being pulled at each side of the knot to bed 
 
3l8 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 the whole securely. By this method the " bob " flies- 
 may be fixed on in a moment or two at any time, 
 and when it is desired to exchange them for others, 
 by cutting away the knot on the dropper, the cast 
 knot will straighten out on being pulled, thus 
 rendering it intact, both in the operation of attaching 
 and releasing the " bobs." As a matter of course, 
 the knots of the cast are avoided in fixing the 
 dropper appendages by means of the two last 
 methods given. 
 
 For spinning traces, the double looped knot is 
 useful. It simply consists of two well-knotted or 
 well-wrapped loops threaded together, the one loop 
 passing through the other being threaded so as to 
 form a detachable looped knot ; for instance, loop A 
 is put through loop B, and the opposite end of loop 
 B is then passed through loop A, which completes the 
 connection ; this forms an easy detachable joining, 
 most convenient in salmon and pike fishing, and for 
 spinning purposes generally. 
 
 We have now dealt with the construction of the 
 more important items in the anglers' equipage, 
 including rod making, fly making (the latter in an 
 earlier portion of the work), flight making, etc., etc., 
 we shall, therefore, now append, by way of con- 
 clusion, a few recipes likely to prove of value' to 
 the fraternity of fishermen who find pleasure in 
 manipulating their own tackle, as also to anglers 
 generally. 
 
319 
 
 RECIPES. 
 
 Gut Dyk. — Take a handful of logwood chips* to a 
 pint of cold hard water, and place in an earthenware 
 vessel, and gently heat it near a slow fire, or in an 
 oven until a few degrees off boiling point, then add 
 a small portion of copperas or sulphate of iron — 
 say of the size of a No. 4 shot. The whole should 
 be well stirred after the addition of the copperas. 
 This done, and the colour deemed correct, the gut 
 may be inserted in a loose coil. No tightness should 
 be permitted to exist about it, as it may cause a 
 divergency of shade in the places tightly bound, or 
 in any way compressed. A small piece of white 
 cotton may with safety be loosely wound around, 
 to hold the hank together. 
 
 There are numbers of stains for gut in use, but 
 none are so well adapted to take off the surplus glaze 
 as the one given above. 
 
 A very strong solution of green tea will tint drawn 
 gut, but for the enamelled it is not sufficiently 
 permanent or pronounced. Ink is largely used by 
 amateur fishermen for gut staining. From the nature 
 of some of the usual ingredients the deleterious effects 
 are often deplorable. Inks are so variously made, 
 that it is at best a haphazard venture — one that too 
 often proves deceptive and delusive. The tendency 
 of an excess of this substance is to rot the gut, and 
 
 * It is often as well to use exclusively the larger pieces, as with 
 the very small, other substances are frequently mixed up designedly or 
 accidentally. 
 
320 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 to unduly darken it for proper use, as we have 
 already stated. The light brown shades' needed for 
 some habitually discoloured waters are yielded by 
 fustic chips, barberry bark, and the best coffee beans 
 (well roasted), these in equal quantities. 
 
 •To KEEP Moths from Feathers. — There are 
 many receipts for this purpose, but practically they 
 are but partially successful. Powders of various 
 kinds are useful. Arsenic mixed with pepper (black 
 or white) is good, as is also ammonia, but a more 
 efficacious mode of keeping valuable feathers is the 
 following : — Place in well-made or closely-fitting 
 boxes of wood, tin, or other material, the feathers it 
 is intended to preserve, and keep an uncorked bottle 
 of spirit of mineral naptha inside. So long as it is 
 so kept, no moth can exist in such a case or box. 
 With very valuable feathers, it is an unfailing plan of 
 evading the devastating moth to place in India 
 rubber bags,* tightly tying up the entrance afterwards, 
 and charging the same with a weak solution of india 
 rubber, dissolved in naptha or methylated spirit. 
 This, of course, is infallible as a preventative, as 
 is easily conceivable. Though prevention is un- 
 doubtedly the best polic}', still it may be advisable 
 to say what can be done with a stock of feathers or 
 flies once infested and damaged, and not totally 
 destroyed by the larva of moths. The first thing to 
 do is to place the package so infested in an oven 
 heated by a slow fire, and when the grub-like forms 
 
 * Old rubber cushions, etc. , answer well for this purpose, or sheet 
 mackintosh may be made into bags with the dissolved rubber. 
 
VARNISHES FOR PISCATORY PURPOSES. 32 1 
 
 to be seen in the midst of the work of damage are 
 found to be dried, the parcel may be rummaged 
 over, the good being carefully picked from the 
 worthless, which latter should be burned or otherwise 
 effectually destroyed. 
 
 To MAKE THE BEST TRANSPARENT WAX. — For 
 fly-making purposes, take of best resin 2 oz., f oz. of 
 ordinary white wax, simmer them together in an 
 earthenware vessel from five to seven minutes, and 
 pour into cold water ; then work the whole by 
 pulling it until white and pliable, it may then be 
 scissored up into small pieces for convenience in 
 use. The above freshens up the colour of the silk, 
 rendering it in a degree waterproof and lasting ; these 
 advantages are due to the absence of tallow, suet, 
 or other fatty substance. The practice of employing 
 Burgundy pitch is deprecatory on the score of 
 discolouration. The presence of grease in wax is 
 bad for the same cause, as we have already pointed 
 out. 
 
 Waterproof Varnish. — The best "Copal" is 
 preferable for wear and protective qualities. It 
 forms a sheet like glass over an article coated with 
 it, and will retain it for many years, but the length of 
 time needed for drying is so great (from two to three 
 weeks), that save for the most choice articles it is 
 eschewed. The variety known as " Oak " varnish 
 is good, it quickly dries hard, and is durable. 
 Carriage varnish is more generally useful for rods, 
 etc., as elegance in appearance is combined with 
 sterling utility and wear-resisting qualities. Cheap 
 
 W 
 
322 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 varnish is false economy. The best qualities of oil 
 varnish are seen to be light and clear, and free from 
 impurities when held up to the light. Prior to 
 varnishing an old rod, it is advisable to rub it down 
 (especially about the handle), with turpentine or 
 powdered pumice stone, in order to make an even 
 foundation upon which the oil varnish can harden, or 
 a coat of spirit varnish will answer the same purpose. 
 
 Spirit Varnishes for General Tackle. — 
 These differ very widely from those previously 
 alluded to. They will dry upon any foundation 
 whatever, in from a few minutes to a few hours. 
 Some are resinous, but these the angler should avoid, 
 as they are not adapted to resist exposure to the action 
 of the weather. Others consist of dissolved gums, and 
 some of these are good for hook wrappings, bindings, 
 etc., being fairly waterproof The most useful may 
 be had from the following : — Gum shellac, dissolved 
 in methylated spirits or vegetable naptha ; 2 oz. of 
 the gum will be sufficient for about half a pint of the 
 spirit. Place the vessel containing the admixture 
 in the influence of warm air, but if a bottle, take care 
 the cork is not tight down, or an explosion is 
 inevitable. The above is most useful as a dressing 
 for hook wrappings, and exposed silk bindings of 
 any and every description that may occur in the 
 anglers' tackle. When applied with a soft linen rag 
 the above forms an admirable and durable polish for 
 rods and all wood work. 
 
 Line Dressing. — India rubber, dissolved, acts as 
 a very good dressing for reel lines. It wears well, 
 
LINE DRESSINGS. 323 
 
 and preserves the silk from the action of the air 
 and water. In a preparation of this kind the greatest 
 caution is needful in choice of materials, as to 
 employ inferior or adulterated rubber, or weak 
 diluted spirit, would be but to anticipate defeat in 
 the object sought after at the onset. Pure rubber 
 must therefore be obtained, and placed in contact 
 with a pure spirit, whether of wine, turpentine, 
 naptha (vegetable), or methylated, it matters not, 
 strength and purity are the primary points. The 
 silk line may be steeped in the preparation when 
 ready, and when thoroughly saturated through may 
 be well shaken or lightly rubbed down, and then 
 subjected to the drying influence of a warm room. 
 Some days or even weeks in a low temperature must 
 elapse ere the drying is near being hard. Air of a 
 uniform temperature of about ioo° will materially 
 quicken the process. The numerous oil dressings 
 are generally bad in their after effects, rotting the 
 fibre of the line upon which they are applied to 
 protect ; but, when oils are boiled, and silks and 
 similar textiles are introduced to a seething mess, 
 the deleterious effects are more speedily and 
 pronouncedly shown. If a line be first charged 
 with sugar of lead, dissolved in luke-warm water 
 (the former to be of sufficient strength to make the 
 water milk white), and then allowed to dry thoroughly, 
 a dressing of cold boiled oil and gold size will have 
 very little indeed of the deplorable effects. One of 
 the most frequent defects in dressed lines is outside 
 coatings. This is certain to shell away with friction, 
 
324 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 no matter what the dressing may consist of. In 
 some receipts paste and starch is used wherewith 
 to charge the line before waterproofing, with the 
 ostentatious purpose of preventing the protective 
 dressing penetrating to the centre. The object in 
 view is to keep the preparation upon the surface to 
 form a body smooth and sleek to the eye, to save 
 the necessity of more dressings needed to combine 
 a pleasing appearance with durability. As the 
 originators of the system of waterproofing and 
 plaiting silk lines, it is purely with the best of motives 
 that we point out existing sources of discredit, when 
 wide-spread and growing in extent, as is most 
 certainly the case with the points alluded to. As 
 a renovating dressing for old lines the following 
 admixture is good : — Take of fly-makers' wax, sugar 
 of lead, and solid paraffin, one-third each, and dissolve 
 by heat, then pour into a shallow vessel, and cut 
 into cakes convenient for use. This preparation is 
 also most useful as a stiffening dressing for limp 
 spinning or trolling lines. A rub down will render 
 an awkwardly kinking and curling line comparatively 
 pleasant to use. 
 
