THE ANGLERS MANUAL. Flyfishers Oracle

Page 1

STAGS ANNEX 5

062





THE ANGLER'S MANUAL;

FLY-FISHER'S ORACLE.





THE

ANGLER'S MANUAL; OR,

FLY-FISHER'S ORACLE. WITH

A

BRIEF

COMPENDIUM ON BOTTOM FISHING,

BY JOHN TURTON, OF SHEFFIELD, YORKSHIRE.

LONDON R.

:

GROOMBRIDGE, PANYER-ALLEY, PATERNOSTER-ROTT AND GEORGE RIDGE, SHEFFIELD, MDCCCXXXVI.

J



PREFACE. " The

nature was his book."

fields his study,

BLOOMFIELD.

HAVING

for thirty years practised the art of angling,

fishing for

whole seasons through, when the wea-

ther permitted, particularly for trout in all sorts of waters,

I

derable knowledge of the habit of

making

rods,

gentlemen for

some

regularly time,

art.

Being

and spinning

gut twisted amongst the with

urged me

and greyling,

have acquired a consi-

hairs, flies,

also in

lines

the

with fine

and of supplying

my

friends

have,

to publish a treatise

on

angling, comprising a proper description of feathers for

making

artificial

flies,

particularly

from

what

part of the birds they are obtained, which, although of great

importance,

Perceiving,

therefore,

is

so

left

out by most authors.

many young gentlemen

2O67079


PKEFACE.

VI

and other persons

and wishing

practising,

the art of fly-making, cular request of so

have yielded to the

I

many

friends,

public what has so long been

given a

list

of the

my

study.

and greyling

principal trout streams in

parti-

and now make

with which

flies

large dishes of trout

to learu

I

in

I

have

have taken

many

of the

England and Wales, as

well limestone as black waters

:

I

have also long

been accustomed to take most other kinds of

fish,

both by top and

this

bottom

Manual prove of use angle,

and

attained the

be

to

readily

only

scribing myself to

my

all

honest brethren of the

understood,

object

Should

angling.

at

which

friends

I I

shall

aim.

have Sub-

and true lovers of

the sport,

THE AUTHOR.


CONTENTS.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT. Comprising, Rods

Can

Reels

Landing Net

Feathers

Lines

Fly

Down Book

Fish Basket

Floats

Horn

Tackle

Case

Bait

Hooks

-----------

1

ARTIFICIAL FLIES. General Instructions how to make Flies approved

Flies,

Winged and Hackle

List of

Twenty-four

-------

12

PARTICULAR INSTRUCTIONS. Bottom Fishing Worm Fishing Worms Pond Fishing River and Canal Fishing Natural Fly Fishing Ant-Egg Fishing Minnow Fishing Pike Fishing Trolling

ARTIFICIAL FLIES

(SECOND LIST.)

Description of Forty-five approved Varieties of

Hackle

-

Flies

NATURAL Various Sorts described

22

Winged and 30

FLIES.

------------40


CONTENTS.

Vlll

PACE

BAITS FOR BOTTOM FISHING. Thirty-four kinds of

Ground

Baits described

DIFFERENT KINDS OF

Spinning Baits

43

FISH.

Carp Chub Chub Flies Dace Eels Greyling Perch Pike Roach Salmon Salmon Smelts Salmon Trout Whitling Tench Trout Gudgeon Minnow Loach Flounder Ruff Bleak

Descriptions of Barbel

Bullhead

Bream

Prickleback

-----------46

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Sniggling and Bobbing for Eels Quicksightedness of Fishes Baiting Throwing the line Striking Compound Colours for Flies Prognostics of

Best and worst kinds of Fish

the Weather

Patience

How

Proper and improper times leisure time

to

for

Cook

Fish

Angling

Signs of Rain

Amusement

for

---------------58 FISHING GROUNDS.

The River Don

about Rotherham Reservoir at The Derwent Excursion into Derby-

Canals

Chapel-en-le-Frith shire

and Staffordshire

Flies

----;

Pleasures of Angling

List of

74


THE

ANGLER'S MANUAL.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT. When consider

a person

have

I

is

going out a-fishing, he must

got

my

first

rod, reel, lines, book, fly-

horn, basket, landing net, baits,

and money ?

RODS.

Fly rods of lance-wood are most

in use

:

they are

composed of five pieces, for the convenience of carrying in the pocket, or the box of a carriage. They must be

fitted

maundrils* to

bored

*

the

quite tight

at the joint,

part above to all

with lined or double hoops, drawn on fit

fill

wood being

;

and a peg it

the bottom pieces being left

up, so that

at the

there, the joint will

Maundrils are tools used by silversmiths to

upon, of

all sizes, for

together,

be as firm as

make hollow tubes

candlesticks, telescopes, &c.

B

end of the

when put


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

2

any part of the rod wet, and can

wood cannot

besides, the

:

swell

when

The easily be taken to pieces. the of the should to breadth rod length vary according of the river

the strength also varies, as there are

;

scarcely two persons who use them alike from ten and a half to twelve feet long, is commonly the most :

convenient, as enabling the user to strike the quickest

Some

brook.

and bamboo very

stiff

;

long enough for a small persons use ash for the bottom part,

a nine-feet rod, however,

is

for the top, which,

and

when

well fitted,

is

light.

Bottom rods

are

made

same manner, and of only longer and

in the

similar materials with the above,

Hazel makes good ones,

stronger.

wood,

got at

Christmas,

when

the bark carefully preserved the bark

is

taken

:

in carrying them. clear of knots,

and

A three-piece and a half

feet

is

down, and

will not spring

it

Two-piece rods, spliced or were it not

parts of a rod,

well-seasoned

when

off.

only, are the best,

and

if

the sap

fitted

Logwood, when is

in the middle

for the inconvenience

straight baited,

an excellent material for the top

will spring well.

rod

is

very useful in lengths of three

each part, with only one hoop, and

the top joint spliced on

;

as there

their breaking with fewer hoops.

is

less

danger of


GENERAL EQUIPMENT. top part of a fly rod must be very taper, and the whalebone about three and a half inches long ;

The

and not on any account top-

the end very small,

heavy, or I

nor quick enough. with top-heavy rods ; a

will neither strike true

it

have seen

fish lost

many

the point properly made top ought to spring just at This point is of great importance of the whalebone. The Lancashire anglers use in single-hair fishing.

strong single horse-hair lashes for artificial fly fishing in the Derbyshire rivers : a line of this description falls

very softly on the water, and, being hollow,

swims nearer the surface than gut hair

is

the best.

Some of

:

the round clear

these Lancashire

men

use

are

rods,

logwood good anglers; they commonly made quite light and taper, the top part being very small.

Trolling or pike rods are best in three pieces

bottom of well dried,

quarter-cliffe ash,

parts of lance-wood,

wood As

that

best

only

;

is

is

to varnishes prepared it

it

the

the

stiffest

and best

used for the purpose.

by

druggists, copal

takes a long time to dry

be done over with copal,

which

:

and the other

will set

spirits

:

but

if

is

a rod

of wine varnish over the

very soon,

and

will not peel off.

Spirit varnish alone will not allow of the rods bending, without cracking,

and flying off the top

parts.


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

4

REELS. Reels are

made very

cheap, on an improved plan, narrow and deep, so that the line will run off easier, and wind up more regularly they may be purchased at most of the tackle shops. :

LINES.

