"The trout within yon wimplin burnGlides swift, a silver dart,And, safe beneath the shady thorn,Defies the angler's art."
"The trout within yon wimplin burnGlides swift, a silver dart,And, safe beneath the shady thorn,Defies the angler's art."
Another important matter to consider is the direction of the wind. Always, if you can, fish with the wind behind you, or, at all events, so that you can throw across it; but, if you must make a choice of evils, choose the lesser, and fishupstream andagainstthe wind, rather thandownstream andwiththe wind. In considering which side of the river to fish, do not, if you can help it, fish from that side whence the sun would cast your shadow on the water, as nothing is more alarming to trout. It is impossible, in a short treatise like the present, to give such instruction in throwing the fly as will make the tyro an adept. It is desirable to practise throwing with both the right and left sweep, as by changing from one to the other you avoid getting into the bad habit of twisting the rod, which would assuredly warp and spoil it; and by practising short throws with the left hand you will be able to givethe right arm a few minutes' rest occasionally, a great relief in a long day's fishing.
My advice is, to commence with a short line, and when you find that you can deliver the line so as to be prepared to hook a fish as soon as the fly touches the water, gradually increase the length, taking care never to attempt to throw more than you can send out clean and straight, without disturbing the water. But more can be learnt in this respect by an hour's practice with an old hand, than by any amount of theory. The great points are to keep well out of sight, and to imitate the descent of the natural fly on the water, which in the case of the smaller flies is as soft and gentle as a piece of thistle-down; but with the larger ones, such as the drakes and moths, whose bodies are heavy in proportion to the size of their wings, compared with other flies, let them fall with a slight spat on the water, causing a ring to take place on the surface, and letting the fish know it is there.
Considerable discussion has taken place in the angling papers from time to time as to the proper time for striking a fish; and three or four years since some extraordinary calculations were made with regard to the period that should elapse before striking, and for the motion from the arm to reach the hook. My opinion, as expressed in the "Angler's Journal" at that time, and lately repeated in "Fishing," is as follows: "As soon as you become aware, either by sight, sound, or feeling, that a fish has risen, put the hook in him." But you must be careful not to strike too hard, or you will either tear the hook out, or snap the gut, and thus lose the fish. It should only be a slight twitch, given from the wrist, as quick as thought, just enough to drive the hook in beyond the barb, but not enough to tear the flesh out. I have often amused myself by feeding trout, and have noticed that, after they have taken several pieces, say of bread or paste, if I threw in something like it in appearance, such, for instance, as a small white stone, they would seize it, and, finding the substance different, instantly blow it out again. It is reasonable to assume that they would do the same with an artificial fly, particularly those having cork bodies; therefore you cannot strike too quickly. But, as thisis a branch of the subject on which great differences of opinion exist, I will here quote some eminent angling authorities in support of my views.
Francis Francissays: "If a fish rises, a slight upward turn of the wrist will be sufficient to fix the hook. As for giving any direct rules when to strike, they would be of little avail, as sometimes fish rise quickly, sometimes with more circumspection, and sometimes altogether falsely." Next,Cummins: "When a trout takes your fly do not strike too hard; more fish are lost by anglers striking when using small flies than are secured by such means. The line tightened is sufficient in most cases, particularly in fishing streams." In "Fishing" of March 31st last I say: "I agree that in rapid stream fishing there is no necessity for striking."Ephemeraalso advises that, "The moment you see, and then feel, a rise, strike gently from the wrist."Blainealso writes to the same effect.Stewart, in the "Practical Angler," has the following passage: "A difference of opinion exists as to whether trout should be struck on rising; but, in common with the majority of anglers, we advocate immediate striking. When a trout takes a fly it shuts its mouth, and if the angler strikes then he is almost sure to bring the hook into contact with the closed jaws. We have frequently watched the motions of trout on taking a fly, and when left to do with it as they chose, they very quickly expelled it from their mouths with considerable force; and we think that, if the angler strikes, even when the trout's mouth is open, he will have a much better chance than by leaving it to hook itself. A trout on seizing an artificial fly is almost instantaneously aware thatit is a counterfeit, and never attempts to swallow it; very frequently letting it go before the angler has time to strike, so that it is of the utmost importance to strike immediately, and this is the reason why a quick eye and a ready hand are considered the most necessary qualifications for a fly-fisher."Foster, in the "Scientific Angler" says: "The action requisite is a short quick wrist-motion, commenced sharply but ended almost instantly and abruptly, like a quick movement of the hand in bringing a foil in fencing fromtiercetocarte." It is impossible to strike too quick, but it is quite possible to strike too hard.
All the above opinions are based on the supposition that a fishhas risen. It is not very often that a trout is seen in the act of rising, but should it be, of course sufficient time must be given for it to reach the fly, then strike at once. When you find that you have hooked your fish, be prepared for its rush, and then comes the time when all your patience, experience, and lightness of hand, are called into requisition. Let the fish have its head a little at first, taking care to steer it clear of weeds, bushes, and sunken obstacles in the water, and then give it a slight pressure from the rod, in addition to the friction of the line which it is dragging through the water; and if you can get it down stream, so as not to disturb the fish above, so much the better. When you have got it down stream, and under command, do not be in too great a hurry to land it, for sometimes when you think it is spent it will make a sudden dart, and you lose it. Give it plenty of time to tire itself out, then put the landing net quietly into the water, slip it under thefish, and lift it out. Then put the thumb of your right hand into its mouth, with the fingers at the back of its head, and press the upper jaw back until its spine is broken. This is far better than letting the fish flop about and discolour itself in the creel.
