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PRACTICAL ANGLER.
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO
FLY-FISHING, BOTTOM-FISHING, & TROLLING.
BY
H. CHOLMONDELEY-PENNELL, C ,
INSPECTOR OF FISHPRIES;
Jaw Er) O ¢ Comes AUTHOR OF “‘ THE ANGLER-NATURALIST,? ‘“PHE BOOK OF THE PIKE,” ETC.
LATE EDITOR OF ‘“‘ THE FISHERMAW’S MAGAZINE AND REVIEW.”
ar
x Use 44 2 74 Allustrated by Fifty Engrabings i Eptle y,
LONDON : mee DERICK ,WoaekR NE AND CO,
BEDFORD STREET, COVENT GARDEN. NEW YORK: SCRIBNER, WELFORD AND CO.
1870.
1 ae P [ wie, | ; LONDON : ea a ss SAVILL, EDWARDS AND CO., PRINTERS, CHANDOS STREET, i t . COVENT GARDEN. ay i
TO
POTN | KMONC £5" WO Ro. oso.
OF WORTH, DEVON,
ONE OF THE MOST THOROUGH SPORTSMEN OF THE DAY WITH HORSE, ROD, OR GUN, THESE PAGES ARE DEDICATED BY
HIS SINCERE FRIEND,
THE AUTHOR.
PR dos Ae, bs,
THE rapid advance of late years of theoretical and material knowledge has produced a corresponding im- provement in the practice of ‘most of the arts and sciences; and the professors of the gentle art, though in a quiet and unobtrusive way, have been by no means behindhand in the general progress. The result is, that the fisherman’s library, for all practical purposes, consists only of some dozen books, all, or almost all, being the works of living authors. The names of Stoddart, Peard, Francis, and Stewart, as preceptors in the use of the rod and line; and in the cognate departments of ichthyology and angling Jdelles lettres, those of Russel, Westwood, and Buckland, are household words wherever English anglers are to be found.
With such a phalanx of authors already in the field, however, it may be not unnaturally asked, Why is the present volume published? The answer is, that the admirable works of the writers referred to are, with one exception,* so far as the practice of angling is con- cerned, monographs, or treatises on particular branches only of fishing; and that there is a demand for some general and complete angling manual, bringing the
* “A Book on Angling,” by Francis Francis, Esq. Longman and Co. 158. °
Vi PREFACE.
subject up to the mark of modern art, and saleable at a price not beyond the reach of the masses. The present work is an attempt to supply this deszderatum.
In regard, moreover, to the theory and practice of the most important branch of angling, viz., Fly-fishing, I have arrived at conclusions not only differing widely from hitherto received canons, but which, if accepted, will go far to revolutionize, in the direction of simplify- ing, the whole system both of making and using artificial flies.
The question of tackle, also, has for many years occupied much of my attention; and the details of this subject—especially as regards hooks—are entered into with a minuteness which may perhaps seem to require apology. The apology is, that the whole art of angling consists really of an aggregation of minutiz, and that upon the difference between, say, a hook of one pattern and a hook of another, often depends, in effect, the difference between a good and a bad day’s sport.
The present opportunity is taken of submitting to the judgment of anglers a new pattern of hook, constructed on mechanical principles, and the resuit of some thought and experiment.
In the department of Trolling—using the term in its widest sense—almost the whole of the tackie described is original, and might properly be called new, but that some of it has already appeared in the “ Book of the Pike.” Amongst the additions are an improved form of spinning-lead, an artificial trouting-minnow, new flights
PREFACE. Vil
for spinning the eel-tail bait for Pike and Salmon, and, as I hope, a satisfactory solution of that long vexed problem, the “ Preserved Bait” question.
In Pond and Float-fishing generally, modern practice and precept have not perhaps left much to be said that is in the strict sense of the term new; but on these subjects I may at least claim that nothing is put for- ward which I do not myself know to be true.
It happened to me, in fact, owing to a combination of circumstances, to have graduated in turn in every branch of fish-catching, from Sticklebacks to Salmon; and perhaps few‘ men have wandered further over the United Kingdom in search of sport than I have, or dipped their flies into wilder or more varied waters, Lodging often for weeks together in shepherds’ huts and cabins, and sometimes with no lodging but the heather, and no companion but my rod, I have fished Scotland, river and loch, from Coruisk to the Tweed, and back again to the Ness. Ireland I know from the Bush to the Blackwater. I have taken Salmon from the Welsh Conway, and Trout from the grass-covered basin of Llyn Ogwen ; and many a time has my creel grown heavy amongst the fairy foams and brawling shallows of the Dartmoor and Exmoor streams, or by the teeming waters of the Itchen, the Avon, or the Thames, on whose banks I have spent many of the pleasantest years of my life .... But I need say no more on this point—if, indeed, I have already not said too much. My book will be judged, not by who writes
Vill PREFACE.
it, but by what is written in it; and I am not now addressing an angling audience for the first, though it may probably be for the last—time.
For the rest, no attempt is made in these pages at fine writing. Flowery periods and apposite quotations occupy space; and, I take it, if any one reads this book it will be with the desire of getting as much in- formation as possible in the plainest and most con- densed form.
It may be added that the Engravings of fish with which the several chapters are illustrated, have been taken from carefully selected specimens, obtained in every instance from the localities most celebrated for each particular species, and have been executed under my own eye.
WOODLANDS, WEYBRIDGE, Iot Fanuary, 1870.
UN ales.
PART I.—TACKLE.
GENERAL REMARKS, Pp. I.
CHAPTER I., pp. 5—15.
HOOKS.
Imperfections of hooks ; bend, over-tineness of wire and ‘springing,’ shank point, barb, p. 6.
Proper mechanical theory of—penetration, holding-power, strength, lightness, neatness, p. 9.
Existing Lends of hooks—Sneck, Sproat, Limerick, round, Kirby, and their defects ; ‘ hog-backed’ hooks, p. 9.
New pattern of hook descriled, p. 10.
Hooks for trolling tackle—Triangles and double hooks, tail and reverse hooks. Lip-hooks, with gimp loops and metal loops; faults of existing patterns, new patterns described, p. 14.
CHAPTER IL., pp. r6—22. SPINNING TACKLE: FLIGHTS, LEADS, AND SWIVELS.
Flights—Loss of fish, &c., with old-fashioned flights. New flights, flying triangles, p. 18.
Kinking—Causes of, defective leads; the remedy, improved leads, p. 20.
Swivels—Number, arrangement ; double swivels, ‘loop swivels,’ p. 22.
CHAPTER IIL., pp. 23—38. LINES AND REELS,
Trolling lines and dressing for, p. 26.
Reel-lines for fly fishing— Dressed line, silk and hair, spun cotton, p. 27.
Reel-lines for bottom fishing—‘ Nottingham line,’ p. 28.
Gut lines—Choice of gut, ‘drawn gut.’ Staining gut—Defective stains; one general stain recommended ; ‘red water’ and other stains, p. 31.
Hair—Objectionable for every kind of fishing; staining: dyeing feathers, p. 33.
Gimp—Different qualities and sizes; method of staining, p. 34.
Reeis—Wooden reels or ‘ pirns,’ multipliers, plain reels, check reels, aluminium reels. A suggested improvement in reels, p. 38.
Xx CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV., pp. 39—52. RODS AND ROD MAKING.
Observations on rod woods: Solid—Hickory, greenhart, ash, willow, fir, p. 43. Hollow—East India, or mottled bamboo, white cane, Carolina cane, jungle cane, p. 45.
Rod rings.—Upright rings recommended for all purposes; ‘pronged rings,’ proper shape for bottom and top rings, p. 48. Ferrules—‘'Tube-cut,’ ‘hammered.’ ‘ Brazing’ of joints—To separate ‘stuck’ joints, p. 49.
A general rod described, p. 52.
CHAPTER V., pp. 53—64. MISCELLANEA,
Knots for lines and gut—Lapping over ends, fisherman’s knot; some new knots descriled, p. 55.
New knots for Salmon and Trout drop flies, &c., p. 59.
Varnishes—Green varnish ; rod and tackle varnish, p. 60.
Bait-cans—Essentials of; new ‘shoulder’ bait-can ; preserving live baits, p. 62.
Disgorgers—Disgorger blades, a ‘ fishing knife,’ p. 63.
Landing-nets and gaffs—A new pocket-net described, p. 64.
PART If--FLY-FISHING.
CHAPTER VL., pp. 65—78. ARTIFICIAL FLIES,
Present systems of artificial (Trout) flies—‘ Colourists’ and ‘ formalists’ ; both theories unsound in part, p. 70. Fishing up-stream, &c., erroneous, p. 71.
’ True theory of artificial Trout flies, and Application of to practice—form, colour, size, p. 76.
Three typical Trout flies described and recommended to be substituted for all others for Trout, Whitetrout, and Grayling fishing, p. 76.
Theory of Salmon flies—The argument applied; three patterns of flies for Salmon and Grilse recommended to be substituted for all others, p. 77.
Theory of Whitetrout flies, p. 77.
Summary—Six flies only necessary for every description of fly-fishing, p. 77-
CHAPTER VII., pp. 79—86. BROWN-TROUT. ARTIFICIAL FLY=-FISHING IN RIVERS AND LAKES, Salmon and Trout fishing contrasted, p. 79. River-fly-fishing—Casting ; ‘switching,’ p. 83.
Drop-flies—Theory of; more than one a mistake. Howto work thedrop-fly, p.84. Striking and playing ; when and where to fish, p. 86.
CONTENTS. X1
CHAPTER VIIL., pp. 87—104. TROUT-FLIES.
Typical flies described—‘ Green,’ ‘brown,’ and ‘yellow’; new principle of construction. 4 colourless wax, p. 90. Prevailing colours of natural flies. Colours of hackles; dyed hackles best. All flies should be carried in a
box, p- 93-_ 18 Selecting of flies—Size; colour. Fly rods and tackle. Fishing with the dry
fly, p- 98. j é }
Lake fly-fishing—Choice of flies; size, colour, &c., p, 100.
Fishing with natural flies—‘ Creeper’ and stone-fly fishing ; blow-line fishing with the May-fly, p. 104.
CHAPTER IX.,, pp. tos—113.- WORM-FISHING.
Modern and old systems contrasted. Proper times and places for worm-fishing, p- 106.
Existing tackles; theory of. New tackle described—Suitable for river- bottom fishing generally? p. 111.
Trace. Best worms; management of bait, &c., p. 113.
CHAPTER X., pp. 114—129. RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING FOR TROUT,
Spinning with the natural Lait—The essentials of a perfect minnow tackle ; how to be combined in practice; a new minnow tackle described, p. 117.
Artificial baits. New metal minnow descriled, p. 119.
Great Lake Trout ; how, when, and where to spin for; tackle, p. 122.
Lake-Spinning for Brown Trout ; tackle, natural and artificial baits, p. 124.
Thames Trout-fishing, with the spinning bait and with fly; Tackle, &c, Decrease of Thames Trout, p. 129.
CHAPTER XI., pp. 130—135- WHITE-TROUT FISHING.
Different species of White-Trout and their habitats, p. 131.
White-Trout flies—“ Green,” ‘‘brown,” and ‘‘ yellow” typical Trout flies, with the addition of tinsel, recommended also for White-Trout.
Observations of fiy-fishing and spinning for. Rod, tackle, &c., p. 134-
Xil CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIL., pp. 136—144. GRAYLING FISHING,
Grayling rivers and haunts.—The ‘Grayling country ;’ spawning ; growth- rate, and nomenclature, p. 13y.
Artificial fly-fishing and flies. Uselessness of the great number of Grayling flies; typical Trout flies recommended to be substituted. Tackle, when and where to fly-fish, p. 140.
Grasshopper fishing—best tackle, and mode of using ; time, place, p. 144.
Grayling fishing with the gentle, p. 144.
CHAPTER XIII., pp. r45—171. SALMON FISHING.
Outline of Salmon history and nomenclature, p. 148.
Fly-fishing : two principal difficulties, the ‘rise’ and the ‘stroke’; casting and working the fly. Salmon haunts, p. 152.
Changing flies, and casting for second rise; wading, &c., p. 154.
Salmon and Grilse flies: three universal flies descrited— Silver,’ ‘ gold,’ and ‘rainbow.’ New method of construction—Head-hackles, &c., p. 160.
‘ Loops’; and how to fasten flies to casting-lines, p. 162.
Rod, reels, lines, and hooks. Gaffing, p. 166.
Spinning—Eel-tail bait and tackle, p. 169.
Horm-fishing and tackle, p. 171.
PART III.—* TROLLING,”—OR PIKE-FISHING.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS, Pp. 172.
CHAPTER XIV., pp. 175—197- SPINNING.
Theory of spinning. Spinning flights—The Author’s patterns; directions for baiting, p. 178; details of construction, p. 180.
Traces—leads. Rod, reel, and reel-line for spinning and Pike fishing generally, p. 182.
How to spin—Casting ; ‘Nottingham method’; striking; playing; landing, p- 189.
Spinning-laits—-Natural baits ; Bleak, Dace, Gudgeon; the Eel-lait, tackle for and how to catch. Preserved Lait. Sea-fish as baits. Artificial baits,
. 194. Hehen and where to spin—Pike-haunts and spawning time, p. 197. ,
CONTENTS. Xill
CHAPTER XV., pp. 198—206. TROLLING WITH THE DEAD GORGE BAIT,
Tackle and hooks—New leads; improved fastening for bait. The trace, p. 202. Working the gorge bait—and management whilst gorging. Gorge baits, p. 206.
CHAPTER XVI., pp. 207—216. LIVE-BAIT FISHING,
Snap live-bait tackle—Defective tackles; essentials of a perfect flight. New pattern and trace described ; mode of baiting, and baiting needles, p. 210.
Floats ; new system of, p. 211. Baits, and how to catch, p. 213.
How and where to use the live bait. Live gorge bait. Receipt for cooking Pike, p. 215.
PART IV.—BOTTOM OR FLOAT-FISHING.,
CHAPTER XVII., pp. 217—223. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
‘ Old’ and ‘ new’ (or ‘ Nottingham’) methods of bottom-fishing, p. 218. Ordinary float-fishing—Rods, lines, hooks, floats, shot, reels, &c., p. 221. Nottingham fishing—specialities of, and tackle, p. 223.
CHAPTER XVIIL., pp. 224—234. BAITS, BAITING, AND GROUND BAIT.
Baits—Worms ; brandlings, lob-worms, where to get and how to preserve ; Gentles, greaves, pith and bullock’s brains. Wasp-grubs ; easy method of taking wasp-nests. Pastes. Miscellaneous baits—Caddice : grasshoppers ; meal-worms ; earth-grubs, p. 230.
Ground lLaits—Theory and practice of ground baiting; gentles, paste, bran, bread, meal, greaves, grains, rice, worms, p. 234.
CHAPTER XIX., pp. 235—242. PERCH.
Natural and artificial baits—Spinning and fly-fishing, p. 236. Live-baiting, ‘ paternostering’ and ‘ roving,’ p. 240.
Worm-fishing in lakes, ponds, and rivers. Spawning season, p. 242. The Pope or Ruffe, p. 242.
XIV CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XX.,, pp. 243—252. BARBEL AND BREAM.
Habits of barbel and ‘ ground swimmers’ generally. Bottom fishing—tackle and baits. Leger fishing and tackle, p. 246.
Ground baits and baiting —Worms and clay-balls ; how to use, p. 248.
Halits and Haunts of Barlel—Torpidity in great cold, p. 249.
Different species of Bream—Carp Bream; White Bream, or Bream flat; Pomeranian Bream: their habitats, and how to be distinzuished, p. 250.
Bream-fishing—Tackle, baits. Ground baits. Spawning time, p. 251.
CHAPTER XXI1., pp. 252—2509. ROACH AND RUDD.
Roach and Rudd are distinct species—how to be identified. 4 new variety of Rudd—Habitats of Roach and Rudd. Spawning season, p. 255.
Best baits and ground laits in running and stagnant waters, and how to use them, Tackle. Other species of the Roach genus, p. 259.
CHAPTER XXIL., pp. 260—269. DACE AND CHUB.
The two species contrasted— Distinguishing marks, —habits and haunts, p. 263.
Dace fishing.—Baits; ground baits, tackle, &c. Fly-fishing, p. 264.
Chul: fishing with the fly: theory of Chub-flies. Useless multiplication of patterns: only one necessary. A new pattern described, p. 267.
Float-fishing —Caterpillars and grasshoppers ; live minnows; pith and bullock’s brains p. 269.
CHAPTER XXIII., pp. 270—276. CARP AND TENCH. The two species contrasted—Alleged healing powers of Tench. Longevity and
growth-rate of Carp. Habits and haunts of the two fish, p. 274. Carp and Tench jfishing—Tackle, baits, ground baits, &c., p. 276.
CHAPTER XXIV., pp. 277—286. ON SMALL FISH, PRINCIPALLY USED AS BAITS.
Bleak—How to fish for with the fly, gentle, and cast-net—How to cook, Gudgeon and Gudgeon fishing, p. 281.
Stone Loach—Miller’s Thumb. Minnows and Sticklebacks, p. 284.
All anglers should be Ichthyologists, p. 286.
AGENTS ##OR SUPPLYING. TACKLE,
The tackle, &c., described in the following pages may be obtained at most good fishing-tackle shops, but the following Manufacturers of long standing have been specially appointed agents, and have undertaken to make and supply it strictly according to pattern.
I have found some arrangement of this kind indispen- sable, in consequence of the frequent alterations, or so- called “improvements,” introduced into the tackle sold under my name by inferior makers—the effect of such alterations being usually mischievous, and often destruc- tive. I would therefore urge upon fishermen who may be inclined to try the flies, hooks, spinning-flights, &c., herein recommended, to compare them closely with the illustrative patterns and diagrams, and to reject them if inaccurate. H. C.-P.
LIST OF AGENTS. ENGLAND.
(Lonpov.)
Mr. Charles Farlow, 191, Strand, W.C.
Bernard and Son, 4, Church-place, Piccadilly ; S.W.
Mr. Thomas Aldred, 126, Oxford-street, W.
Miss Phcebe Maria Jones, 111, Jermyn-street, S.W.
Mr. John MacGowan, 7, Bruton-street, New Bond-street, W.
XVI
LIST OF AGENTS.
Messrs. Eaton and Deller, 6 and 7, Crooked-lane, E.C. Gowland and Co., 3 and 4, Crooked-lane, E.C. Chevalier Bowness and Son, 12, Bell-yard, W.C. Messrs. Bowness and Bowness, 230, Strand, W.C. Alfred and Son, 54, Moorgate-street, E.C.
Winchester .
Worcester
Shrewsbury . Manchester . Cheltenham .
Edinburgh .
9
Glasgow . Aberdeen . Inverness
Kelso .
Dublin Cork .
2?
(PROVINCIAL.)
Mr. J. Hammond, Great Minster-street.
Mr. Frederick Allies, 13, St. Nicholas-street. Mr. Henry Shaw, 45, High-street.
Mr. John Chorlton, 81, Piccadilly.
Mr. Jarses Ogden, 28, Winchcomb-street.
SCOTLAND.
Mrs. F. Hogg, 79, Princes-street.
Mr. Phin, 80, Princes-street.
Mr. J. D. Dougall, 23, Gordon-street. Mr. William Brown, 36, George-street. Mr. Hugh Snowie, 83, Church-street. Forest and Sons, Kelso.
IRELAND.
Martin Kelly and Son, 56, Lower Sackville-street. Mr. William Ashton Hackett, 38, Patrick-street.
Mr. William Haynes, 63, Patrick-street.
Lies ae Mr. John Enright.
%
MODERN pre CPICAL” ANGLER
[enenneeeneceennmimne
PAK b. I--TACKLE,
ee
GENERAL REMARKS.
WE live in times in which, as we are constantly being told, the “schoolmaster is abroad,’ and certainly the dwellers in what the late Mr. Hood described as the “ Eely-Places” have come in for their full share of educa- tional advantages. No well-informed Pike or Trout is now to be ensnared by the simple devices which proved fatal to his progenitors in the good old days of innocence and Izaak Walton: and were we to sally forth with the gear bequeathed to us by our great-grandfathers of lamented memory we should expect to see the whole finny tribe rise up to repel with scorn the insult offered to their understanding. Owing doubtless to the rapidly increasing popularity of fishing of late years, there are B
2 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
but few waters on which the shadow of the rod or glitter of the bait is not more or less familiar, and as a conse- quence fish are everywhere becoming more wary and more difficult to catch. If, therefore, we would make as large baskets as we used, we must “subtilise’’ more and more our deceptive arts, so as to keep pacewith the growth of fish-intelligence ; and to this end the most obvious, and on the whole the most important means, is to be sought in improving and refining to the uttermost every part of our fishing tackle. Other circumstances being equal, it may be safely asserted that the man who “fishes finest” will also catch most; and if we would ensure the presence of the greatest number of “ fish- diners’ we must offer them a vecherché menu. The most primitive cookery and the coarsest bill of fare will, it is true, be sufficient to attract the very lean or very hungry; but we want to entice also the fat and well-flavoured gourmand, the fellow who has just been breakfasting on a souchet of water-shrimps, or making a prolonged luncheon on that Jdonne bouche of the fish-epicure, the dainty and succulent little May-fly.