Lines are best, spun of fine long horse-hair and fine silkworm gut, as it is called. They are usually

pun with a small machine that twists three parts they should be made taper, so as to throw

together

:

out quite easy and

and

These are better than

light.

silk

hair lines, as they will not hold the water like

those containing

silk.

Bottoms or lashes of gut must be tied together in water knots, strong at the top end of the lash, and regularly tapering

The

of fishing.

down

to a small end, for all sorts

finest lashes

artificial fly fishing

must be picked out

these should be from three

;

for

and

a half to four yards long. Half a dozen of a sort may be carried, as they cannot be made so well by the river side.

FLOATS. Floats of shops,

for

all

sizes

bottom

may be bought

fishing.

If

at the tackle

a person makes his

own, the dust of logwood, or Brazil wood, boiled water or urine, will dye them red

:

a

little

in

alum, put


GENKRAL EQUIPMENT. ill

the liquor

when

is

it

warm,

5

will fix the colour.

Small cork floats are the best and most in use, and

can easily be changed so as to suit any bait. An extra float is used in still pools, to keep the line from sinking betwixt the float and the top of the rod.

In bottom fishing, the float should be weighted at if using tender baits,

one end, so as to stand erect

and the

line

the float

be kept so the water

lie in

tight, that ;

dipping of the be done, or the bait will be taken quick, or at the

most small

more

first

fish

cautiously,

times they

may

bite

none of

it

above

otherwise you cannot strike float, oft"

the hook

and the

rashly,

which must

larger

;

as

ones

as being more cunning, or somehave been lacerated with a hook

before.

BASKET.

The

may be bought at the basketThose baskets made of peeled willows are

fish-basket

maker's.

best, as the slime

that

comes from the

fish often

runs

through the common open-made ones, and dirties your coat to prevent this, some persons have them :

lined inside with oilcase.

BAIT CAN.

The at

live-bait

can

is

made of tin,

bottom and narrow

at

oval shaped, wide

top, with holes

in the lid,


THE ANGLEK wliich

MANUAL.

S

must be double, so as to open

at

one end, with

a round handle across the top.

Live baits must have fresh often

The handle should be

two

in

and changed

soft water,

hard water presently swells and LANDING NET.

:

kills

them.

pieces, with a screw

and screw spike and hook in the down boughs which may happen

joint in the middle,

bottom end, to pull to be caught in throwing the

fly

:

the rim

is

made

of

steel, in three pieces, with joints to shut, so as to

screw into the top part of the handle, and go into the The net may be of fine twine or strong pocket. twisted thread, netted round and

some persons use

The

best.

silk nets,

:

if

is

is

the most

in the water.

out

:

it

by

common

In landing a

fish,

fish

four and

and use

the net must

can be brought

the spring of the rod, and be easily taken

many

by putting the them, and causes

are lost in the landing,

net towards them, which frightens

them

;

useful to cross the streams with,

be sunk in the water, when the over

:

a person does not wade into the

water, about six feet

when

the bottom

length of the handle varies according to

circumstances

a half feet

full at

which are certainly the

to break loose from the hook, or break the lash.

FLY HORN.

The horn

to contain live

flies, is

made from

a clear


GENERAL EQUIPMENT.

7

warmed over

or transparent cow's horn,

the

fire,

an oval shape, so as to fit a pocket must have small holes bored in the sides to let in

flattened to

and be finished with a deal bottom. have a piece cut out, wide

up to the

at the

and :

it

air,

The cork should

bottom and tapering come up, and may

top, so that the flies can

be taken out one at a time

a piece of string to go

:

through the cork, and fasten by one of the holes of the horn, a loop being left on the string to hang on a button.

TACKLE CASE.

A

fishing case, or book,

tackle-shops

:

may be purchased made with

the best are

at the

eight pockets,

two of them wide enough to contain parchments, with feathers and various kinds of down, which can, be taken out at leisure.

Fine tambour very thin

slips

of

silks

all

wrapped up on

shades,

of wood, about one and a half inch

broad, and the length of a fishing case, with notches to hold the ends fast

bodies,

The

and gold and

also

;

raw

silks

to

make

bright

silver wire.

best hooks are

made

at Limerick, in Ireland

:

they have a peculiar bend, with good barb and There are also very good ones, of the sneck points. bend,

made

at Kendal.

at the tackle-shops.

All the sorts

may be bought


THE AXGLEll

S

MANUAL.

A

very small file is useful, to file off the sharp edges of the hook-shanks, to prevent them cutting the gut

;

one about four inches long, with a

also

scissor-bow at one end, cut as a fine rasp on one side,

and

file

on the other,

Wax, both

to splice a rod top with.

and black,

clear

piece of leather, so as to open

is

best put betwixt a

when wanted

;

does

it

not then stick to any thing else in the book.

Small hooks,

if

good, are best for most purposes,

but particularly for

when very

artificial flies

in clear

of line thrown out,

to keep out of sight of the fish, or

be

low water,

must be used, and more length to fish farther off, and enable you

fine tackle

your labour

will

lost.

A

pair of very small-pointed scissors, about two

and a half inches

long, with large

blades, will be useful in

trimming

bows and

thin

flies.

FEATHERS. In carrying feathers, the best leaves of parchment

and a

little

way

iS

to have a few

sewed into a back

like a book,

distance one from the other, to give

Tape must be sewed and under this must be put the

to shut.

across, feathers,

room

and divided, which must

be pasted betwixt some writing paper about an inch broad, folded up in bunches, and put under the tape.

The

leaves

may be

easily turned over, to see

what


GENERAL EQUIPMENT. feather

is

wanted

a proper quantity being carried

;

Some

without being ruffled. papers, if

and when opened

the wind blows

prevents this

it

carry them loose in

at the river to

takes

them away

besides they are so

;

9

:

make a

fly,

pasting them

much

easier to

find.

The book ought lowing birds

Grouse, or outside the

to contain feathers

from the

fol-

:

Moor Game.

From

the butt end or

wing of old cock birds, that are mottled

and nearly black also the light brown mottled ones from the neck of younger birds, and the light blue duns from under the wings of young ones that are ;

just got into full feather.

The under-wing

Snipe.

feather.

Outside and underside the wing, and the light brown mottled at the bottom of the neck. Land Snipe. The mottled outside wing.

Woodcock.

Brown Owl. Blue

From

outside wing, and top of

Dun Pigeon. Of

Cock Pheasant. those with a grey

The

moon

at

tail.

and dark shades.

light

blue green from neck, and

bottom of neck, tinged at

the edges.

Common furness,

edges

;

Cock.

From neck

with a black

list

;

of dark and light

up the middle, and red

and those nearly black, with a shade of red


THE

10 underside

edges

;

Dun

ANGLEls's

also blue

;

MANUAL.

and grizzled duns, tinged on the

red, and very light ginger Hens. From neck; of

colour. light,

middle, and

dark shades.

From neck. From rump and

Black Hen.

Partridge. mottled out of the breast, or what

tail,

is

and the grey

called the horse-

shoe.

Outside and under

Landrail, or Corn- Creak. wing. Yellow, or Golden Plover. Dotterill.

Outside of wing.

Outside of wing.

Water Hen. Starling.

by some

Under wing and wing quill feather. The small dark blue, and under wing,

called the sunless feather

;

also the

wing

both of old and young birds. Tail, as large outside as can be got, and

quill feather,

Wren.

well mottled.

Sea Swalloiv.

Outside wing.

Cock Magpie.