Having explained the apparatus necessary for catching trout, the next part of my subject appears to be the timewhento go fishing, and one important point is the weather. Notwithstanding what some writers have said about catching trout in an east wind, I do not believe in it. With a wind from the South, West, or South-west, and a dull or showery day, one may fairly expect success; but to go out on a bright clear day, with wind from the North or East, is, in my opinion, neither pleasant nor profitable. I have done it many times when I had less experience, though not more enthusiasm, than at present, but I seldom do it now. An old song says:
"A Southerly wind and a cloudy skyProclaim a hunting morning;"
"A Southerly wind and a cloudy skyProclaim a hunting morning;"
and they also tell the fly-fisher when to be off to the river. I should not be doing justice to this part of my subject if I were not to allude to the fly-fisher's carnival, the May-fly season. From about the last week in May till the middle of June is the time above all others to catch trout. I have frequently caught five or six brace in a couple of hours during this short season; but as soon as it is over I put away the rod for a few days, for, the fish being fairly glutted with the natural fly, do not care much for the artificialafter the former is gone, although it will sometimes happen that on a rough, dull day, you can have good sport for a week or ten days afterwards.
The length of the May-fly season depends greatly on the weather. It generally lasts about three weeks; but the present season (1888) has been exceptionally wet and cold, and the flies were only hatched at long and irregular intervals, owing to the absence of sun. Consequently the season extended from the second or third day of June till the second week of July. On the 11th of June last I was fishing with a May-fly and a small Soldier-palmer for drop, my usual custom, and was struck by the difference of the manner in which fish rose at the two flies. The rise at the May-fly was bold and decisive, but without undue haste, whilst that at the Palmer was a sudden swish, without giving time to strike. I can only account for this by the circumstance that the natural May-fly is longer on the water than the Palmer before it gets water-logged and sinks, and the fish therefore know that they can take their time about it. The stream was very difficult to fish, and I lost a great many fish as well as flies from getting entangled in the bushes; nevertheless I succeeded in landing twelve brace of trout, besides some returned.
Next, as to the time of day. The most preferable times are from about 8 a.m. till noon, and after 4 p.m. till midnight. In many trout clubs there is a rule prohibiting fishing after half-past nine; but, if you are not restricted in that respect, you will find that the largest fish are taken from sunset till ten or eleven o'clock. The only justification for late fishing is that the very large trout, which often attain theirgreat size from preying on their own species, then come out of their hiding-places and chase the small fry up and down the shallows. These cannibalistic old gentlemen, who do more harm than good in a trout stream, do not usually rise at a fly, and can only be caught with a live bait or worm, or by night fishing with a sunk fly, and the end justifies the means. White or brown moths are the favourites. I had some moths made specially large, on strong gut, for late fishing, but found it advisable to use a short line and only one fly, and to get the fish into the landing-net as soon as possible, for it is awkward work to land a big fish after dark, particularly if you are hampered with weeds or bushes.
A knowledge of the habits of trout is very essential, and this knowledge can only be acquired by careful observation. The largest fish are generally to be found where they can obtain the best supply of food—such points as just below sharp bends of the stream, behind large stones or other obstructions, at the head or tail of deep pools, and on the margin of swift currents, or under overhanging banks; and, if you take a good fish at any particular spot, you will probably find, a day or two afterwards, that the next best fish in that locality has taken the place of the one you captured. It has often occurred to me that there are several reasons why brook trout do not thrive in the lower part of rivers communicating with the sea. One thing is, to my mind, very certain—they do not feel at home in salt, or even brackish, water, and do not seek it of their own accord. Having lived many years within sight of a point where a fresh water stream flows into salt water, I have had perhaps exceptional opportunities of observing them, and forming an opinion on the subject; and, although I have lately seen an apparently well-supported contrary opinion strongly expressed, I am not yet convinced, thinking that probably some error may have crept in as to the kind of fish,or some disturbing cause taken place in the state of the water. Occasionally they get washed down by floods, or by the breaking away or uplifting of hatches or gates; but, as soon as the rush of water subsides, they begin to work their way up again, and if there is an obstacle to their ascending, such as a weir or mill, they are sure to be found close up to it, having got as far as they can. They always seem prompted by instinct to work upwards into shallow rapid water, where the bottom is gravelly, and, I believe, for the following reasons: They can there deposit and cover up their ova, and, when hatched, the young fry can get protection among it from their numerous enemies in their early days; and, although food may be plentiful in muddy sluggish streams near salt water, it is not of the kind that trout delight in. Larva, flies, and minnows abound in clear bright streams, and there the trout can clean themselves from their parasites, and, with healthy bodies and abundance of the food they enjoy, come into condition early, and become lusty and strong.
In the breeding time they, like many other animals, lose their usual caution and shyness, and when performing their natural functions seem to take no notice of what is passing around them; and thus very many of the best fish are captured in shallow water, and the streams almost depopulated. The greatest vigilance should be exercised in the spawning time to prevent poachers, both human and others, from preying upon them. In addition to men, swans, ducks, otters, herons, pike, perch, &c., &c., all prey on the luckless trout and its ova and fry, and the wonder is that the stock is so wellmaintained as it is. Otters and herons in particular appreciate this dainty, and either of them will travel across country many miles to get to a well-stocked trout stream. So strong is the instinct of the trout to get into shallow streams to deposit their spawn, that they will leap waterfalls several feet in height, or wriggle up over gravel where there is not half enough water to cover them, and where it is frequently impossible for them to get back again, and there they are often destroyed.
Having spoken of thehowandwhen, next comes thewhere; and under this head I feel bound, in the interests of friends, not to describe, other than in very general terms, the localities where good fishing is to be had. Walton, from frequently visiting Winchester, where his remains lie, and where a statue of him has lately been erected by anglers, (the movement for which I had the honour of starting), was doubtless well acquainted with Hampshire—or, as he quaintly calls it, "Hantshire,"—which, he says, "exceeds all England for its swift, shallow, clear, pleasant brooks, and store of trouts." In his will he mentions part of his books as being at Droxford (about eleven miles from Winchester), where it is presumed he resided occasionally. I know no better trout stream than that in this locality. Many a basket of goodly trout have I had from it in days gone by. It was near here that I caught the two large trout at one time, before alluded to.