It is with fish, in fact, very much as with ourselves : the more daintily a repast is served up the more we feel inclined to partake of it. Half-starved, or fast- ing, the lords, ay, and ladies too, of creation can | relish anything—even the ponderous, antiquated joint, or unprepossessing pea-soup; but when once the edge
GENERAL REMARKS. 3
of hunger is taken off we require something gusta- tory—highly-spiced entrées, jellies, creams, ices, —and finally, to stimulate the jaded appetite, man’s original tempter, fruit, in which form and colour are called in to assist taste.
To sum up the argument, therefore, I say that to “fish fine’—finer if possible than any one else on the same water—and to tickle the piscine palate to the utmost, is the most certain way of making the heaviest creel. As it has been well paraphrased :—“ Tell me what your tackle is, and I will tell you what your basket is.”
Nor is it only as regards the basket that fine-fishing is to be commended: it is the only mode of killing fish that deserves the name of sport. To land a twenty pound Salmon or Pike by a single strand of gut, almost ° invisible as it cuts the water like a knife, is a performance to be proud of; to lure “from his dark haunt beneath the tangled roots,” the pampered monarch of the brook —to raise, strike, and steer him by a thread like gossamer through fifty perils by bank, bush, and scaur, and finally to lay the massive beauty gurgling on the ereen-sward with the microscopic hook still unshaken from his jaws, is a feat which taxes every nerve and the powers both of mind and body to accomplish. But what skill or pleasure either can there be in hauling out a miserable animal by sheer brute force, with a machine like a cart- rope and a clothes-prop? There is no “ law” shown to
B 2
4 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
the fish, and not the slightest prowess by the fisherman. It is fish-slaughter—murder—anything you like—but it is not “sport.” The essence of sport consists in the amount of skill, difficulty, or danger to be exerted or overcome in its pursuit,
CHAPTER I.
HOOKS.
General observations—Mechanical imperfections of hooks, bend, over- fineness of wire and ‘springing,’ shank, point, and barb. Proper theory af hooks—Points of a perfect hook, how to be attained: pene- tration, holding-power, strength, lightness, and neatness. Existing bends of hooks—Sneck, Sproat, Limerick, round, Kirby, and their defects; ‘hog-backed’ hooks. New pattern described. Hooks for trolling tackle—Triangles and double hooks, tail and reverse hooks. Lip-hooks, with gimp loops, metal loops ; fault of existing patterns, new patterns described.
Too much importance cannot be attached by the fisher- man to everything that concerns hooks. They are to the angler what the main-spring is to the watch, or the crank to the steam-engine—the very alpha of his craft. The whole art and paraphernalia of angling have for their objects first to hook fish, and secondly, to keep them hooked. And yet, extraordinary as it may seem in such a mechanical age as ours, we cannot go into a tackle shop and buy a hook in which one or more glaring defects—or offences against the first principles of me- chanics—cannot be pointed out. The most common fault of all perhaps lies in the shape of the bend. I have shown, when alluding to this subject in the Book of
6 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
the Pike, how great is the difference in the penetrating powers of different bends. Between the two extremes it amounts to no less than cent. per cent.; and yet even the best of these fall below the point of efficiency which ought to be attainable. Another obvious fault is over- fineness in the wire, from which it results that when the point comes sharply in contact with a bone or other hard portion of a fish’s mouth, or even on the sudden jerk occasioned by striking softer material, it “springs” —that is, yields by a widening of the bend outwards— and so fails to penetrate. On the form of the shank of the hook, again, depends to a considerable extent in fly-fishing, the proper and even swim of the lure; and whilst the point and barb are the first portions of the hook to be brought into requisition in practice, it would seem that they are the last on which any theoretical consideration has been bestowed.
The theory of hooks, as based simply on mechanical principles, should probably run somewhat as follows :—
1. What are the objects to be aimed at in a perfect hook ? a. Penetration. 6. Holding power. c. Strength. d. Lightness and neatness. 2. How are these to be attained and combined ?
Penetration.—Cateris paribus, the penetrating power of any hook will be greater in proportion as the angle of impact—the angle, that
HOOKS. 7 is, at which the point of the hook strikes the fish’s mouth—coincides
with the direction of the force applied (¢.e. the pull of the line): or to illustrate this by a diagram :—
DEFECTIVE HOOKS
Fic Fic. BiGase
‘The dotted line a e represents the direction of the applied force; the penetration will be greater as the direction of the line of the point ¢ d, is coincident with that of ae. In figure 1 these two lines actually correspond, and if there were no other matters to be taken into con- sideration this hook, so far as penetration depending on bend is con- cerned, would be mechanically perfect. Figure 2 represents a hook in which the converse of the above principle is illustrated.
These principles hold good equally in the case of hooks the points of which are crooked or turned sideways, as in the Kirbys and Snecks, the penetration diminishing as the point is turned from the direction of the applied force ; and accordingly this is the one particular in which the Limerick is superior to the other bends. The sproat and round-bends have also a similar advantage. In all these hooks the angle of impact, such as it is, is direct.
The above arguments are based, it will be observed, on the assump- tion that in all other respects except the bend, the. hooks under compa- rison are equal. But in fact hooks are divided into two broad divisions, the one possessing and the other lacking an element which has an obvious bearing on the penetrative power. I refer to the shape of the shank, whether straight or ‘hog-backed’ (curved). The substi-
8 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
tution of a necessarily more or less yielding and elastic curve for a per- fectly straight and rigid shank, cannot but affect adversely the pene- trating powers. As regards the penetration of the point itself, it is clear that, other circumstances being equal, the smaller the hole to be made the less will be the force required to make it; and also that a long straightly tapered point, like that shown in figure 1, will penetrate more easily than a shorter and “ blunter,” or Aol/owed-out point of the form represented in figure 3. This latter principle, is merely, in fact, a converse application of the mechanical truism, that what is gained in speed is lost in power. If two barbs are of the same maximum diameter, and one is twice as long as the other, the longer barb will for practical purposes penetrate with half the pressure required by the shorter.
Again, with regard to the “ point-side” of the barb (c d in diagram), it is obvious that in order to insure a firm and deep penetration this side must be of a proper length. The want of length in this part of the hook is one of the faults of the “Sproat-bend” which is exaggerated for sake of illustration in figure 3.
Holding power.—To illustrate this I shall take a case which is both the most common in practice and will admit of a theoretical demonstra- tion: that of the hook having penetrated quite through the lip of the fish, so that the point protrudes. In this case it is evident that, when once hooked, the nearer the point approaches the shank of the hook, the less chance must the fish have of escaping. ‘This will be seen by car- rying the principle to the extreme limit—and assuming that the point was so bent in after hooking as actually to touch the shank; the fish’s lip would then be enclosed in a complete triangle, from which, of course, there could be no possible escape.
Strength.—It is obvious that those portions of the hook which are nearly or quite in the same line as the penetrating or holding force, have little or no strain to bear. ‘This is the case with the shank and with the short or point-side of the hook shown in the engraving fig. 1. The strain, therefore, is thrown on the top side, and more especially on the augle f, and it is precisely in this point that the common sneck-bends have hitherto failed in practice. So marked has been this failure that I have known three Salmon to be lost within an hour, with sneck hooks, all by breakages at the angle in question.
Lightness and neatness-—The lightest form of hook, other points
HOOKS. 9
being equal, must evidently be that in which, whilst retaining the re- quisite thickness of metal at the portion subject to strain, the parts not so subject—that is, the shank and “ point-side”—are tapered away to- wards the ends. Hooks so tapered are also neater when employed for flies, and more convenient for general use.
The patterns of hook which at present most nearly fulfil the conditions indicated by a practical application of the foregoing theory are the sneck and sproat-bend hooks; the former is however marred by two faults, the turning to one side of the point, and the lack of strength above described ; and the latter by the want of depth and power in the point-side, the hollowed out or blunted shape of the barb, and the curved or “hog- backed” form of the shank. Appearance, or neatness, is of course a matter of taste, but whatever other claims the
sproat-bend has upon our suffrages they can hardly, I think, be urged on the score of beauty. The Limerick hook also has the disadvantage, though in a less ex- aggerated form than the “sproat,” of being hog-backed, which, as I have shown, prevents the fly swimming straight and even, and gives it an inclination to turn in the. water, like a miniature spinning-bait. The round and Kirby bends are very deficient in penetrating power, and disproportionately short in the shank as compared to their breadth of bend, either for appearance or use, more particularly in the matter of flies.
In the pattern of hook which is now being manufac- tured by Messrs. Hutchinson, of Kendal, under my name, I have endeavoured to hit the medium between
IO MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
theoretical and practical requirements, and to com- bine as nearly as possible the advantages of the various bends referred to, and especially of the sproat and sneck bends, whilst avoiding what I believe to be their faults.
Diagrams both of this hook and of the other hooks described, are appended, and by applying to them the principles advocated, my readers will be able to form their own conclusions as to how far the pattern I recommend fulfils the ideal sketched out. In this
ROUND KIRBY LIMERICK SNECK PENNELL SPROAT
diagram the dotted lines show the directness or other- wise of the angle of impact, and in this point it will be seen that my hook is slightly inferior to the sproat-bend. In order however to obtain this extra-directness, both the depth and therefore strength of the hold, the shape of the barb, and generally the elegance of the whole hook have in the sproat-bend been sacrificed. In my pattern the angle of impact is quite direct enough to ensure penetration, whilst the slight additional “ rank-
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HOOKS. II
ness” of the point makes it less likely to miss hooking than if it were turned more inwards.
Fac-similes of the several sizes of my hooks are re- presented in the annexed plate, and the numbers given under each are those by which they are distinguished by the manufacturers.
HOOKS USED IN TROLLING TACKLE.—TRIANGLES AND DOUBLE HOOKS.
Whatever is the best bend for single hooks is @ fortiorz also the best for every description of triangles.
All triangles should invariably be brazed (z.e. soldered) together, so as to form a single piece. This has a very great influence upon their killing power, principally, no doubt, because triangles which are only whipped to- gether are liable to slip or yield, when brought into sudden and violent contact with a fish’s jaws.
Triangles of various sizes composed of my pattern of hook, as also double hooks for gorge-live-baiting and other purposes, are now being manufactured by Messrs. Hutchinson, the shank, in the larger sizes, being made a trifle shorter for the sake of neatness and lightness. The numbers correspond with those of the single hooks, according to the width of bend.
TAIL-HOOKS.
When my attention was first directed to the subject of Spinning-tackle, I found that one of the chief draw-
12 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
backs of the old flights was that after a few casts the strain on the bait’s tail was apt to work out the fixed hooks—set in the usual way point upwards—and thus to destroy the curve of the bait on which its spinning depended. This was combined with other minor defects which need not be recapitulated. In order to remedy these, I substituted for the small single tail hook a long-shanked round-bend hook with a smaller reverse hook lapped on to the end of the shank, so that when the latter was fixed in its place, the “pull” of the two hooks counteracted each other, and the bait both spun more brilliantly and lasted very much longer than under the old system. For readier manipulation these hooks were subsequently made in a single piece, and in this form are now very generally adopted by spinners. In the plate annexed fac-similes of the sizes most commonly in use are given for convenience of reference, the numbers being those of Messrs. Hutchinson.
In tail-hooks the round bend is preferable to any other, as it is more easily slipped under the skin of the bait and gives it a more perfect curve, and consequently a more rapid and regular motion. Directions for baiting, with other detailed instructions for the use of these hooks, will be found under the head of Pike-spinning.
Lip-HOOKS.
The lip-hook is a very important portion of the spinning-flight, as upon it depends the proper position
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HOOKS. 13
of the bait and flight. The chief objects to be aimed at in this hook are durability and neatness combined with ease in shifting when required, and complete fixedness or immobility at other times. The three last deszderata were all very fairly fulfilled by the old-fashioned lip- ‘hook, composed of gimp loops whipped on to an ordi- nary lip-hook. The construction of this
lip-hook is shown below (figure 2). The 1
two little loops are formed by doubling a 2mm
piece of fine wire or gimp (figure 1), and Nai laying it on the upper side of the shank of
the hook, and then lapping over all except the two ends, When complete, the end of the gimp or gut to which the flight is tied should be passed upwards through the lower loop, then twisted two or three times round the shank of the hook, and again passed upwards through the upper loop and drawn tight.
To shift the position of the lip-hook higher or lower, it is only necessary to loosen the coils round — the hook by pushing the gimp upwards or down- wards through the loops and then tightening from the other end.
In the other essential of durability, however, it was less satisfactory, and consequently various plans have been tried for some years to remedy this deficiency by making lip-hooks entirely of steel, one or both of the loops being brazed to the shank. Hitherto, however, these have been practical failures, as owing to the slip-
14 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
periness of the polished steel the line could not be twisted round it tight enough to prevent its shifting its position with the slightest strain, such as that, for instance, which would be occasioned by its catching in a weed. It became a s/zp-hook, in fact, instead of a lip-hook.
The manner in which the loops were set also caused the gimp to stand out at each end in a manner that was both unsightly, and which tended to lessen the direct- ness of the line of pull, at the point where it was espe- cially necessary. I have lately, however, hada metal lip-hook made in which these difficulties will I believe be
found to have been overcome.
METAL. LIP - HOOKS
By leaving the shank of the hook rough (unpolished) in- stead of smooth, the gimp no longer slips when once fixed in position, and by some slight changes in the position of the
. steel loops it is made to hang et ee ane quite straight. The results of the two systems in regard to this latter point are shown in fac-simile in the engraving.
Diagrams of the several sizes of these lip-hooks likely to be really wanted in the construction of spinning tackle are given in the last plate (p. 12), with their numbers of reference. All lip-hooks should be made small rather
|
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HOOKS. 15
than large, as they comparatively seldom touch a fish, and they show more than any others on the flight. It is also desirable to keep the bait’s mouth shut as closely as possible. The hook figured in the wood-
cut at page 13 is about the number suitable for a medium-sized gudgeon.
16 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
CHAPTER JI, SPINNING TACKLE: FLIGHTS, LEADS, AND SWIVELS.
Flights—Drawbacks to spinning: loss of fish; causes of losses; old- fashioned flights, flying triangles, new flights. Kinking—Causes of kinking, defective leads; the remedy, improved leads. Swivels— Number, arrangement ; double swivels, ‘ loop swivels.’
IN spinning, both for Pike, and for lake or Thames Trout, two great drawbacks were formerly experienced : one the large proportion of fish lost after being struck ; and another the “kinking,” or crinkling of the line, to which both sport and temper were not infrequently sacri- ficed. The average of fish lost after being struck with the old-fashioned tackle was computed at from fifty to sixty per cent.—an estimate which has been generally
admitted to be under rather than over the mark,
FLIGHTS.
The above result was attributable mainly to the large number of hooks and triangles—the latter ranging from three to five—formerly employed on a good-sized flight, . These were not only useless, but distinctly mischievous, both as regards the spinning of the bait and the basket- ing of the fish when hooked. Upon the bait they acted
SPINNING TACKLES. 17
by impairing its brilliancy and attractiveness, rendering it flabby and inelastic. Upon the fish they operated only as fulcrums by which he was enabled to work out the hold of such hooks as were already fast. The great size also, and the defective bends of many of the hooks used contributed materially to swell the proportion of losses, as it should be recollected that to strike a No. 20 hook fairly over the barb, requires at least three times the force that is required to strike ina No. 10; and that this disparity is increased when the hooks are used in triangles. A Jack,say, has taken a spinning-bait dressed with a flight of three or four of these large triangles, and a sprinkling of single hooks—perhaps eleven or twelve inall. The bait probably lies between his jaws grasped cross- mise; and \therefore’ the’ pomts of ..at. least «six of these hooks will most likely be pressed by the fish’s mouth, whilst the bait also to which they are attached is held firmly in his teeth. Zhe whole of this combined resistance must be overcome—and that at one stroke, and sharply—before a single point can be buried above the barb.
The grand principle in the construction of all spinning- tackle is the use of the flyzng triangle as distinguished from that whipped upon the central link. A flight con- structed with flying triangles can never fail to be tolerably certain, in landing at least, a fish once struck. There are, however, many degrees of excellence in such flights, even in the item of “landing ;” and as regards
C
18 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
the “spinning,” not one in a hundred of those that have come under my notice has been in the least calculated to make a bait spin properly.
In order to ascertain the best combination of hooks, &c. for this purpose, I carefully experimented upon every part of the spinning flight and trace; including the number, shape, size, and arrangement of the hooks, leads, and swivels, with the various materials out of which a trace can be composed, in every case carefully testing theory by practice, and sparing no pains or trouble to obtain reliable results. The several arrange- ments of spinning flights which these experiments proved to be most suitable to the different varieties of baits and fish are given in the chapters devoted to each. Some of the flights have already been de- scribed in my former works and are now very generally
used.
KINKING.
If the large proportion of fish lost was one great drawback to the popularity of spinning, “kinking,” or the twisting up of the line into knots and loops, was cer- tainly a still greater one. Trollers generally imagined that kinking was the fault of the running line, or its dressing; and all their attention was accordingly concentrated on these points, which, however im- portant in other respects, had seldom anything to do with the real question. The vice lay not in the “xe
SPINNING TACKLES. IQ
but’ in the “ad. No moderately well dressed line ought ever to kink with a lead constructed on proper principles.
The lead, however, was always fastened to the trace, by the latter passing through a hole in the centre, and the result was that it offered no resistance worth mentioning to the rotatory motion of the bait, the effects of which, instead of being confined to the trace below the leads, consequently extended upwards to the running line, and produced kinking. Kinking is in fact only another word for twisting; abolish twisting, and you abolish kinking also.
The seat of the disease being thus ascertained, the
cure was easy. Bya reference to the annexed diagram
a. Lead. cb, Line oftrace. d, End nearest bait.
it will be observed that the lead, instead of resting as usual on the line, hangs horizontally underneath it ; and it is in the application of this principle that the only permanent remedy for kinking is to be sought. By changing the centre of gravity the resisting power or ves inertie of the lead, is, for the purpose in question, more than quadrupled, without any increase of weight ; the proper action of the swivels is insured ; and all danger of kinking obviated. C2
20 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
Since I brought the above subject under the notice of anglers, in 1861, I have had the satisfaction of seeing this principle adopted by the large majority of trollers, and its efficacy as a complete cure for kinking generally
admitted. The engraving below represents the final result
of my experiments to reduce the principle to practice in the simplest possible form. I think it will be found that the arrangement of lead as shown in the diagram meets whatever objections have been urged against this tackle, on the ground of its liability to catch in weeds, un- sightliness, &c. In attaching the lead to the trace, all that is necessary is that at the point where it is to remain, viz., just above the swivel, it should fit the trace tightly, so as not to shift its position.
The lead is greatly improved by being varnished, or painted, a dark green, or weed tint, as lead is a very showy colour in bright water, and I have on more than one occasion known fish to run at and seize the lead, instead of the bait. An excellent varnish for this purpose is made with powdered dark green sealing-wax, and spirit of wine, mixed to about the thickness of thin
treacle.
SPINNING TACKLES. 2I
SWIVELS.
From four to six swivels form the ordinary, and indeed necessary complement to each set of spinning gear, where the lead is suspended on the old plan; and these being distributed at intervals up and down the trace make a great show and stir in the water, frighten the fish, weaken the tackle, and are withal expensive. With the lead arranged as above a single really good swivel that works freely, fastened zzmediately below the lead, is usually sufficient for every purpose. The spinner is thus enabled to get a clear 2 or 3 feet of gut or clouded gimp between the bait and the lead—a very material assistance to fine-fishing. The danger of kink- ing, however, from the result of rust or otherwise is di- niinished by the use of a double swivel which I have had made for some years past with this object (vde cut). Blue swivels show less in the water than bright ones, and are less liable torust. There are several g swivels now made with a spring loop at one end, " to or from which the loop of the line or trace can be attached or detached in a moment by the hand, and these are of great practical con- venience in the manipulation of almost all kinds of spin- ning and trolling trackle. One of the simplest forms is re- presented in the diagram at p. 20. Theoretically it might seem that there would be danger of the loop of the trace
or line twisting out of these spring loops, but in practice
an MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
I have never found the difficulty to arise, provided the loop is only just large enough to slip on to the swivel. Swivels work best and last longest when of medium or small size, like that represented, and they should always be well oiled before and after being used.