The green feathers from tail. From top of the thigh, to dye

Wild Mallard.

yellowish green, for the green drake fly's for small

wing

;

a

and

gray duns, the outside of the wing. Widgeon. Outside of the wing, and the flaked or

zebra-marked feather. Throstle.

The wing

quill feather.


GENERAL EQUIPMENT.

11

Blackbird. The wing quill feather, and under wing. Green Plover, or Pewet. The crest, or cup fea-

and outside of wing. Slack Ostrich.

ther,

Jackdaw. Heron. Jay.

Feathers from the neck.

Outside wing, and topping, or

The wing

Green Linnet.

crest.

quill feather.

Yellow

tail feathers.

Merlin Hawk. Judcock.

Outside of wing. Feather from under wing.

Fieldfare, or Bluetail.

Bluecap. Peacock.

Wing

quill feather.

Tail feathers.

Green and copper-coloured feathers. All kinds of large fancy and gaudy feathers, for salmon and chub

flies.

DOWN

BOOK.

A

dubbing or down book must be made of a few leaves of parchment sewed separately to the outside leaves, to give

room

to shut

when

the

downs

are put

which must be done by cutting them across with small-pointed scissors, about a quarter of an inch in,

from each other this will hold

;

them

then put the pieces through fast,

it

;

and the leaves may be turned

over so as to find any colour wanted. Small pockets at each end, to put the mohairs in, as

must be made there

is

no skin attached to them.


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

12

The book must shades

down

;

;

contain:

camel's hair

mole's fur

;

bear's

;

of different

mohairs,

brown and dun-coloured

water-rat's

down, from back and

belly, with top cut off; marten's fur, yellow from the throat, and ash-colour from the body ; foreign marten's fur, of a fine straw colour ; black down, from the

best stuff hats

neck and colours,

tail,

;

hare's ear,

a mazarin blue

from abortive

shambles from

fat

at

bottom

;

calf's tail hairs

of

all

calves, or those taken at the

cows;

skin and grey at top

and brown from back of

;

fox's cub's tail,

a blue at

old fox's ear, with the

dark and brown tammies

brown

squirrel's down, from thigh and tail ; blue rabbit-down, several shades of which may be got, and the ends being dipped in ;

aquafortis, turn yellow

;

a good mixture of blue and

yellow ; strong black horse-hair, to rib flies with ; hog's down, dyed all colours ; threads from coloured

rugs and Turkey carpets, of

many

HOW TO MAKE In proceeding to

hook betwixt the

make an

fore-finger

colours.

FLIES.

artificial

fly,

hold the

and thumb of the

hand, the shank towards the right hand

;

left

give three


HOW TO MAKE laps with fine

waxed

the gut underside

silk

13

FLIES.

on the bare hook, and put

then wrap very tight, and close

;

up to the bend twist the down round the silk, and form the body ; then strip down the feather on each ;

leaving just what is proper for the hackle or Tie down the point of the feather, and put wings.

side,

the silk betwixt the gut and the shank of the hook

out of the tie

way

then wrap

;

all

the feather round, and

three knots on the shank or head.

fly in order.

When

peacock's or magpie's site

are headed with part of a

flies

tail feather,

two

in the

feather

is

for legs

;

with the

cut

same way

;

laps are requi-

A

before the last knots are made.

made

In the next

and put your

place, cut out the point of the feather,

winged

fly is

only the top side of the

so as to leave the under-side on

off,

then put on the wings, and divide them silk crosswise,

as with the hackle.

and fasten on the shank end

When

they have ribbed bodies,

the material forming the ribs must be tied on at the

bend, before the dubbing, or that of which the body is twisted on ; this is a very easy way, and be learnt at once by a person watching an might

is

made,

experienced hand Fly-fishing lightful

is

make

one.

the cleanest, as well as the most de-

branch of the piscatory art

ingenuity in the practice.

The

:

lists

it

of

requires great, flies

given in


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

14 this

work

will

be found to be of true colours, and the

instructions for

making them very

valuable.

LIST OF FLIES. The

following

artificial

flies,

a

is

list

of twenty-four standard

with their different shades, described

change colours they are certain killers in any trout river, if thrown properly on the water, and are those most suitable for young anglers, as to menas they

tion too flies

:

at first

many

must be varied

would only perplex them.

The

in size to suit the rivers or brooks,

and the clearness of the water ; they must be made small, in low clear water, and larger in high water or after rains.

On

bright hot days, dark duns are often

preferable ; but on dark gloomy days, light duns are best, especially if no particular fly be seen on the

water.

Some days

in

summer, when thunder

is

about, and the sky seems hanging for rain, the fish will

not feed

;

consequently, no sport can be ex-

pected, as at such times they will rarely rise at any thing.

WINGED. March Brown, Used all March and April: made with orange silk; the wing of partridge, 1.


LIST OF FLIES.

15

tail or rump feather legs of wren's body brown down, from fox's ear, twisted on the orange silk. It comes into use several

red mottled, top of feather

tail

;

;

times after rains in summer, but changing it

its

colour

;

must then be made with a hackle from the feather

outside of a woodcock's wing, which is grey mottled, and grey at the end, with Devonshire brown silk and dark brown tammy dubbing an excellent fly in dark :

waters. 2.

HACKLE

Barm Dun.

approaching to a furness

;

For March and April made with red silk wing :

;

a cock's hackle, tinged a bann colour

;

dark-red brown

dubbing, from fox's ear, close to the black part ; it gets darker towards the end of April, and is called

Red or Furness Fly, and kills all made with red silk body, black silk

the Black

son

:

;

the seaat

tail,

and a lap or two of green peacock feather close under the wing ; a black-red cock hackle feather, red at the edges, and a black

list

black waters the body

up the middle is

quite black,

sometimes

;

and a dark

ness feather, reddish at the underside only,

in

fur-

and made

with black silk and black dubbing. 3.

HACKLE

called the is

Orange Broivn.

made with

feather

;

Brown Watchet ; by some light

orange

silk

;

anglers

the year,

and

wing, a wren's

tail

It kills all

body, bright light orange

silk

;

head, green


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

16

In dark water, with a

peacock's feather.

peacock's feather under wing. to kill with, that anglers, "

A

!

little

" Wren's

brown

4.

herl

little

green

so noted a fly fish

and orange

tail

down

bear's

spring of the year, twisted round the

April

is

when asked what the

are taking, frequently say for ever

This

used at the

is

silk.

HACKLE. Hawthorn Fly. For March and made with black silk body, black ostrich's :

;

legs,

;

black hen, from neck

bottom part of a

;

wing, lightest or

starling's quill feather

;

sometimes

In May, use the jay's wing feather for wing this will be the Black Caterquill In the sea-swallow's feather, for June, pillar Fly. in

summer, red

legs.

:

wing, makes 5.

in

it

the Black

HACKLE

April

it

:

Ant

Fly.

Whirling Dun. is

Comes on

made with yellow

silk

;

early

wing, the

middle dun of cock's hackle feather, tinged at the down of a fox's cub ; ash-colour at the

edges with the roots

;

twisted thinly round the yellow

that the ribs

may

mallard feather;

it

silk,

so as

Some

be seen.

use a pale dun comes on toward the end of June,

after rains. 6. is

WINGED

made

fox's ear,

zled

Dun Drake.

with yellow

silk

;

For March and April body, brown down from :

ribbed with yellow silk

dun cock hackle

feather

;

;

legs,

a dark griz-

wing, the dark shaded


LIST OF PLIES. feather under woodcock's wing.

on

after rains,

Man

it

:

and

is

called

It

17 frequently comes

by some anglers the Old

must then be made with a bright ash-coloured

the legs of light ginger-coloured cock hackle

body and wings, dark grey mottled mallard a large fly, and kills the largest fish. ;

7. all

WINGED.

the season

:

it

feather.