I suppose at the present time the Avon, the Test, and the Itchen are unsurpassed in the United Kingdom. All the north, or what is commonly called theupper, part of Hampshire, forms part of the south-western edge of the basin of the Thames, andis drained into it by the Wey, the Enborn, and the Blackwater. The district east of Alton and north of the South Downs is drained by the Rother, which is a tributary of the river Arun, and discharges into the English Channel, near Arundel, in Sussex. In all these rivers, springing out of the chalk hills, there is good trout fishing, but not equal to that on the south side of the South Downs, where the country, sloping away to the southward and westward, either drains into the Solent or the river Avon; and it is to these southern rivers and streams that Walton more particularly alluded. The Test, or Anton, rises in the neighbourhood of Andover and Whitchurch, and falls into the Southampton Water to the westward of the town of Southampton, while the Itchen, rising near Alresford, and passing Winchester and Bishopstoke, discharges into Southampton Water to the eastward of the town. The Avon, entering Hampshire from Wiltshire, and passing Fordingbridge and Ringwood, discharges into Christchurch Bay, where the Stour also empties itself. There are also several smaller streams rising south of the hills which stretch from Winchester to Petersfield, and discharge themselves into the Solent. All these streams are well stocked with trout, and some of them contain roach, perch, pike, and grayling, and the larger ones also salmon. If greater facilities were given to salmon to ascend they would doubtless do so, as they are occasionally caught in stake nets while working their way along the south coast, evidently in search of rivers, up which to ascend for the purpose of spawning. But the river proprietors do not provide means for the salmon togo upwards, it being generally considered that salmon and trout do not thrive well together, and that if the breeding of salmon was encouraged it would be at the expense of the trout fisheries.
Nearly all these Hampshire rivers are strictly preserved, and some of those in the vicinity of Andover, Stockbridge, Houghton, and Winchester are in the hands of first-class clubs, the subscriptions to which are high, and access difficult. Still, there are a few pieces of free water at Winchester, Bishopstoke, and Romsey; and Mr. Currell and Mr. Chalkley, both of Winchester, rent considerable portions of the river there, and issue season and day tickets. At Bishopstoke, where there is some splendid trout and grayling fishing, season and day tickets are now being issued by the proprietor of a large estate, who has hitherto preserved very highly, and would scarcely allow his own friends to fish; and several instances have come to my knowledge lately where landed proprietors, only able to obtain a reduced income from their farms, have been glad to supplement it by making a few pounds annually out of their fishing. So that, to the angler as well as the land owner, agricultural distress is not an unmitigated evil. And if more attention was paid to the stocking and preserving of rivers, the incomes of landed proprietors might be considerably increased, and a very important addition made to the food of the country. The Avon, at Ringwood, in the New Forest, about 100 miles S.W. of London, has some good salmon, trout and grayling fishing, and also very fine roach and perch. Day tickets can be obtained of the hotel keepers. The Beaulieu river, the tidal portion of which is, of course, free, is noted,not only for its coarse fish, but also for quantities of sea-trout that frequent it in the autumn months.
Fishermen have increased so rapidly in the last few years that those who have fishing rights take care of them, and where one could formerly go unchallenged, he now has to ask permission for a day, and very often may consider himself lucky if he gets it. There are now about 180 angling societies in and around London, consisting of nearly 5,000 members, besides a large number of anglers who do not belong to any society; consequently fish have been becoming more and more scarce year after year, and the increase of population and pollution of rivers have also tended to drive them away. But, in order to supply to some extent the deficiency, artificial breeding has become very general. The National Piscicultural Society breed and distribute immense numbers of young trout every year. Greater efforts are also being made than formerly to prevent poaching, the destruction of undersized fish, and taking them when out of season; therefore, the prospects of anglers are beginning to look brighter.
In describing thewhereto go fishing, I have alluded more particularly to Hampshire, not only because it is the best part of England for trout, but because it also happens to be the county with which I am best acquainted.
Throughout the whole of the county, fishing for trout with anything but an artificial fly is considered unsportsmanlike, and is strictly prohibited in all the clubs.
Still, there are many other localities where, if the angler does not mind going farther afield, goodtrout fishing can be obtained. For instance, Scotland and Wales, where, from the hilly conformation of the country, the streams are rapid and therefore suitable for trout; Devonshire, where the trout are small, but very numerous; the neighbourhood of the Peak, in Derbyshire, than which there is none much better; the upper portions of the Thames and Lea and their tributaries—all these are worth the fly-fisher's attention, and many of them will repay him for the time and trouble spent in visiting them.
When fishing in Hampshire some ten or twelve years ago, a moorhen came out of some bushes near me and rushed down the brook, with its feet just trailing along on the surface. As it was going over my line I gave a twitch and hooked it in the under part of the foot, where the skin is as tough as leather. Then I had a lively time for about twenty minutes, up and down, in and out; but my tackle was good, and I handled the rod carefully, till at length the bird was pretty well tired, and got in among some bushes, and a friend who was with me went into the water and got it into the landing-net. I preserved it and had it mounted.
On another occasion I saw a rat swimming across the stream, and pitched my fly just beyond him and hooked him firmly. Of course he dived, but could not get away from me, and at last came ashore into the long grass where I was standing. It was nearly dark and I could not see him, but presently found he had got the line entangled round my legs. I threw the rod down, and stamped about, thinking to tread on him, but suppose I trod on the gut, for he got away with it. When I picked up my rod I found I had stamped on it also and broken it; therefore I determined to let the next rat alone.
Another time I had been fishing late, with a white moth, and, on leaving off, twisted the gut and fly round my hat. Getting through a hedge the gut caught in a bramble, and the fly went into my scalp, and the more I pulled the worse it was. The same friend was with me, and helped me out of it. We then went to a doctor, who snipped away the hair and cut the hook out.
It is not very often that an eel is taken with a fly, but I was once fishing with a Palmer, and, being tired, very carelessly laid my rod down with the fly in the water, which, of course, sank to the bottom. I strolled about, and coming back picked up the rod, and found an eel attached, which I landed.