 Feather Staining. — To attempt to enumerate 
 the whole range of the shades of colour would 
 require far more space than could be wisely 
 accorded in a general work of the present character ; 
 therefore, we shall merely append a hint or two 
 applicable to feather staining generally, to be 
 followed by a few natural dyes, useful more 
 particularly to the trout fisher. Gay colours, and 
 
DYES. 325 
 
 all pronounced shades needful in hackle and streamer 
 staining for salmon-fly making may be got from the 
 new Aliiline Dyes. These are prepared from coal 
 tar, and may be obtained either in crystalline form 
 or dissolved. The former is more generally to be 
 preferred, owing to greater strength. 
 
 Stains useful for the materials for small fly making 
 are of another and totally different order. They 
 must be of sterling value, be permanent, sombre, and 
 harmless in their effects upon the delicate feather 
 fibres to be operated upon. In preparing a batch of 
 feathers for staining, the uniform size required should 
 be selected, these should be first soaked in warm water 
 in which has been placed a scrap of common soap or 
 soda, this removes the oil natural to the feather, and 
 enables the dye to strike evenly throughout ; when 
 drained they are ready for the dye. In the case of 
 large feathers it may be as well, in order to strike a 
 delicate hue, to first steep in a solution of sulphuric 
 acid ; but generally speaking this is uncalled for. We 
 now append a few useful receipts for natural dyes : — 
 
 Fiery Brown. — Camwood, logwood, or partridge 
 wood chips in equal parts, boiled in pure water. 
 
 Olive. — Fustic and camwood, or logwood in 
 equal parts, with a very small portion of copperas 
 added when at the boiling point, the last-named 
 determines the shade. The outside of large onions 
 boiled also are good. 
 
 Green. — An infusion of fustic chips, to which 
 must be added oil of vitriol, in a quantity sufficient to 
 gain the shade required, 
 
326 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 Light Yellow. — Barberry bark in solution. 
 
 Dark Yellow. — Walnut chuncks. 
 
 Dun. — Logwood and copperas (see gut dyeing). 
 
 Brown. — Take of fustic chips two-thirds, and of 
 logwood chips one-third, and boil in rain water. 
 
 Black. — Take half a pound of logwood chips, and 
 boil in a pint and a half of water ; this done, put in 
 one ounce of copperas and stir up. 
 
 To Stain Gimp. — Take of camwood chips four 
 ounces, and boil in a vessel, and drop into it (after 
 cooling a little) oil of vitriol sufficient for the precise 
 shade of colour desired. Fine white gimp may be 
 stained admirably by the blue gut dye. 
 
 Waterproof Dressing for Boots. — Mineral 
 naptha and black japan, equal parts, add a small 
 quantity, mix into a liquid, and apply with a brush. 
 Another dressing, sperm oil, bees-wax, solid paraffin, 
 and sugar of lead, melt together into a paste, colour 
 with lamp black, and apply warm before a fire.* 
 
 Hints foe the Preservation of Gut, etc. — 
 Never expose the delicate materials used for fly 
 making to the action of the sun and air more than 
 can possibly be avoided. Gut and silk lose their 
 strength and colour. Tinsels and furs, and the 
 usual body materials lose their brilliancy, and 
 l:)ecome entirely worthless on being exposed for a 
 protracted period. A gut cast is quickly covered 
 with bright silvery specks, on being submitted to the 
 action of the hot sun whilst coiled around the crown 
 
 * Strawson's boot dressing is also very good. We have found it act 
 most admirably in the most trying circumstances. 
 
MODES OF PACKING FISH. 327 
 
 of the hat. The waxed silk in the body of an 
 artificial fly works loose, and is soon whipped to 
 shreds, or is drawn by a fish. Exposure is the 
 baneful source of many ills — a source too often 
 overlooked and unsuspected. 
 
 The exercise of care in properly casing, not only 
 casts, but flies and fine bottom tackle generally, when 
 not required for use, it will be obvious is of the 
 utmost importance.* Upon the other hand, reel lines 
 and nets of every description require a given amount 
 of exposure to dry thoroughly, as, if put up in a heap 
 wet, will, even in the case of waterproof articles, 
 ensure decay in time. A valuable trammel, sheet, or 
 other description of net will become so tender in a 
 short time as to >be utterly worthless, if thrown aside 
 immediately after use, without spreading and drying. 
 Lines of all kinds should be coiled from the ^eel and 
 hung upon a peg, wound upon the back of a chair, , 
 or placed elsewhere for a short time until dry. 
 
 To Test Old Gut. — First soak for ten minutes 
 in tepid water, then allow to dry before testing. 
 Even new gut, when wet from the warm dye, is 
 temporarily tender. Warm water would appear to 
 strike to the core of the gut whilst under its influence, 
 deteriorating from its strength. It is necessary in the 
 case of the old gut, as the humid nature has perished 
 and needs reviving. 
 
 To Pack Fish. — Fresh fish may be safely packed 
 
 * A small compact circular box is most useful for carrying, not only 
 casts and loose flies, but spinning flights, worm tackles, etc., circular 
 partitions effectually preventing entanglements. 
 
328 AMATEUR TACKLE MAKING, ETC. 
 
 in wheaten straw alone, a straight bundle being 
 fairly tied at one end with twine, the fish inserted in 
 the middle of the straw, which is evenly spread 
 - around ; the twine is now wound around the whole 
 until the end opposite is reached, when it is securely 
 fastened off, the straw cut level at each extremity, 
 and all is complete for the label. When a long 
 journey is intended, the fish should be rubbed dry, 
 and some preservative should be used. A lump of 
 salt, sugar, or charcoal placed inside each fish, or 
 even in the mouth, will suffice for any ordinary 
 journey.* 
 
 * Glycerine and liquid gum arable, when applied to thf external 
 surface, will tend to retain the colour of fish it is wished to preserve 
 and case. 
 
329 
 
 Chapter XVII. 
 
 ABOUT HOOKS. 
 
 Crippled Hooks ; The Over-barbed Hook ; 
 Defects in Temper, etc. ; the Limerick ; 
 Kendal-Sneck ; Carlisle ; Kirby ; and 
 THE " Swan " Bend ; the New Eyed 
 Hooks. 
 
 IN a country which takes the lead in piscatorial 
 pursuits, and whose improvements serve as the 
 type and pattern for other nations, constant progress 
 should at least be made, and improvements achieved 
 in order to retain the position gained. If there is one 
 thing more than another, in this branch of industry 
 that we excel in, it is the manufacture of our hooks. 
 These are in general use upon the continent, in the 
 colonies, and everywhere where the angling art is 
 practised.* It will, therefore, be readily conceded by 
 all who have devoted attention to the subject, that 
 more attention is due to this important item in the 
 angler's equipage and in our national commerce, than 
 has, of late years, been bestowed upon it. Previous 
 
 * There is scarcely a single hook manufactory anywhere outside 
 England, and what few there are in the United States, do not meet a 
 tithe of the home demand. 
 
33° ABOUT HOOKS. 
 
 to our suggesting any improvements in detail, we 
 intend calling attention to a few very common defects 
 in hooks, as generally constructed, to which may be 
 directly traced much unnecessary loss and disaster. 
 
 The excessively bony nature of the mouth of most 
 fish has frequently a very trying effect upon the 
 hook, therefore, any little deficiency in its make, or 
 manner of construction, leads to untold evils. In 
 order to render ourselves intelligible to the reader we 
 shall first describe the usual system of making the 
 hook. First, then, the wire is struck off in given 
 lengths, in accordance with the size of the hook 
 required ; next, the point is formed and the shank 
 reduced by a few strokes of the file ; and next, the 
 barb is cut by means of a large knife. All is now 
 ready for bending, which is one of the most particular 
 items in the construction, as the operation decides the 
 shape, and, consequently, the particular species of 
 hook to be produced. This is quickly done by 
 means of a small steel block around which the wire 
 is bent, the shape of the block varying according to 
 the particular bend required. Now comes the final 
 operation, viz., that of tempering. This is done in a 
 large pan over a slow furnace. Millions of hooks are 
 frequently tempered in one operation, therefore the 
 greatest care should be bestowed upon this important 
 point ; but of this more anon. The most fertile 
 source of complaint is, we believe, the undue 
 weakness of the majority of hooks at the barb (see 
 diagram VI., fig. 2). A deeply barbed hook rnay be 
 safely discarded as being too dangerous to use. 
 
EVIL OF DEEP BARBS. 331 
 
 There is no earthly necessity for it. Not only is 
 the wire half cut through by the operation, but the 
 point of the hook is forced quite out of the straight 
 line; thus, not only requiring heavier striking to 
 properly hook a fish, but being more liable to snap 
 by the sudden strain. The very action of inserting 
 the bearding knife too deeply causes the point to 
 project outwards inadvertently (see diagram, fig. 2), 
 giving it a "scratch and let go" appearance, and no 
 less effect ; indeed, there are but two alternatives 
 for a hook of this description when a fish is caught 
 upon the gristly or bony part of the mouth — (i) to 
 scratch as described, or (2) to break clean off at the 
 barb near the point of the hook. We have seen hooks 
 fitted with costly salmon flies, nine-tenths of them 
 being quite useless, having broken at this identical 
 point. A batch was shown to us by (the late) Mr. 
 Frank Buckland, H.M. Inspector of Inland Fisheries, 
 numbering one hundred and twenty-seven, all broken. 
 The original value ranged from five shillings to one 
 guinea each. Nine of these were broken at the 
 sharp bend of the Limerick hook, the whole of the 
 remainder at the barb. The loss incurred at this 
 rate is considerable, and when we take the fish into 
 account, it is simply monstrous. 
 