;

It is

Cock-up, or Upwinged Dun. Kills is made with ash-coloured silk ;

wing, of starling's wing quill feather

legs, the light-

;

ginger cock hackle feather that can be got ; body, bright ash-coloured silk, having a shade of green in est

it;

ribbed with a black horse-hair, and two black

It changes colour as the weather alters, sometimes having red and at other times yellow legs ; which anglers must notice, as the flies are younger or

horns.

This

older.

the water

:

fly is

too

the surest killer that

much cannot be

said in

either trout or greyling, particularly

thrown on

is

its praise,

for

on cool gloomy

days. 8.

April

HACKLE :

is

Red

Spider Fly.

made with yellow silk rump feather; body,

;

For March and

wing, a red mottled

dark copartridge loured at bottom, and grey at top, twisted round the In summer, for dark waters, yellow yellow silk.

dubbing wanted.

is

used.

A

hare's ear,

very good

fly,

and often


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

18

WINGED

9.

Brown Spider

Comes

Fly.

season about the 20th of April, and lasts large brown

wing, the

wing;

:

feather outside woodcock's

black hen's feather from neck;

legs,

bright lead-coloured

into

May

all

body,

A

silk.

sand-beds by the river side

good fly, and found on by some called the Sand

;

Fly. 10.

WINGED.

Stone Fly.

end of April, and comes on a second time

latter

flat

by the

stones

Comes on toward the

in July.

river side,

It is

and

made with yellow

silk

it

It is artificially

wing, a very dark grey mal-

;

wing

quill feather

moor game, out of neck body, brown and yellow mohair mixed tail

;

brown with

dun,

most yellow un-

ribbed with yellow

;

Kills large fish late at night

legs,

;

bear's

;

derneath, and toward

;

found under

as large as a

is

house cricket, and not unlike one.

lard's or pheasant's

weeks

lasts three or four

;

silk.

also in strong streams,

and on rough windy days. Orl Fly. 11. HACKLE

For

made with red

a dark grizzled cock

hackle feather

A

good 12.

and

;

wing,

May and

June:

body, copper-coloured peacock's

is

her!.

fly.

HACKLE.

lasts

orange

;

silk

till

silk

;

Down

Used

Looker.

the end of August

:

it

is

in

May,

made with

wing, the brown feather outside wood-


LIST OF FLIES. cock's

wing

;

body, light bright orange

with a thick black horse-hair

dark brown down, from discoloured waters, this

and takes the

used, 13.

June

:

19

made

;

tail

;

under wing. In as good a killer as can be

is

largest fish.

wing, light star-

body, bright primrose

A

brimstone-coloured mohair.

May and

For

:

;

ribbed

fox's ear,

WINGED. Primrose Dun. is made with primrose silk

ling's quill feather

silk,

small at

good

silk

fly

in

;

legs,

clear

water.

HACKLE.

14.

with black

silk

;

Black Gnat.

wing feather; body, black feather.

This

fish is said to falls

In June:

made

wing, the small light starling's under

fly

ostrich

and pewet's cap

does not touch the water, and the

look above the water

into the water,

and

this is

:

the

artificial fly

supposed to be the

made fly. HACKLE. Yellow Spider Fly. In June: it made with yellow silk wing, light brown mottled

reason they so often refuse to take the 15.

is

:

moor-game's feather; body, light yellow silk, and Good in clear yellow marten's fur from the throat.

low water. 16.

WINGED

Green Drake.

the 20th of June, and lasts

made with pea-green

silk

:

Comes on about

July it is a large fly, wing, a mottled mallard's

all

:

feather from the top side of the thigh,

dyed a yellow


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

20

body, pea-green dubbing, ribbed with yellow legs, and three black horns.

green

;

silk

yellow-green mohair

;

This in

fly

its

takes the best of fish

natural state,

it is

:

very often used In

and thrown on the water.

come from the

their season, these flies

rivers in such

would be artonished

quantities, that a stranger

boys can gather small drake baskets full of these baits in a very short time these they sell to gentlemen to fish :

:

with. 17.

Red Ant Fly.

WINGED

In June and July :

made with light orange silk wing, the tom part of a starling's quill feather ;

;

coloured cock hackle ther,

made

the body.

An

head and body, peacock's feaand thin in the middle of

;

thick at

light or botlegs, ginger-

tail,

excellent

fly,

and used

in

September,

on bright sunny days. 18.

HACKLE

with light orange

Orange Dun. silk

:

made

In July:

wing, the light dun feather

under young moor-game's wing ; body, light bright orange silk, and orange mohair dvibbing under wing.

Good 19-

in black or disturbed waters.

HACKLE.;

Tail

In July and August

:

to

is

Tail, or

Knotted Midge.

made with purple

silk

:

wing,

pewet's topping or cap feather, headed with magpie's

green feather from blue.

These

flies

tail

;

body, hare's scut, a mazarine

come down

the streams two toge-


LIST OF FLIES. thcr,

tail

refusing

to

and the

tail,

fish rise

very

when they

other kinds

all

21 fast at

them,

are in season

;

the largest trout take them.

WINGED. Bank Fly. From July to September made with orange silk wing, a corncreak's 20.

:

:

quill feather

legs,

;

wren's

o'clock in the afternoon

and

body, bright light

;

a good

;

killer late at night,

dark waters.

in

21.

tail

Seldom takes before three or four

silk.

orange

Brown

HACKLE.

with light orange silk

Shiner.

In August:

made

brown mottled

wing, light

:

moor-game's feather from bottom of neck

; body, orange silk at tail, and green peacock's feather close under the wing, headed with green peacock.

light

At

particular times, especially after rains,

with mulberry-coloured

silk,

it

is

made

and dark brown tammy

wing, a grouse's feaa great killer after rains and in black waters ; by some anglers called Old Joan. Proud Tailor Fly. In August 22. WINGED twisted

upon the

silk for

body

This

ther, nearly black.

;

is

:

made with orange

silk

:

ther of a landrail, or corncreak

hackle feather twisted.

23.

A

;

and October

:

;

legs,

fly,

and

kills in

low

Purple Midge.

it is

made with purple

fea-

brown cock

body, bright pale orange

large

HACKLE

brown

wing, the darkest

silk

un-

clear waters.

For September silk

:

wing, the


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

22

blue feather, shaded with green at edge, out of an old cock pheasant's neck

on the purple 24.

body, black down, twisted

;

silk.

WINGED.

Little

tember and October

:

Pale Slue Dun.

wing, sea-swallow's outside wing feather blue hen hackle

;

For Sep-

made with ash-coloured ;

body, light blue rabbit, and a

Good

yellow fur mixed.

silk

:

legs, a pale little

for greyling.

BOTTOM

FISHING.

In bottom angling, the ground baits are of great to be put in where a person intends to fish.

vise,

Hooks of gut,

all

sizes

bottom

for

must be carried ready tied on the and dibbling. The angler

fishing

should select one that the bait he

is

WORM W orm T

spring,

of a size corresponding to

is

going to use.

FISHING.

fishing for trout

in small brooks,

commences

early in the

with a rod suitable to the


WORM place best

if

;

be encumbered with wood, a short one

if it

:

23

FISHING.

open, a long one

the lash which

;

is

In broader

to the reel line being also very short. rivers,

and

for swift streams, the lash

about with \vaxed i.

e.

must be wrapped

instead of tying

silk,

is

attached

it

with knots,

the hair part next the gut, which must be two

yards long.