Finally, fly-fishing may be considered one of the best of sports, because it can be followed late in life. Most devotees of sport, when the nerves become shaky and the eyes grow dim, must content themselves with thinking or talking of what they did in their youth. But it is not so with the fly-fisher. He can still throw a fly and play a trout, better perhaps than in his youth, because of his greater experience; and, when in the down-hill of life he looks back on the hopes and anticipations of his boyhood days, it must be gratifying to feel that the times spent among the beauties of nature in exercising the angler's art have been the most enjoyable parts of his life, and that he is none the worse man for having obeyed the precepts and followed the example of our grand old past master, Izaak Walton.
It is doubtful whether the gratification of taking fish is equal to that which results from the recital of the achievement, and describing to a sympathetic audience the method and tackle by which the prey has been ensnared. Walton and his friends, after a long day, loved to meet at some village alehouse, and fight their battles o'er again; and in the present day one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening spent at an Angling Society is when the chairman asks, "Has any one been fishing?" and the members recount their piscatorial experiences since the last meeting. Any one unaccustomed to such meetings would be surprised at the knowledge of rivers, the country, the habits, and the haunts of particular kinds of fish and insects, the various sorts of baits and tackle to be used, and all the technical information which the London angler displays on such occasions; and this broader view of nature and life is not the least of the benefits derived from following the piscatorial art.The London clubs number about 200, with upwards of 5,000 members; and considering that a very large number of anglers do not belong to any club, it will be readily understood that the angling fraternity form a considerable part of the community, whose great aim is to enjoy themselves in a rational and innocent manner, away from the clank of machinery, the roar of street traffic, and the stifling atmosphere of a great city; and every assistance and encouragement should be given them to do so—and they are progressing. Many of them practice fly-fishing; and if trout are not to be got, there are chub, dace, and bleak,and occasionally a roach, to reward them for their skill. The one great difficulty is where to get good fishing, and this is to some extent overcome by the co-operation of anglers, through their clubs and associations, who not only rent waters for their members, but make arrangements with the railway companies to take them into the country and back at greatly reduced fares. The preserving and re-stocking of waters also form an important part of the business of angling clubs. Experience has taught them that it is of very little use to turn in fry before they are old enough to take care of themselves, but that it is more satisfactory, and ultimately more economical to purchase yearling fish in the first place. These various matters have been so well attended to, that, notwithstanding the great increase in the number of anglers, access to well-stocked rivers is more easy of attainment now than it was a few years ago.Of course, every care should be taken to prevent poaching, to keep down predaceous fish, and prevent undersized and out-of-season fish from being taken; but with these precautions, if the river is naturally adapted for the kind of fish required, there should be no difficulty.In the case of trout, the quantity, quality, and size will very much depend on the quantity and kind of food to be obtained. There should be plenty of weeds, sedge, flags, &c., not only for shelter, but they are the natural breeding places of insects and crustacea, in which trout delight, and if the river is overhung with trees and bushes it not only adds to the security of the fish, but harbours flies and other insects which drop off into the water.WETv.DRY.The difference between wet and dry fly-fishing is this: the wet fly is worked gently along some few inches beneath the surface until a fish is found, which, when they are scarce, or not rising, may be a tedious process, and often the first intimation is a sudden tug without any rise, which should be immediately answered by as sudden a twitch from the wrist.The dry-fly fisherman walks quietly along by the side of the stream, and if he sees a trout rising, drops his fly lightly a little above it, and preferably also a little on one side, and lets it float down stream on the surface to the fish, gently raising the point of his rod in the meantime. In case no fish are rising, he carefully casts to the most likely-looking spots, and particularly under the bank on which he is standing.In nine cases out of ten, a trout, if it rises at all, takes the dry fly immediately it touches the water; therefore, one should learn to cast clean and straight, without any slack line.TACKLE.There is a great difference of opinion among anglers as to the amount of pliancy a fly-rod ought to possess. From the old-fashioned, heavy, stiff rod, we have gone to the other extreme, and had cane rods so light and whippy as to be entirely useless on a windy day; and now we have what is, in my opinion, a somewhat sensible reaction, and are coming back to a greenheart from ten to twelve feet long, of medium substance and pliability.Such a rod, with an Acme line suited to it, and the whole adapted to the height and strength of the angler, ought to make good casting. Long casting may be showy, but in practice it is far better to cast lightly and accurately, and this tends to fill the basket much more than being able to get out an extra length. One piece of advice may be relied on: never part with a good rod after you have become accustomed to it. It is not only the pleasurable associations connected with it, but the confidence you have in it, and, through it, in yourself, enables you to kill fish with it.With care, it may be made to last a lifetime. I used, the other day, at the International Tournament, a greenheart that I have used almost exclusively for about twelve years, and with which I have killed many hundred brace of trout. If, on the occasion referred to, I had used an Ogden and Scotford'smultum in parvo, I believe I should have thrown two yards farther.FLIES.I see no reason to alter the list given in the first edition, indeed, subsequent experience has tended to confirm my opinion expressed therein.Many old anglers say it is of no use in the May-fly season to try any other fly. I generally use a May-fly as stretcher, and a small Soldier-palmer as drop, and out of seventeen-and-a-half brace of trout caught last Whitsuntide in two half-days, one-third of them were caught on the Palmer. Others say it is useless to try a May-fly, except when the natural fly is out; but this is also subject to modification.There have been two or three well-authenticated cases reported in the sporting journals lately, of fish having been killed some weeks before and after the season onEphemera vulgata. Indeed, there has been seen in Ireland this autumn asecondvery strong rise of May-fly.In the first edition I speak of the Grey-drake thus:—"This is said to be a metamorphosis of the green drake, or female, changing to a male." The passage should have read thus:—"This issaid by some writersto be," &c.I had not the slightest intention of giving that as a fact, or as my own opinion, knowing otherwise.Flies tied on eyed hooks with cocked or upright wings, in imitation of the natural fly when floating down a stream, are coming into use more and more, and