23
CHAaArrER IE
LINES AND REELS.
Trolling lines—Ancient lines, dressings for trolling lines. Ree/-/ines for Jy fishing—Dressed line, silk and hair, spun cotton. Ree/-lines for bottom fishing—‘ Nottingham line. Gut lines—Choice of gut, ‘drawn gut’. Staining gut—Defective stains; Mr. Stewart’s stain recommended red water-stain; other stains. Hair—Notto be re- commended; for any kind of fishing; mode of dyeing; dyeing feathers. Gimp—Different qualities and sizes; method of staining. Reels—W ooden reels or ‘ pirns,’ multipliers, plain reels, check reels, aluminium reels. A suggested improvement in reels.
REEL LINES FOR TROLLING.
VERY little seems to be known about ancient lines, whether for trolling, or any other fishing. We learn, however, that they were sometimes made of hemp, sometimes of horsehair, and perhaps also occasionally of byssus—a stringy substance by which certain species of mussels and pinne adhere to the rocks,—but certainly not of gut. That they were finely twisted, however, the epithets “ cuplokamos,” “ linostrophos,’ &c., sufficiently indicate. Finally they were very short; often barely the length of the rod, which was itself shorter than ours.
Amongst our own predecessors in the gentle craft great differences of opinion existed as to the qualities
24. MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
which a trolling line should possess, and every conceiv- able variety of material has been at one time or other recommended for its composition, from “ sheep and cat- gut,” to “silver and silk twisted.” Even amongst more modern authorities some peculiar divergencies are ob- servable. Palmer Hackle (Robert Blakey), for instance, recommends horsehair, pur et simple ;—a recipe which I cannot think likely to prove very successful, as it is within the experience of most trollers that, even with the addition of a proportion of silk, twenty yards of ordinary fly-line cannot be induced to run out through the rings of a jack rod. A few lines further on, however, Mr. Blakey explains that “there ave other sorts kept by
)
the tackle-shops, but—he has never tried them ;’ and, therefore, he “will back a hair-line against them all at a venture.” The bare material for a trolling line of genuine horsehair 80 yards long, would cost from 25s. to 30s.
Three qualifications are essential to a trolling line: strength ; a certain amount of stiffening ; and impervi- ousness to water, without which no line can be prevented from swelling and knotting into tangles when wet and uncoiled from the reel. And here it may be at once ad- mitted that these conditions are all very fairly fulfilled by the ordinary 8-plait dressed-silk trolling lines sup- plied by the tackle makers. Some discussion has re- cently taken place as to the merits of catechu, india- rubber, and other waterproof dressings, especially in
LINES AND REELS. 25
securing greater durability, and I shall hope at a future opportunity to go more fully into this question with reference to a few experiments which I have carried out,—but I am satisfied that up to the present time no practical application of either of these dressings has been arrived at, or, at least, made public, which, having regard to the numerous points to be considered, will bear com- parison with common 8-plait oiled silk, and I recommend the use of this line—of course of different sizes—for all sorts of Pike and Salmon fishing, paternostering, leger- fishing, and Minnow-spinning.
It cannot be denied, however, that there is always some little uncertainty in the effect of oil dressings, especially when manipulated by amateurs; and I have on several occasions had lines returned after re-dressing —and that too from very careful hands—which for some reason or other seemed to become in parts almost imme- diately rotten, a result as far as I could judge, only attributable to the effect of the new dressing.
One great safeguard against premature decay we know ; and that is, never to put by a line until it has been thoroughly dried. Attention to this simple pre- caution will save some expense, and not a few of those precipitate partings between fish and fisherman, which are so painful to at least one of the parties concerned.
From 60 to 80 yards will be found the most convenient length of trolling line for general use; as to sub- stance, a medium rather than a very fine or very stout
26 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
plait; and for colour the pale green tint which is now very properly preferred to the yellow, as showing less in the water. A heavy line will impair the “play” of the bait at any considerable distance.
REEL LINES FOR FLY-FISHING.
During the last few years it has become a not uncom- mon custom amongst fly-fishers to use for the fly the same 8-plait dressed silk line just described as most suitable for trolling purposes ; and in windy weather the extra weight of such a line as compared with its bulk is an unquestionable advantage. Perhaps, however, the dressed line has made most converts owing to the equally unquestionable shortcomings of the mixed silk and hair line which was commonly the alternative. Nothing can well be worse than this line. It is expen- sive; wears out quickly; is never really’ strong even when new; “kinks” on the slightest provocation, and, owing to the protrusion of numberless points of hair, has a special inaptitude for running freely through rod-rings. For these reasons no one who values pocket or comfort should use a silk and hair line, whether twisted or plaited. Until recently I have myself for some years used the dressed silk line, and found it at least strong and smooth-running—two great advantages, it must be admitted,—but during the past twelvemonth a new de- scription of line made of spun cotton has been sent to
me for trial, which whilst inexpensive as compared with
LINES AND REELS. 27
the dressed silk line, is equally strong and more durable. This line is what is termed “ cable-laid ”»—twisted, that is, in the same manner as a ship’s cable,—the principle of which is that whilst the cable itself is twisted, say from right to left, the separate ropes of which it is com- posed are twisted from left to right. The result of this is that the two twists counteract each other in their mutual inclination to kink, and when wetted the cable instead of swelling hardens and contracts. The spun- cotton lines are made on the same principle, of sizes to suit all sorts of fish, including Salmon, and answer per- fectly both for fly-fishing and ordinary bottom fishing.
They are not dressed in any way, but are stained a good neutral, or slate colour. Specimens were also sent me of the same lines dressed in various ways with india- rubber and tar for purposes of trolling. Neither of the dressings, however, properly effect their object ; and if they did, would still be useless, as in a single day’s spinning the whole of the dressing wears off. The Company,* however, informed me that at my suggestion they were about to try experiments with oil dressings, with what result I have not yet heard.
REEL LINES FOR BOTTOM-FISHING.
A line of exceptional lightness, and with a disinclina- tion to “kink” when wetted, is essential for the most successful and scientific method of bottom-fishing,
* “The Manchester Twine-Spinning Company.”
28 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
known as the “ Nottingham style.” Long casts have to be made with so light a bait and tackle, that unless the line is almost as fine as gossamer, and runs very easily, it will not pass through the rod rings without great trouble. It must also be “un-dressed,”-or it will sink instead of floating, and thus render it impossible to strike a bite effectively at long range. I have in my possession a line made at Nottingham which fulfils ad- mirably all these conditions. It is composed of six or eight of the finest possible strands of silk, plaited some- what in a square shape; and in thickness does not exceed that of ordinary “ Holland thread,” one hundred yards weighing exactly three-eighths of an ounce. And yet, fine as it is, it will lift a dead weight of between 6 lbs. and 7 lbs., which is double the strain that it is ever likely to be subjected to.
This line is the best that can be used on the reel for every description of bottom fishing, with the exceptions mentioned under the head of Trolling-lines.
There is a twisted silk line, sold in the tackle-shops, which is cheaper, but which kinks directly it is wet, ren-
dering it useless for Nottingham fishing.
GUT-LINES.
Gut lines are to be preferred for every description of bottom and fly-fishing, and, especially in the latter case ; it is important that they should be carefully and evenly tapered from top to bottom. The three chief points to
LINES AND REELS. 29
be looked to in selecting silk-worm gut, are roundness, evenness of substance, and above all transparency ; and in the case of very fine gut, to seeing that it has not been scraped, or artificially fined down in any way. Gut so treated is what is termed “ drawn-gut.” Its appearance is not so glossy as the natural material, and it frays and wears out almost directly when exposed to moisture and friction of any sort. Exceedingly fine, round, naturai cut is, of course, somewhat expensive, and not always to be obtained without some trouble, but it is essential in many kinds of fishing, and will in the end be found
really much more economical than gut artificially fined.
STAINING GUT.
Stained or clouded gut is much to be preferred to gut unstained, because it is less visible in the water. Diffe- rent fishermen affect different stains, some preferring what is termed the “red-water stain,’ others a neutral or slate tint, and others a blue. The most important point in the staining of gut is to remove the gloss, which catches the light, and on a sunny day glitters through the water in a manner that must produce no little as- tonishment among the fish, and which would probably equally astonish the angler himself could he obtain a bird’s-eye, or rather fish’s-eye, view of his line.
In this cardinal point, however, all the ordinary stains used by the tackle makers signally fail; the tints of colour produced being moreover by no means the best
30 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
obtainable. It is to be remembered that the fish sees the cut usually from below, and that therefore, especially in fly-fishing, the colour of the water hardly affects the question. A colour which without being glossy will assimilate best with the sky-tint for the time being is that which would be theoretically perfect if obtainable, but as the sky-tints change perpetually, dark alternating with light, and sun with shade, so as to make it impos- sible in practice to keep the colours actually matched, the next best thing is to employ a colour which har- monizes best with the largest number of the most com- monly prevailing cloud-tints. This colour appears to be a sort of greyish-green, but I have never met with any single stain which will produce it. It seems to require the blending of several separate tints, and that may probably be the secret of the success of the following receipt, for which I was originally indebted to my friend Mr. W. C. Stewart :—
The first step in the process is to impart to the gut a lightish tint of the common “ red-water stain.” For this purpose take a teacupful of black tea, and boil it with a quart of water: keeping the gut steeped in the mixture until it has acquired the necessary tint. This process will sometimes take only half an hour or even less, and sometimes several hours, according to the strength and staining power of the tea: when sufficiently stained, rinse the gut well in cold water. When dry, take a handful of logwood-chips (obtainable at most druggists), and boil them in a quart of water till the latter is reduced to about a pint. Then take it off the fire, and put into it a small piece of copperas, (sul- phate of copper) about the size of a hazel nut, powdered, stir the mix- ture, and when the copperas is dissolved, which it will be in a few minutes, dip the gut into the mixture until it has got the dirty greyish-
LINES AND REELS. 31
green tinge described. Very often a few instants’ immersion will be sufficient, and in order to ascertain the exact amount of the stain, as well as to avoid overstaining, it is best always to keep a basin of water close at hand to rinse the gut in, the moment it is taken out of the dye.
‘
This method of staining involves a little extra trouble, but it is trouble well bestowed, and will tell on the baskets. The removal of the gloss is I think due to the action of the copperas. Every description of gut used
in fishing should be stained in this manner.
To produce the common stains already mentioned :—
Red-water stain.—Use tea-leaves as above described: or coffee, pre- viously charred in a frying-pan and ground, will answer instead of tea.
Walnut-juice, I understand, produces a similar colour, but as I have never tried it, I cannot speak from expe- rience.
Slate stain.—Soak the gut in a mixture of boiling water and ink: rinsing it well when stained.
Gut can be stained almost any colour by the use of “Judson’s anzline dyes,” or the “popular dyes,” which are kept by most large chemists. Directions for use are given on the bottles, but the angler will find it conve- nient in every case only to use half the proportion of water recommended: and some of the stains have the effect of destroying the texture of the gut.
All gut stains can be reduced in intensity by boiling the gut in clean water.
32 ; MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
HAIR.
Horsehair cannot be used with advantage for any kind of fishing-line. I have already explained its in- convenience when employed in the reel, or running-line ; and employed as a substitute for single gut it is equally a mistake, the latter being both finer, stronger, and, when stained as directed, much less visible in the water. This process of staining gut in fact takes away from hair the one real advantage it ever possessed, viz., that of not clittering in the water. It is a peculiar feature of hair that it will break on a long-continued strain, even though the actual weight be gradually rather lessened than in- creased. A strand of gut that will fairly lift a 5 lb. weight will commonly suffice to keep it suspended, if necessary; hair on the contrary will break in a few minutes on a strain less than that which it originally supported with ease. The best hair is obtained from the
tails of szallions.
STAINING HAIR.
Stained hair is seldom used, the natural brown colour being usually preferred. Before it can be properly stained the greasiness must be removed by what is termed by dyers a “mordant.” A good mordant for the purpose, as well as for the dyeing of feathers, is obtained by dissolving about a quarter of an ounce of alum in a pint of water, and slightly boiling the hair or feathers in it.
LINES AND REELS. 33
The dyeing of feathers is, however, a very nice and complicated business, and even after much trouble the amateur can seldom succeed so well as persons who make dyeing their single profession. Moreover their dyes are in many cases secrets, not known even to the tackle makers who employ them, and from whom I advise all anglers to obtain their supplies of feathers ready-dyed. ;
GIMP.
The thicknesses of the various sizes of gimp required in fresh-water fishing, and the trade numbers, are shown in the annexed engraving,
the sizes and numbers 900
>—$__—__——< being those of the best 00 ne gimp manufactured by
Messrs. Kenning, of Little
Britain, London. There are great diffe- rences in the quality and
value of gimp, and it will
commonly be found the wisest plan to obtain the most expensive, as the difference between good and bad cannot be judged by the eye and is often not discovered until the discovery has cost the loss of a good fish, The best rough and ready test is the strength. D
34 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
The best gimp’ is commonly made on pure white silk—a yellow colour is generally an inferior quality.
To STAIN GIMP.
Nothing can be worse, as regards fine-fishing, than the common glittering gimp; indeed so great is the draw- back that some authors have actually recommended the troller to take the trouble of lapping it over from end to end with waxed silk like the shanks of hooks: but it has this great advantage of being very durable, safe com- paratively speaking from the effects of the Pike’s teeth, and easily manipulated. I therefore tried various ways of staining or clouding it, so as to remove the glittering appearance complained of. Green paint, and sealing- wax varnish both answer this purpose for a short time, but they soon wear off, as do other less effectual dyes. The difficulty was to get a stain which would perma- nently cloud, without impairing the strength of the gimp, and the following will be found to answer every purpose :—
Soak the gimp in a solution of bichloride of platinum—mixed in about the proportion of one part of platinum to eight or ten of water— until it has assumed the colour desired. ‘This will take from a quarter of an hour to two or three hours, according to the strength of the solution. ‘This will impart to the gimp a dark cloud tint, almost in- visible in the water. The permanent nature of the stain is owing to a chemical action by which certain minute portions of soft metal are
extracted from the wire of the gimp, and platinum deposited in their place.
LINES AND REELS. 35
I find this stain is now very generally used in the tackle shops.
WINCHES OR REELS.
Reels may be broadly placed in two divisions—metal and wooden. The latter I dismiss as being unsuited to anything but “ Nottingham fishing,” of which more here- after. The former, as every fisherman knows, are divided into three classes: — “plain,” “check,” and “multiplying.” Of these I think there can be no doubt that the “ multipliers” combine the greatest number of disadvantages with the fewest recommendations, as they are expensive, very apt to get out of gear, and almost useless either for winding ina large fish, or for giving line to one of any other size.
The “plain” brass reel has at least the merit of being piain—in the sense of simpleness and inaptitude for get- ting out of order ; but it has two great drawbacks, which exist also and to a still greater extent in the wooden reel, or pirn as it is called in Scotland, viz., that when the line is pulled out strongly either by hand, or by a fish, the wheel twists so rapidly as to “over run” itself, thus producing a sudden check, which at a critical junc- ture is very likely to cost the loss of the fish and the tackle. It is also, for another reason, very unsafe when playing a fish, as, should the pressure of the hand be for an instant removed from the line, the latter runs out so freely as to produce sudden slackness,—an evil perhaps
D 2
36 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
greater even than the other, as nothing is more certainly disastrous than a slack line, and nothing more probable than the occurrence of the contingency referred to when fish have to be followed rapidly over broken ground. These are radical faults—vzces would not be too strong a term—inherent in the principle of all “plain” reels, and
inseparable from them.
They are, however, entirely obviated by the check system ; and check reels should therefore be the only ones ever employed for any kind of heavy fishing, whether with bait or fly. With this reel the line is entirely independent of the hand, by which indeed it is very seldom desirable that it should be touched in any way. All that the hands have to do is to keep the point of the rod well up, and a steady strain on the fish ; and eyes and attention are thus left free to take care of their owner’s neck—a practical advantage which those who have chased a salmon down the crage’d and slippery channel of a Highland river, or a strong Pike along the margin of a Hampshire ‘“ Water Meadow” will know how to appreciate. A check winch, in fact, does two- thirds of the fisherman’s work for him, and may almost be left to kill by itself; it acts upon the golden rule of never giving an inch of line unless it is ¢aken, and when really required pays it out smoothly and rapidly to the exact extent necessary, and no more. The even check prevents the line “over running” itself in the one case, or sticking fast in the other; and when it becomes
LINES AND REELS. 37
necessary to wind up a fish, the check reel is in every way as direct and powerful a lever as the plain old- fashioned wheel. The point to guard against is having the check too strong.
I defy any man to fairly wind in a heavy fish with a multiplying reel. It is the old mechanical principle again of losing in power what is gained in speed ; and a reel that gives four turns of the axle to one of the handle, loses exactly one-fourth of its strength for each turn—that is, has one-fourth only of the direct power of a check winch.
Beautiful reels for all kinds of fishing are now made on the check system ; some of plain brass, some of brass stained black, some—for the sake of lightness—of wood and metal combined, and some which are lighter than either, of aluminium. The saving in weight thus secured by the two last-named materials is very considerable, and they therefore present advantages to men who are not strong, and who may find the weight of a Salmon or trolling rod and reel tell upon their muscles, but for ordinary work and taking the chances of wear and tear and knocking about, I should give the preference to simple stained brass. Moreover, a heavy reel ba- lances a long rod better than a light reel.
Within the last few years a considerable improvement has been introduced into the form of reels generally, by the substitution of narrow grooves and deep side-plates for the old-fashioned shallow-plated, broad-grooved
38 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
winches. The advantages thus gained are increased speed and power; speed, inasmuch as the diameter of the axle on which the line is wound is enlarged; and power, because the handle being further from the axle a greater leverage is obtained. Whilst speaking of handles, I would here most strongly recommend those attached to the side-plate of the reel itself, without any crank, as they obviate the constant catching of the line which takes place with handles of the ordinary shape.
One serious drawback, and so far as my experience goes, one only, is common to every reel hitherto made ; namely, that the line is apt to get caught or hitched under the posterior curve of the reel itself, thus involving a constant trifling annoyance, and in the case of trolling and Salmon fishing, a serious danger. To obviate it I have had a small spring attached to the last of the lateral girders, or supports, and so arranged that when the reel is in its place, the spring presses closely on the wood or
fittings behind. This spring,
of which a diagram is annexed,
is very inexpensive, and can
be attached with ease to any properly made reel, and I venture to think that no troller or fly-fisher who has once found the practical convenience of such an antidote to “hitching” will ever use a reel without it.
39
CHAPTER IV.
RODS AND ROD MAKING.
Ancient rods—Observations on different rod woods. Solid woods— Hickory, greenhart, ash, willow, fir. Ho//ow woods—FKast India, or mottled bamboo, white cane, Carolina cane, jungle cane. Rod rings —Upright rings recommended for all purposes, ‘ pronged rings, proper shape for top ring. Ferrules—‘'Tube-cut,’ ‘ham- mered. ‘Brazing’ of joints —'To separate ‘stuck’ jomts. A general rod described and recommended.
WHATEVER we may think of the s&z// of our forefathers in the gentle craft, it can hardly be denied that the im- plements they used were in every way vastly inferior to our own, and indeed, it may be added, generally such as to make any great display of what we understand as science out of the question.
Of the mechanical knowledge and ability which have led to these improvements, probably more have been lavished upon the rod than upon all the rest of the fisher’s equipment put together, and if the fulfilling of every requirement which the most fastidious can demand be admitted as proof of excellence, we may very fairly congratulate ourselves on having arrived as nearly as may be at perfection in this one item at least.
40 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
That in none was there more room for improvement may be gathered from the recipe for the construction of a trolling rod given by Juliana Berners in the brown old “ Boke of St. Alban’s,” published about 1486, wherein the implement is recommended to be of at least some 14 feet long ; the “ staffe,” or butt, measuring a “fadoom (fathom) and a half,” of the thickness of an “arm-grete,’ or about as thick as a man’s arm; and the joints being bound with long “hopis of yren” (iron hoops).
There are eight woods more or less universally em- ployed by rod manufacturers ; four of which grow solid, viz. hickory, greenhart, ash and willow; and four hollow—East India bamboo, Carolina or West India cane, White cane, and Jungle cane.