 This defect is by no means confined to the 
 Limerick bend of hook ; it is frequently more 
 conspicuous in the Sneck or Kendal bent hooks, 
 so universally used in trout fishing : vide the 
 experience of everybody. Another point of para- 
 mount importance is the tempering, as when this 
 
332 ABOUT HOOKS. 
 
 is done in a defective manner, by being left too 
 high or too low in temperament, another source of 
 disappointment and loss ensues as the inevitable 
 result. Amongst non-ja-panned hooks uselessly soft 
 ones may sometimes be distinguished by the colour, 
 as when steel is left a very light blue, it is invariably 
 soft and pliable. The best tempered hooks are left 
 a purple-blue colour. In japanned hooks the only 
 reliable way of detecting faulty ones is to test them 
 by sticking the point in a piece of porous wood or 
 cork, and applying a heavy though steady strain to 
 the shank. Our idea of a perfect Limerick salmon 
 hook we give upon the diagram, fig. 3. The distance 
 from the ienii to the poini is greatly diminished ; 
 the barb and , point being short and sharp are well 
 adapted to take good and firm hold upon a hard or 
 soft substance. The main strength of metal, too, is 
 just where most needed, namely, at the sudden turn 
 of the bend, which, it may be observed, is not nearly 
 so sharp or decisive as in the old style Limerick. 
 Experience teaches, so says the maxim. Experience 
 long since taught us that changes in this respect 
 were absolutely necessary, and for an equally long 
 period experience, the self-same teacher, has proved 
 the hook now submitted to be perfectly exempt from 
 the evils previously pointed out. The Kendal Sneck, 
 to which we have already made some allusion, is the 
 bend generally adopted for trout flies. It is often 
 made from very fine wire, which renders it useless for 
 a heavy fish. This is the hook most generally used 
 for dry-fly fishing. A judiciously tapered shank will 
 
THE KENDAL HOOK. 333 
 
 reduce the weight whilst retaining the full strength 
 requisite for an emergency round the bend. This, 
 as we have already pointed out, is of the most vital 
 importance ; an exhibition of false economy in this 
 matter will cause the angler's skill to avail nothing. 
 We know of no more tantalizing thing than to lose 
 the heaviest fish of the day, month, or season, through 
 a defective hook. When once a fish is well hooked 
 upon sound "tack," it is the rodster's own fault if 
 he fails to land it. A spell at the salmon will 
 frequently put out the delicacy of the trout fisher's 
 touch, and he, by too sanguine striking, will lose 
 every fish he hooks, either by breaking away the hold, 
 or otherwise the hook. The range of Kendal hooks, 
 given upon the plate, shows the relative strength and 
 sizes of what we have used for trouting flies for 
 many years. The Kendal hook should be slightly 
 crooked or twisted in the bend, as the body and the 
 hackle standing out will, to some extent, serve to 
 guard the point. A great many of the short rises 
 one experiences sometimes, are due to the non- 
 observance of this rule, the fish taking the fly with 
 the skin of his teeth, so to speak, the point fails to 
 take any hold whatever. The wide " span " of the 
 salmon hook obviates the necessity of this. The 
 trout hook then, for the same reason, should have 
 reasonable scope in this respect, so as to be capable 
 of taking broad hold and to retain it. The point and 
 barb should be anything but " proud ; " the evils of 
 this are far more objectionable, whilst being quite as 
 prevalent, in smaller and lighter hooks, than has been 
 
334 ABOUT HOOKS. 
 
 shown in the case of the heavy Limerick. The 
 relative weight-sustaining powers of straight-pointed 
 and "rake-pointed" hooks may be exemplified in the 
 following manner. Take a " rake " pointed, deeply 
 barbed Limerick, Kendal, or any other bend, and 
 take also a " straight " pointed hook of the same size 
 and strength of metal. Secure a length of gut to the 
 shank of each hook, and stick the points slightly into 
 a deal board, and now attach a spring-balance to 
 each piece of gut, and pull. The staying powers of 
 the "straight point" will be found to be almost double 
 that of the others. 
 
 Up to a recent date eyed hooks have been looked 
 upon as associated only with the most primitively 
 uncouth styles of angling. The recent development 
 above implied is known as " Hall's Eyed Hook,'' it 
 having been invented and introduced by Mr. H. S. 
 Hall (Clifton, Bristol), who, with several of his friends 
 have devoted much time and trouble to its perfection. 
 
 The hook is refined to an extent difficult to 
 conceive from description. The advantages claimed 
 are its adaptability for dry fly fishing (this, owing to 
 delicacy of make and quality of metal), the economy 
 incurred by the loop shank in lieu of the attached 
 gut, and the convenience common to all looped flies 
 which are sufficiently well understood to obviate a 
 detailed allusion here. We have used the new eyed 
 hook and find in it elements of merit sufficient to 
 warrant mention in these pages. The advantages 
 claimed are fully borne out by its use. It will be seen 
 that the loop projects upwards (See plate VL, fig. 4). 
 
Plate VI, 
 
 f3 
 
 SWAN BENT HOOK 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 FIG. 6 RANGE OF KENDAL SNECK HOOKS 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 W^ 
 
 lol 1" 
 
HEAVY HOOKS. 335 
 
 This in a manner casts the weight upon the wings, 
 and preserves the equilibrium of the "artificial." 
 The gut may be attached to the loop, as in the case 
 of Salmon flies, by means of the slip knot, known as 
 the " Carrick bend," with this difference, that the gut is 
 passed through the underside of the loop first. 
 
 Hooks used for spinning purposes are required 
 to be very heavily ironed, more especially for Pike ; 
 weak triangles are the rule rather than the exception. 
 Weight here is no detriment but rather an advantage. 
 In selecting hooks, the weight they are required to 
 bear should always be taken into consideration, and 
 the thickness of the wire chosen accordingly. Treble 
 hooks for Salmon and Pike fishing in particular, are 
 much too delicate, generally speaking. We have 
 seen several triangles broken at the strike of a heavy 
 fish. The temper of many triangles, or brazed 
 hooks sold, has been affected during the brazing 
 operation. The plan generally adopted over-tempers 
 them, thus causing them to be hard and brittle ; and 
 as two or sometimes three and more hooks have 
 frequently to be driven home, the odds are that if 
 the fish does not break them the rodster often does. 
 Breakages are so rife in the case of brazed hooks, 
 owing mainly to the causes above named, that many 
 anglers have been led to eschew them altogether ; but 
 the fault lies largely with the angler who selects them 
 too fine and delicate in the metal. 
 
 The hooks requisite for successful roach fishing 
 should be moderately long-shanked. We prefer the 
 " Sneck '' to the " round " or Carlisle bend, the latter 
 
336 ABOUT HOOKS. 
 
 being frequently too short in the shank, and having 
 much too exaggerated a " span " in the bend to work 
 with a short shank properly. The remarks anent 
 weak wire apply equally to round bend roach 
 hooks ; and if we combine with the above the usual 
 fault of a turned-out, rakish-looking point, no room 
 is left for surprise at the many disasters incurred 
 by their use. The greater utility of a well-pro- 
 portioned hook may be easily ascertained by the 
 following simple experiment. Take two hooks — a 
 moderately long-shanked one nicely tapered, with a 
 straight point, and a short-shanked hook with a 
 turned-out point. Attach gut to each. Now procure 
 a small piece of parchment or thin card-board, upon 
 which take good hold with both hooks and endeavour 
 to penetrate this by applying equal pressure to each. 
 If this is done at all evenly the long-shanked hook 
 will quickly pierce the substance, making a clean 
 incision ; meanwhile the attitude of the remaining 
 hook scarcely admits of any impression being made 
 at all, a perfectly flat surface being presented from 
 the tip of the point to the end of the barb, which 
 effectually prevents any incision. 
 
 Most of the various forms or bends of the hooks 
 now in use were introduced before the advent of 
 the present century. Of these, however, there have 
 since been many modifications and variations. One 
 of the oldest bends is the " Kirby," the originator, 
 Charles Kirby, having lived and flourished in the 
 17th century. In the third edition of an old book 
 on Angling, published in 1700, entitled, " The Angler's 
 
ANCIENT TACKLE. 337 
 
 Vade Mecuml' — a copy of which we are pleased to 
 be able to say we have in our possession — the follow- 
 ing quaint advertisement appears appended to the 
 preface : — 
 
 "At the Sign of the Fish, in Black Horse Alley 
 near Fleet Bridge, liveth Will Browne, who maketh 
 all sorts of Fishing Rods, and selleth all sorts of 
 Fishing Tackle ; also Charlie Kirb^s Hooks, with 
 Worms, Gentles and Fly's ; and also the East India 
 Weed, which is the only thing for Trout, Carp, and 
 Bottom Fishing, first being- well soaked for half-an- 
 hour before you use it in water, being of a brittle 
 nature, if not moistened before used, and then proves 
 so strong and fine, of a water-colour, that it deceives 
 the Fish, much more than Hair or Silk. Note — That 
 Kirbfs Hooks are known by the fineness of the Wyer 
 and Strength, and many Shops sell Counterfeit for his, 
 which prove prejudicial to the User. The true Kirby^s 
 are to be sold by Will Browne and nowhere Else." 
 