apparently will supersede those tied on gut, and with flat wings.WHEN TO GO FISHING.A century ago it was not possible to get forecasts of the weather from the daily papers, and the death of Admiral Fitzroy in middle life, and in the midst of his scientific discoveries, was a great blow to the advancement of this branch of science. But with greater facilities for conveying intelligence round the whole globe, it could not but happen that more accurate information of air currentsshould be sent forward to the countries likely to be affected by them.The following is from the "Art of Angling," published in 1810:—"It is the best fishing in a river somewhat disturbed by rain, or on a cloudy day when the waters are moved with a gentle breeze; the south and west winds are the best, and if the wind blows high, yet not so but that you may conveniently guide your tackle, then fishes will rise in the still deeps; but if there is little wind stirring, the best angling is in swift streams."In casting your line, do it always before you, and in such a manner that the fly may fall first on the water. When you throw your line, wave the rod in a small circumference round your head, and never make a return of it before the line has had its full scope, or the fly will snap off."Although when you angle the day is cloudy and windy, and the water thick, you must keep the fly in continual motion, otherwise the fishes will discern the deceit."'... Upon the curling surface let it glideWith nat'ral motion from your hand suppli'd;Against the stream now let it gently play,Now in the rapid eddy float away.'"When fishes rise at the fly very often, and yet never take it, you may conclude that it is not what they like, therefore change it for the one they do."PLAYING A FISH."... Should you lureFrom his dark haunt, beneath the tangled rootsOf pendent trees, the monarch of the brook,Behoves you then to ply your finest art;Long time he, following cautious, scans the fly,And oft attempts to seize it, but as oftThe dimpled water speaks his jealous fear:At last, while haply o'er the shaded sunPasses a cloud, he desperate takes the deathWith sullen plunge: at once he darts along,Deep struck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line,Then seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed,The cavern'd bank, his own secure abode;And flies aloft, and flounces round the pool,Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand,That feels him still, yet to his furious courseGives way, you, now retiring, following nowAcross the stream, exhaust his idle rage,Till floating broad upon his breathless side,And to his fate abandon'd, to the shoreYou gaily drag your unresisting prize."CASTING.There are several kinds of casts to be used, for theordinarycasts will be of little avail under some circumstances. To make the ordinary cast, begin with a short line, and by the action of the wrist and forearm propel it out in front of you, so that when it is extended to the full length, the fly will be two or three feet above the surface, on which it should fall by its own weight. In repeating the cast raise the point of the rod slowly, and bring it back over your right shoulder, so that the line shall describe the shape of a horse-shoe behind you; then throw it forward again in the same manner as before; keep casting in this way until you can throw a tolerable length, say, twelve or fourteen yards, always striving more for accuracy and delicacy than length.Sometimes a fish may be seen rising which is out of reach of the ordinary cast. In such case it will be necessary to adopt what is called theaugmentedcast.Throw out as much line as you can in the ordinary way, then with the forefinger of the right-hand press the line against the rod, draw two or three yards off the reel with the left hand; bring back the line and throw it forward again, and just before it reaches its fullest extent remove your finger,and the impetus of the line will carry out the two or three yards taken off the reel.Thespeythrow is used for a similar purpose. If you are fishing a large river or lake with a strong wind behind you, when the line is extended to its utmost limit by the ordinary cast, whisk the fly off the water by an upward and backward movement of the hand; but deliver it forward again, just as the last of the reel line is leaving the surface, by a rapid downward cut with the upper portion of the rod. It is possible in this way to get out four or five yards more line than by the ordinary cast.When trees or bushes overhang the water thesidecast is sometimes useful. Let out a short line, and wave the rod from side to side horizontally, until the line follows the motion of the rod, then pull a yard or two off the reel and swish it on to the water. The best way to get it off again is to reel in.It will occasionally happen that when trees are overhanging there is not room on either side to use the side cast. Theunderhandcast here comes in.Take the fly between the finger and thumb of the left hand, and by giving the rod a forward and upward motion, drop the fly on to the water in front of you.When high bushes stand between you and the river thesteeplecast is handy. By the action of the rod work the line up perpendicularly above your head, then pitch it down over the bushes on to the water.These special casts are only used in special circumstances requiring them, but they are often instrumental in producing big fish from otherwise inaccessible spots, and it is in such spots that the big fish generally lie.ANGLING CLUBS.In conclusion, I would recommend all anglers, whether living in London or the provinces, to join a good club: they theremeet kindred spirits, and form friendships and connections, that make life pleasant.Many of these clubs rent waters for the use of their members, which would not be within the reach of individuals.Scientific papers on the art are occasionally read, and discussions based on them; lectures and smoking concerts are often added to the programme; some of them possess extensive circulating libraries accessible to their members only, while most of their rooms are hung with specimen fish, portraits of prominent anglers, aquatic birds, flies, &c. In winter evenings, when angling is out of the question, the interest in the sport is thus kept up, and plans for the coming season formed, tackle compared, and various other matters arranged.Most of the London clubs admit country members at a lower rate of subscription than ordinary members, and thus benefits accrue on both sides. Country members, when in town, can obtain all the advantages enumerated, and they have occasionally the opportunity of procuring the town member a day's fishing "far from the madding crowd."RED PALMER.
It is doubtful whether the gratification of taking fish is equal to that which results from the recital of the achievement, and describing to a sympathetic audience the method and tackle by which the prey has been ensnared. Walton and his friends, after a long day, loved to meet at some village alehouse, and fight their battles o'er again; and in the present day one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening spent at an Angling Society is when the chairman asks, "Has any one been fishing?" and the members recount their piscatorial experiences since the last meeting. Any one unaccustomed to such meetings would be surprised at the knowledge of rivers, the country, the habits, and the haunts of particular kinds of fish and insects, the various sorts of baits and tackle to be used, and all the technical information which the London angler displays on such occasions; and this broader view of nature and life is not the least of the benefits derived from following the piscatorial art.