Of the “solids” the most valuable, until greenhart came so much into fashion, was hickory. This wood grows in Canada, and is sent over in what are called in the tackle trade “billets,” that is, longitudinal sections of a log ; each log being sawn from end to end through the middle twice or three times, so as to cut it up into 4 or 6 bars V shaped—having three sides. On their arrival in England the billets are transferred to the saw mills, where they are again cut up into planks ; and these planks are then put carefully away in a warm dry place and left for a year or two to season before being touched. After seasoning they are re-cut roughly into joints, sorted, and put away again for three years more,—some-
RODS AND ROD MAKING. 4I
times for as much as ten years,—when they are finally worked up into rods,
The inferior billets, which are rejected by the larger manufacturers, are cut up at once into joints and sold about the country by hawkers, who make it their regular business to supply the small country makers with wood for their rods. The same thing takes place as regards bamboo. After this insight into the zma penetralia of the rod-making trade, no one I fancy will feel inclined to grumble at having to pay a good price for a really good rod, or will be surprised at the comparative worthlessness of the rods turned out by inferior makers,
Hickory is the heaviest wood used in rod making, with the one exception of greenhart ; and the purpose for which it is most commonly employed is the middle joints of rods, and for so/zd butts where weight and strength are required. In hollow butts it is never used, as it will not stand being bored.
Greenhart, which is an export from the West Indies, demands the next place, or rather I should have said the post of honour, in the rod maker’s table of prece- dence. In all kinds of rods and in every different posi- tion it is to be found, whilst in some cases, as in the Salmon rod of Castle Connell, and many other Irish rods, it forms the sole material employed. Its speciality is, however, for tops; and here it is simply invaluable,
as it is the only wood sufficiently stiff and at the same
42 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
time elastic to admit of being used in such small bulk in a single piece. Thus in light trouting rods it will very often be found in slips a yard long and tapering off at the end to a substance little thicker than that ofa stout darning needle, whilst a 7-foot joint averaging about the circumference of a swan-quill, is the very common “lash” of a Castle Connell.
In consequence of its great weight, greenhart is only used for butts when they are very slender or tapered rapidly off from the handle, as in the rods turned out by the Irish tackle makers.
Joints of this wood are hardly ever perfectly straight when fresh cut. They are bent or “warped” straight by hand pressure over a charcoal fire, and when cool retain, at any rate for a long time, their symmetrical shape, much as does the originally straight walking-stick handle its crooked one after a somewhat similar process, —though I believe in this latter case the softening medium is water and not fire. Notwithstanding this “ductility” of some, indeed most, woods, there can be no doubt that the straighter a joint comes ori- ginally from the steel of the sawyer, the straighter will it remain in the hands of the fisherman. A joint that comes out straight from its seasoning hardly ever becomes permanently crooked afterwards, and fer contra, one which is radically warped at the end of this process will as seldom be made really straight, or remain so for any length of time, however it may
RODS AND ROD MAKING, 43
be twisted or bent over the charcoal of the tackle maker.
The other solid rod woods are ash and willow. The former, which in weight is between willow and hickory (willow being the lightest of all), is extensively used for hollow butts of bottom and trolling rods, as it bores well and is of good medium strength. It is also used for the solid butts of salmon rods. For middle joints it has been found too weak and yielding, the difference in strength between ash and greenhart being such that a top made of the latter would be as strong, or very nearly, as the joint next below it of the former.
Willow is a good deal used for the butts of common rods, as it “bores” more readily than any other wood ; indeed its centre is little harder than the pith of a reed. In seasoning, both ash and willow require more care to make them “ usable” than do the heavier woods. Fir is also occasionally used for solid butts.
I now come to the hollow woods, or canes and bam- boos. Of these by far the most valuable, indeed the only one which can be used properly in either trolling or fly-rods, is that grown in the East Indies—commonly known as the “ mottled” bamboo—which has a consider- able thickness throughout its length, and in the upper parts is almost solid. There is another East India cane, which is quite solid, but lacking elasticity. It goes amongst the tackle makers by the expressive name of “ puddeny.”
44 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
In the case of hollow woods there is, of course, no preparatory sawing or planing to be gone through, as the bamboo comes from its native jungle in pretty much the same state, barring the mottling, as that in which we find it in our rods; but even here the joints have to be ‘“‘warped” as in the case of solid woods, and thoroughly seasoned, and much depends upon a judicious selection of the original stock and in subsequent careful matching and tapering of the various pieces of which the rod is composed.
I was never more puzzled than when admitted as a lad to the warehouse of a great London tackle maker to choose a cane to be made up for my “ particular own.” Well do I remember how my fingers glowed with pleasure and excitement as I lifted and poised one tapering beauty after another, uncertain among so many wooers which to take, and feeling, like the Captain in the Beggars’ Opera,—
** How happy could I be with either, Were t’other dear charmer away !”
Like its schoolboy master, the rod built from the cane then chosen has since had many a narrow escape “ by flood and fell,’ and not a few damaged “tips,” ay, and “joints” too; but its main timbers are as sound as ever, and may yet be destined to wave death over many a pikey pool and glittering torrent when the hand that chose them is no longer able to do justice to their supple graces,
RODS AND ROD MAKING. 45
But my pet rod is leading me into inadmissible digres- sions. To return—The White cane, which comes prin- cipally from Spain and America, and is a fragile delicate creature compared to its swarthy Indian cousin, is used for roach rods,—“ White cane roach rods,” as they are temptingly described in the catalogues—and is fit for nothing else. For this one purpose, however, it is per- fection.
The Carolina cane is also quite inferior to the East Indian. It is much lighter, and longer between the knots, and is employed only in the more common bottom rods.
Last on the list comes the Jungle cane, a Chinaman principally, but found also in many other parts of Asia. It grows as thick as a man’s body, and is put to every variety of use by the Chinese, who amongst other things hollow out the pith and convert the skin into water-pipes. It is this skin or rind only which is of value to the rod maker, and that must be taken from a cane about as thick as a man’s wrist. This is split up into narrow slips, and these slips when planed and smoothed down become the solid, grained-looking pieces of wood, so constantly forming the upper splices of top-joints. Some very beautiful rods, composed entirely of spliced cane, are manufactured by Mr. Thomas Aldred, of Oxford-street, London. Some of my readers who are in the habit of using bamboo and cane rods on the ground of their sup- posed much greater lightness, will perhaps be surprised to learn how small the difference in this point really is. I
46 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
weighed a 12-foot solid ash and greenhart trolling rod against one of stout East India bamboo, and the weights were :—Solid rod, 1 Ib. 54 0z.; Hollow rod, 1 lb. 4 oz.— difference, 14 oz.
At the close of every season, rods which have had a great deal of wear and tear should be re-varnished to preserve the wood ; or, in the absence of varnish, well rubbed with oil (linseed is the best) before being finally
stowed away. RopD RINGS.
Four considerations must regulate the question of rings: (1) That the material, especially of the top and bottom rings in trolling rods, should be hard enough to resist considerable friction ; (2) that the top and bottom rings should be so shaped as to prevent the line catching round or over them; (3) that the rings generally should be large enough to let the line run through them with perfect freedom, and (4)—and this is by no means an unimportant point—that there should be enough of them on the rod to prevent the weight of the line “bagging” in the intervals, and yet not so many as unnecessarily to increase the wearing friction on the line passing through them, or curtail the length and freedom of the cast. For every description of fishing I recommend strongly the use of stiff or “upright” rings; the difference in weight is quite insignificant ; and in addition to many other great practical conveniences, the rings last much
RODS AND ROD MAKING, 47
longer without coming off or getting broken. In all general rods rings of the ordinary diameter, but made of steel wire, in the form shown in the engraving, will be found most convenient. Rings of this shape will not answer, however, for the bottom ring of
all, as the line has a constant tendency to () be catching round that ring in making a
cast. The bottom ring should, therefore, be made in the form that is called “pronged,” out of iron wire, twisted into a ring, in the form and of about the size shown in the woodcut annexed,
with separate side-pieces brazed
on. The perpendicular sup-
ports or arms being a good deal
wider apart at the base than at
the apex, throw off instantly any curls of the line which may be inclined to twist round them. This will be found a really great practical advantage in every description of fishing, and especially in spinning.
Of even greater importance, however, is the form of the top ring, as this is both more liable to catch in the line, and proportionately more difficult to clear at the distance of from 12 to 20 feet from the fisherman ; (the material, as in the case of the lowest ring, should be of steel wire). In order to remedy this catching of the line over the top ring, the great point is the avoidance of all projections over which the line can possibly hitch itself ;
48 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
and this condition will, I believe, be found to be fulfilled by the pattern of ring of which the engraving, enlarged
for the sake of illustration, is a copy—
ee (ae ®
—E ~ es Es Se oll!
This is, in fact, to a certain extent, a modification or adaptation of the principle of the pronged ring recom- mended for the bottom joint. After being lapped over to within about half-an-inch of the ring, the wire is made to branch out in the shape of a V, the upper points or sides forming a continuation of the ring itself. These sides act as a sort of guard to the ring to throw off the line, if it should curl over, much as the sloping sides of a gate, on a barge walk throw off the towing-line ; whilst the position of the ring—~hat of inclining tm- wards towards the butt of the rod, instead of outwards from the ~goint—makes it almost impossible for the line by any effort of ingenuity to get above it so as to “hitch,’—the head of the ring, in fact, forms an acute, instead of an obtuse angle with the rod.
FERRULES.
One word as to ferrules. These should always be “hammered,” and not “tube-cut.” To show the vast difference which there is between a good and a bad rod, even in such an item as ferrules, a brief explanation of
RODS AND ROD-MAKING. 49
the mode of manufacturing the two descriptions of ferrule referred to, may be given.
Ferrules used for common rods, or tube-cut ferrules, are simply cylinders, of the same size at both ends, and cut off, 2 or 3 inches at a time, as required, from a piece of common soldered brass piping. These, of course, cost next to nothing, and break or bulge with the first strain put upon them. The ferrules used in really good rods are made, each one separately, out of sheet brass, hard-soldered or brazed ; and then hammered out cold into the proper shape upon steel triblets—a process which though somewhat expensive and tedious makes the ferrule in the end very nearly as hard and strong as the steel itself.
The bottoms of all joints should be “double brazed” —zi.e., covered with brass—not only round the thick part of the joint where it fits the ferrule, but also round the thinner end, or plug below it.
This is a very useful precaution, as it tends to prevent the joints swelling and sticking fast. If the joints are only half brazed or not brazed at all, the best way to avoid sticking is to grease or soap them before use. Joints which have become stuck, may in general be easily separated by being turned slowly round and round at the “ sticking point” in the flame of a candle for some seconds, or until it is found that the joints will come apart. This process does not damage anything but the varnish of the ferrule.
E
50 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
A GENERAL ROD.
Considering the great diversities of tastes which prevail on the subject of the exact shape and material of which rods for different kinds of fishing should be made—some fishermen preferring hollow woods, others solid—some stiff rods, others pliable ones—it is impossible that I can within any reasonable limits give a detailed razsonné account of what is in my opinion the best description of rod for each description of fishing: nor if I should do so could I expect my brother fishermen to adopt my taste instead of their own. In other parts of the book, and wherever it seemed necessary — especially under the head of Salmon-fishing—I have made such observations as occurred to me: and all that I propose to do here is to give a description of a general rod, which may perhaps be acceptable to those who, like myself, have found the inconvenience of carrying about with them on fishing excursions a variety of rods, several of which they will probably not require; whilst on the other hand they are disinclined to risk leaving any behind lest it should happen to be the particular rod wanted.
By taking a good medium double-handed fly-rod as a basis to start with, and adding an extra butt and two or three extra tops, I have had a rod constructed which —fancies apart—will be found to answer perfectly for ‘every practical purpose of fresh-water fishing, excepting
RODS AND ROD-MAKING. 51
Salmon-fishing. The butts, which are bored to hold spare tops, are made of ash, and the rest of the joints and tops of greenhart. A solid butt for the double- handed rod may be substituted, if wished, and for heavy work may perhaps on the whole be an advantage.
The following are the description and measurements
of the several joints :—
Length of joints ; measured from top Siam ene at Circumfe-
No. of Rings of ferrule to bottom of plug. Hott if rence at top Hof sitet a Sete ere | etree Inches. Inches.
No. 1 Butt, 3 ft.25m. . . | 32at largest ne pronged ’ part (be-| 5.) ||. Eng just low winch | 2aG | below fer- fittings) rule.
No. 2 Butt 3ft.23in. . .|3§ (above) B : winch a4 Ig ditto. tings)
st Joint 3ft.2tin. . . . _— 149 | 2 rings.
and jomt oft-oym.. . . 1-6, Bees |) en a
ard Joint gft.25;im. . . . I ee ey
ne : {5, including 6é i. b]
1st or “trolling” top 2ft. roin. i tice Gang
and or “fly” top 2 ft. 10 in.. a1 PURE Ls bay ce
3rd “worm or bottom fish-) fat
ine top a tt. ines 5 5 16 5» 4th “ minnow-spinning” top | oe I its 3h in. . e e . J 16 3 2 Total length of double-handed fly-rod .... .... 15 ft. 1} in. Total length of single-handed fly-rrod ... «.. 125, 4 5 Motalilencth ot troiling-rod. ) ce. sd ieaas he ch EBay hs
By changing the top joint of the double-handed fly- rod for top No. 3 it becomes an excellent rod for worm or creeper fishing ; or by substituting top No. 4, for Trout minnow-spinning, or light paternosting. On a substi-
E 2
52 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER,
tution of the stiff top for the two upper joints, it becomes a trolling and spinning rod of about the stiffness I find preferable ; perhaps, however, it would be less stiff than trollers generally are accustomed to; in which case, a few inches more or less taken off the top would make it of any stiffness required, or extra tops of greater stiff- ness could be added. This rod is also fit for spinning for Salmon, and for heavy paternosting or legering.
On replacing the original joints, and taking off the large joint and butt, and substituting the smaller butt, a single-handed fly-rod is formed, which I confess I prefer—as I do also the spinning-rod—to any other in my possession. By a slight change of tops this rod can be made suitable for any kind of float or punt- fishing ; or if a longer rod is preferred, a substitution of the large butt and joint for the small butt, will lengthen it by about 3 feet. I am aware that it has often been said to be impossible to produce such a rod as that described without sacrificing the fly-rods to the trolling-rod, or the trolling-rod to the fly-rods, or both to the bottom-rod. All I can say is, that it has been done; and that Mr. Farlow, who made the rod for me, has the measurements, and will, doubtless, be happy to give sceptical anglers an ocular demonstration of
the fact: experto crede.
x3
CHAPTER WV. MISCELLANEA.
Knots for lines and gut—Lapping over ends, fisherman’s knot, some new knots described. New knots for Salmon and Trout drop-fles. Varnishes—Green varnish, rod and tackle varnish. Bait-cans— Essential points of; the ‘shoulder’ bait-can, preserving live baits. Disgorgers—Disgorger blades, a ‘ fishing knife.’ Landing-nets and gaffs—A pocket net described.
KNOTS FOR LINES AND GUT.—GUT-KNOTS.
EVERYTHING, however minute, that conduces to “ fine- fishing” should not be without interest to the fisherman who is not merely satisfied with doing a thing passably, or even well, but who wishes to do it as well as possible ; and of such minor mysteries of the gentle art there are none which are of more importance to the neatness —and therefore fineness—of tackle than the mode of knotting gut. In Salmon and other heavy fishing, moreover, this point frequently becomes a practical matter involving the loss or capture of fish—and those commonly the largest.
I make no apology, therefore, for considering this subject, in a book which it is my object to make com- plete and exhaustive of everything really essential to
successful fishing.
54 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
And first with regard to the very common practice of lapping the ends of the gut at each side of the knot. I am at a loss to explain the origin of this custom, which must be as troublesome to the maker as it is objectless to the user. Indeed it is worse than objectless: it is dis- tinctly mischievous. It adds weight, so far as it goes, and clumsiness to what ought to be as light as possible ; and it dots with opaque “splotches,” at regular intervals, what would otherwise be a transparent, gossamer-like strand from end to end. Indeed in bright clear weather I have frequently seen both Trout and Grayling rise at the knots on a fisherman’s line who showed ost (query propter ?) no inclination whatever to meddle with his flies. It is hardly necessary to point out that for practical purposes the lapping of the short end of the gut outside the knot adds nothing whatever to the strength of the line.
For all fishing where exceptional strength is not required, the common single fisherman’s knot, un- lapped, is sufficient for every purpose, and the neatest
and strongest that can
be used. It is made by
7? SINGLE FISHERMANS KNOT
tying a half knot round each strand of gut with the end of the other strand, in the form shown in the cut; then drawing both knots tight, and lastly drawing them closely together and cut- ting off the ends.
In the exceptional cases adverted to, when extra
MISCELLANEA. 55
strength is really essential, as in the case of Salmon casting -lines and gut-traces used for Pike - spinning, a simple modification of the above knot will be found useful. It is tied thus :—Join the strands of gut in an ordinary single fisherman’s knot, pulling each of the half knots as tight as possible; but instead of drawing them together and lapping the ends down on the outside, draw them only to within about an eighth of an inch of each other, and lap de¢ween them with light-coloured silk, or, still better, fine gut previously well soaked in water. This lapping relieves the knot itself of half its duty, and on any sudden jerk, such as striking, acts as a sort of buffer to receive and distribute the strain. It is one of the simplest possible forms of knot ; and from its being much neater and nearly twice as strong, may be substi- tuted with advantage for the ordinary whipped knot in Salmon casting-lines. As commonly tied I find that stout Salmon gut will break—at the knot—on a steady strain of from 12 to 15 pounds: tied as suggested, it will break at any other place in preference, no matter how great the strain may be. Facsimiles of the two knots, tied with the same strands of gut, are annexed.
—fini>—= —=lraiS— New knot. Ordinary knot,
56 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
NEW KNOTS FOR GUT LOOPS AND DRop-FLIES. SALMON DROP-FLIES.
Whilst on the subject of Salmon lines I may here mention a method of fastening drop-flies on Salmon casting-lines (when such flies are used) which I have found very successful. The object sought to be attained is, of course, that the fly should remain for the longest possible time standing clear from—in fact, almost at right angles to—the line, with the least amount of knotting or thickening, and the greatest facility for changing. To secure the first, it is necessary that the casting-line should be stiffened at the point of inter- section. This is effected by joining the two halves of the line in a single fisherman’s knot, leaving about half
an inch over at each end. The knot having been drawn straight and close, these two ends should be lapped down to the line with a few turns of light coloured silk as shown in figure I of the accompanying engraving ; and the effect of this arrangement will be found to be
MISCELLANEA, 57
that the casting-line at that point is trebly stiffened, with scarcely a perceptible increase of thickness or clumsi- ness. Over the central knot the loop of the drop-fly should be passed and drawn close in the manner shown in figure 3.
For the tying of these loops, and all others used in fishing, I have, I believe, succeeded in hitting upon a new and considerably improved form of knot,—the crdinary loop being both clumsy and crooked (a serious drawback to the perfect set of the fly), and, in thick gut, very difficult to manipulate. My knot (fig. 2, and x in fig. 3) is simply a new application of the principle of the ordinary single fisherman’s knot, thus: a half-knot is made, about an inch and a half or two inches from the end of the gut, dut not drawn quite tight ; the end of the gut is doubled over and passed back again from above through the opening ; and then again, with this end, a second half-knot, embracing the main link, is made be- low the first. Both half-knots are then separately pulled tight, and drawn together. This produces the smallest possible knot, and one which will never draw and is perfectly straight. [I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Van Voorst for the use of the woodcut, which
originally appeared in the Angler-Naturalst.]
TROUT DROP-FLIES.
There are several ways recommended by angling authors for attaching the drop-fly to the casting-line,
58 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
but most that I am acquainted with fail either in neat- ness or in strength, and all in rapidity. By one method, for instance, the drop-fly can be properly attached only when the casting-line itself is made; by another, the knots of the casting-line have to be pulled asunder at the point of junction, and so on. My plan is as follows : Take the casting-line in the left hand a little above the intended point of junction, thick end upwards; then take the drop-fly, and with the same hand hold it along the casting-line, the fly end upwards; then, with the other end, make a knot round the cast-
ing-line, in the form
shown in the engrav- ing ; drawittight, and push it down on to the next knot of the casting-line below.
This knot, which in prac- tice is the simplest possible, may perhaps be called a “double half-knot.” The only difference between it and the ordinary single half-knot is, that after the gut has been passed once round the main line, and through itself,
it is passed round the line once more, and through the same loop again, before being drawn close. The preliminary configurations of the knot are shown
MISCELLANEA. 59
in figs. 1 and 2 in an enlarged form. Fig. 3 is a fac- simile of the actual knot when finished, as tied with
fine gut.
KNOT FOR FASTENING REEL LINES TO CASTING- LINES, &c.
An engraving of the simplest knot for this purpose is annexed, and the mode of tying it. will probably be better understood from the diagram than from a verbal description. In the case of stiff or dressed lines the small ter- minal knot on the reel line can be omitted with perfect safety. This knot has the ad- vantage of being both tied and untied with
great ease and rapidity.
VARNISHES.