 Kirby's hooks, however, have long since been dis- 
 carded, except in perch and such like fishing. 
 Another hook that used to be greatly in vogue was 
 the " Staple-bend." Sproat's, too, have now about 
 gone out. Those in general use at the present day 
 are the Sneck or Kendal, the Limerick, and Carlisle, 
 or round bend ; for eels, the bend known as the 
 " Shepherd's Crook," are greatly used. 
 
 For fine grayling fishing, perhaps, a really strong 
 and delicate hook is more essential than in any other 
 style or system of angling. The grayling is a much 
 more fastidious fish than the tro.ut, and is moreover 
 
 X 
 
338 ABOUT HOOKS. 
 
 the most tender-mouthed fish that swims. It is no 
 uncommon thing for the angler, when fishing for 
 grayling, to find a portion of the jaw of an escaped 
 fish remaining upon his hook ; more especially when 
 rough bottom tackle is used. The hook useful for 
 trout is, generally speaking, too large and heavy for 
 grayling, the excessively small flies, he usually prefers 
 being difficult to copy when a clumsy and heavy hook 
 is employed. There has long been a want felt of 
 a suitable hook for grayling, to be at once light, 
 durable, and effective in shape and make. Many 
 experiments we have tried in years past with the 
 view of surmounting this difficulty, but failure was 
 the characteristic feature of each, until we accidentally 
 hit upon a peculiar bend (fig. 5), which was found 
 to work with unusual success. Conjointly with 
 several friends of the rod, we have tested this hook 
 thoroughly, and with perfectly satisfactory results. 
 
 This hook has been designated the " Swan "-bend, 
 and as such it is known amongst the few anglers who 
 have hitherto kept it a secret. It may be gathered 
 from what has been previously stated that the faults 
 and deficiencies, as well as the merits of hooks, 
 rest to a great extent with the manufacturer ; and 
 we would observe that Messrs. Allcock & Co., from 
 the large extent of their productions, are enabled 
 to devote every attention to the all-important details 
 to which we have alluded. This firm have always 
 assiduously and carefully carried out any suggestion 
 submitted to them, never failing to give the most 
 complete satisfaction. 
 
339 
 
 Chapter XVIII. 
 
 TROUT CULTURE. 
 
 Origin of the Art of Pisciculture; Its 
 Great Importance and Utility ; Method 
 OF Procedure ; Spawning ; Hatching ; 
 Time Requisite for Vivifying and Rear- 
 ing ; The Wet and Dry Process of 
 Spawning ; Hatching Apparatus. 
 
 THE immense progress yearly achieved both at 
 home and abroad in the artificial cultivation of 
 well-nigh every variety of fish, cannot fail to be noted 
 with pleasure by fishermen generally. It would be 
 difficult to say who really originated the system of 
 artificially propagating fish : certain is it that it was 
 unknown and unpractised by the ancients. Perhaps 
 the earliest writer upon it was Jacobe, a German, who 
 lived in the last century, a translation from whose 
 book is given by Yarrell.* His proposals would not, 
 however, seem to have been followed out, as until 
 within the last forty years nothing further appears to 
 have been written upon the subject About this 
 time two French fishermen, Gehin and Remy, of 
 La Bresse, in the Department of the Vosges, first 
 
 * Vol. ii., pp. 87—96 
 
340 TROUT CULTURE. 
 
 practically developed what had been previously known 
 to eminent men of science as a scientific curiosity, 
 and not as of practical utility. A few years saw 
 the whole of the rivers and streams of the Vosges, 
 Moselle, and Bas-Rhin, which had previously been 
 almost depopulated, well stocked with fish. The 
 Government, on its part, saw that the application of 
 artificial propagation to the rivers and streams of the 
 whole country would not only afford employment to 
 a vast number of persons, but would enable an 
 immense addition to be made, at scarcely any expense, 
 to the food supply of the nation. The lakes and 
 rivers of France were therefore replenished with not 
 only trout and salmon, but with divers other species 
 of fresh water fish. The United States have since 
 adopted this method of replenishing their somewhat 
 exhausted waters, and with still greater success. 
 
 Though we in the narrow boundaries of our sea-girt 
 isle, do not look upon our inland fisheries as being 
 so much the auxiliary of our national bread-basket, 
 as a field for a time-honoured national pastime and 
 recreation, still, as the popularity of this sport widens 
 yearly, the artificial propagation of our best kinds of 
 migratory and non-migratory fish ought to, and must, 
 be cultivated in corresponding degree. Long and 
 patient study of the habits of male and female fish at 
 spawning time proves that scarcely one in a hundred 
 of the eggs deposited by the female in the beds of 
 rivers, and duly fecundated, come to maturity, the 
 rest being devoured by other fish, washed away, or 
 destroyed by the shifting bed of the water. It is also 
 
CAPTURE OF STOCK FISH. 34I 
 
 found that of this small percentage of successfully 
 hatched fry, the major part again is devoured by the 
 larger fish of the same or different species. The 
 incalculable utility, therefore, of fertilizing artificially 
 at a rate of from eighty to ninety per cent., which can 
 easily and simply be done, as we shall proceed to 
 show, will be obvious to all. 
 
 Apart from this, Fish-culture forms in itself a really 
 interesting amusement, as instructive as it is pleasing, 
 being free from all cruelty, and affording indeed a 
 perfect fund of interest and enjoyment to the lover of 
 nature and her beauties. Very many proprietors of 
 trouting streams, known to the writer, annually hatch 
 thousands of trout, which are used for re-stocking 
 brooks and streams far and near. The spawning and 
 hatching of trout takes place in winter, when cold 
 weather sets in, sooner or later according to the 
 locality of the stream and the weather. The trout 
 run up into small side streams or tributaries to spawn. 
 The spawning lasts three weeks or so usually, ' The 
 period greatly depends on the temperature of the 
 water and atmosphere. When stock fish are required 
 the overgrown weeds and other debris should be 
 removed from a rivulet or branch stream they are 
 known to frequent, and the pebbly gravel raked level 
 over upon a tempting shallow. This done, some 
 inviting shelter should be provided for them in the 
 stream to lie under, such as moored boards, sunken 
 hollow tile or drain pipes. When the fish are well up 
 upon the beds, which may be seen, as the cock trout 
 or milter works the gravel about, they may be caught. 
 
342 TROUT CULTURE. 
 
 Trammel nets must be used for this purpose, 
 fixing one at each end of the beds. The fish will 
 rush into the nets when the shelters are removed. 
 When caught, the sexes should be separated. They 
 are easily distinguished, as at spawning time the eggs 
 can be felt in the female fish, whilst in the male the 
 milt being a liquid, is easily recognised. Unless a 
 fish is thoroughly ripe it should be kept until it is, in 
 a box or can used for that purpose, as unripe eggs are 
 of no use for hatching purposes. The following is 
 the most approved method of procedure. 
 
 Spawning. — All being ready for the process, the 
 pan or vessel to be used is laid upon the ground, 
 tilted to one side, quite dry, a hen fish is taken from 
 the tub and allowed to kick about a short time to 
 induce it to lay its eggs more freely. The fish is 
 carefully held with a piece of woollen fabric in the 
 left hand, an assistant holding the tail. The fish is 
 held sideways, and the spawner with his right hand 
 strips the fish, beginning at the upper end of the ovary, 
 which extends nearly to the pectoral fin, and carrying 
 the pressure gently but quickly to the vent ; only 
 using the thumb and fourth finger. When one or 
 two hens are stripped, the milter is held over the 
 eggs, which are then fecundated, the milt being 
 abstracted in the same way. 
 
 Each fish should be carefully returned to the 
 shallow water. The pan should be tilted a little, so 
 as to mix the milt with the eggs, and then allowed 
 to stand for a few minutes, after which a little water 
 must be added, just enough to cover the eggs, and 
 
HATCHING. 343 
 
 the pan set aside until these have coinpletel)^ 
 separated. They may then be washed with cleaft 
 water and transferred to the receptacle prepared for 
 them. This should be filled with water, and the 
 eggs poured into it. The eggs of two hens are 
 sufficient for one pan, although the eggs of three or 
 even four hens may be fecundated by a full sized 
 milter. The eggs are then distributed in troughs by 
 a quill, or, better still, a glass tube ; covers are then 
 to be placed upon the troughs, and a good supply of 
 water turned on. In arranging eggs in troughs, begin 
 at the lowest, so that the shells from the first hatched 
 do not interfere with those hatched later on ; one 
 square foot of trough should be allowed to a thousand 
 or fifteen hundred eggs. A small quill feather may be 
 used in arranging the eggs, but should be handled 
 lightly, so that no two may touch each other. They 
 will hatch out much better for this, as when the eggs 
 are heaped pell-mell their fertility is in a measure 
 frustrated. 
 
 Hatching. — ^When the eggs are once placed in 
 the hatching trough they must remain there until 
 they are hatched. They require to be daily ex- 
 amined, and dead eggs carefully removed by means 
 of a pair of forceps or nippers, great care being 
 exercised not to injure the living. A dead egg is 
 opaque, and when once seen can scarcely be mistaken. 
 A species of alga grows upon the dead eggs if left 
 in the water, which spreads speedily over the healthy 
 ones in the vicinity, and would in time seriously im- 
 peril the well-being of the brood. In the event of 
 
-344 TROUT CULTURE. 
 
 a casualty of this nature being threatened, frequent 
 washings through a finely perforated ' watering pot 
 may avert the unfortunate result of neglect. These 
 discoloured eggs may in some cases hatch, but can 
 never be reared, the fry dying prematurely. 
 