The London clubs number about 200, with upwards of 5,000 members; and considering that a very large number of anglers do not belong to any club, it will be readily understood that the angling fraternity form a considerable part of the community, whose great aim is to enjoy themselves in a rational and innocent manner, away from the clank of machinery, the roar of street traffic, and the stifling atmosphere of a great city; and every assistance and encouragement should be given them to do so—and they are progressing. Many of them practice fly-fishing; and if trout are not to be got, there are chub, dace, and bleak,and occasionally a roach, to reward them for their skill. The one great difficulty is where to get good fishing, and this is to some extent overcome by the co-operation of anglers, through their clubs and associations, who not only rent waters for their members, but make arrangements with the railway companies to take them into the country and back at greatly reduced fares. The preserving and re-stocking of waters also form an important part of the business of angling clubs. Experience has taught them that it is of very little use to turn in fry before they are old enough to take care of themselves, but that it is more satisfactory, and ultimately more economical to purchase yearling fish in the first place. These various matters have been so well attended to, that, notwithstanding the great increase in the number of anglers, access to well-stocked rivers is more easy of attainment now than it was a few years ago.
Of course, every care should be taken to prevent poaching, to keep down predaceous fish, and prevent undersized and out-of-season fish from being taken; but with these precautions, if the river is naturally adapted for the kind of fish required, there should be no difficulty.
In the case of trout, the quantity, quality, and size will very much depend on the quantity and kind of food to be obtained. There should be plenty of weeds, sedge, flags, &c., not only for shelter, but they are the natural breeding places of insects and crustacea, in which trout delight, and if the river is overhung with trees and bushes it not only adds to the security of the fish, but harbours flies and other insects which drop off into the water.
WETv.DRY.
The difference between wet and dry fly-fishing is this: the wet fly is worked gently along some few inches beneath the surface until a fish is found, which, when they are scarce, or not rising, may be a tedious process, and often the first intimation is a sudden tug without any rise, which should be immediately answered by as sudden a twitch from the wrist.
The dry-fly fisherman walks quietly along by the side of the stream, and if he sees a trout rising, drops his fly lightly a little above it, and preferably also a little on one side, and lets it float down stream on the surface to the fish, gently raising the point of his rod in the meantime. In case no fish are rising, he carefully casts to the most likely-looking spots, and particularly under the bank on which he is standing.
In nine cases out of ten, a trout, if it rises at all, takes the dry fly immediately it touches the water; therefore, one should learn to cast clean and straight, without any slack line.
TACKLE.
There is a great difference of opinion among anglers as to the amount of pliancy a fly-rod ought to possess. From the old-fashioned, heavy, stiff rod, we have gone to the other extreme, and had cane rods so light and whippy as to be entirely useless on a windy day; and now we have what is, in my opinion, a somewhat sensible reaction, and are coming back to a greenheart from ten to twelve feet long, of medium substance and pliability.
Such a rod, with an Acme line suited to it, and the whole adapted to the height and strength of the angler, ought to make good casting. Long casting may be showy, but in practice it is far better to cast lightly and accurately, and this tends to fill the basket much more than being able to get out an extra length. One piece of advice may be relied on: never part with a good rod after you have become accustomed to it. It is not only the pleasurable associations connected with it, but the confidence you have in it, and, through it, in yourself, enables you to kill fish with it.
With care, it may be made to last a lifetime. I used, the other day, at the International Tournament, a greenheart that I have used almost exclusively for about twelve years, and with which I have killed many hundred brace of trout. If, on the occasion referred to, I had used an Ogden and Scotford'smultum in parvo, I believe I should have thrown two yards farther.
FLIES.
I see no reason to alter the list given in the first edition, indeed, subsequent experience has tended to confirm my opinion expressed therein.
Many old anglers say it is of no use in the May-fly season to try any other fly. I generally use a May-fly as stretcher, and a small Soldier-palmer as drop, and out of seventeen-and-a-half brace of trout caught last Whitsuntide in two half-days, one-third of them were caught on the Palmer. Others say it is useless to try a May-fly, except when the natural fly is out; but this is also subject to modification.
There have been two or three well-authenticated cases reported in the sporting journals lately, of fish having been killed some weeks before and after the season onEphemera vulgata. Indeed, there has been seen in Ireland this autumn asecondvery strong rise of May-fly.
In the first edition I speak of the Grey-drake thus:—"This is said to be a metamorphosis of the green drake, or female, changing to a male." The passage should have read thus:—"This issaid by some writersto be," &c.
I had not the slightest intention of giving that as a fact, or as my own opinion, knowing otherwise.
Flies tied on eyed hooks with cocked or upright wings, in imitation of the natural fly when floating down a stream, are coming into use more and more, and apparently will supersede those tied on gut, and with flat wings.
WHEN TO GO FISHING.
A century ago it was not possible to get forecasts of the weather from the daily papers, and the death of Admiral Fitzroy in middle life, and in the midst of his scientific discoveries, was a great blow to the advancement of this branch of science. But with greater facilities for conveying intelligence round the whole globe, it could not but happen that more accurate information of air currentsshould be sent forward to the countries likely to be affected by them.
The following is from the "Art of Angling," published in 1810:—"It is the best fishing in a river somewhat disturbed by rain, or on a cloudy day when the waters are moved with a gentle breeze; the south and west winds are the best, and if the wind blows high, yet not so but that you may conveniently guide your tackle, then fishes will rise in the still deeps; but if there is little wind stirring, the best angling is in swift streams.
"In casting your line, do it always before you, and in such a manner that the fly may fall first on the water. When you throw your line, wave the rod in a small circumference round your head, and never make a return of it before the line has had its full scope, or the fly will snap off.
"Although when you angle the day is cloudy and windy, and the water thick, you must keep the fly in continual motion, otherwise the fishes will discern the deceit.
"'... Upon the curling surface let it glideWith nat'ral motion from your hand suppli'd;Against the stream now let it gently play,Now in the rapid eddy float away.'
"'... Upon the curling surface let it glideWith nat'ral motion from your hand suppli'd;Against the stream now let it gently play,Now in the rapid eddy float away.'