Green Varnish—A most convenient and durable var- nish for colouring leads used in all kinds of fishing is made from powdered dark-green sealing-wax dissolved in spirits of wine, or, better, in some of the spirit var- nish for which the receipt is given below. This varnish dries quickly.
Rod and Tackle Varnish—As a good varnish for rods, and generally for varnishing lappings of hooks, &c., the following, used and commonly supplied for the purpose
60 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
by most of the tackle manufacturers, will be found use-
ful :-— Spirits of Wine, -§
2 NO= Orange Shellac, 3,. Gum Benjamin, a small piece, about 51.
Allow the mixture a fortnight to dissolve before using. A varnish of some sort over the lapping is exceedingly valuable in all tackle, as it protects the silk from the effects of the water. In gimp tackle it is especially im- portant, owing to the corrosion produced by wet brass and steel coming in contact.
This varnish dries almost immediately.
BAIT-CANS.
The most important point in a live-bait can is that it should be so constructed as to have the effect of keeping baits alive; and to this end it is highly desirable that it should have a double lid, for the purpose of keep- ing out the sun and keeping in the water. The absence of this appliance will very frequently kill the baits in hot weather, and when the weather is cold its presence will preserve the legs of the carrier from a perpetual sprinkling of half frozen water. Another advantage of double lids is, that a small hand-net can be carried be- tween the upper and lower one, which will save much time, and avoid the probability of poking out the bait’s eyes with the operator’s thumb-nail.
The above desiderata have already been to some
MISCELLANEA. 6I
extent fulfilled in the bait-cans sold at the tackle shops. But there is still a want, which, so far as Iam aware, has never been successfully supplied—I mean the pro- duction of a can of such form and construction chat z¢ may be conveniently carried, when full, by a strap across the fisherman's shoulders. The want of such a can often makes the whole difference between comfort and dis- comfort in live-bait fishing. With the old can, the soli- tary angler has at best a choice of evils: on the one hand he may stop fishing and carry his can along with him, or, on the other, he may leave his can and continue his fishing operations, every step of which carries him farther away from his baits. Live-baiting, in fact, except from a punt or with an attendant, thus be- comes muchlikea game of battledore, in which
the fisherman, who is of
course kept perpetually moving, forms a_ not inapt representation of the shuttlecock.
To remedy this in-
convenience I have had a bait-can constructed (somewhat on the principle of the ordinary pannier or creel), as shown in the engrav- ing, which can be strapped comfortably over the shoulders and carried by the fisherman, without fear of his losing
62 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
his baits on one side or his fish on the other, and getting wet through between them. The strap passes through the rings at the back, and over the shoulder.
To preserve baits alive for any length of time, they should be placed in some shady spot (in a running stream if possible), in a box not less than 3 feet square, with large gratings in several different places, and especially at both ends. The box, of which a portion ought properly to be out of water, should be kept clean ‘and well scoured from slime and rubbish; and food, in the form of worms, gentles, or chopped liver, should be scattered into it every day or two. Dead baits should
be removed from the box as soon as discovered.
DISGORGERS.
A disgorger is one of the most desirable, though not perhaps absolutely essential, items of a fisherman’s equipment.. In fly-fishing the use of a disgorger pro- longs the life of the fly, and in every description of fishing shortens the time wasted in extracting the hooks, and saves the fingers. The most convenient way of carrying the disgorger is to suspend it by a short link from one of the breast buttons of the coat. In Pike-fishing espe- cially, a disgorger is a sie gud non, and the longer it is. the better. The ordinary disgorger is too short for the purpose ; and in consequence of the inconvenience ex- perienced in extracting Pike-hooks with it, I had a “ disgorger blade,” if I may so term it—made, of course,
1. Box containing minnow-needle and 5. Pricker, for loosening drop-flies, sepa- baitin g-needle. rating feathers, &c.
2. Hole for pricker (marked 5). 6. Minnow-needle. 3. Blade for crimping or other purposes. 7. Baiting-needle. 4. Disgorger.
FISHING-KNIFE. | To face p. 63.
MISCELLANEA. 63
without edges of any sort—inserted in my fishing-knife, _ by which means the length of the disgorger was doubled, and its power and readiness for use very greatly in- creased. The advantage of this arrangement of the dis- gorger, in trolling as well as in other fishing, suggested the advisability of extending the principle so as to em- body in the same knife the rest of the angler’s imple- ments, and thus spare him the necessity of collecting and stowing each article before starting for the river. The engraving represents the form and arrangement of a fishing-knife which will, I believe, be found to con- tain all that is really required, viz. :—a powerful blade suited for crimping or other general purposes; a “ dis- | gorger blade ;” a minnow needle; an ordinary baiting needle,—the last two slipping into a box in the handle of the knife,—a sharp-pointed pricker (a useful instru- ment for unpicking knots, loosening drop-flies, separating
feathers, &c.) ; and last, not least, a strong corkscrew.
LANDING-NETS AND GAFFS.
A gaff is generally the most convenient implement for use in Pike-fishing, when the angler is alone, or a net, if he has one large enough—say-2 feet in diameter—when attended. In Salmon-fishing also, except when there ts danger of killing foul fish, a gaff is generally to be pre- ferred, though even here I have found a large net to save time.
In Salmon-fishing, however, the fisherman is seldom
64 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
without an attendant, and therefore no great difficulty occurs whichever instrument is em- ployed, and in Pike-fishing I have landed many hundreds of fish from boat and bank without either net or vaff. The case is different with the solitary Trout and Grayling fisher. The absence of a net often costs him the best fish of the day, whilst the
nature of the work renders a net or
gaff of the usual size an intolerable,
” 1
eee wera alge
not to say impossible burden.
”
The engraving gives a representa- tion of a net suited for this fishing,
which being made entirely of wood
and weighing only 3 0z.,can be car-
i
ried without any inconvenience, whilst the handle, 13 feet long, can be passed under a small strap attached to the coat, under and behind the left arm, and thence into the pocket, so as to be entirely out of the way. With this net, the measurements of which are given in the cut, a fish of 3 lbs. can be readily landed. The net should be made of dressed silk.
When wading with the fly, or worm-fishing for Trout, a. net which the angler can carry with him into the water, and use without getting out of it, will be found a really great practical advantage, and save the loss of much time
and many fish,
PART th“ FLYV-FISHING
CHAPTER ‘VI. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. THE SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES.
Present systems of artificial flies—‘ Colourists’ and ‘ formalists’ ; both theories unsound in part. Fishing up-stream, &c., erroneous. True theory of artificial flies—Application of to practice; form; | colour ; size. Three typical Trout flies described and recommended to be substituted for all others for Trout, Whitetrout, and Grayling fishing.
Salmon flies—The same arguments applied ; theory of Salmon fies ; three patterns of flies for Salmon and Grilse recommended to be substi- tuted for all others. Theory of Whitetrout fies.
Summary—Six flies only necessary for every description of fly-fishing.
ENGLISHMEN are as a race decidedly conservative in
their habits, and very slow to move out of the beaten
track—phlegmatic is the term used by their continental
critics,—and I shall be sorry if anything I am about
to write should give offence to this in many respects
excellent instinct. Conservatism, however, in the largest F
66 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
sense of the term implies contentment with what is; and if that were my condition in regard to the theory and practice of Angling, and especially of fly-fishing, this book would certainly not have been written. The measures which I am about to submit to the general parliament of anglers are decidedly radical—revolu- tionary would not be too strong a term,—for they aim at revolutionizing the fundamental principles of the fly- fisher’s ‘constitution’—the very alpha and omega of his craft—I mean the system of artificial flies.
Trout fly-fishers may nowadays be divided roughly into two parties, which may be described as the ‘“colourists,’ or those who think “colour” everything. and “form” nothing ; and the “formalists,” or “ entomo- logists” as they have been sometimes termed, who hold, with the late Mr. Ronalds, that the natural flies actually on the water at any given time should be exactly imitated by the artificial fly used, down to the most minute particulars of form and tinting. The latter class includes probably the very great majority of anglers—both apostles and disciples—who have probably in most cases imbibed their opinions, until recently unchallenged, almost unconsciously and without ever questioning their soundness. The “colourists” are still but a section, though an increasing one, of the general fly-fishing community, and are represented by a few enterprising spirits in advance not only of their age, but also of the truth. The theories of both I hold to be dis-
THE SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 67
tinctly unsound ; and if my reader will follow me in the next few pages, calling to mind, also, his own fly-fishing experiences, I have little doubt that he will arrive at a similar conclusion. In fact the arguments of the two schools are mutually destructive.
The position of the ‘‘formalists” is as follows :—
Trout take artificial flies only because they in some sort resemble the natural flies which they are in the habit of seeing; if this be not so, and if colour is the only point of importance, why does not the ‘colourist’ fish with a bunch of feathers tied on the hook ‘ pro- miscuously ? why adhere to the form of the natural fly at all? Evidently because it is found, as a matter of fact, that such a bunch of feathers will not kill; in other words, because the fish do take the artificial for the natural insect. If this be so, it follows that the more minutely the artificial imitates the natural fly the better it will kill; and also, by a legitimate deduction, that the imitation of - the fly on the water at any given time is that which the - fish will take best.
To the above argument the “colourists” reply -—
Your theory supposes that Trout can detect the nicest shades of distinction between species of flies which in a summer's afternoon may be numbered actually by hundreds, thus crediting them with an, amount of entomological knowledge which even a pro- fessed naturalist, to say nothing of the angler himself, very rarely possesses ; whilst at the same time you draw your flies up and across stream in a way in which no natural insect is ever seen, not only adding to the impos-’
F 2
68 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
sibility of discriminating between different species, but often rendering it difficult for the fish even to identify the flies as flies. The only thing a fish can distinguish under these circumstances, besides the size of a fly, is its colour. We therefore regard form as a matter of com- parative indifference, and colour as all-important.
Now in each of the above arguments there is a part that is sound and a part that is fallacious ; and it is from the failure in distinguishing the true from the false, that what I believe to be the erroneous practice of both these opposite parties springs. Each argument, however, is sound so far as to be an “unanswerable answer” to the other :—It is clear—as stated by the “ formalists’— that colour is zo¢ everything in a fly, because if it were, a bunch of coloured feathers tied on anyhow to the hook would kill as well as an artificial’ fly, whereas by their practice the colourists themselves. admit that such is not the case. On the other hand, the argument of the “colour- ists,” that from the way the artificial fly ts presented to the fish it is impossible they can distinguish mznutze of form and imitation, equally commends itself to common sense and common experience. This is the point, in fact, in which the entomological theory entirely breaks down. Because Trout take the artificial for the natural fly, the formalists argue that the one should be an exact counterpart of the other, ignoring the fact that the two insects are offered to the fish under entirely different conditions. The artificial fly is presented under water
THE SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 69
' instead of on the surface; wet instead of dry; and in brisk motion up, down, or across stream, instead of pas- sively floating. No doubt if the flies could always be kept dry and passively floating—that is, as they are seen in nature—the exact imitation theory would (though only up to acertain point) be sound enough ; but as in practice this is impossible, we are perforce driven to arti- ficial expedients to extricate us from the “unnatural” dilemma. Thus at the very outset we find ourselves compelled to simulate life instead of death in our flies ; and for this purpose impart to them a wholly unnatural motion whilst swimming: again, because “ fluffy” mate- rials when wetted lose much of their strength of colour, fly bodies are constantly made of hard silk instead of soft dubbings ; and as it is found that a naturally propor- tioned insect is deficient in: “movement,” an unnatural quantity of legs (hackles) are added to it—in the smaller species the wings being often omitted en- tirely. In short, we are launched upon an altogether artificial system, in which experience must to a great extent supersede nature as a pilot.
The colourists take advantage of this undeniable position to assail the whole system of “form” as a blunder, and in doing so themselves make a blunder still greater; they not only draw from correct premises an erroneous conclusion, but they draw a conclusion the very opposite of the logical one. For if it be admitted (a), that Trout do take the artificial for the natural fly,
7O MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER,
ana (0), that from the way in which the fly must be pre- * sented to them it is difficult to be recognised; the
logical deduction is, not that form is of no consequence,
but on the contrary that it is of the utmost consequence,
and that the fly should be as “ fly-like” and characteristic
as possible, so that, notwithstanding its rapid and un-
natural movements, z¢ may be at once and unmistakably
tdentified as a fly.
I do not see any escape from this position, which if accepted puts the colourists as entirely “out of court” as by the previous argument are the formalists.
The superadded theory of the latter, that the imitation of the natural fly on the water at any given time is that which the fish will take best, falls as a logical sequence with the proposition on which it was based. As might be expected, this theory was never found to stand the test of practice, the experience of every fly-fisher teach- ing him that when a particular natural fly is on the water in abundance, Trout will commonly take better an artificial fly imitative of any other species. To this principle there is only one exception—namely, the case of ‘‘ May-fly fishing with the dry fly.” In this case, owing to the large size of the fly, it is possible to really simulate | nature by presenting the artificial insect literally dry, and floating passively, Thus the exception proves the rule.
_ Mr. Stewart, who has written one of the most able books of modern times on Trout fishing in clear water, founding on the same sound proposition as Mr. Ronalds
THE SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. is |
—viz., that Trout take the artificial for the natural fly— argues that because the natural dry fly usually floats passively down the stream, the artificial fly—zvet—should do the same. This is another analogical fallacy, the error of which would seem hardly to require an almost universally opposite practice for its demonstration. Ninety-nine men out of a hundred find it best to give a slight movement to the fly in the water.
I fear we must include in the same “unproven” cate- gory, and for the same practical reason, the theory that flies should usually be cast up stream, rather than down.
To sum up the foregoing arguments therefore, the true rationale of the matter seems to me to be as follows :—
1. Whatever Salmon, et hoc genus, may do, Trout cer- tainly take the artificial for the natural fly.
2. But as the artificial fly is necessarily presented in an abnormal condition—namely, wet instead of dry, sunk instead of floating ; and as the resemblance which wet feathers and silk under water bear to dry insect- down, fluff, and wings on the water, is imperfect,—(3) it is necessary for the purpose of hiding the counter- feit, and partly also to hide the hook, to give the fly an unnatural, life-like movement in the water ; adding to it also an unnatural quantity of legs (hackles) which open and shut, and move with the movements of the fly.
4. These “movements” and alterations, however, make it quite impossible for Trout to discriminate
72 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
minutely between the various unnatural imitations of natural flies, whether in form or tint; (5) and render it doubly important that the imitation insect should be as characteristic and “ fly-like” as possible in shape, lest the fish should fail to perceive the resemblance altogether.
6. General shape, general colour, and size, are all that can be distinguished by the fish. These are the points, therefore, to be kept in view in the construction of arti- ficial Trout-flies.
The next step is to reduce these propositions to prac- tice; and the argument seems naturally to take some- what the following form :—If when presented to them in the only manner in which we can present them, nice varieties of imitations, and shades of shape and colour cannot be distinguished by Trout, the great mass of flies now used are obviously unnecessary, and where either the colour or outline is confused, are mischievous. It would be better on every ground to select two or three of the most favourite and distinctive families of flies, and imitate them only ; not in their varieties, or even species, but, as it were, in their types,—and using those colours only which represent the prevailing tints in the selected families. What, then, are the most favourite families of flies—most favourite, that is, in the eyes of the Trout ? Without question the Ephemeride and Phryganide,—and for a very good reason, as with hardly an exception they are all bred in the beds, banks,
THE SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 73
and reeds of the waters over which they afterwards fly. To the first-named family belong, roughly speaking, the whole collection of the “duns,” and “spinners,’—the drakes, or May-flies, the dark mackerel, the sand-fly, and the March brown; whilst the latter includes the cinna- mon, the grannom or green-fly, the willow-fly, and, more important than any, the stone-fly, or “water cricket,” which in the early part of the year is so plenti- ful on many rivers. From these two great families, in fact, some of which are on the water every day of the year, fully three-fourths of the contents of most fly- books will be found to consist ; they therefore commend themselves as the families from which our typical flies should be made.
As regards form or shape no question can arise, as the selected families are all unmistakably and characteristi- cally jizes, in the proper sense of the term, having wings, legs, and, I think without an exception, “ whisks,” or hair-like appendages at the tail. These whisks are not only very “fly-like” and distinctive features, but are also easily imitated, and assist materially to disguise the hook, as well as to make the fly swim straight. This last is an important point, as the effect of the extra weight at the bend of the hook, unless counteracted by some additional “float,” is to make the fly swim tail downwards.
The great majority of the most favourite river flies
belong to the order Neuropiera, or nerve-winged insects,
74. MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER,
the wings of which, being filmy and transparent, cannot be really imitated by feathers or by any other available material. Wings are therefore merely an encumbrance to the artificial Trout-fly, and should be entirely rejected.
The next point is Colour. On examining the fresh caught ephemeride and phryganide (for those in entomo- logists’ collections are generally faded) it will be found, in the first place, that there is almost always a general simi- larity in colour, though not in the exact tint, between the wings and the bodies and legs, and that the colours which predominate —indeed almost monopolize—are greens, yellows, and browns. Our typical flies should evidently, therefore, be of these colours.
Moreover the colours of the bodies of the ordinarily imitated flies made of silk, dubbing, &c., generally change their colours when wet, and thus lose another important item of the exact imitation; whilst as a rule they always lack the glossy, semi-transparent ap- pearance of the real insects. To the question of colour I have accordingly devoted a large share of attention, and the three typical flies which are described in the next Chapters are new both in principle and detail. They will be found to give the real colours strongly and unmistakably, and in a form which makes any discolora- tion on wetting impossible.
Size, a most important point in artificial flies, demands the next consideration. As we have no longer imita- tions of individual species, size is a matter of no moment
THE SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. as
as regards the flies themselves, though of the utmost consequence in another point of view. And this is one of the greatest advantages which those who may act on the principles here advocated will reap. For nothing is more certain than that some waters—usually large ones, whether rivers or lakes,—require large flies ; whilst small ones, almost equally universally, have to be fished with small flies. This necessity cannot be ignored by the “formalists” any more than by the “ colourists,” and the result, as regards the former, is that they are obliged frequently to use a fly professing to be an exact imita- tion of the March brown, for example, and having no other advantages but such supposed resemblance, which is only about half, or a third even, of the natural size! This one fact, which is undeniable, is of itself almost a sufficient refutation of the “exact imitation” theory.
Under my system, in which the flies are typical and not specific imitations, the sizecan always be adapted to the size of the water, without any loss of imitativeness.
The foregoing observations, of course, fully hold good as applied to Grayling and Dace; and the three flies referred to will be found, taking the season through, to kill more fish than the many varieties now generally used.
This then is, in my belief, the true theory of artificial Trout-flies ; not by any means as originally conceived— for first theoretical conceptions are almost always more
76 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
or less crude and imperfect—but the theory as ulti- mately elaborated, examined by the light of the theories of others, and worked out, tested and re-tested by my- self during some twenty years’ practical experience of fly-fishing on many of the principal rivers and lakes in the three kingdoms.
With regard to Salmon-fishing the arguments ad- duced against a multiplicity of flies apply, and with even greater force, inasmuch as it is not pretended by any one that Salmon-flies really imitate the colour or form of any known insects, but are rather spontaneous evolvements from the internal consciousness of anglers and tackle makers. They are certainly more numerous in their endless variety of colour and pattern than even Trout-flies, and are proportionately more useless, except to those who are paid for making or selling them. The result of my investigations is, that there is only one essential in the construction both of Salmon and Grilse- flies, and that is brzlliancy and strength of colouring ; and that in proportion as they fulfil these conditions are their killing properties. Size is on the contrary an ele- ment constantly varying from local circumstances. A large river or lake usually demands a large fly, and vice versa, and this again should be larger or smaller ac- cording as the weather is dark or bright, windy or calm. These are all points requiring the exercise of judgment, for in their combinations they present considerable
THE SYSTEM OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. ri
variety ; but the essentials of the flies themselves never vary. Nor is the rationale of this difficult to understand. The Salmon admittedly does not take the fly for any living insect, or food which he can have previously met with. Then for what and why does he take it? For zts beauty and tempting appearance. Probably it has an appe- tizing effect. To borrow a familiar illustration from our- selves, how few schoolboys would have been flogged for stealing apples but for the fascination of their rosy cheeks ?
In the Chapter on Salmon-fishing I have given three patterns of Salmon-flies which combine the real essen- tials as above described, in what my experience leads
me to believe to be the most perfect form.
White or sea Trout, and their congeners, appear in their tastes, and habits of feeding, to be somewhat inter- mediate between Salmon and brown Trout; and the Trout-flies described, with a slight addition of tinsel, will kill them, both in still and running water, better than any others with which I am acquainted.
It will thus be seen that I propose to substitute six typical flies—three for Salmon and Grilse, and three for Trout, Grayling, &c¢—for the whole of the artificial flies now used.