A

large pistol bullet, with a hole bored

through it, must be put on the lash below the wheel line, and a No. 2 pellet on the gut, so that the lash can run through the bullet

letting

bullet

places

:

when

there

is

a

show up by pulling go with the stream, which will take must be thrown into the water in the

bait will

it

it

it

:

streams.

will

it

The

lie

at the

bottom

bite,

to the pellet, it.

the

and

The

likeliest

in the roughest

largest fish are often taken this

way.

WORMS. There are only three sorts of worms that need be the brandling, found in manure, or in the old bark thrown out of tanners' pits, and which has laid

used

:

some time ; the small red worm, found in gardens and the small maiden dew-worm, that has no knots, ;

and with a ground

These worms come out of the

flat tail.

in the night,

light of a lantern.

and may be gathered by the

If fish

when they have been moss a few days,

it is

cannot be taken with these,

well scoured in clean-washed

of

little

or no use to continue


THE ANGLEH'S MANUAL.

24

fish,

large

:

fishing

readily in

summer,

however,

after rains,

are

commonly taken

and when the water

is

lowering in the deeps or turn-holes.

POND The common way

FISHING. worm

of

fishing,

with a

float,

perch and other fish, is best pursued with two worms, one put on over the hook, and drawn up the gut, and then slipped down in

ponds and

when and

still

the other

all

is

four ends

places, for

put on

hang

;

so that the hook

is

covered,

loose.

RIVER AND CANAL FISHING. Perhaps the very best and most

killing

way

of

all

others, angling with the small brandling worms in clear water, with one pellet on the lash, and a small is

longish shanked hook, with a

stiff

hog's bristle tied

upon the top-side of the shank, to hold the worm on. The point must be put in at the tail of the worm, which

is

run up over the hook, and about an inch up


NATURAL FLY the gilt

;

the head being

left

put two worms on at a time.

hanging down. Some They must be used by

up the streams,

casting or picking the line before or

and across to the farther artificial

The

fly.

sides of a river, as with the

be taken at the

bait will often

when drawing in the same manner

25

FISHIXG.

top, or

the line.

Greyling will take

in

as trout

and

it

almost any quantity of

even when the

fish

;

may be

fly is refused.

This

at

some times

taken this way,

way

is

best pur-

sued by a person's wading into the stream, which is regularly done, only by using overalls of Mackintosh's patent cloth, which keep out the water, while there is

no danger of taking a

cold.

In canals, lock dams, or deep parts of rivers, where the bottom

is

clear,

the

worm thrown

gently along the bottom,

is

out and drawn

almost certain to take

fine fish.

NATURAL FLY

FISHING.

Dibbling is performed with a long stiff top rod, and short lash to throw over the bushes, with the natural

fly.

A

middle-sized hook, with a large pellet

having a small hole bored through

E

it,

and fastened


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

26

on the shank end of the hook,

to sink the fly, are

used occasionally, as it is taken better at times when The flies mostly sunk a little, than from the top. used are the dun drake, grasshopper, stone fly, green and grey drake, blue flesh fly, downlooker, harry long-legs, or almost any that can be got when

A

the fish are rising. the hook,

is

caddis put upon the bend of

often well-taken.

To

pick or cast with a fine top rod, the green drake or stone fly may be used up the streams, and

towards the far

sides,

not to throw off the fine fish.

the

tail

Two at

The hook

of the

and

flies. is

in a gentle

This

is

manner, so as

a sure

way

to take

put in at the head and out at

fly.

flies may be put on the hook a time, one with the head to the shank, and the

black or flesh

other with the head to the point, or

tails

together,

with a pellet on the shank end of the hook ; it will then sink as soon as the baits light on the water :

and with these a person can throw over or to the stones, and to the most likely places or

back of large holds.


ANT-EGG AND MINNOW FISHING.

27

ANT-EGG FISHING. The

natives of Derbyshire,

when

the water of their

high and black, often take great quantities of trout and greyling, in the turn-holes and still deep rivers

is

places, with the eggs of ants, got out of the nests or

hillocks in the woods.

a time, as will

two

fill

As many may be put on

at

a middle-sized hook, with one or

on the gut, about nine inches from the

pellets

A very small cork

hook, to sink them to the bottom.

These eggs are so tender a bait, that must be struck the instant they take it, or

float is used.

the fish

they are lost, and the bait is taken off the hook. This is so sure a way to take the largest fish, that

hampers

full

are sometimes caught in a few hours

the banks are often lined with these fishers

when

;

the

waters are black after rains.

MINNOW The the

FISHING.

middle-sized and whitest

hook must be put

too deep.

A

in

minnow

under the back

float is used,

and

as

much

is

the best

fin,

;

but not

shot on the


THE ANGLEK'S MANUAL.

28

about a foot from the

bait, as will keep it down, from coming to the surface of the water. Time enough must be given for the fish to swallow

lash,

or prevent

it

the bait before striking. well in ponds as in the

Large perch are caught as still

deep parts of rivers

this

way.

Large trout are taken by spinning the dead minin the stream, with a small swivel or two on the

now

and a large hook put

lash,

through the under jaw,

mouth and

in at the

the point downward.

These

baits are best affixed with a needle, the strong gut

drawn through them with a single hook and a pair of small double hooks put on

at the tail,

at the vent,

and a single hook at the head. The lash of strong gut, about two yards long, with a swivel at top, will then turn and spin quickly, when

to lay against the sides,

pulled against the current in those strong streams in

which

it

must always be used.

PIKE FISHING. Pike fishing

not practised by so

is

as with the fly or ever,

good

sport,

worm

many

angle for trout

especially where there

:

is

persons

it is,

how-

plenty of


PIKE FISHlN(i. fish

29

and few

;

baits being used, it is very easy to Pike are taken with young yellow frogs, and

learn.

small live

fish,

such as trout, perch, chub, roach, dace,

willow -blades, gudgeons, and the largest minnows ; and at times with large worms. Fine gimp is used for the line,

frog

and the hook must be a large one. A by tying with silk the hook to the

fastened on

is

upper part of the leg the

gills,

and out

;

then putting the gimp in at

at the

fastened to the wheel line

:

mouth it

In using other live baits, as the hook

is

baiting with larger

it

fin

;

or gudgeon,

some put the

bit of the lip afterwards.

fish,

a needle

is

is

a long time.

minnow

put under the back

gimp through a small

which

after

;

will live

used

;

it

In

must be

run through the side of the back as slightly as possible,

two or three

in

places,

and the gimp drawn

through, with one hook at the tail and another at the head. Large pike are taken by setting what are called trimmer lines, baited this way. into a coil,

wrapped in the end of a leaving

When

full

and put

The

slightly into a

line is slit

cut

stick, hanging over the water, and

half a

yard

for

the bait

to play on.

the pike pulls the line out of the stick, he has

length of line enough to allow him to go to his hold,

and pouch the

bait.


THE ANGLER'S

30

MANUAL.