 Seasons vary, and in precisely the same ratio do 
 the times of spawning and hatching. The latter 
 operation does not always occur at a stated time 
 after incubation. Late eggs hatch much sooner 
 than early ones, the temperature of the air and 
 water gradually accelerating the operation. The 
 longer the time consumed in attaining maturity for 
 hatching, the more vigorous will be the brood. 
 From numerous experiments we gather that, with a 
 maximum temperature of water of about fifty-five 
 degrees, both salmon and trout ova may be hatched 
 in from ninety-two to one hundred and six days ; but 
 in the case of the salmon, if the temperature be under 
 forty degrees, the hatch will not take place under one 
 hundred and thirty-five to one hundred and forty 
 days. As the eggs ripen they swell considerably, and 
 assume a beautiful yellow colour. 
 
 The general hatching period is heralded by the 
 appearance of several moving atoms more forward 
 than the rest, which have already burst the membrane. 
 This, the first stage of the trout's life, is called 
 the "Alevin" stage. The body consists of a fine 
 elongated substance, with a conspicuous pair of 
 optics ; this is sustained, horizontally, like the 
 trembling needle of the compass, by a much larger 
 body, which closely resembles a yellow ball of butter, 
 
THE ALEVIN STAGE. 345 
 
 or congealed oil, in appearance. When viewed 
 through the medium of a microscope this yolk-like 
 substance is seen to be part and parcel of the aquatic 
 being itself; blood veins traversing and retracing it 
 both inside and out. This is nature's provision, which 
 serves as proper sustenance for the first month or 
 six weeks, being an internal store of food by which 
 all the animal's needs are supplied. It rests quiet 
 for the first few days, wriggling but at intervals, but 
 after the fifth day or so a great desire to hide is 
 shown, and this is seen to be the case for about a 
 fortnight. Ere this length of time has elapsed the 
 little creatures will have gained much in size and 
 vigour, the fins and tail not only being fully de- 
 veloped, but in full and perfect use. The "Alevines " 
 will now be very desirous of emigrating, more 
 especially during the night, and if great care is not 
 taken in grating over the outlet of the water, serious 
 loss is certain to be sustained. No food need be 
 supplied yet, and all that it is necessary to do is to 
 carefully inspect the brood once per diem to remove 
 all bad eggs. 
 
 Rearing. — Immediately the vesicle has quite dis- 
 appeared, the fish are seen to be very active in their 
 movements, then it is time food should be given them. 
 The fry, when hungering, invariably dart at tiny 
 insects or other objects upon the water's surface. 
 Their first course should be hard-boiled yolk of egg, 
 which should be pressed through the fine gratings of 
 a delicate strainer, and, if merely to test their hunger, 
 some small gnats should be thrown to them. It is best 
 
346 • TROUT CULTURE. 
 
 at this stage to test the most forward lot daily. Gnats, 
 together with small blood worms, should be supplied 
 them for five or six weeks or so, and finely-chopped 
 or minced liver may be substituted by way of change : 
 three meals are ample during this period. Plenty 
 of room is requisite for the well-being of trout fry, 
 therefore a month or thereabouts after hatching, 
 part of the young fish should be removed to cisterns 
 or large tanks, through which runs briskly a constant 
 supply of water, the outlets being properly capped 
 by perforated zinc to prevent their exit. When a 
 suitable rivulet is available, and the natural aquatic 
 and aerial enemies of the young fry are comparatively 
 scarce, the best course to pursue is to confine the 
 whole brood in a part of the stream by the aid of 
 wire or zinc screens at given points. They should 
 have plenty of shelter, as a resort ; indeed we have 
 always found it best to cover quite half of the water 
 with boards, which enables them to shelter from the 
 hot rays of the sun. All obnoxious weeds should 
 be removed before the introduction of the fry. If a 
 few falls can be easily made they will have an 
 advantageous influence. It is generally the wisest 
 policy to keep up the fry until April or March follow- 
 ing the spring in which they are hatched ; but this 
 is simply a precaution. They should be fed well once 
 or twice a day as long as they are confined. Some 
 take out the larger fry periodically, and turn them 
 adrift where required. This however, is a matter quite 
 at the rearer's discretion; his object is attained as 
 soon as the trout can feed eagerly. As grayling 
 
CONDITIONS AS TO TEMPERATURE. 347 
 
 spawn in the hot months, it proves a comparatively- 
 easy matter to hatch and rear them. We have 
 hatched grayling in an ordinary square box, the 
 bottom being formed by a sheet of finely-pierced 
 zinc, the eggs placed upon this without any covering, 
 and the wood lid secured, a rope being then attached 
 to a staple fixed at one end of the box near the 
 bottom, and the box then moored in mid-stream so 
 that the water can flow intermittently through the 
 bottom, which acts so well upon the ova as to vivify 
 and cause it to hatch in a comparatively limited time. 
 
 To vivify salmon and trout ova when impregnated 
 by the milt, the combined influence of running water 
 of a given temperature, and of solar and atmospheric 
 action is required. The fish themselves, it must not 
 be forgotten, often ascend the stream to the very 
 source in order to gain a lower temperature, and the 
 maximum heat of the water should be about 55° to 
 produce a vigorous and healthy brood of fish, as we 
 have already stated. 
 
 Andamorous or migratory fish, it is well known, 
 invariably return to their native river after their 
 marine trip, for breeding purposes, therefore the rearer 
 of these has ultimately the full benefit of his enter- 
 prise ; and if only the water is adapted to the natural 
 requirements and well being of non-migratory fish, 
 they, especially, will locate permanently wherever 
 placed. Considering the many thousands of eggs 
 carried by a female trout, it will be found an' easy 
 matter to hatch and rear — if our instructions are 
 followed out — any quantity of fish. By the older 
 
348 TROUT CULTURE. 
 
 systems fifty to sixty per cent, of vitalized eggs was 
 considered excellent ; by the dry process of spawning, 
 and the use of more suitable hatching appurtenances, 
 a per centage of eighty-five to ninety is now con- 
 sidered quite ordinary. Hatching frames or tanks are 
 constructed in almost every conceivable way, and 
 of a great variety of material, including slate slabs, 
 earthenware, iron (galvanized and otherwise), wood, 
 and perforated zinc. We ourselves find the last- 
 named material to answer the best, as by its use 
 gravel beds are rendered unnecessary, the finely 
 pierced metal admitting of each egg, when properly 
 spread out and arranged, being perfectly surrounded 
 by water. Fungus is also avoided and easily checked, 
 as its spreading is a moral impossibility if carefully 
 looked over daily. The French, it would appear, 
 were the first to discover that the use of gravel was 
 not requisite in artificial hatching. As regards con- 
 cealing the eggs, which concealment engenders the 
 spread of fungus, animal parasites, and fin disease in 
 more open water, the instinct of the parent fish, it is 
 presumed, prompts them to conceal their progeny 
 in a degree by the aid of the gravel ; but though 
 gravel be thus objectionable, it is necessary that the 
 eggs should be subjected to the action of the water 
 upon their whole surface as far as practicable. M. 
 Coste, the originator of the new system, placed the 
 eggs on or between the edges of slips of glass, syste- 
 matically arranged across the bottom of the hatching 
 apparatus ; the eggs being placed so as to admit of , 
 the water operating upon all with the least possible 
 
CULTURE AND CAPTURE. , 349 
 
 expanse of surface. The advantages claimed for the 
 system are numerous. We are told, that greater 
 facility is afforded for counting the eggs ; that detec- 
 tion and expulsion of blind or unfertilized eggs is 
 made easy ; and that, the rough edges of the glass 
 will enable the little strangers to extricate themselves 
 more readily from the egg membrane ; but all these 
 advantages are possessed by the perforated zinc 
 troughs, which have the additional recommendation 
 of being much simpler to manage.* 
 
 Judging from the increasing interest that has of 
 late years been exhibited in this subject, we con- 
 fidently predict that the time is not far distant when 
 angling clubs, leaseholders, and proprietors of private 
 waters generally, will sow the seed, as well as reap 
 the harvest, by practising Pisciculture as well as 
 Piscicapture. 
 
 * These and other requisites for the amateur pisciculturist are sup- 
 plied by the Cray Fishery Co., Foot's Cray, Kent ; from whom the 
 eggs also, as well as hatched fry and yearling fish, may be obtained. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 About Hooks 329 
 
 Acme Fly Line, The .. .. 177 
 
 Alevine stage of the Trout, The 345 
 
 Alexandra Fly, Dressing for . . 158 
 Alexandra Fly, Method of 
 
 using . . . . . . . . 199 
 
 An Angling Reminiscence .. 115 
 
 Ancient Tackle . . . . . . 337 
 
 Angling for Coarse Fish . . .. 41 
 
 Anglers' Pest, The . . . . 241 
 
 Annual and periodic move- 
 ments of Freshwater Fish ; 
 
 their times of spawning, etc. 7 
 
 Antiquity of Worm Fishing . . 105 
 
 April Notes. Fly fishing . . 219 
 
 Artificial Baits (Pike) .... 84 
 
 Do. (Trout) .... 99 
 
 Artificial and Natural Flies ; 
 advisability of adhering to 
 
 Nature 143 
 
 Artistic Angling 109 
 
 Dressings for the OUve Duns. 
 
 The Iron Blue Order. 
 
 Spinners. 
 
 Large Browns. 
 
 Green Drake or May Fly. 
 
 The Phryganidoe and Perlidce 
 
 Orders. 
 