That there are a great number of existing patterns of flies for each different kind of fish, most anglers are pro- bably aware, but perhaps few have any very distinct
78 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
notion of what the number really is. In a small collec- tion of my own, consisting of so-called “standard” flies only, and those for Salmon and brown Trout alone, I find there are 121 distinct patterns, or “species.” But these are a mere drop in the ocean. Besides Salmon and Trout-flies proper, there are the endless varieties of flies for Grilse, Salmon-Trout, Bull-Trout, Grayling, &c., the general total having been estimated by a recent writer at more than one thousand patterns. In fact their name is simply “legion.” With most, if not all, fish may no doubt occasionally be killed, and with some, excellent baskets made; but yet painful as the admission must be to the accomplished student of angling entomology, and fiercely as it will be contested by many a gallant veteran of the old régime, it is nevertheless true that nine-tenths—or rather ninety-nine hundredths—of these. eraceful combinations of furs, silks, and feathers represent so much wasted time, money, and ingenuity.
Indeed when I think how great that ingenuity has been,—how much has been written, and charmingly written, for the last two centuries to teach how to make and use what I have been exhorting my readers to dis- card as useless; and what a complicated and _nicely- balanced system has been thereon elaborated, it is not without a pang of regret I have undertaken the ungracious task of writing what may perhaps eventually prove to be its epitaph.
ee ISLS
> Y Foe Be poy Se gucemt eee
n oS Seosse
79
CHAPTER VII. BROWN TROUT. ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING IN’ RIVERS AND LAKES.
Salmon and Trout fishing contrasted. River fly-fishing—How, when, and where to fish. Drop-flies--More than one a mistake; theory of. Striking and playing.
IN thus placing Trout-fishing before Salmon-fishing, I invert the usual order of sequence. I do so deliberately, because, both as a sport, and as indisputably the most popular branch of angling, it seems to me to be entitled to precedence. With no assistance but his rod and no guide but experience, the Trout-fisher wanders down the bank of the untried lake or stream, selecting by intuitive perception the most likely casts, and if he raises a heavy fish has many a heart-quake and many a moment of breathless suspense, before he transfers the shining beauty to his creel. No Saimon-fisher, on the contrary, however skilful, can select for himself the places where he ought to fish, Salmon apparently being guided by the merest caprice in the choice of location, so that the very stone behind which the fly must fall to give a chance of
80 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
success, has often to be pointed out by. the local assistant ; whilst the tackle used is so strong, and gene- rally the nature of Salmon casts so open, that with ordinary skill a fish once fairly hooked has little chance of breaking away. The chief glory of Salmon-fishing lies in the “rise’—which is certainly magnificent—and the only difficulty of the capture, as a rule, consists in the “stroke.” So much is this the case, that I have known veteran Salmon-fishers, who, when Salmon were plentiful, made it a habit to resign the rod into the hands of an assistant after checking the first rush or two. But who ever heard of the Trout-fisher adopting such a practice? Not that I blame the Salmon-fisher ; for though I never could bring myself to follow in this respect the example of men who were doubtless better anglers than myself, still, it must be confessed that there have been moments when I felt sorely tempted to do so. Wielding a 19 or 20-foot rod for five or six hours con- secutively is apt to tire even the strongest muscles ; and as I have said, as a rule, the cream of the sport is over when the fish is fairly struck, and his first wild rush or two met and mastered. Still Salmon-fishing is a gallant game, fit for the persevering spirits and strong arms that play it; and it has, too, its gleams of triumph and excitement, the more intensely bright perhaps partly from their very shortness.
But to return to the first part of my subject,—Trout- fishing. For the sake of convenience I shall divide this
ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING IN RIVERS AND LAKES. 81
into its several branches—River fly-fishing, Lake fly- fishing, Worm-fishing, Minnow-fishing, Lake and River Spinning, Fishing with the natural fly and “creeper,” and Fishing with the dry-fly.
RIVER FLY-FISHING.
There has been much excellent writing devoted to describing How, When, and Where to fish for Trout in rivers and streams; and this is one reason—want of space another—why I shall not go very minutely into those questions. It seems doubtful also whether anglers, as a rule, read, or if they read, remember so as to derive practical benefit from the detailed maxims and rules laid down on these subjects.
With regard to particular states of the atmosphere, for instance, some writers think the presence of ozone in a greater or a less proportion may probably make one day more favourable than another for fly-fishing. But what then? Nine men out of ten fish just the same, and make the best basket they can, whether they know, or think they know, the day to be good or bad; whilst as to “Where” to fish in any par- ticular river, the only really available knowledge is to be gained by experience, and the most general instructions are all that can be given or recollected.
Again, as regards the “ How.” The proper movement of a fly-rod is very difficult to describe intelligibly, and I advise all tyros who do not understand the art to get
G
82 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
a lesson from some one who does. I can only attempt to give an outline, which may facilitate the acquirement of details.
How To FISH. CASTING.
The flies and some of the line being in the water, and the rod held by one or both hands (in the latter case the right hand being above the left), the rod should be raised rapidly yet steadily, with a backward motion over the right shoulder, so as to fling the line well out behind into the airy; and then brought with a circular sweep round the head to the left, and propelled lightly forward, with force proportioned to the length of cast to be made. A short line will of course be best for the first essay. The shape of the curve described by the rod in casting is nearly that of a horse-shoe. In completing this movement the point of the rod must not be allowed to approach too near the water, but should be kept well up; and even, at the moment the line is falling, a little upward springy movement of the point should be given. This has the effect of making the flies light softly, and before the line—two most important points.
As soon as the flies have touched the water, the rod should be gradually raised towards the perpendicular, the flies being kept in motion by gentle upward move- ments of the rod point.
Each cast will of course be only a repetition of the
ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING IN RIVERS AND LAKES. 83
above process ; but as skill is acquired, the fly-fisher will soon learn to cast the flies either over the right or left shoulder with one or both hands, and from any position.
“Switching” is another most useful method of cast- ing, as by it water otherwise inaccessible, owing to trees or banks, can often be fished satisfactorily.
The modus operandi is as follows :—
By raising the rod to the full stretch of the arms the flies are drawn in until they are nearly below the angler’s feet. Then with a very sudden, strong, circling movement of the rod they should be cast straight out again, up, down, or across, and the first process repeated. “Switching” requires practice, but it is well worth the trouble of learning.
As a tule the best mode of fishing rivers is to cast down and across the current, beginning under the further bank if possible, and ending under the near one. In spite of Mr. Stewart’s able advocacy, most anglers have now arrived at the conclusion that fly-fishing wp stream, always, or even generally, is a mistake in practice. In my general observations on fly-fishing I have pointed out one or two of the reasons which led me to consider it so in theory also. With a strong wind up stream it is sometimes a necessity, though, even then, I cannot but think an unfortunate one.
84 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER,
WORKING THE DROPPER.
Some angling authorities recommend the use of three flies, and some even four.
The objections to this practice are many ; but perhaps the most important are, that it is more difficult, especially in windy weather, to cast three than two flies ; that it is more difficult to work them properly when they have been cast; and that when fish have been hooked there is more danger of entanglement in weeds, &c. Vexations, in short, are multiplied and efficiency im- paired. The fact is that only one dropper caz be properly worked, the perfect working of a drop-fly consisting in its . skipping, or “dribbling” along the surface of the water amongst the ripples, and thus offering a sort of imperfect representation of a half-drowned insect endeavouring to rise from the water. Cross lines and others are more killing than any other form of fly-fishing, only because all their flies work in this manner. The point, however, is more important in lakes than in streams.
A description of an improved method of attaching the dropper, new knot, &c., is given at pp. 57-8.
STRIKING AND PLAYING,
After striking, which cannot be done too rapidly, the point of the rod should be kept well up, and a steady though yielding pressure brought to bear on the fish, until he is killed. With a proper check reel, such as
ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING IN RIVERS AND LAKES. 85
that described in the chapter on Tackle, it is better when playing a fish, to remove the hand altogether from the line, so as to allow of its yielding freely to any hidden springs or rushes,
WHEN TO FISH.
1. Some rivers and lakes are early and some late, whilst there are a few, like the Devonshire “ Otter,” in which it is said the Trout rise best in a snow-storm. This of course is a very exceptional case ; but, taking the ordinary run of early and late waters, there are few months of the year from early spring to late autumn in which the Trout-fisher cannot find- sport somewhere or other.
2. In all Trout fly-fishing, whether on lake or river, a moderate, rippling breeze and a chequered sky are great advantages ; principally, doubtless, because they help to conceal the counterfeit fly, and lessen the glitter of the gut. é
3. A bright sun, a dead calm, or water that is very low and clear, are always bad, for the converse reasons.
4. Water that is thickened by rain or other cause is always bad. It prevents the fish seeing the flies on the top, and brings down with it a quantity of ground-food which fixes their attention on the bottom.
5. The rise that precedes, and the fall that follows a flood when the water has cleared, are generally favourable, more particularly after drought.
86 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
6. The presence of any large quantity of natural flies on the water is usually exceedingly bad.
7. About sunrise and sunset are commonly the two best hours of the day in hot weather, as the fish are then on the Jook-out for the flies which oftener come out at those hours than at any other. In cold stormy weather, however, the converse rule often holds good.
8. As settled weather is very favourable, so change-
able weather generally prognosticates uncertain sport.
WHERE TO FISH.
The best places to fish in any river are usually not where there are most fish, but where they can be most easily caught. These places are moderately rapid runs ; scours, or “stickles,” where the water is of a medium depth, and carries a brisk ripple or curl ; pools, with a current through them ; and mill-tails, weirs, and eddies.
Deep, stagnant, lagoon-like reaches can only be fished with success when there is a good breezy ripple on them.
87
Ghar enn “Vill:
TROUT-FLIES.
Three typical flies described—‘ Green,’ ‘brown,’ and ‘yellow’; new principle of construction. 4 colourless wax. Prevailing colours of natural flies. Colours of hackles; dyed hackles best. All flies should be carried ina box. Selecting of flies—Size; colour; fly rod and tackle. Fishing with the dry-fly.
Lake fly-fishing.
Fishing with natural flies—‘ Creeper’ and stone-fly fishing ; blow-line fishing with the May-fly.
TYPICAL FLIES: DRESSING OF.
I HAVE explained in the preliminary chapter to this part, the reasons which lead, I think incontrovertibly, to the conclusion that for all practical purposes only a few typical flies, of the most common insect-colours and distinctive forms, are required for Trout-fishing, whether in lake or stream.
Such flies it has been further shown should naturally be three in number, embracing the three most common insect colours, green, brown, and yellow ; and in form imitating the phryganide and ephemeride, which are the most favourite families of river flies, and the most distinc- tive and “ fly-like” intheirform. Several other deszderata with regard to colour, &c., have also been pointed out.
The frontispiece shows the form and colouring of
88 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
the three flies which I recommend as fulfilling the conditions indicated. They can be made of any size, from that used in the smallest and clearest of our Derby- shire streams to the largest sized lake-fly : nothing being required to be varied but the size of the hook, the length of the hackle, and the thickness of the silk with which the fly is tied. These flies are both simple in construction, and more easily and quickly tied than any flies hitherto made public, so far as I am aware. For the construction of an ordinary “ March brown,” for example, at least two feathers and three silks are required : in the brown fly shown in the plate, which is quite as good an imitation of the insect in theory, and a better one in practice, only a single strand of coloured silk, and a single hackle feather is used; and the other flies are made in the same way. The principle of their construction is as follows :-—
A strand of common coloured sewing silk (not floss), of the required thickness having been waxed in the manner presently described, take two or three turns over the exd of the hook-shank and gut ; lay the hackle on the back of the hook, hollow side upwards, with the large end towards the hook-bend ; lap over it with three or four turns of the silk ; spin the hackle on over these turns (the same way round as the silk), leaving some of the hackle over; then fasten the hackle off with the silk, continuing to work upwards towards the bend of the hook, and lapping over the hackle until the body is of sufficient length; then fasten off the silk and cut the
TROUT-FLIES. 89
stem of the hackle off so as to leave the fibres in the V-shaped form shown in the engraving. These latter form the whisks. By leaving and lapping over the stem of the hackle and the end of the silk, or by “stripping” the former and cutting the latter off close, the body can be made thick or thin as desired.
It will be seen that the body of the above fly is made of the same strand of silk with which the gut is tied on, and that the “whisk ” is made of the same feather that forms the legs, or hackle. A fly thus constructed cannot break until the hackle or body silk is actually worn through, and will last twice as long as one made on the ordinary plan, where the hackle, wings, &c., are constantly slipping or coming undone at the head. The saving in time in tying a fly (say a March brown) thus, as compared with the common method, is about 400 percent. ; which I have proved by having frequently tied the fly on my plan complete in forty-five seconds, whilst in the ordinary method it cannot be tied by even a professional hand under three minutes, The whole pro- cess is, moreover, so exceedingly simple that a single lesson ought to be sufficient to impart it to the merest tyro. |
The difficulty which gave me the most trouble to - overcome was the body-silk. In order to use this for whipping on the hook, &c., it was of course necessary to wax it; but I found that the ordinary “cobbler’s” wax quite destroyed the colouring of the yellows and greens,
90 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
It was also necessary in some way to dress the silk with a waterproof coating to obviate the loss of colour to which flies tied with undressed body-silk are subject. The yellows particularly lose in this manner. After a good many experiments I hit upon a colourless wax, which fulfils both these conditions, and is moreover more convenient to manipulate than the ordinary cobbler’s wax, which in cold weather becomes brittle and “ chippy.” A receipt for the colourless wax is appended :—
Receipt for Colourless Wax.—Burgundy pitch, 120 grains (¢ of an oz.) ; white resin, 60 grains ; tallow, 20 grains. Having reduced the resin and pitch to a mixed powder and placed them in some clean receptacle (an egg-cup will be found very convenient), put them into an oven, and when quite melted add the tallow, stirring the whole thoroughly up together for several minutes. The wax, which when cold will be quite hard, will be ready for use in about twelve hours. The above quantities will make a lump of wax as large as a walnut.
The wax should be kept perfectly free from dust and dirt, and in using it for dressing the yellow flies, it is very desirable that the fingers of the tyer should also be quite clean.
For the body-silk of the brown fly the colourless wax over brown silk does not answer entirely, as the tint given by the brown silk is rather dead and “ unfly-like.” I find, however, that by waxing very dark orange silk with ordinary cobbler’s wax an excellent rich colour is obtained. The silk whzlst fresh waxed should be drawn
TROUT-FLIES. QI
tightly between the finger and thumb; by this means the wax is almost removed from two sides of the silk, and massed on the other two sides, producing a mottled yellowy-brown appearance in the fly somewhat like that seen in the March brown and other principal brown varieties, as the stone-fly, great and lesser red spinner, dark mackerel, &c., which are mottled with yellow or orange ribbings. The yellow and orange flies, on the con- trary, as the cinnamon, yellow sally, fern, sand, and cow- dung fly, are all either plain yellows or oranges, or if ribbed at all are ribbed with different tints of the same colours. The oak-fly is an exception.
With regard to the heads of flies, these can, on the above principle of tying, be made almost microscopic without any sacrifice of strength; but I advise the angler, notwithstanding, to have them dressed large. The heads of Trout-flies are usually made much too small—much smaller, that is, than they are in nature, and smaller therefore than is desirable ; because it should be the aim of the fly-tyer rather to exaggerate than to diminish in the artificial imitation all the prominent features of the natural insect, so that on a quick glimpse the resemblance may be unmistakeable. This last obser- vation applies also to the “whisks” or tails, in exaggerating which there is an additional advantage, inasmuch as the larger the whisk the better and straighter will the fly swim.
The following is the formulary for the three typical flies described :—
92 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
Hackle. Body. Whisk.
|r. ‘Green’ Dark green . . | Darkish green es
ing silk, lightly|| Cut end of waxed with co- hackle. lourless wax 2. ‘Brown’ | ‘Fiery’ (or cin- | Dark orange sew-' namon) brown, | ing — silk, well (not ‘claret | waxed with cob-
brown’). . .| bler’s wax, and}| Cut end of then drawn tightly | hackle.
between the finger
andthumb. . .
3- ‘ Yellow’ | Darkish ‘golden | ‘Golden yellow’ Cut end of
| hackle.
olive’. . . .| sewing silk lightly waxed with co- lourless wax
It is almost unnecessary to observe that the colour of a hackle can only be judged by holding it between the eye and the light—the position also in which it is per- ceived by the fish. The cinnamon or “fiery brown” hackle when thus examined becomes shot with smoky yellowish lights, and the golden olive with transparent golden yellows. The green hackle also, if properly dyed, should, when thus examined, assume a lighter and more liquid tint of green. Natural coloured hackles do not present these beautiful effects, and therefore for all flies hackles artificially stained are to be preferred. For small flies “neck” hackles are preferable to “saddle” hackles, as they are softer in the fibre, and thus show more movement in the water.
Floss silk will not answer at all for dressing these ;
TROUT-FLIES. 93
flies, as it loses all glossiness and strength of colour. For convenience in tying them several different thick- nesses of sewing silk are requisite, from ordinary sewing silk—which is of the proper thickness for small flies—to silk of about the substance of holland thread, which is the size most suitable for lake flies.
All flies should be carried in a box, instead of being pressed together in a book, a process which robs them of half their elasticity and play of hackle, and to which they should never be subjected even for a moment. This is a most important point. Tackle makers think that the fly regains its full elasticity as soon as it is wet, but I have convinced myself by repeated practical ex-
periments that this is not the case.
SELECTION OF FLIES.
SIZE.
It is a curious fact, but nevertheless an indisputable one, that the size of the flies to be used in any given river or lake generally depends, within certain limits, not upon the size of the fish, but upon the size of the water, modified by the condition of the wind and sun. There are occasional exceptions to this rule—as to most others —hbut in the absence of local knowledge or guidance, which on this point is often useful, the fisherman acting upon it will find himself right in nineteen cases out of twenty.
In most Trout streams, properly so called, in either
94 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
portion of the United Kingdom, the best sizes of hooks are Nos. 2, 3, or 4, (vide plate), a larger or smaller size being used as the day is more or less dark or windy, or the water high or low. In the Derbyshire streams, No. I or 2 will generally be found the best sizes. Smaller hooks are sold in the tackle shops, but I have not in- cluded them in my patterns because I regard them as practically useless, No. 1 being small enough for every
purpose usually required.
COLOUR.
In small rivers and streams I recommend the use of the “ green,” as the tail-fly, or stretcher; and the “brown,” as the bob-fly, or dropper to begin with, both of course dressed small to suit the size of the water: if either fly does not appear to kill, substitute the yellow as the dropper, and the best of the others for the stretcher ; in larger waters the same flies of a larger size.
In deep lagoon-like reaches of river water, with a breeze on them, and especially in Scotland or Ireland, I recommend commencing with the “yellow” as the dropper, and the “ green” as the stretcher. If either of these flies does not kill substitute the “ brown.”
Local Anglers will probably, and that almost without an exception, tell the fly-fisher that no flies but local ones are of any use on their lakes or streams, but this
opinion is usually based on a very slender experience,
TROUT-FLIES. 95
limited most likely to that gained on some half a dozen lakes or rivers in their own neighbourhood.
Local prejudices are, however, by no means confined to professional fishermen. Even first-rate amateur per- formers are often imbued with the notion that no flies but those they have been accustomed to consider the correct thing on particular rivers and streams will kill in them. I remember once fishing the most famous Trouting loch in Scotland, in company with two of her most celebrated (and justly celebrated) anglers, and when I showed them the flies I meant to use, they assured me that they “ would never kill fish in Loch Leven!” At the end of the first day, however, my basket, which included seven Trout weighing 14lbs., was found to be heavier than both theirs. This result I attribute of course solely to the flies, not, be it well understood, to the fisherman.
I will not go so far as to say that there may not be exceptional occasions—or even exceptional rivers, though that I should much doubt—on which some local pattern of fly may not prove more killing than the three typical flies I recommend ; but I am quite satisfied that taking the average of waters and weathers, and the great saving of time in the avoidance of experimental changings of flies, my patterns—which have been tested frequently against the best local flies on half the principal Trouting waters in the British Islands—will kill more fish in the course of the year than any others at present generally
known.
96 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
FLyY-RoODS, LINES, HOOKS, &c.
As regards fly-rods it is difficult to give any opinion upon a matter which is so much one of taste, and de- pendent to a great extent on the strength and height of the individual angler. As far as my experience goes, a twelve-foot rod inclined rather to stiffness than to pliancy will be found the most generally efficient weapon. It is also convenient to have a hollow butt, so that one or two shorter tops—one for Minnow spinning, and one for worm-fishing—may be carried in it.
The single-handed fly-rod contained in the general rod described at page 51, will be found to answer the above description. A square ring of india-rubber slipped half way down the butt will throw off the rain-drippings, which would otherwise run down the rod on to the angler’s hands and sleeves.