TROLLING. Trolling with a dead bait

most

A

likely places,

large

day and

gudgeon

may be is

by

clear stream

attached to fine gimp the bait, and the

mouth

;

the most lively holes,

way

of

and other

tried over in a little time.

far the best bait in

a bright

;

large double hooks are used,

;

a long brass needle

gimp drawn through

is

run up

to the gills

;

then put on at the head, and through after which a piece of lead, with a hole

another hook the

is

number of

pike fishing, as a great

is

bored lengthwise through it, is put on the gimp, sewed fast in the mouth, and then tied to the reel

The

line.

bait will then sink,

foremost, as soon as

it

falls

and go down head and hang

into the water,

same position when pulling the line in after The bait must be kept in constant mothrowing.

in the

tion

;

the pike comes very greedily at

be struck as soon as he bites

Going out is,

for

and must

some use three hooks.

a day with an experienced pike angler,

however, the best

tackle,

:

it,

and use

way

to learn

how

to prepare the

it.

SNARING PIKE. Although not coming exactly within the province not be amiss to mention, that

of the angler,

it

may

snaring pike

is

a method sometimes practised in the

summer months, and on

the hottest days,

when

the


LIST OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES.

31

Take a strong appear near the top of the water. willow stick, fasten some brass wire to the smallest

fish

make a noose wide enough to slip over head without touching him. Having prepared the snickle, lower it into the water, about two yards before the fish, and guide it over his gill fins end, so as to

the

fish's

;

then give an upright jerk, when the noose will draw, and he may be pulled to bank. Pike, trout, and other

when basking throw natural

fish,

are sometimes shot,

in the sun near the top.

and then shoot the

Some persons

upon the water, under bushes,

flies

fish as

they come up to take the

baits.

ARTIFICIAL FLIES The

following

is

which young anglers

a second

(SECOND LIST.) list

of

artificial

flies,

will find requisite, after

having practised well with the twenty-four previously deThese being used in their proper seasons, scribed.

will rarely or never fail of taking trout

in the rivers frequented

premised, there

are

by

these

and greyling,

fish.

It

may

several shades of duns,

be

made

from cock and hen hackle, or neck, that greatly re-


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

32

semble the regular dun

flies,

as these

become of

ous shades, particularly after the drake season

When

is

vari-

over.

the fish are difficult to take, having been so

glutted with the drakes, a very light dun,

a bright yellow

silk

ash-coloured body

;

made with

body a middle dun, with light a blue dun, with a bright orange ;

and a very dark dun, with bright purple body, must then be used and a small black dun at These are nearly the only sorts that are taken night. silk

body

;

;

for about a week.

Red Palmer.

HACKLE

25.

in strong waters

Used all the season made with red silk wing, a red :

:

cock hackle feather; body thick, of black

ostrich's

feather.

HACKLE

26.

Great

season in strong waters

red cock hackle feather

:

;

Red Palmer. made with red

Used silk

all

the

wing, body, black ostrich's feather, :

ribbed with gold twist.

HACKLE.

27.

Whirling Blue.

For March and

April wing, feather from under water-hen's wing made with yellow silk and mole's fur, twisted thinly :

on the 28.

:

silk.

HACKLE.

made with red

Black with Red. silk

neck ; body, black under wing.

:

All the season

:

wing, black hen's feather from

silk at tail,

and black down

close


33

LIST OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 29.

HACKLE.

Green

For April: made

Tail.

with orange silk: wing, light-brown mottled wood-

bottom of neck ; body, hare's

cock's feather from

ear,

brown part ribbed with brimstone-coloured silk head, green peacock's herl; and tip of tail, darkthe

;

green

A

silk.

very good

fly,

but only

lasts

about a

week. 30. HACKLE. Snipe Dun. For April and May made with yellow silk wing, a full snipe's underside :

:

wing feather the

silk.

;

An

excellent greyling fly.

Red Shiner

HACKLE

31.

down, twisted on

blue, rabbit's

body

made with orange

silk

Fly.

For April:

wing, red woodcock's feather

:

from butt end of wing silk,

; body, light bright orange ribbed with green peacock's feather ; and pea-

A

cock's head.

these colours

good

if

:

killer after rains.

It

changes

there be bright days, the red owl's

from butt end of wing, is used for wings ; if a dark day, the brown owl's feather must be used from outside of wing ; if clear low water, the parfeather,

tridge's

32.

rump

feather

HACKLE

is

best.

Cow-dung Fly.

In

May: made

silk wing, feather from underside of mohair twisted on the silk. and pea-green wing, jay's Black May Fly, or Silver Palmer. 33. HACKLE.

with pea-green

Made

:

with black silk: wing, a black hen's hackle

F


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

34

body, black ostrich's feather, ribbed with

feather;

silver twist.

Oak

HACKLE.

34.

yellow

silk

moon

body, yellow

;

:

May: made

In

Fly.

wing, partridge's

with

feather, without

rump

ribbed with a strong black

silk,

brown down under wing. Iron Blue Fly. In May: made 35. HACKLE

horse-hair, light

with yellow silk wing, outside or butt end of merlin hawk's wing ; body, dark water-rat dubbing, ribbed :

with yellow

comes on 36.

An

silk.

after

excellent

and frequently

showers of rain.

WINGED.

made with black

Small Black Midge. silk

:

fieldfare's

wing,

body, black ostrich's feather 37.

fly,

;

In

May:

quill feather

May Imp. Made with yellow silk

WINGED.

wing, the yellow feather out of a green linnet's legs, yellow plover's feather

A good

fly in

clear water.

;

Little

tail

;

made with yellow ;

legs,

brimstone

;

seldom taken in

Yellow Drake

is

made

the

same way, only with a bright yellow body. Yellow Legs. In May and June 38. WINGED. ther

:

body, waxed yellow silk.

brooks after rains

The

;

blue starling.

legs,

:

silk wing, a jay's wing quill feayellow plover's feather ; body, bright

silk.

:

Both trout and greyling take

this fly

well in discoloured waters. 39.

WINGED.

GWy

Drake.

In

June: made


LIST OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES.

35

wing, a blue shaded green feather from a white grouse legs, a middle dun grizzled with yellow

silk

:

;

body, blue and yellow dubbing mixed, ribbed with black, and three black horns. cock's hackle feather

HACKLE.

40.

Purple Gold Palmer.

made with purple ther

;

;

In June

:

wing, a red cock's hackle fea-

silk:

body, purple mohair, ribbed with gold twist. fish in rough streams and dark waters.

Takes large

Red

WINGED.

41.

Spinner.

In June:

made

with yellow silk wing, starling's quill feather ; legs, red cock's hackle feather body, red-brown squirrel's :

;

down, ribbed with gold

WINGED

42.

Small Red Spinner.

made with yellow feather

;

legs,

twist.

In June:

silk:

wing, starling's wing quill a red feather from a cock's neck ; body,

yellow marten's fur from the throat, twisted on the silk.

43.

A

capital killer

HACKLE.

;

takes large greyling.

In June

Netted Fly.

:

made with

wing, light mottled partridge's feather yellow out of the horse-shoe mark on the breast ; body, yellow silk, and yellow marten's fur close under wing. silk:

44.

HACKLE.

Gold-coloured Dun.

made with gold-coloured

silk

plover, from outside of

wing

mohair, twisted on the

:

In June

:

wing, yellow or golden ;

body, gold-coloured Best

silk, close under wing.

early in a morning and late at night.


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

36

Brown

HACKLE.

45.

with very light brown

silk

In June

Gnat.

made

:

wing, feather under star-

:

ling's wing ; body, lightest brown and violet down mixed, twisted on the silk. good fly in clear

A

water

;

made

called

it is

46.

long, and very the Fern Fly.

Small Ant Fly.

WINGED.

with orange silk legs, silk,

By some

thin.