 General Land Flies 148-158 
 
 A too attractive bait . . . . 273 
 
 Attractions of Surface Fishing 167 
 
 August Notes 245 
 
 Bait Casting 83 
 
 Bait for Barbel 57 
 
 Bait Fishing, Live . . . . 90 
 
 Baiting a Spinning Flight . . 98 
 
 Baiting a Swim 54 
 
 Balance of Insect Power . . 137 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Bank Fishing , , " " « . . 75 
 
 Barbel Fishing 58 
 
 Barbel, Haunts and Habits of 
 
 the 30 
 
 Beetle Fishing 208 
 
 Beetles as Bait 211 
 
 Black Ant, Dressing for . . 157 
 
 Black Drake, The . . . . 129 
 Slacker's Gaudy Fly, Dressing 
 
 for 165 
 
 Black Gnat, ditto .... „ 158 
 
 Black Palmer, Dressing for „ 160 
 
 Blue Bottle, Dressing for . . 157 
 
 Bottom Lines yS 
 
 Do. Reels 80 
 
 Bottom Rods , 74 
 
 Bream Fishing 68 
 
 Bream, Habits and Haunts of 
 
 the 33 
 
 Broad Nosed Eels . . . . 38 
 
 Bumble, Ordinary Dressing .. 159 
 
 Do. Mulberry 
 
 Do. Furnace ._ . . 
 
 Do. Red 
 
 Do. Honey Dun Dressings 160 
 
 Bush Fishing 106 
 
 Butcher (Salmon fly,) Dressing 
 
 for 164 
 
 Camping out 114 
 
 Cannibal propensities, of large 
 
 Trout .. ..17 
 
 Capture of Stock Fish.. .. 341 
 
 Carlisle Bend, The . . . . 33S 
 
 Carp, Angling for 64 
 
 Carp, Habits of 31 
 
 Casting the Fly 175 
 
 Change of Bait advantageous loi 
 
 Changing Shades of Duns . . 121 
 
INDEX. 
 
 351 
 
 China Gut ' . . , . 79 
 
 Charr, Habits of 19 
 
 Choice of Colour in Fly 
 
 making 144 
 
 Ditto, Material .. .. 153 
 
 Chub, Angling for . . . . 70 
 
 Chub, Habits of 26 
 
 Cinnamon Fly . . . . „ 131 
 Clear and Discoloured Water 
 
 for the Worm 107 
 
 Cockspur Worm, The .- . . 47 
 
 Colorado Spoon, The . , . . 84 
 
 Conditions of Temperature . . 347 
 
 Cork and Quill Floats .... 77 
 
 Creel Test, The 225 
 
 Crippled I looks 329 
 
 Culture and Capture . . . . 349 
 
 Dace, Angling for 47 
 
 Dace, Habits of 3S 
 
 Dark April Dun, Dressing for 148 
 
 Day on the Dove 257 
 
 Deep Barbs, Evil of .. .. 331 
 
 Defective Roach Hooks . . . . 51 
 
 Delusions, Old 28 
 
 Derby Trout Killer, The . . 100 
 
 Description of the Doctor . . 164 
 
 Device for Jiggering Fish . 269 
 
 Devon Bait (The Improved) . . 99 
 Diameter of Ferrules and Ma- 
 terials for a perfect Roach 
 
 Rod 49 
 
 Dibbing or Daping . . . . 208 
 Disasters incurred by defects in 
 
 the construction of Rods — 5° 
 Discarded Salmon Flies for 
 
 Pike Fishing 92 
 
 Dove Dale 205 
 
 Dove Fishing 207 
 
 Down-looker, or Oak Fly . . 135 
 
 Drake Fishing 229 
 
 Dravra Gut 53 
 
 Dress the Fly, How to . . . . 145 
 
 Dressing a Palmer, Method of 159 
 Dun Drake, or March Brown, 
 
 The .. 122 
 
 Duns, The gradual shades of 119 
 
 Eels 37 
 
 Elvers 38 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Entomology — Piscatorial .. 117 
 Origin of the Duns and other 
 
 Ephemerals. 
 The Phryganidoe, Musceda;, 
 and Perlidoe Order of In- 
 sects, useful Land Flies, 
 etc. 
 Ephemeral Series, Dressing for 148 
 Excelsior Spinning Bait . . 100 
 Expert Grayling Fisher, The 201 
 Eyed Hook, The New ., . . 334 
 
 Fancy Flies ig8 
 
 Fine Tackle necessary for 
 
 Carp 64 
 
 Fine Tackle for Spinning for 
 
 Trout in Clear Water .... 97 
 
 Fish Playing, not Feeding . . 141 
 Fishing with Live Drake, 
 
 Methods of 233 
 
 Flies for Grayling 250 
 
 Flies for November Fishing . . 257 
 
 Flies for Salmon 271 
 
 Flies, Incubation of . . . . 125 
 
 Flies to follow the Drake . . 239 
 
 Flight Cases 104 
 
 Flights or Traces (Pike) . . 82 
 
 Flights for Trout 98 
 
 Floats and their substitutes . . 77 
 
 Fly Fishing for Pilte . . . . 91 
 Fly Fishing for Trout and 
 
 Grayling 167 
 
 The Rod. 
 „ Line. 
 „ Reel. 
 „ Casting. 
 ,, Striking. 
 Flaying and Landing. 
 
 Fly-fishing at twilight . . . . 202 
 Fly-fishers' Notes on the months 
 
 — February 213 
 
 Fly Making 140 
 
 Food and Haunts of Charr . . 21 
 
 Frogs as Baits for Chub . . . . 72 
 
 Frogs as Bait for Pike „ . . 92 
 
 General Hints (Fly-fishing) .. 193 
 
 Gillaroo Trout, The . . . . 19 
 
 Grannum 132 
 
 Grayling, Grub-fishing for . . 127 
 
352 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Grayling Fishing, special tac- 
 tics for „ „ . igs 
 Grayling, Movements of the 249 
 Grayling, Peculiarities in 
 
 Rising 254 
 
 Grayling, Spawning and Growth 
 
 of the 22 
 
 Green Drake, or May Fly . . 114 
 
 Green Drake, Dressing for .. 154 
 
 Grey Drake, ditto . . . . 154 
 
 Grey Gnat, ditto 158 
 
 Golden Palmer, ditto . . . . 160 
 
 Grey Palmer, ditto . . . 160 
 Gudgeon, Habits and Haunts 
 
 of the 36 
 
 Gudgeon, Angling for . . . . 45 
 
 Gut versus Hair „ . ■ . . 53 
 
 Habits of Fish in Feeding . . 183 
 
 Handling Barbel 61 
 
 Hatching 343 
 
 Hatching Apparatus . , . . 348 
 
 Haunts of Charr ... . . 21 
 Hearing Organs possessed by 
 
 Fish I 
 
 Heavy Hooks 335 
 
 Hindrance to Salmon by weirs 10 
 
 Hooks, About 329 
 
 Hcjt Weather, Lures in . . 199 
 
 How to Strike Barbel . . 63 
 
 How to Dress a Hackle Fly . . 140 
 How to Dress an Upwinged 
 
 Artificial ■ 147 
 
 How to Dress a Palmer . . 159 
 
 Ichthyological Notes . . . . 259 
 Insects and Temperature . . 139 
 Instructions for Grayling Fish- 
 ing 253 
 
 Iron Blue Dun 227 
 
 Jenny Spinner 124 
 
 Jenny Spinner, Dressings for 151 
 Jock Scott (Salmon fly), Dress- 
 ing for 163 
 
 July, Fly-fishers' notes for ,. 239 
 
 July Shade of Olive Dun . . 121 
 June and July Duns, Dressings 
 
 for 149 
 
 June, Fly-fishers' notes for . . 228 
 
 PAGE 
 120 
 
 June Shades of Olive Duns 
 
 June shades of large Browns 15 ' 
 
 Keenness of Vision in Grayling 253 
 
 Kendal, Sneck-bent Hooks . . 332 
 
 Kennet, An incident on the . . 223 
 
 Killer, The Universal . . . . 100 
 
 Killing a fish. Method of . ■ 187 
 Kipper and Kelt stages of 
 
 Salmon 9 
 
 Kirby Hooks 337 
 
 Lakes and Lochs noted for 
 
 Charr 20 
 
 Landing Net 191 
 
 Large Lake Trout . . . . 18 
 Large Trout, Feeding grounds 
 
 of 247 
 
 Ledgering for Barbel . . . . 60 
 
 Light, Penetration of in water 3 
 
 Limerick Hooks 332 
 
 Lines, Their construction . . 7^ 
 
 Line Baiting for Pilte . . . . 90 
 
 Lines for Spinning . . . . 103 
 
 Lines for Salmon . . . . 265 
 
 Live Fly-fishing 208 
 
 Long Casting 267 
 
 Lures for Night Fishing . . 203 
 
 Mackerel Fly Dressings . . 154 
 Mac Sporrcn (Salmon fly). 
 
 Dressing for 163 
 
 Management of Live Bait . . 91 
 Management of Hooked Fish 
 
 amongst Weed Beds . . . . 188 
 March and October Shade of 
 
 Olive Duns, Dressings for. . 148 
 
 March Brown, Dressing for . . 151 
 
 March Brown, The . . . . 216 
 
 March Notes for Fly Fishers 215 
 Marlow Buzz (Coch-y-bondu), 
 
 Dressing for 157 
 
 Maxims for the Bottom Fisher 42 
 May and August Shade of 
 
 Olive Duns, Dressings for 149 
 
 May Shade of Iron Blue . . 150 
 Method of Fishing a strange 
 
 Stream .. 193 
 
 Methods of Striking .. .. 182 
 
INDEX. 
 