"When fishes rise at the fly very often, and yet never take it, you may conclude that it is not what they like, therefore change it for the one they do."
PLAYING A FISH.
"... Should you lureFrom his dark haunt, beneath the tangled rootsOf pendent trees, the monarch of the brook,Behoves you then to ply your finest art;Long time he, following cautious, scans the fly,And oft attempts to seize it, but as oftThe dimpled water speaks his jealous fear:At last, while haply o'er the shaded sunPasses a cloud, he desperate takes the deathWith sullen plunge: at once he darts along,Deep struck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line,Then seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed,The cavern'd bank, his own secure abode;And flies aloft, and flounces round the pool,Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand,That feels him still, yet to his furious courseGives way, you, now retiring, following nowAcross the stream, exhaust his idle rage,Till floating broad upon his breathless side,And to his fate abandon'd, to the shoreYou gaily drag your unresisting prize."
"... Should you lureFrom his dark haunt, beneath the tangled rootsOf pendent trees, the monarch of the brook,Behoves you then to ply your finest art;Long time he, following cautious, scans the fly,And oft attempts to seize it, but as oftThe dimpled water speaks his jealous fear:At last, while haply o'er the shaded sunPasses a cloud, he desperate takes the deathWith sullen plunge: at once he darts along,Deep struck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line,Then seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed,The cavern'd bank, his own secure abode;And flies aloft, and flounces round the pool,Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand,That feels him still, yet to his furious courseGives way, you, now retiring, following nowAcross the stream, exhaust his idle rage,Till floating broad upon his breathless side,And to his fate abandon'd, to the shoreYou gaily drag your unresisting prize."
CASTING.
There are several kinds of casts to be used, for theordinarycasts will be of little avail under some circumstances. To make the ordinary cast, begin with a short line, and by the action of the wrist and forearm propel it out in front of you, so that when it is extended to the full length, the fly will be two or three feet above the surface, on which it should fall by its own weight. In repeating the cast raise the point of the rod slowly, and bring it back over your right shoulder, so that the line shall describe the shape of a horse-shoe behind you; then throw it forward again in the same manner as before; keep casting in this way until you can throw a tolerable length, say, twelve or fourteen yards, always striving more for accuracy and delicacy than length.
Sometimes a fish may be seen rising which is out of reach of the ordinary cast. In such case it will be necessary to adopt what is called theaugmentedcast.
Throw out as much line as you can in the ordinary way, then with the forefinger of the right-hand press the line against the rod, draw two or three yards off the reel with the left hand; bring back the line and throw it forward again, and just before it reaches its fullest extent remove your finger,and the impetus of the line will carry out the two or three yards taken off the reel.
Thespeythrow is used for a similar purpose. If you are fishing a large river or lake with a strong wind behind you, when the line is extended to its utmost limit by the ordinary cast, whisk the fly off the water by an upward and backward movement of the hand; but deliver it forward again, just as the last of the reel line is leaving the surface, by a rapid downward cut with the upper portion of the rod. It is possible in this way to get out four or five yards more line than by the ordinary cast.
When trees or bushes overhang the water thesidecast is sometimes useful. Let out a short line, and wave the rod from side to side horizontally, until the line follows the motion of the rod, then pull a yard or two off the reel and swish it on to the water. The best way to get it off again is to reel in.
It will occasionally happen that when trees are overhanging there is not room on either side to use the side cast. Theunderhandcast here comes in.
Take the fly between the finger and thumb of the left hand, and by giving the rod a forward and upward motion, drop the fly on to the water in front of you.
When high bushes stand between you and the river thesteeplecast is handy. By the action of the rod work the line up perpendicularly above your head, then pitch it down over the bushes on to the water.
These special casts are only used in special circumstances requiring them, but they are often instrumental in producing big fish from otherwise inaccessible spots, and it is in such spots that the big fish generally lie.
ANGLING CLUBS.
In conclusion, I would recommend all anglers, whether living in London or the provinces, to join a good club: they theremeet kindred spirits, and form friendships and connections, that make life pleasant.
Many of these clubs rent waters for the use of their members, which would not be within the reach of individuals.
Scientific papers on the art are occasionally read, and discussions based on them; lectures and smoking concerts are often added to the programme; some of them possess extensive circulating libraries accessible to their members only, while most of their rooms are hung with specimen fish, portraits of prominent anglers, aquatic birds, flies, &c. In winter evenings, when angling is out of the question, the interest in the sport is thus kept up, and plans for the coming season formed, tackle compared, and various other matters arranged.
Most of the London clubs admit country members at a lower rate of subscription than ordinary members, and thus benefits accrue on both sides. Country members, when in town, can obtain all the advantages enumerated, and they have occasionally the opportunity of procuring the town member a day's fishing "far from the madding crowd."
RED PALMER.
Note the Address.ALFRED & SON,FISHING ROD AND TACKLE MAKERSTO H.R.H. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH,20, MOORGATE STREET, E.C.BEFORE BUYINGFISHING TACKLECALL AND INSPECTOur Selection of Trout Rods, the most complete Stock in London.SINGLE BRAZED FLY RODSFROM7/6Check Winches from 2s. Fly Lines, 1d., 2d., and 3d. per yard. Gut Casts from 4d. to 1s. each. Flies dressed on best Drawn Gut, kept in Stock, or tied to any Pattern, 2s. per doz.SEND A GUINEAFOR OUR FLY-FISHING OUTFITComprising Brazed Rod, Metal Winch, 40 yards Line,Casts, and Book of Flies.Foreign and Country Orders must enclose Remittance.Note the Address: 20, MOORGATE STREET, LONDON. E.C.
Note the Address.
ALFRED & SON,FISHING ROD AND TACKLE MAKERSTO H.R.H. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH,20, MOORGATE STREET, E.C.