:

In June

anglers

:

made

wing, marten's wing quill feather

;

body, bright reddish orange headed with green peacock's feather. Best on wren's

tail

feather

;

bright days, and in low clear water. 47.

HACKLE.

with pea-green

silk

In June: made Grasshopper. wing, a red cock's hackle fea-

:

; body, green and yellow dubbing mixed, ribbed with green silk. A very good chub fly. 48. WINGED. Sky-coloured Blue. In June and

ther

July

:

made with sky-blue

quill feather

;

legs,

Ply. silk

;

wing, starling's wing ;

Most taken

body, blue and in clear water.

HACKLE.

Buff-coloured Dun, or Stream In June and July made with buff-coloured wing, a buff-coloured dun hen's feather ; body, :

buff-coloured close

:

yellow mohair

yellow dubbing mixed. 49-

silk

mohair,

and yellow dubbing mixed

under wing.

50. HACKLE. Blue Gnat. made with yellow silk: wing,

In June and July

:

a pale blue cock's


LIST OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES.

37

body blue, fox's cub and yellow down mixed, twisted on the silk. A very hackle feather, tinged at edge

good

trout

fly.

WINGED.

51.

;

Small White Moth.

In June,

and, at evenings, to the end of the season : made with yellow silk : wing, a white duck's feather ; legs,

white hen's hackle feather with yellow

scut, ribbed

WINGED.

52.

silk:

body, white part of hare's

Shade Fly.

bright days, to the

orange

;

silk.

In July,

end of the season

and,

on

made with

:

wing, water-hen's underwing feather;

blue starling's feather ; body, light brown and pea-green dubbing mixed, with about three laps of legs,

green peacock's feather close under wing

An

green peacock.

excellent

clear or discoloured waters

that take

53.

;

fly,

good

HACKLE feather

HACKLE.

with violet

pink

head, in

for all sorts of fish

July Blue Dun.

;

silk,

silk

:

and

tail,

Made

with ash-

or a dark blue

body, mole's and marten's

mixed, twisted on the 54.

;

kills either

flies.

coloured silk: wing, bluecap's pigeon's

and

fur

silk.

Violet

Midge.

In July:

wing, jackdaw's neck water-rat's

down

made

body, pale close under the ;

wing. 55.

HACKLE.

Stone Midge.

In

July

:

made


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

38

with sky-blue silk: wing, pewet's topping feather; body, fibres of blue heron's feather ; a silver colour, headed with green peacock's feather.

HACKLE

56.

with orange

silk

:

Orange Black. In July: made wing, black hen's hackle feather ;

body, bright orange

HACKLE

57.

brown

light

Wasp

silk

body, brown

silk.

:

Fly.

In July:

wing, starling's underwing feather

HACKLE. Black Palmer Fly. tember made with dark orange silk :

hen's hackle feather

July to Sepwing, black

;

body, copper-coloured peacock's after rains, ribbed with silver twist.

;

;

HACKLE. White Dun Midge. made with white silk wing, blue dun

In

59-

;

Taken

body, white mohair, very small.

in a morning,

and

July:

heron's fea-

:

ther

;

bear's hair, ribbed with yellow silk.

58.

feather

made with

early

in the evening.

In July and WINGED. Red Clock Fly. made with dark silk orange wing, red August 60.

:

partridge's

:

feather

tail

;

legs,

blue starling

;

body,

large peacock's and black ostrich's feathers mixed. On some days, a red freckled partridge's tail feather

must be used 61.

for wings.

WINGED.

and September bird's

wing

:

Black

Wood

made with red

quill feather;

In August

Fly.

wing, blackhen's hackle black legs, silk

:


LIST OF ARTIFICIAL FLIES. feather

body, purple mohair, ribbed with black

;

ostrich's feather

head, green peacock.

;

HACKLE.

62.

In August

Yellow Spider Fly.

made with yellow

silk

:

fur, twisted on the

WINGED

:

wing, the large mottled fea-

ther of a sandpiper, or snipe

63.

39

;

body

yellow, marten's

silk.

Mill Dun.

In

August

made

:

with light orange silk wing, lightest starling, bottom of quill feather ; legs, light ginger cock's hackle fea:

ther

body, one rib pink and one purple brown down close under legging.

silk

WINGED Small Black-clock Fly. made with black silk wing, a yellow

In

;

little

64.

gust

;

a

light

:

:

wing

Au-

throstle's

quill feather; legs, blue starling's feather;

body,

peacock's and ostrich's feathers mixed.

WINGED

65.

Stone Gnat, or

silk

;

very small

:

Dark

Watchet.

made with plum-coloured wing, marten's wing quill feather ;

In August and September

:

dun hen's feather from top body, dark water-rat's down. This is a fly most anglers are at a loss about it comes on after

legs dark, tinged at edge,

of neck

;

:

rains,

places

and ;

it

is

taken in the turn-holes and

looks very dark coloured, and

still,

may be

deep seen

carried

down

fly that

can be used for trout and greyling in dark

waters.

the rivers

by

the current

;

it is

the best


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

40

WINGED.

66.

and September

:

Little Whirling Blue.

In August

made with yellow

ling's quill feather

;

silk : wing, starred feather from a cock's

legs,

; body, blue and yellow dubbing mixed, twisted on the silk.

hackle

HACKLE.

67.

Grey

made with yellow ther under

wing

of the dotterill

HACKLE

is

:

Dun Midge.

In September feawoodcock's wing, light silk

body, yellow

;

On some

peacock.

68.

silk

:

head, green

;

days, the outside

wing

feather

used for wing.

Willow Fly.

October : made with yellow zled cock's hackle feather

silk

:

In September and wing, a blue griz-

body, blue squirrel's fur silk. Best

;

and yellow down mixed, twisted on the on cold stormy days.

Winter Brown. In October and 69- HACKLE. November made with orange silk ; wing, woodcock's :

under wing feather ; body, bright orange with magpie's tail green feather.

NATURAL The

many

flies

sorts,

used for angling

and are bred

silk,

headed

FLIES. are, as

we have .

in a variety of

seen, of

ways and


NATURAL The

places. in

small Clock Flies, or beetles, are bred

manure heaps

Spider Flies, bred on trees and

;

hedges near rivers

woods

locks in the rivers

;

;

and Water

;

41

FLIES.

Ants, in their conspicuous hil-

Bank

colours, are bred in the

out of the water

and seasons.

all

the

Young

Flies,

bred in the banks of

of a variety of shapes and

Flies,

bottoms of rivers

summer

:

they

rise

at their proper times

anglers should attend to this,

of great advantage to find out what sorts are best taken by the fish. The true colours are described as

it is

in the lists

of

flies

There are many

already given.

others bred from grubs of various kinds, that resort to the waters.

Those that have

are called Aerial Flies air at pleasure,

:

they can

their

wings erect, and fall in the

rise

and are commonly taken down the

streams with their legs extended on the water, and their wings standing up as if of no use to them.

Those

flies

whose wings lie flat on the back, always on the water ; and are most naturally

flutter or spin

imitated by the hackles. The aerial flies must be made with wings and legs. Wasps, and some large beetles, are well

Drake

taken in their seasons.

Flies are bred in the bottoms of rivers,

from

eggs which have been dropped into the water ; these first change to long grubs, and are found in the sandbeds in April and

May

the year after

G

;

they are used


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

42

to fish with at the bottom, just before they turn to flies,

and are well taken by nearly every

Trout till

is

these

sort of fish.

accounted not to come into perfect season

and the stone

fly

make

their appearance.