 3S3 
 
 Meteorological Influences on 
 
 Sport 200 
 
 Method of using Caterpillars . . 243 
 Mode of Proceeding in Grub 
 
 Fishing 113 
 
 Motion descriljed by Spinning 
 
 Baits 98 
 
 Movements of Salmon, 
 
 Periodic 7 
 
 Movements of Trout, Periodic 1 5 
 Movements of Grayling, 
 
 Periodic 25 
 
 Mulberry Bumlile, Dressing for 160 
 
 Nature and Art 143 
 
 Needle Fly, or Needle Brown 133 
 
 Needle Fly Dressing .. .. 156 
 
 Night Fly Fishing .. .. 215 
 
 Notes on the Months 203 
 
 Notes for November , . . , 256 
 
 Oak Fly Dressing .. .. 157 
 
 Oak Fly, Description, &c. . . 239 
 
 October Dun Dressing . . .. 150 
 
 October, Notes on . . . . 252 
 
 Ocular Faculties of Fish . . 2 
 Old and New Systems of 
 
 Hatching 347 
 
 Old Delusions 29 
 
 Opaque Gut 79 
 
 Origin of the Art of Piscicul- 
 ture 339 
 
 Our First Triumph , .' . . 169 
 
 Over Barbed Hooks . . , . 330 
 
 Pale Blue Dun, Dressing for . . 148 
 
 Pale Evening Dun, Dressing for 149 
 Parson, The (Salmon fly), 
 
 Dressing for 165 
 
 Periodic Movements of Trout 15 
 
 Perch, their Fecundity . . . . 39 
 
 Perlidoe Order of Insects . . 132 
 
 Phryganidoe Order of Insects 131, 
 
 Pike Fishing 81 
 
 Piscatorial Entomology .. 117 
 
 Plaited Lines _ . . . . 77 
 
 Playing a Fish 184 
 
 Pond Fishing for Perch . . 41 
 
 Power of Vision in Fish . . i 
 
 Precautions against Loss . . 187 
 
 Punt and Bank Fishing .. 75 
 
 Rainbow (Salmon fly), Dressing 
 
 for 165 
 
 Ranger (Salmon fly), Dressing 
 
 for r66 
 
 Rearing Trout Fry .. ..345 
 
 Red Ant 137 
 
 Red Ant Dressing .. .. 157 
 
 Red Bumble (Earwig) Dressing 160 
 Red Caterpillar, Method of 
 
 Using ,, 243 
 
 Red Fly, Description of . . 214 
 Red Fly (February), Dressing 
 
 for .. ,, 155 
 
 Red Palmer Caterpillar, Dress- 
 ing for 158 
 
 Red Spinner 121 
 
 Red Spinner, Dressing for .. 150 
 Reel for Spinning purposes . . 103 
 Roach, Angling for, &c. . . 48 
 Roach, Habits and Haunts of 35 
 Rob Roy (Salmon fly). Dress- 
 ing for 162 
 
 Rod and Reel, The (Salmon) 171 
 Ruffe or Pope, Habits and 
 
 Haunts of 39 
 
 Runners (Float) 78 
 
 Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing 259 
 
 Salmon Disease, The .. .. 13 
 
 Salmon Flies i6a 
 
 Salmon Fishing as a Sport . . 263 
 Salmon, Habits and Periodic 
 
 Movements of the . . . . 7 
 
 Sand Fly, Dressing for the . . 155 
 Scientific Worm Fishing for 
 
 Trout loi 
 
 Seasons for Sport . . . . 258 
 
 September, Notes on . . . . 242 
 
 Sewin 264 
 
 Shannon Dressing (Salmon fly) 163 
 
 Short Pike Rods 87 
 
 Signs of presence of Fish . . 67 
 
 Spanker Dressing (Salmon fly) 163 
 
 Spartan Dressing do. 163 
 
 Spawning of Pike . . . . 27 
 Spawning Season and Growth 
 
 of Grayling 23 
 
 Spawning (Trout Culture) . . 342 
 Speed requisite in Spinning in 
 
 different waters . . . . 95 
 
 Spent Black Drake, The .. 129 
 
3S.4 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Spey Dog Dressing (Salmon fly) 165 
 Spinning Baits (Artificial) . . 97 
 Spinning for Pike . . . . 81 
 Spinning for Salmon , . , . 272 
 Spinning for Trout . . . . 94 
 
 Spoon Baits 85 
 
 Sport in showers 247 
 
 Spring Browns, The .. .. 151 
 Striking Grayling , . , . 249 
 
 Striking, On 181 
 
 Stone Fly, Description of . . 221 
 
 Surface Dibbing ,_ 209 
 
 Salmon Casts 272 
 
 Strong and Fine Salmon Tackle, 
 
 Relative Virtues of . . . 273 
 
 Salmon v. Trout Fishing . . 277 
 Sea Trout, " Rig-out " for . . 278 
 Salmon, or Double-handed 
 
 Casting . . . . , , . . 279 
 Striking Salmon „ . . . . 285 
 Salmon Rod, Reel, and Line, 
 
 The 264*289 
 
 Skeleton Reels 289 
 
 Scotch Lake Fishing . . . . 292 
 
 Salmon Rings 269 
 
 Salmon Fishing in Norway, A 
 
 Reminiscence of , . . . 303 
 Steel-centred Fly-rods (Trout) 171 
 Salmon Ditto . . . . 265 & 290 
 Splicing Rod Tops . . . . 309 
 Spinning Flight-making . . 315 
 Spinning Tackle for Pike . . 82 
 Spinning Tackle for Trout . . 98 
 Spinning Tackle, New. Fishing 
 
 Gazette 99 
 
 " Slip-link " and other knots 317 
 Stains for Gut, Various. . . . 319 
 Suggestions for the Preservation 
 
 of Feathers, etc 320 
 
 Spirit Varnishes for General 
 
 Tackle 322 
 
 Stains (Natural) for Feathers 
 
 325 & 326 
 
 Stains for Gimp 326 
 
 Safety Bait-case, The (foot- 
 note) 104 
 
 Salmon Landing Net . . . . 279 
 
 Tackle- and Bait for Bream . . 69 
 
 Tackle (special) for Carp . . 6$ 
 Tam o' Shanter (Salmon fly), 
 
 Dressing of 163 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Temper of Hooks, The . . 331 
 
 Tench, Habits and. Haunts of 32 
 
 Theory of Bait Spinning, The 97 
 
 Throwing the Fly . . . . I75 
 
 Trout Culture 339 
 
 Trout, Habits and Movements 
 
 of. 13 
 
 Trailing " Otter," The . . . . 293 
 Tackle-making, Amateur . . 301 
 Top-making (rod) . . . . 309 
 Transparent Wax, for fly-mak- 
 ing. How to make . . . . 321 
 To Test OH Gut . . . . 327 
 To Pack Fish 327 
 
 Utility of Knowledge in 
 
 Emergency . . . . . . 302 
 
 Varied Shades of the Iron Blue 227 
 
 Varieties of Artificials . . . . 143 
 Varieties of Sea' Trout and 
 
 other Salmonidse . , . . 259 
 Vibrations in Water . . . . J 
 Varnishes for Piscatory Par- 
 poses 321 
 
 Welsh or Spey Throw, The . . 179 
 Wet and Dry Spawning Pro- 
 cess 348 
 
 Whirling Blue Dun . . . . 127 
 Whirling Blue Dun, Dressing 
 
 for 148 
 
 Willow Fly 133 
 
 Willow Fly, Dressing for .. 156 
 Winch, The Nottingham Spring 1 80 
 Worm Fishing for Trout . . 103 
 Wrentail, Dressing for . . .. 157 
 Welsh Whisk or Cast (double- 
 hand) 280 
 
 Working the Salmon Cast . . 284 
 
 Waterproof Dressings for Boots 326 
 
 Waist-belt for Boat-fishing .. 291 
 
 Yellow Dun of April . . . 120 
 Yellow Dun of April, Dressing 
 
 for 148 
 
 Yellow Dun of May . . . . 120 
 Yellow Dun of May, Dressing 
 
 for . 149 
 
 Yellow Sally, Dressing for . . 156 
 
 Young of Grayling, Terms for 23 
 
 Young of Salmon, Terms for '9 
 
ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 Established. 1876. 
 
 Editor, R. B, MARSTON, 
 
 Member of the London Committee of the Edinburgh International Fisheries 
 
 Exhibition. 
 Member of the General Committee of the London International Fisheries Exhibition 
 
 of 1883. 
 
 SILVER MEDAL awarded to the "Fishing Gazette," Berlin Exhibition, iBBo. 
 SILVER MEDAL awarded to the " Fishing Gazette," Norwich Exhibition, 1881. 
 
 " An excellent class organ." — The World, 
 
 THE FISHING GAZETTE, 
 
 DEVOTED TO ANGLING, RIVER, LAKE. AND SEA 
 
 FISHING, AND FISH CULTURE. 
 
 Price 2d., 16 Pages Polio, every Friday for Saturday. 
 
 Circulates every week amongst thousands of 
 well-to-do Anglers (Country Gentlemen, Naval and 
 Military Men, Clergymen, Solicitors, Medical Men, 
 &c., &c.), in all parts of the United Kingdom and 
 abroad. It is seen by the Members of all the best 
 Social, Literary, and Angling Clubs ; in fact, it goes 
 to just the class of Readers which all Advertisers 
 wish to reach. 
 
 The Best Medium for Advertisements addressed to Anglers. 
 