Full observations on the subject of Reels, Reel-lines, Gut-lines, and how to stain gut, hooks for flies, nets, &c.,
are given in the preliminary chapters on tackle.
FISHING WITH THE DRY-FLY.,
The object of the dry-fly is evident from its name—it is made to float dry on the water like the natural insect, thus affording the solitary instance of the “formalist” or entomological theory being carried to its legitimate result. The peculiarities in the construction of the fly to enable it to fulfil this 7d/e, are first its wings, which
generally consist of the whole tops of feathers (mal-
TROUT-FLIES. 97
lard, generally), set nearly back to back, and pointing upwards and outwards ; and secondly, its body, which is composed almost entirely of materials unabsorbent of water, such as mohair and hackles.
The method of using the dry-fly on the Stour and a few other rivers, where its use is best understood, is very peculiar. A large fish, say, is known to inhabit some par- ticular hole or eddy. The spot is watched by the angler until he sees the fish rising, and then the fly is cast so as to fall a foot or two above him, and allowed to float (dry) passively over him. On the fly becoming wet, which happens after every cast, it is dried by being rapidly thrown to and fro, or “spread” in the air, when it is ready for another cast ; but this is seldom made until the rise of a fish is seen, or his haunt known. Some fishermen who use the dry-fly consider it is not properly dried without a little crack or “ flick” taking place at the end of the spread; but this “flick,” though doubtless very artistic, often whips off the fly. A stiff rod with a tolerably pliant top is the best for the purpose. The dry- fly being presented to the fish in the same way as the natural fly, is most killing when the particular natural fly imitated (which is commonly the May-fly) is on the water. Smaller flies are made, but it is found difficult in prac- tice to “float” them ; and, indeed, the whole process is cumbersome, and is only worth practising on rivers where the fish are very large and wary, or cannot be taken in any other way.
|
98 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
Mr. Ogden, of Winchcomb Street, Cheltenham, is the most celebrated manufacturer of “ dry-flies,” of which he makes a speciality. I have now before mea fly of his that I have used several times, and which has survived a good deal of “flicking.” It is still fit for work, and floats like thistledown.
LAKE FLY-FISHING.
Almost all the remarks already made on the principles of river Trout-fishing both as to the “ How” and the ‘“When,” apply also to Trout-fishing in lakes. The case is different, however, as regards the “ Where,” and on this point a few observations may be offered.
The best spots for fly-fishing in lakes are usually out- falls of streams, rocky patches and banks, the edges of reed-beds, and generally the sloping shores at the point where, without being shallow, the water is not too deep for the bottom to be seen. The use of a boat is commonly a great advantage in lake fishing, as by its means not only can a greater range of water be fished, but it can be fished in a much shorter time. Moreover, such spots as the margins of reed-beds, and submerged banks, which are as stated usually amongst the best casts, can rarely be commanded from the shore, even with wading—a practice, by the way, which in lakes is apt to lead to awkward results, unless pursued with great care.
The boat should be allowed to drift before the wind,
TROUT-FLIES. 99
the flies being cast out in front and at the bow and stern, according to speed.
A ripple on the water is almost a size gud non in lake fishing, and a good curling breeze an advantage. When the water has been quite calm, however, I have some- times caught fish by throwing the flies into the centre of the circle caused by a “ rise.”
SELECTION OF FLIES.
SIZE.
The considerations which regulate the size of flies to be used on any given lake are in many respects similar to those given under the head of River Fishing ; and on this point the opinion of a local practitioner may usually be taken with advantage. Loch flies, however, as a rule, are considerably larger than those applicable to streams ; the sizes most commonly used varying from No. 7 to
No. Io (see frontispiece).
COLOUR.
For some reason which I have not succeeded in fathoming, the Yellow fly always seems to kill best in the position of dropper, or bob-fly, and the Green when employed as the stretcher, or tail-fly. The Brown can be used in either position; but I have found it best, especially on new waters, to try the Yellow and Green first, reserving the Brown as a change in case of necessity.
For lake fishing a light double-handed rod from
Hy 2
100 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
14 to 16 feet long will be found most convenient, as, whether the angler is fishing from the shore or the boat, it enables him to work his flies better than a shorter rod, and to command a greater reach of water. The general rod described in the chapter on Tackle embraces a double-handed fly-rod designed for this purpose.
FISHING WITH NATURAL FLIES. “CREEPER” AND STONE-FLY FISHING.
Creeper and stone-fly fishing is confined to the Border and Lowland Scotch rivers; at least, I never remember to have met with it elsewhere, and it may therefore be regarded as a branch of the art rather local than general. The creeper is the larva of the stone-fly (Scottice May- fly), in which condition it passes most of the winter and spring months, living under stones in shallow water, from whence it may generally be readily obtained in quan- tities sufficient for angling purposes. It will live for a day in any perforated can or bait-box, even if kept in the pocket, and for a longer time in a little water. The mode of baiting and using the creeper is as follows. Put the upper hook through the shoulder, and the lower hook through the tail of the creeper, so that it may hang straight on the line ; when baited, use it precisely in the same manner as the worm described in the next chapter, always selecting rapid rather than still parts of the stream. The bright weather and low clear water, which
TROUT-FLIES. IO]
are best for worm fishing, will also be found most favour- able for the creeper. The stone-fly usually remains in its larval or “creeper” condition until the middle of May, and from early in April until this time heavy baskets may often be made with it. When in season, the creeper is commonly from an inch to an inch anda quarter long.
The rod, line, and hooks recommended for worm- fishing, and described in the following chapter, omitting the shot or sinkers, and setting the hooks a little closer together, will be found the best tackle for creeper-fishing.
About the middle of May the creeper changes from the larval into the fly state, casting its tortoiseshell- like covering, and unsheathing its wings, of which, how- ever, it makes but little use. Mr. Stewart, whose ex- cellent chapter on the subject should be studied by all Border anglers, considers that the fly is even more deadly than the creeper. He advocates the use of two flies as the bait. Except, however, on very large rivers like the Tweed, I confess I think the large one is to be preferred, both because it is more easily put on and kept on the hooks, and because it presents a more natural appearance in the water. The fly is nearly the same length as the creeper, and the tackle used for one should be used for the other. In fact, when the creepers are changing the angler will often find it convenient to fish indiscriminately with either the one or the other.
102 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
Trout take the stone-fly best wxder water, and close t & the edges of the stream or pool, even under hollo banks, if the fly can be got there. This point is laid | much stress on by Border anglers, and with good reaso | inasmuch as the natural spots to find the fly are close te the banks, from which they are washed; and it is here consequently that the Trout come to look for them. dark full water is more favourable for the effective use of the stone-fly than one that is low and clear; but in both states good baskets may be made with it. The flies should be collected in a box the night or early morning « before they are to be used; the best places for finding them being under the stones above, but near the water’s edge; and where most cast-off shells are seen, the fly will probably be found to be most numerous.
The season for stone-fly fishing begins about the middle of May, and ends about the middle of June.
BLOW-LINE FISHING WITH THE MAY-FLY.
Besides the fishing above described the only really effective method of using the natural fly for Trout is with the “blow-line ;’ and the place to see blow-line fishing is in the Lakes of Westmeath. Indeed, this beautiful chain of waters seems to be the natural habitat of the art. Each lake in its turn, as the fly appears on it, becomes for a few days a centre of attraction to the angling community, and many a boat which, as Pat
TROUT-FLIES. 103
says, is only safe provided you do not “ cough or snaze,” is then dragged from her moorings—perhaps at the bottom of the lake—and pressed into the service. The art of blow-line fishing, though in its principles exceed- ingly simple, demands much nicety of execution in practice, and, as indeed its name implies, it cannot be pursued at all without the assistance of that most inconstant element, the wind. Weather, how- ever, proving propitious, the tackle is easily adjusted. A skein of floss silk, prepared for the purpose, and attached to the end of a light running-line, is sub- stituted, so far as the actual casting is concerned, for the “reel-line,’ and to this, instead of the ordinary fly- collar, is fastened a single small hook whipped on a strand of fine gut. The hook is baited with a May- fly, and as the boat drifts the wind carries out the floss silk, which ought to be so managed by the aid of hand and rod that only the hook and fly should actually touch the water. Near the edges of the reeds will usually be found the greatest quantity of Ephemeride, and as acorollary the greatest number of Trout. The exact time for this fishing varies a little, as the spring has been cold or genial; and the several lakes vary also zuter se, which is a great convenience to the fisher- man; but from the middle to the end of May is com- monly about the time. The Westmeath lakes, when the fly “is up,” will well repay a visit, as the fish, which are at this time in the highest condition, run from two
104 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER,
to five, and sometimes ten pounds, and take the natural fly freely ; and if the angler puts Dr. Peard’s charming little book, “ A Year of Liberty,” into his portmanteau, he will need no abler or more agreeable guide.
An analogous system to that above described is pur- sued occasionally on some streams in England; but on others it is strictly prohibited, and on many hardly con- sidered fair fishing. The circumstances of the two cases, however, are entirely different.
105
CHAPTER IX, WORM-FISHING.
Modern and old systems contrasted. Appropriate times and places for worm-fishing. Existing tackles ; the theory of a perfect worm tackle. New tackle described—Suitable for river-bottom fishing generally ? Trace. Best worms: management of bait, &c.
For the present scientific method of worm-fishing for Trout we are chiefiy indebted to Mr. Stoddart and Mr. Stewart. This branch of the art was, until late years, principally confined to rivers in a state of partial flood— rising or falling. The performer, armed with a short stiff rod and extra coarse tackle, walked down the river or stream, fishing the pools and likely runs in front of him, and hoisting out bodily any unlucky fish which the purblinding condition of its own element was mainly instrumental in transferring to ours. Now all this is changed, and worm-fishing for Trout is a branch of the gentle art requiring much nicety and skill in its successful performance, and rapidly becoming second only to fly-fishing and spinning in the estimation of anglers,
We have learnt that the real time for the use of the
106 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
worm is not when rivers are swollen or swelling, but when they are low and bright,—June and July in Scot- land, and July and August in England, being the two best months—at the time, in short, when fly-fishing is, from the nature of the case, least attractive and most unre- munerative. Instead of short rods and coarse tackle, long, light weapons, and the very finest gut, are in requisition, with which the worm-fisher enters the river, and wading as nearly up the middle as he can, fishes before him the swift runs and shallows, and the broad bed of the stream itself; often going far towards filling his creel without ever setting foot on the bank. Worm- fishing, as above described, is certainly a very deadly— probably the most deadly —mode of Trout fishing generally sanctioned by the canons of the art; and it is not at all to be wondered at that on some much-fre- quented waters its use is prohibited.
But there are thousands of miles of river and stream in the wilds of Ireland and Scotland, and some few still in England, where from year’s end to year’s end the fly of the angler rarely falls, and on which the breed of Trout is only improved by a little thinning out now and then. Here is the legitimate domain of the worm-fisher, and thus pursued worm-fishing is a sport which need fear comparison with none.
As regards the tackle to be used in worm-fishing, I cannot better explain the views which I would com-
mend to the reader’s consideration than by quoting a
WORM-FISHING. 107
letter which I addressed to a contemporary periodical in January, 1867 :—
“NEW WORM TACKLE FOR TROUT.
“T see in your last number a letter from the Prince de Vismes, asking me to explain through your columns the principle of the two-hook Trout worm tackle, to which I incidentally referred in a recent communication on the subject of the relative advantages of the various bends of hooks. It gives me much pleasure to comply with this request.
“ The easiest way of explaining the form of the tackle will be by a diagram, but before doing this it may per- haps be desirable to preface my remarks by a few ob- servations on the views hitherto prevailing on the subject of Trout worm tackle.
“ With one exception, no writer on fishing that [I am acquainted with has ever suggestid the use of more than a single hook. On looking through the modern school of angling authors, I find the following recommendations and instructions on the subject :—Bowlker, in his ‘ Art of Angling, recommends a single No. 5 or No. 6 hook ; Mr. Stoddart advises, in his ‘Angler’s Companion,’ single hooks, sizes No. 10, II, or 12, ‘according to the dimensions of the stream, its condition, and the kind of Trout inhabiting it. Mr. Bailey, in his ‘ Angler's In- structor, suggests a single No. 7; Otter’s ‘Modern fAmeier, a No. 5;.,‘Glenfin’ (The Fishing RKod,-and How to Use It,’) a 6 or 7; ‘Ephemera,’ Hewett Wheat- ley, and some other authors, either simply recommend ‘a single hook,’ without naming the size, or omit the question altogether; whilst Mr. Moffat, whose ‘ Secrets
108 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
of Angling’ burst upon the world since all the foregoing works appeared, of course hits upon a combination the very worst possible, and one which would be tolerably certain to lose three out of every four fish run—z.e., one small hook, extra fine in the wire! The ‘member for Finsbury, as this author, with the detestable slang which some modern writers appear to think funny, calls the Trout, would certainly let Mr. Moffat into at least one angling secret with which he is at present unac- quainted, if he were to appear on the banks of the Tweed, or the Spean, armed with such an apparatus. “Tt will thus be seen that a ‘single hook’ for Trout worm-fishing has been hitherto universally recom- mended by angling authorities, with, as I before stated, a solitary exception, and that is Mr. Stewart, who, in his ‘Practical Angler,’ boldly deviates from the beaten track, and gives a diagram (of which, for the sake of clearness, a facsimile is appended) of a tackle com- posed of four small hooks, in lieu of the conventional single large one. I give Mr. Stewart the greatest credit for the originality of this idea, which belongs to him alone ; at the same time, I am not surprised at its proving, as he himself admits, only a modified success, Mr.
ea a Stewart says that with this tackle he
found he could kill larger fish, but fewer in number, than with the single hook, and that this experience was confirmed by others. He attri- butes, and I have no doubt correctly, the diminution in
WORM-FISHING. 109
the numbers of fish run, primarily to the circumstance of its’ being impossible properly to conceal so large a number of hooks ina single worm, and to their being consequently seen by the fish. This was the principal drawback to the four-hook tackle. As a minor inconve- nience, Mr. Stewart also mentions that, from the number of hooks often fixed in the fish’s mouth when landed, a certain waste of time necessarily occurred.
“These being the incidental disadvantages of Mr. Stewart’s plan, its advantages were, (1) that the worm was more quickly baited than with the single hook, (2) that it lived much longer—with the large single hook it dies almost directly—(3) that it presented a much more natural appearance to the fish, and (4) that, owing to the superior penetrating tendency of small over large hooks, much fewer fish escaped after being once hooked, whilst it became possible to use the finest gut, which could not be safely done with large heavy hooks. This of itself is an advantage the importance of which can hardly be over-estimated in Trout fishing in clear streams.
“ As regards the other point—the killing powers—my own experience of the tackle was that when fishing pro- perly wp stream, and with a shortish line, hardly any fish escaped at all, whilst with the large single hook, I think the experience of most of my brother anglers will bear me out when I say that fully 50 per cent. of runs were ‘missed.’ On the other hand, I fully recognised the practical force of the objections mentioned by Mr. Stewart, and accordingly I endeavoured to construct a tackle similar in principle but different in detail, which should combine all the foregoing advantages, without
I1O MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
being open to the drawbacks. After various experi- ments, I arrived at the conclusion that a tackle consist- ing of two hooks instead of four, and these a trifle larger and thicker in the wire, fulfilled the required conditions, and also combined one or two material improvements in other points. Annexed is a diagram of this tackle,
2-hook Tackle, Baited and Unbaited.
baited and unbaited. The size of the hooks, &c., can be varied slightly according to the size of the stream, or of the worms.
“The great advantages, in several points, of Mr. Stewart’s tackle over the old large single hook have been already explained. The following are the advantages which I believe will be found to belong to the two-hook over the four-hook tackle :—(1.) It is baited in less than half the time. (2.) The worm lives much longer. (3.) Its appearance is much more natural and lively. (4.) The
WORM-FISHING. II!
hooks are comparatively unseen. (5.) They are ‘dis- gorged’ in half the time.
“In killing powers I do not think that there is any appreciable difference, but if there is, the extra size of hook and strength of wire which can be employed in the two-hook tackle ought to give it the advantage. It is also, of course, more easily made.
“In order to bait this tackle, I put the upper hook quite through the worm, laterally, about half an inch below the head, just above the knot, and the second hook similarly about an inch below it, according to the size of the worm, as shown in the engraving.
“Jt will be found that the worm, especially when unscoured, is very apt to wriggle itself off the hooks, or into pieces, and the most effectual remedy for this in- convenience, and one which a very little practice will make easy, is to put the two hooks through the worm as expeditiously as possible, and then drop the worm in- stantly into the water ; the cold partially numbs it, and prevents it twisting off.
“Thus much as to worm-fishing for Trout. I am by no means clear, however, that this tackle will not be found equally advantageous in all kinds of worm-fishing, either with a float, as for Barbel, Bream, Perch, &c., and especially in running water. If Trout, which are in many respects a very shy fish, will take it readily in the finest and brightest water, there seems to be no reason why other and bolder fish should not do so; and if they will, I cannot but think, for the reasons above mentioned, that it must entirely supersede the present single-hook system.”
The trace for worm tackle should consist of about two
T12 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
yards of the finest stained gut; one or two shot, ac- cording to the depth and rapidity of the stream, being placed on the line some 14 inches above the hooks. The object of this is to weight the bait, so as to bring it close to or touching the bottom without checking or sticking fast; but in broad shallow water no sinkers at all will be found necessary.
As the line used can seldom with advantage exceed the rod in length, and must often be shorter, a longish rod is most convenient for the purpose. The general Rod recommended for Lake fly-fishing in the last chapter, and page 51, but with a somewhat shorter top (No. 3), will answer the purpose exceedingly well.
With regard to baits, any well-scoured worms which are not much larger nor smaller than that represented in the woodcut will do; but for worm-fishing for Trout,
as for most other species of fresh-water fish, the brand- | ling, or dunghill worm, is distinctly the best,—probably owing to its peculiar pungent smell and red colour. For the purpose of rapid baiting the most convenient manner of carrying the worms is in a wide-mouthed bag attached to the button-hole. A worm that is disfigured or dead should never be kept on the hooks. This is perhaps the most important point of all. The name of the worm in- dicates where it can best be found. Before use it should, if possible, be placed in a damp moss for two or three days.
After being cast up stream as far as the length of rod
WORM-FISHING. 113
and line will conveniently admit, the bait should be allowed to be carried back with the current nearly to the angler’s feet. If in its passage the line comes to a sudden stop, the nature of which is not obvious, or if a fish evidently takes the bait, the latter should be allowed to remain for three or four seconds motionless, when the angler should strike,—not very hard, as the hooks are small, but still firmly and decidedly.
In worm-fishing for Trout, perhaps more than in any other kind of fishing, the short-handled pocket net de- scribed at page 64 will be found an invaluable auxiliary.
I14
CHAPTER 'X;
RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING FOR TROUT.
Spinning with the natural bait.—The essentials of a perfect minnow tackle; how to be combined in practice; a mew minnow tackle described. Artificial baits. New metal minnow described. Lake Spinning for Trout—The Great Lake Trout ; how, when, and where to fish for ; tackle. Lake-Spinning for Brown Trout. Best mode of fishing ; tackle, and baits. Thames Trout-fishing, with the spinning bait and with fly. Decrease of Thames Trout.
SPINNING WITH THE NATURAL BAIT.
BEFORE dealing with the question of how to spin with the Minnow, a preliminary consideration is the tackle most suitable for the purpose. In this, in fact, as in most other works of fishing, the tackle is really the most essential part of the matter, so far as the angling instruc- tion is concerned ; one reason amongst many being that forms of tackle can be readily illustrated and conveyed by written descriptions, whereas skill and experience, except in their results, cannot.
What, then, is the best Minnow tackle ?
In order that we may arrive at a satisfactory answer to this question, we must first ascertain what are the
TROUT SPINNING TACKLE.
[To face p. 115.
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. I15
qualities essential in such a tackle—I mean those which all spinners would endeavour to combine if they could.
They may, I think, be epitomized thus :—
1. As to hooks: (A) an arrangement which will give a brilliant spin to the bait ; (B) which will most certainly hook any fish that takes it; (C) and which will least often let him escape afterwards.
Pod
2. A trace fine, strong, and clear of all encumbrances.
3. A lead so placed as to sink with the greatest rapidity and least disturbance or show in the water.
4. The utmost simplicity of application in the whole tackle.
That these are the essentials of a perfect Minnow tackle, I think no experienced Minnow-spinner will probably dispute, I therefore assume their concurrence so far, and at once direct attention to the diagram of the Tackle in which I believe them to be realized (figure 3 of Plate).