BEFORE BUYINGFISHING TACKLECALL AND INSPECTOur Selection of Trout Rods, the most complete Stock in London.SINGLE BRAZED FLY RODSFROM7/6
Check Winches from 2s. Fly Lines, 1d., 2d., and 3d. per yard. Gut Casts from 4d. to 1s. each. Flies dressed on best Drawn Gut, kept in Stock, or tied to any Pattern, 2s. per doz.
SEND A GUINEAFOR OUR FLY-FISHING OUTFITComprising Brazed Rod, Metal Winch, 40 yards Line,Casts, and Book of Flies.
Foreign and Country Orders must enclose Remittance.
Note the Address: 20, MOORGATE STREET, LONDON. E.C.
International Fisheries Exhibition 1883THE ACMEMETAL CENTRED LINESare the Finest and Best yet made. They are the most Scientifically constructed Fly and Spinning Lines ever introduced to the Angling public. They are supplied on this condition of purchase: Cash refunded or duplicate line supplied if line be not deemed satisfactory after twelve months' wear.Mr.Wm. Senior, (Angling) Editor of theField, says: "My experience of the lines with wire centre is quite another thing, and it is confined to the 'Acme' of Messrs. D. & W. H. Foster, of Ashbourne.... I ordered a line that will do for light salmon or Pike Spinning (No. 1), and another for trout fishing (No. 0). This was two seasons ago. I have used both lines hard ever since, and they appear to be quite good for the chances of 1886. They are, in short, the best lines I ever had."—Contribution to a controversyreLines, in theFishing Gazette, March 27th, 1886.See also recommendations of theAcmeinLand and Water, August 28th, 1888;Bell's Life, September 18th, 1885;Fishing Gazette, September 19th, 1885:Field, August 16th, 1884; and the leading journals of Russia, Austria, the U.S.A., Finland, &c.The British Braided All-Silk Waterproof Lines(11⁄2d. per yd.), andThe IndestructibleDitto (1⁄6per score yds.) are the best all-silk Lines in the Market.The Best Killing Flies are the new Skin Winged "BITTERN."Patent applied for. Price3/-per dozen.LuresThey are fifty per cent. nearer nature than the old style artificials. "Two of the three varieties sent had a fair trial, and they proved more successful than any other flies."—The Rev.A. R. Francis, M.A., in theFishing Gazette, September 15th, 1888.For New and Refined Improvements in Tackle, seeFOSTER'S CATALOGUE.PHENOMENAL SUCCESSHas attended the Inventions and Improvements we have, during the past half century, introduced. Every Angler should possess a copy of our Newly Issued Catalogue. Well worth 1s., videFishing Gazette. It contains 133 pages, and over 200 illustrations (some in colours). Post free, four stamps.D. & W. H. FOSTER, Manufacturers,ASHBOURNE, ENGLAND.
International Fisheries Exhibition 1883
THE ACMEMETAL CENTRED LINES
are the Finest and Best yet made. They are the most Scientifically constructed Fly and Spinning Lines ever introduced to the Angling public. They are supplied on this condition of purchase: Cash refunded or duplicate line supplied if line be not deemed satisfactory after twelve months' wear.
Mr.Wm. Senior, (Angling) Editor of theField, says: "My experience of the lines with wire centre is quite another thing, and it is confined to the 'Acme' of Messrs. D. & W. H. Foster, of Ashbourne.... I ordered a line that will do for light salmon or Pike Spinning (No. 1), and another for trout fishing (No. 0). This was two seasons ago. I have used both lines hard ever since, and they appear to be quite good for the chances of 1886. They are, in short, the best lines I ever had."—Contribution to a controversyreLines, in theFishing Gazette, March 27th, 1886.
See also recommendations of theAcmeinLand and Water, August 28th, 1888;Bell's Life, September 18th, 1885;Fishing Gazette, September 19th, 1885:Field, August 16th, 1884; and the leading journals of Russia, Austria, the U.S.A., Finland, &c.
The British Braided All-Silk Waterproof Lines(11⁄2d. per yd.), andThe IndestructibleDitto (1⁄6per score yds.) are the best all-silk Lines in the Market.
The Best Killing Flies are the new Skin Winged "BITTERN."Patent applied for. Price3/-per dozen.
Lures
They are fifty per cent. nearer nature than the old style artificials. "Two of the three varieties sent had a fair trial, and they proved more successful than any other flies."—The Rev.A. R. Francis, M.A., in theFishing Gazette, September 15th, 1888.
For New and Refined Improvements in Tackle, seeFOSTER'S CATALOGUE.
PHENOMENAL SUCCESS
Has attended the Inventions and Improvements we have, during the past half century, introduced. Every Angler should possess a copy of our Newly Issued Catalogue. Well worth 1s., videFishing Gazette. It contains 133 pages, and over 200 illustrations (some in colours). Post free, four stamps.
D. & W. H. FOSTER, Manufacturers,ASHBOURNE, ENGLAND.
HARDY'S RODS.CANE BUILT STEEL-CENTRE, CANE BUILT GREENHEART, AND GENERAL TACKLE STAND.UNRIVALLED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.This is proved by the great number of AWARDS given them, and their GENERAL USE by ANGLERS of NOTE.Those who wish for PERFECT ADAPTABILITY, giving the BEST RESULTS with the LEAST EXPENDITURE of FORCE or CASH, should sendTHREE STAMPS for our ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE and ANGLERS' GUIDE.HARDY BROTHERS,LONDON & NORTH BRITISH WORKS,ALNWICK, NORTHUMBERLAND.
HARDY'S RODS.CANE BUILT STEEL-CENTRE, CANE BUILT GREENHEART, AND GENERAL TACKLE STAND.
UNRIVALLED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
This is proved by the great number of AWARDS given them, and their GENERAL USE by ANGLERS of NOTE.
Those who wish for PERFECT ADAPTABILITY, giving the BEST RESULTS with the LEAST EXPENDITURE of FORCE or CASH, should sendTHREE STAMPS for our ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE and ANGLERS' GUIDE.
HARDY BROTHERS,LONDON & NORTH BRITISH WORKS,ALNWICK, NORTHUMBERLAND.