 All Anglers who subscribe to the Fishing Gazette are at 
 liberty to use its correspondence columns to make inquiries 
 respecting any matters relating to Angling on which they 
 may want information ; such as the nature of the fishing on 
 such and such a river, — the best flies to use, — what accommo- 
 dation is to be had,— where to go for various kinds of 
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 any information an Angler can require can be got by writing 
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 If you have not seen the paper, try it for three months 
 (2.f. &d. post free from Office). Original articles on either 
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 Occasionally Illustrated. 
 
 Offices: 12 & 13, FETTER LANE, FLEET STREET, LONDON. 
 
 PROPRIETORS SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, SEARLE, & RIVINGTON. 
 
ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 S. ALLCOCK & Co., 
 
 STANDARD WORKS, 
 
 REDDITCH. 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 FISB HOOKS, RODS, LINES, ARTIFICIAL BAITS, 
 
 SOLE PROPRIETORS OF 
 
 HARDY'S PATENT WINCH-FITTING. 
 
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 only wonder is it was not brought into use years ago ; 
 like many other practical inventions its simplicity is obvious 
 at a glance." 
 
ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 B. ALtlaCOCK & Co. 
 
 ARE WHOLESALE AGENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING:— 
 
 The Acme Wire Lines (level and tapered). 
 
 The New Registered Spiral Float, Cap. 
 
 The Patent Luminous or Glow-worm Float, enabling 
 
 a Fisherman to fish in the dark. 
 The Fishing Gazette Leads, made on an Improved 
 
 Principle. 
 The New Durable and Sole Skin Phantom Baits. 
 The New BeU's Life Rod Ring. 
 The Norwich Spoon Bait for Trout, Perch, and 
 
 Pike. 
 The Hexagonal SpUt Bamboo Rods. 
 The Fishing Gazette Spinning Bait. 
 The American Waterproof Lines for Trout and 
 
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 through respectable Fishing Tackle Makers. 
 
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ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 TROUT-FISHING- 
 
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ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 EASMORE WORKS and VICTORIA MILLS, 
 
 RSDDIT'CXI. 
 
 W. WOODFIELD & SONS, 
 
 MANnFACTURERS OF 
 
 SUPERIOR FISH HOOKS, FISHING RODS, AND FISHING TACKLE, 
 
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 To Standard Names or Dressed 'to Patterns. 
 
 IMPORTERS OF SALMON AND TROUT SILKWORM GUT. 
 
 |rize peedle6 and ge-Bfing ^aehine Jeedle6, 
 
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 Hwar&s— 
 
 BERGEN.. .. 1867. I AMSTERDAM.. 1869. | VIENNA (873. 
 
 HAVRE .. .. 1868. | LYONS .. .. 1872. | PARIS .. .. 1877. 
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 Iw&m.Tm'MMMm '^M'&t^m, 
 
 CENTRE SECONDS. STOP WATCH. 
 
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ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 NOW READY. 
 
 THE NEW ACME REEL, 
 
 (PATENTED). 
 
 Compensating balance centre fitting, detachable 
 
 (either by spring or by screw action), with or 
 
 without movable click. 
 
 A Plate of the principle of the above is given in the 
 Scientific Angler. 
 
 THAT this Winch is a great tmptovement on the existing and old 
 style: is universally conceded by all who have uStfd it. The 
 advantages claimed for it are as under : — 
 
 I. — The strain upon the delicate fly rod is by its use no longer 
 given in one direction. The Winch being in the centre, the rod may be 
 used rings uppermost, or vice versa, at the wielder's discretion. 
 
 2. — The position of the reel at the Extremity of the butt gives an 
 additional 9 to 12 inches swing power and length to the rod, serving 
 also to happily balance and effectually harmonize the two detachable 
 implements. 
 
 3. — The Winch being devoid of cross bars, indispensable' in the old 
 reels, is rendered capable of holding a much greater length of line. 
 Thus a 2 inch (dia,) reel will answer the Trout fisher's purpose, it 
 being capable of working easily a 40 yards length of strong, waterproof 
 line. 
 
 4. — No obstacle (the handle being conical) is. given to the free 
 worhing^f the line. Fishing from hand or reel, may thus be practised 
 without the possibility of entanglement and loss, as'in the existing side- 
 filling plan, 
 
 J. — It is more portable and convenient than anything hitherto 
 introduced. 
 
 Prices, ^ 
 
 s. d. s. d. 
 
 2 in. dia. Without check and spear .. ..9 6 With ., .. 12 6 
 
 2i in. , „ „ . ■■ 10 6 14 6 
 
 2} in. „ „ „ .. .. II 6 16 
 
 2} in. „ Pil(e and Salmon size 13 6 18 6 
 
 3 in 14 6 „ „ « 20 
 
 3iln. ,, „ „ -. .. .. IS 6 „ .. .. 22 6 
 
 3} in. ;; „ , 16 6 „ .. .. 24 
 
 The above are attachable to any rod, old or new, by means of the 
 spring ferule, which latter is fixed permanently at bottom end of 
 the butt. Any size to order sent per post on receipt of remittances 
 payable to 
 
 D. & W. H. FOSTER, 
 
 FISHIHG TACKLE MANUFACTURERS, 
 
ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 THE NEW ACME LINES 
 
 (PATENT), 
 
 Form the FINEST, STRONaSST, and most 
 
 SCIENTIFICALLY CONSTRUCTED FLY and 
 
 SPINNING LINES ever introduced to the 
 
 Angling Public. 
 
 These Lines are strongly recommended in i\it Field, August 14, 1880; 
 Fishing Gazette, August 28, 1880 ; Land and Water, August 28, 1880 ; 
 BelVs Life, September 18, 1880 ; Advertiser, October 9, 1880 ; York- 
 shire Posty August 21, 1880 ; Standard, October 9th, 1880 ; The Squire, 
 Novemberj 1881, &c., as also by the Sporting Times of Austria, March, 
 1881, &c., &c. 
 
 The following are quotations from the leading Sporting Journals : — 
 
 " We have examined it carefully and tried it with a rod, and are delighted with it. 
 We predict No. O will become the trout line of the future," — Fishing Gazette 
 (leatnng article). 
 
 " It is not heavier than any other line, while it throws very straight and true, and 
 cuts well through the wind.' — Field. 
 
 " It appears to possess great advantages over the ordinai*y lines ; it has a good 
 spring, and what is of great importance, is not given to tangle." — Land and Water. 
 
 " It is a most important invention, coming as it does from the originator of many 
 great improvements in fishing tackle, and one of the most clever fly-fishers of the 
 times. A man who has perhaps done more for the piscatorial cause than any other." 
 — Trom leader in the Austrian Sporting Times^ March, 1881. 
 
 BelVs Life says, — "We have given it a good trialj and are bound to add we are 
 highly pleased with the easy, clean manner in which a fairly-heavy bait can be 
 thrown." 
 
 The Squire says, — " It makes a perfect trout casting line, and is coming rapidly 
 into favour." 
 
 PRICE 2d. PER YARD, PIKE & SALMON l\i, PER YARD. 
 
 Send two stamps for pamphlet and samples — for both Fly (taper or 
 straight) and Spinning, &c., from the Manufacturers, 
 
 Messrs. D. & W. H. FOSTER, 
 
 (Stucessors to David Foster, Authorofthe "Scientific Angler") 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 RODS, LINES, REELS, AND ARTIFICIAL BAITS. 
 
 Fly makers to the best Anglers of the day. Lists free. Every 
 appointment for Ply, midwater, and bottom fishing. 
 
 Addrkss: ASHBOURN, DERBYSHIRE. 
 
 Foster Bros, herewith beg to announce that the New Steel-centered 
 Rod (Patent), " The Acme," is in course of manufacture, and will be 
 offered for sale at the earliest possible date. 
 
ADVERTISEM ENTS. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING NEW AND IMPROVED ARTICLES 
 ARE NOW READY:- 
 
 (For detailed description, see " Scientific Angler.") 
 
 STEEL CENTReFfLY RODS. 
 
 These are now to be obtained in the following 
 Lengths : — 
 
 TROUT AND GRAYLING, 9, 10, 11, and iiifeet, in three joints. 
 
 SALMOM, 14, 15, 16, and 17 feet, in three joints. 
 
 The above may be had either with or without Centre Fitting Reel, 
 
 The Prices are as under — 
 
 £> s. d. 
 Trout Sizes, with ordinary reel fittings, best finish, two 
 
 tops 250 
 
 Ditto, with centre winch (Skeleton), detachable by spring 
 
 ferrule ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 15 6 
 
 Sea Trout and Salmon, ditto, with two tops, ordinary 
 
 reel fittings 3 10 6 
 
 Sea Trout and Salmon, ditto, with Skeleton, centre 
 
 fitting winch to match 466 
 
 SKELETON ACME CENTRE-FITTING WINCHES 
 
 Are now been extensively made. Their Prices range 2s. gd. per size 
 more than the solid made winches ; range of Prices of which will be 
 found on an adjoining page. 
 
 xxxJS j§A,PMx X BAXx CiLSMj 
 
 Price 3s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. 
 
 FOSTER'S NEW FLY BOOK, 
 
 With Instructions on Parchment, replete with Flies 
 
 FOR THE whole SEASON. 
 
 Price, with 3 flies each of 48 kinds, £1 igs. 6d. 
 Ditto 6 ditto ditto £,-3, 3s. 6d. 
 
 A Discount of S per cent, is allowed for cash with order. All goods 
 carriage free on receipt of remittance. 
 
 D. & W. H. FOSTER, 
 
 FISHING TACKLE MANUFACTURERS, ASHBOURN. 
 
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