In this figure @ represents the lip-hook (whipped to the main link and not moveable) ; 4, a fixed triangle, one hook of which is to be fastened through the back of the Minnow; ¢, a flying triangle hanging loose below its tail; d, a lead or sinker attached on to the shank of the lip-hook, and lying in the belly of the Minnow when baited.
I 2
116 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
Directions for Baiting —Having killed the Minnow, push the lead well down into its belly ; then pass the lip-hook through both its lips, the upper lip first, and lastly insert one hook of the triangle (4) through its back, just below the back fin, so as to crook or bend the body suffi- ciently to produce a brilliant spin. Figure 4 shows the position of the hooks, &c., when baited. ;
That this arrangement of hooks fulfils the primary condition of “spinning,” is of course capable only of “ocular and not of verbal demonstration, but I can only say that when properly baited (and nothing is easier than to bait it properly), I have never seen any tackle which was in this respect superior to it. With regard to its hooking and holding qualities, these depend upon simple mechanical.considerations which are at once obvious to the experienced eye, and the Minnow-spinner who has followed the arguments in the preliminary chapters on the relative powers of flying versus fixed triangles, will probably not have much hesitation in coming to an affirmative conclusion.
(2.) As to the arrangement of Lead, and (3) general Fineness : The lead, which lies in the bait’s belly, not only puts the weight exactly in the place where it is most wanted, but gets rid of the clumsy and complicated “nose cap” with which Hawker’s (originally Salter’s) spinning flight and other modifications of it are dis- figured.
Several sizes of the tackle are necessary to meet variations in the size of the Minnows used.
The trace should consist simply of 4 or 5 feet of fine
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. II7
picked stained gut, with a small double swivel at the end, to form the junction between the trace and the reel-line. This tackle is principally intended to be used in streams and small rivers which can be commanded by the rod with a line of the same length, or where the angler can wade. It is also well suited for trailing in lochs where very small baits and fine tackle are requisite ; but if used for the latter purpose, as in Thames Trout-fishing—viz., by throwing out and drawing in, a lead like that described at p. 20 will have to be added, to prevent the line kinking.
ARTIFICIAL BAITS.
Theartificial substitutes for Minnowsarenumerous, from the graceful “nymphs” and “water-witches”’ of Hewett Wheatley, to the “ kill-devils” and “ Satanic tadpoles” of contemporary nomenclators. As compared with the natural Minnow, bazted and used as above described, J am satisfied that there is no artificial imitation hitherto made public which is worth mentioning. Hewett Wheatley, who in the last generation gave more atten- tion to this particular subject than any other writer, comes to an opposite conclusion; but only for one reason—namely, that owing to the imperfect hooking powers of the natural Minnow tackles then in use, and the comparative perfection in this respect of his own artificial baits, the former missed so many more fish than the latter. This reason no longer exists, as the arrangement of
118 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
hooks in the natural Minnow tackle figured in this chapter, is, both practically and theoretically, nearly perfect. Therefore, my advice is always to use the natural Minnow when obtainable.
But although the fish killed thus will be both more nu- merous and larger than with the arti- ficial Minnow, it frequently happens that natural bait isnot to be procured ; and when this is the case an artificial bait may be advantageously used.
Up to the present time no arti- ficial bait has been brought out equal to the simple brass Minnow of Mr. Wheatley. The best of these I have adopted as a basis for the
Minnow figured in the engraving : the latter has, however, been altered, and as I think considerably im- proved in several important respects both as to shape and “rig.” It is
made hexagonal oroctagonal instead of round, so that the sides and angles catching the light gain an additional brilliancy and glitter in the water ; and one-half of the Minnow is coloured a bright metallic green, to represent the back of the Minnow. This Minnow is also made in white metal as well as in brass, so as to give a more perfect imitation of the white belly of a real fish. The round protuberance at the
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. IIg
tail of the Minnow is a glass bead slid down tightly on toa knot in the gut, which is thickened by lapping at the point to make it fit close. The bead thus prevents the friction of the Minnow fraying the gut below. The Minnow can be so adjusted that the trace and tail- hooks may either spin with it, or remain stationary. In the former case, the gut, when it passes through the Minnow, must be thickened by lapping round it, so that it may fit close.
The trace for this artificial Minnow, and the mode of using it, are identical with those already described for the natural bait. The trace is, however, only suitable for ‘Minnow fishing,” properly so called, and not for spinning in large lakes or rivers.
A long lightish stiff rod, with stiff rings, is most con- venient for Minnow-spinning. The rod embraced in the general rod described at p. 51, and similar to that used in Trout worm-fishing, but with a somewhat stiffer top, will answer the purpose well.
In Minnow fishing a small sharp gaff is more con- venient than a net, because the hooks are very apt to get entangled in the meshes, and not unfrequently get broken with the struggles of the fish.
LAKE SPINNING FOR TROUT.
There are two species of non-migratory Trout: one, the common Brown Trout (Salmo fario), to be found in almost all the considerable lochs and pools in Scotland
120 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
and Ireland, and in many of those of England, especially of Cumberland and Westmoreland ; the other, the great Lake Trout (Salmo ferox), an inhabitant principally of the larger and deeper waters. In such lakes it is to be found distributed over almost the whole of Scotland and Ireland. It occurs, to my knowledge, in Lochs Awe, Ericht, Lochy, Garry, and Laggan, and has been re- cognised in Loch Shin, in Lochs Loyal and Assynt, and amongst the Orkney and Shetland lakes. In Ireland it appears as an inhabitant of all the best known and largest lakes, as, for example, Loughs Mask, Erne, Melvin, Corrib, and Neagh; and it is the Ulswater Trout and Grey Trout also of the English lake districts. The habits as well as the size of the two species are some- what different ; the common Brown Trout being caught, as a rule, under five pounds in weight, and being prin- cipally a day-feeder; whilst the great Lake Trout usually averages from five to fifteen pounds in weight, and feeds principally at night.
To begin with the great Lake Trout :—The rod, reel, line, and trace recommended for Pike-spinning, are also suited to this method of fishing ; as the great Lake Trout is one of the most powerful fish that swims, and in his manner of running at the bait and showing fight, is aptly described by his specific name—Ferox. As, however, the Trout is a quicker sighted fish than the Pike, another foot or two of stained gimp or gut should be added to the trace between the lead and the flight. The latter should be
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. [21
selected according to the size of the bait used. For my own part I have always given the preference to small rather than large baits, and the flight of hooks recommended for Thames Trout-spinning (fig. 1, Plate, p. 116), baited with a small Trout, will commonly be found the most killing bait and tackle. (For directions as to baiting, see chapter on Pike-spinning.) Although the tackle is thus similar, the mode of using it differs entirely: as a rule, in spinning for Trout or Pike in rivers, the bait is worked by the movement of the hand and rod combined, the line being drawn in at each cast; in lake-spinning, on the contrary, the bait is almost invariably ¢razled behind the boat, the rod doing the work alone.
The secret of success in spinning for the great Lake Trout lies principally in four points—time, depth, speed, and place, thus—
Time.—As atule, begin fishing at the time when other people are leaving off—that is, about six o'clock P.M. From this hour until midnight Lake Trout may be caught.
Depth—lInstead of weighting the tackle to spin the bait at some 3 feet from the surface, lead it so as to sink to within about the same distance from the dottom, be the depth what it may. Both for this purpose, and in order to keep the bait at a distance from the boat, it is almost indispensable that from 40 to 60 yards of line should be let out from the reel.
Speed.—Let the boat be rowed slowly, rather than
122 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER,
at a brisk, lively pace. A large Lake Trout will seldom trouble himself to follow a bait that is moving fast away from him; consequently the bait must possess the speciality of spinning, at all events moderately well, or it will not spin at all.
Place-—The place to trail over is where darkness and light seem to meet in the water—that is, where the bank begins to shelve rapidly, say at a depth of from 9 to 15 | or 20 feet, according to the nature of the basin : a much greater or much less depth is useless. This is a rather important point, as thereupon it depends mainly whether the bait is ever seen by the fish it is wished to catch.
The food of the Lake Trout consists of small fish. These are not to be found in any great depths of water, but, on the contrary, on the sloping shores of the lake, up which therefore the Trout naturally comes at feeding time in search of them, stopping short of the shallows.
The Ferox is himself poor eating, but shows mag- nificent sport, and fights like a bull-dog.
With regard to the ordinary brown Lake Trout, though they may not unfrequently be taken at night when trolling for the Ferox, they are rather day than night- feeders, and usually take best before noon.
In very large waters, where the size of the Trout is in keeping with that of the lake, the tackle and bait above described will answer every purpose. In smaller waters, however, and under ordinary circumstances, a
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. 123
finer trace and flight, though of the same pattern as Fig. 1, and smaller baits should be used. The trace in this case should be constructed with two yards of stout, round, stained gut between the lead and the flight. If as small a bait as a Minnow, or very small loach—an excellent bait—is used, the same trace and lead, but the flight recommended for Trout-spinning in streams (fig. 3, Plate, p. 116) must be substituted.
In every other respect,—that is to say, except in time, tackle, and size of bait,—there is no difference in principle or practice between lake trolling for Brown Trout and for great Lake Trout.
Loach—or more accurately “ stone loach”—can gene- rally be caught by wading up a shallow burn, armed with a fork, and turning over the stones. The loach, which has an ostrich-like habit of thinking its body hidden when its head is, permits itself to be “speared” without much difficulty.
In all sorts of spinning, whether in lake or river, a good breeze is usually an advantage. In the case of very large sheets of water, I have, however, on more than one occasion, made very good baskets of Brown Trout in a dead calm, and with a bright sun over head. |
ARTIFICIAL BAITS.
No artificial bait with which I am acquainted is nearly so good for lake trolling as a natural one. The spoon
124 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
appears to have lost for Brown Trout what little attrac- tion it ever possessed. The best—or more accurately the least bad—artificial bait that I know is one I had made a year or two ago with tin, and mother-of-pearl on each side, made exactly to imitate a Bleak in size, shape, and colour. The spin was given by the tail, which was crooked, forming the continuation of the centre piece.
THAMES TROUT-SPINNING.
Spinning for Thames Trout is probably, judged by the standard of difficulty, the highest branch in this de- partment of fishing. Amongst. the best localities for Thames Trout may be mentioned Weybridge, Sun- bury, Penton Hook, the Old Windsor Water, Marlow Weir, and some deep pools above Oxford. In the vicinity of Weybridge very few fish were killed during the last season, though some of the keenest and most suc- cessful Trout fishers reside in the neighbourhood, and devote much time and patience to the pursuit. I hardly know to what to attribute the falling off in the take of Thames Trout of late years, notwithstanding the efforts made by the Thames Angling Preservation Society for increasing the breed and stocking the water. It is certain, however, that such a falling off has actually taken place, and of the Thames and its quondam leviathans, it may now be said, with only too much
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. 125
truth—apparent rari nantes in gurgite vasto—not only they are not caught, but they are not seen. Fifteen years ago, when the Marlow Fishing Association was in its zenith, I remember that one of its most prominent members thought nothing of taking two or three good- sized Thames Trout in an April morning. Thegentleman in question, Mr. H. R. Francis, was certainly one of the most accomplished anglers who ever threw fly or bait in the Thames ; but there are many first-rate spinners and fly-fishers still to be found occasionally in their old haunts, and none of them would, I think, be sanguine enough to anticipate such a basket for the Ist of April, 1870. The same number of fish per week would now be a good take for any one. The lower weirs and pools have fared no better, and yet the capabilities of the river are precisely the same now as they were then. Nor does “over fishing” explain the deficiency, because there are now, and always must have been, more Trout dred or turned into the Thames every year than the water can feed. I confess I am perplexed, and when a disease cannot be diagnosed—as doctors phrase it—it is very difficult to prescribe for the patient. There are, how- ever, one or two points in which I think there can be no doubt that the Thames Angling Preservation Society might sensibly improve the Trout fishing. At present, when the stock Trout are turned in at the weirs, they have no proper “hides” or resting-places except the weir holes themselves, and are probably, in the vast
126 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
majority of cases, swept away by the stream, and car- ried into unsuitable, perhaps Pikey, waters. I would place in the gravelly streams and shallow waters below the weirs a considerable number of blocks of stone or bricks—say about a foot high; and these blocks scattered over the bottom would afford some protection to the fish, and some inducement to them to remain where they were placed, and where they could be found again. As the weirs and the shallows below them are quite out of the course of heavy navigation, no practical inco. - venience would be felt on that score. Another point is to abolish entirely all “set” and night-lines. Under the pretence of catching eels, these lines are now constantly fishing some of the best spawning grounds in the Thames, and there can be little doubt that Trout are frequently killed by them. If simultaneously with this prohibition the setting of eel-pots was sanctioned, the exchange would be hailed as a boon by the fishermen, the Trout would be safe, and a quantity of useful food now lost to every one secured.
Whilst referring to the Thames and its regulations, another point suggests itself, w'th regard to which some steps will have to be tak efore long. I allude to the question of the supply of baits for Pike-fishing. A very small casting-net is now only allowed to be used, and this, except in shallow water, is next to useless. Baits, however, must be got if the fishermen are to get their livelihood, or visitors their day’s
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. 127
fishing ; and consequently great has been the expense to which the former have been put to obtain the neces- sary supplies, frequently from distant places. I know in this neighbourhood (Weybridge) one fisherman who alone was obliged to obtain during the past season 234 dozen of bait from Farlow and Bowness, of London, at an expense considerably exceeding a shilling the dozen ; and this too when the river is really swarming with small fish of every description. The plan I would propose is this (of course without interfering with the cast-nets now allowed) :—Let it be a portion of the duty of the wholly paid bailiffs to catch and keep a proper supply of bait; and let them supply them to the fishermen or other persons at, say, 6d. per dozen. This will obviate all fear of poaching, the fishermen will get a proper supply of bait, and the Thames Angling Protection Society will reap an income which will go far towards paying the cost of the staff of keepers. But this isa digression. To return to Trout- fishing.
The rod, reel, and line recommended for Pike-spinning will answer every purpose in spinning for Thames Trout. .
The trace and fligh’ _..ould also be similar 2 construc-
tion ; the material of the trace, however, in all cases being
_ single gut, and made up “ finer’ than when used for
Pike. The lead should also be lighter, to correspond with the bait. In the engraving at p. 116, a diagram (Fig. 1) is given
128 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
of the size of flight which will generally be found most suitable for Trout on the Thames. It is also a very usefui flight for Pike in hot summer weather when the water is low and bright.
Directions for baiting are given in the chapter on Pike-spinning.
Unlike Jack, Trout are very frequently in the habit of “taking short,” as the puntsmen phrase it—that is, seizing the bait by the tail instead of by the head, or from laziness or shyness making their dash a little behind rather than before it. In order to meet this peculiarity, and to render the killing powers of the above flight as deadly in the case of Trout as they are in that of Pike, I use for Trout-spinning an addi- tional flying triangle, tied on a separate link of twisted gut (see Engraving, fig. 2), which can at pleasure be attached to or disengaged from the ordinary flight by being passed over the tail-hook from the point. This triangle flies loose from the bait in the position indicated ' by the dotted outline A (fig. 1), and will be found to act as a powerful argument against any sudden change of mind or loss of appetite on the part of a pursuing Trout. The size of the hooks, length of gut, &c., drawn in the engraving, are of the proper proportion for a flight of the size shown. They should be enlarged or diminished pro- portionably as flights of a larger or smaller size are used. Elasticity, or it may be paradoxically described “ stiff- ness,” is absolutely essential to the proper action of this
TROUT RIVER AND LAKE MINNOW-SPINNING. 129
“tail triangle,” and therefore the only material of which the link can be made, if it is to be of any use, is gut— single or twisted, the latter being the better of the two.
The bait which finds most general favour is a Bleak, which from its shape and glittering scaling has a light and brilliant effect in the water. If a Minnow is used, it should not be a small one, and in this case the flight already described under the head of “ Minnow-spinning” may be substituted with advantage. The Thames Trout. fisher will often find, however, that he will kill more fish with the fly, especially amongst the rough water and foam of the weirs, than with a spinning bait. The fly for this purpose should be large and gaudy, so as to show upthrough the foam. The “ gold” fly described in the chapter on Salmon fishing (and Plate, p. 88) dressed on a very small-sized grilse hook—say a No. 13 of my sizes, will be found as killing a fly as any for this purpose. For fishing the quieter parts of the stream, a much smaller fly is required, and for this purpose either of the Trout flies already described can be advantageously . used. Thames Trout frequently run as large as 10 lbs. ; specimens of 15 lbs., and even larger, not being by any means unknown. The season begins on the Ist of April, and ends on the Ioth of September,
130 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
CHAPTER (Xi.
WHITE-TROUT FISHING.
Different species of White Trout and their Aabitats. Theory of White-Trout flies — “Green,” “brown,” and “yellow” typical Trout flies, with the addition of tinsel, recommended also for White-Trout. Observations of fly-fishing and spinning for. Rod tackle, &c.
UNDER the name of White or Sea Trout are often included in ordinary parlance several species which are properly distinct, as the Salmon Trout and Bull Trout (Salmo trutta and Salmo eriox), and also others the specific positions of which are undetermined or disputed. One cause of the difficulty which an angler, who is not also a therough ichthyologist, finds in identifying the various species of migratory Sa/monide, is the great variety of local names often applied to one and the same fish. On the Tweed for instance, the Salmo eriox, which is of course most widely known by its proper name of Bull Trout, is simply “The Trout ;’ on the Coquet it com- monly goes by the name of “The Salmon,” and it is believed to be identical with the Sewin or Sewen of
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WHITE-TROUT FISHING. I3I
Wales. To anglers, by far the most interesting species is the Salmon Trout.
Salmon Trout fishing when good is perhaps, at any rate for a time, the most fascinating of all fishing. In- digenous in many of our best Salmon and Bull Trout rivers, and frequently abounding in streams which produce neither the one nor the other, there is no fish that swims which rises more fearlessly to the fly, or when hooked, shows for its size such indomitable— English pluck I was about to say—but at any rate such determined and enduring courage. In fact, the bright eraceful Salmo trutta is the most game and mettlesome, if not, on the whole, the most beautiful fish known to Europe, or probably to the world.
Although the Don, the Spey, Tay, Annan, Nith, and many other Scotch waters, as well as a few English rivers produce the Sea Trout in tolerable abundance, Ireland must be considered as its home far excellence. Many of the streams and lakes on the west coast of Ireland produce Sea Trout in an abundance, rare if not unknown, in the sister Island.
Salmon Trout are migratory, and in this respect re- semble the Salmon more than the Brown Trout ; other of their habits, however, seem more allied to the latter species, and, as remarked in one of the earlier Chapters of this book, the fish would appear to stand in its habits and instincts somewhere about mid- way between the two. So with regard to the flies
K 2
132 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER.
used for their capture; in size and shape they more commonly bear a resemblance to natural insects, a resemblance which cannot be sacrificed without loss of efficiency ; in colours, on the other hand, for some of the most killing artificial White Trout flies no natural prototype could be found. Under these circumstances the arguments in the preliminary Chapter on fly-fishing apply with full force to White or Sea Trout, and the three typical fltes already recommended for brown Trout (tncluding the plain hackle-wing) dressed with a very slight variation, will be found at least as killing on lakes and rivers as any of the numerous local or general flies. From what has been said, it would naturally be inferred that colour bears a more important part in White than in Brown Trout fishing. In fact, as “natural imitation” recedes in importance, colour advances, and the “salmon sympathies,” if I may so express it, of Sea Trout are principally shown, so far as fly-fishing is con- cerned, by the fact, everywhere recognised in practice, that they usually prefer in flies a certain amount of actual litter as well as strength of colour. Therefore, in dressing the three flies for White Trout the addition of a little tinsel is desirable—to the Yellow, gold tinsel, and to the Brown and Green, gold or silver according to fancy. The tinsel should be applied sparingly, as its effect is weakened by excess. Three complete turns round the body are ample; the tinsel being of course broad or narrow as the fly is large or small. Oc-
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WHITE-TROUT FISHING. 133
casionally in very large waters the silver or gold flies recommended for Salmon, and dressed small, will be found very killing.
As in lake fishing for the ordinary Brown Trout, I advise the use of the Yellow fly as the dropper, and the Green as the stretcher to begin with ; the Brown being reserved in case a change seems desirable.
The limits within which the sizes of White Trout flies vary, although influenced to some extent by the common considerations of water and weather, are narrower than those applicable to Brown Trout ; and White Trout flies are rarely required to be dressed on hooks smaller thag No: 8) or larger than No, 13,-(wde. Plate,..p, 1,1): But size is still a point of great importance, and as it is desirable to exactly suit the size of the fly to the fish and to the water, the White. Trout. fisher should keep by him all or nearly all the cntermeazate Sizes.
In the case of White, as in that of Brown Trout, too great