On

emerging from the water, the air and sun soon stiffen their wings, and they fly from the rivers and alight

on the grass bents,

the shade in swarms,

fluttering

when they

up and down

in

are beautiful to look

colour before they go out, beand black drakes, and are rather smaller ; coming grey

They change

upon.

the fish will take these, but not so well as the green ones.

The Stone Fly is bred from the creeper that is always found under stones at the bottoms of rivers ; it is an excellent bait to use on the same hook with a caddis.

Immediately before they appear as flies, chrysalis like the drake fly, and

they come out of the

creep on the water, getting under the banks and stones that

lie

flat

hollow on sand-beds near the river's

The jack, or male fly, is the best to use : he edge. has very short wings, while the female has very long ones

;

trout.

both

flies

are well taken, and

kill

the largest


BAITS FOR BOTTOM FISH1XG.

BAITS FOR

BOTTOM

43

FISHING.

Natural baits must be used in their proper seasons, that

is,

when Nature

puts them forth.

Ash Grub, plump and tail,

white, bent round head to

with a red head, found under the bark of fallen

trees that

have laid some time upon the ground,

good bait for greyling. Black Bee, found at the bottom of long

good

is

grass,

a

is

for chub.

Beetles, both black

and red, found under cow-dung,

are used for chub.

Blood Worm, found

in the

mud

of cow-ponds,

is

a good bait for carp.

Brandling Worm, with gilt tail, found in manure that has laid some time,

old bark, or

by most

tanners' is

taken

fish.

Clap Bait, a white maggot found under cow-clots, is

a good bait

Caddis Grub, found encased ing, fixed

in a

under stones at the sides of

small brooks

;

husking coverrivers,

these grubs turn yellow

and

in

when kept a

few days in a bag with wet sand. An excellent bait for most fish when put on the tip of a dub-fly hook, :

salmon trout

will take

them

eagerly.


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

44

Creeper, found at the bottom of rivers, under it changes to the stone fly : put on a hook ;

stones

with a

fly, it is

is

by trout and large chub. Cabbage Grub, found on cabbages,

well taken

Caterpillar, or

an excellent bait

for chub.

Cherries, newly got from the tree, are taken

by

large chub.

Dock Grub, found good bottom

Dew night

the roots of that plant,

Worms, come out of those with a

;

at

is

a

bait.

flat tail,

the ground during the

and without knots, are

best.

Drake Grubs, found amongst

the sand

by

the side

of rivers in June, are taken well just before they turn to

flies.

Earth Grub, the brood of a which is

is

species of beetle,

found by following the plough

a good

in fresh land,

bait.

Frogs, the young and yellowest sorts, found in July amongst short grass, are taken by eels, chub, and pike. Gentles, bred from a piece of cow's lights, are the largest

and cleanest when scoured

taken by most fish ones makes a good

:

in bran they are a red one between two white

bait.

Green Grub, found on oak for chub.

:

trees,

is

a

good

bait


BAITS FOR BOTTOM FISHING.

Lamprey seven

Eel, by some persons called a pimper on

found

eel,

45

muddy bottom

in the

of rivers,

is

a

bait.

good Lob, or Red Garden Worm,

is

best in the spring

of the year.

Bacon, the fat, boiled and rusty, is used for chub. Bread, chewed to a paste, is good for roach, and proper to throw into the water for ground bait. Cheese, soft and new, is a good bait for barbel

some anglers mix it

;

with soft sheep's tallow, and beat

it

to a paste.

Green Peas, parboiled, are taken by

may be

Greaves, or tallow-scraps, into the turn-holes, after

:

and

will

excellent for barbel

carp.

used to throw

make a good and most

bait the

day

To

scale fish.

prepare the greaves for use, break the stuff into a vessel of water,

and nearly

will turn nearly white

holes overnight,

and

:

boil

this

is

to use the

it

;

some part of

it

the best to throw into

day

after in the places

that have been baited.

Malt, creed in the manner of furmety wheat,

good

for

ground Marsh, or Bluish Meadow Worm, found dows, is well taken by most fish.

Palmer Worms, found on baits for

is

bait.

most

fish.

in

mea-

herbs or trees, are good


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

46

Periwinkle, taken whole from the shell when boiled,

is

a good bait for roach.

Rice, boiled,

is

good

Salmon Spawn,

is

for

ground

prepared

at the tackle-shops in pots for trout

and most other

and sold

so choice a bait

this

is

that

when

:

fish,

bait.

in Scotland,

the water

is

breaking after a fresh, nothing can be used as a bot-

tom

bait to equal

it.

Shrimp, taken out of the shell, will take sole fish. Straw Worm, a caddis found at the sides of rivers enveloped in a straw case,

Wheat, boiled

is

a good

leisurely in

fried in a little honey,

milk,

bait.

and afterwards

and beaten with

excellent bait for greyling, chub, roach,

saffron, is

an

and dace.

Wasps, the young brood, or grubs, taken from the nests, and hardened in a warm oven, are well taken

by most fish. The use of stances,

oils

and various kinds of odorous sub-

designed to allure

fish to bite, as

mentioned

and recommended by some authors, is considered by all the practitioners I ever met with, as preposterous nonsense.

SPINNING BAITS.

Dead tember,

baits, to spin with in

March, April, and Sepmonths in which to

for these are the best

use them,

are

the

largest

sticklebacks,

minnows,


DIFFERENT KINDS OF FISH.

47

and bullheads, fixed upon the hook as before

loaches,

mentioned, so as to turn quick when pulled against the middle current or sides of the stream.

They

are

taken in deep places on dark, warm, windy days : use a single hook, only proper size for the bait, with a bristle tied to stand up on the top side near the shank put it in at the fish's mouth, and out near his :

so that the bait

tail,

the

tail

turned a

stitched up.

hook, to it

lie

little

lie

nearly straight on the shank,

on one

and the mouth

side,

Some

persons use a small lead on the in the body of the bait, which will sink

sooner.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF The

FISH.

various kinds of fish peculiar to this country,

are generally so well known, that

it

would be of little

use to anglers to repeat such descriptions of them as

may

be found in works of Natural History.

intention of the author of this

work

is,

in as

The

compen-

dious a form as possible, to give proper instructions

how

to catch fish,

where to find them

BARBEL.

A

what

baits are best taken,

in their

and

proper seasons.

handsome-shaped, leather-mouthed,


THE ANGLER

48 coarse fish

;

with the sea

made

MANUAL.

S

found in most rivers that communicate ;

March and

in

spawns

These

in the gravel.

fish

April, in holes in

keep together

summer they frequent swift shallow companies and in autumn return to the still deeps and streams, ;

Barbel

turn-holes.

mer

in

in season the latter

is

he bites best from

;

rise to ten

May

end of sumfrom sun-

to October,

o'clock in the morning, and from four

o'clock in the afternoon to sunset.

Baits

:

prepared

worms, green gentles, fat bacon, new soft cheese made on purpose ground bait, consisting of malt grains, worms, and greaves thrown in oversalmon

roe, lob

;

night

:

in the hot months, the barbel

very large chub

flies,

sometimes takes

the hook being pointed with a

caddis or straw bait.

BREAM. Both a river and pond fish spawns about midsummer bites early in the morning, and ;

;

in the evening

red and

lurks in deep parts of rivers.

;

dew worms,

and wasp grubs

;

Baits

grasshopper, gentles, black

ground

bait,

:

fly,

with worms or creed

malt.

CARP. rivers

;

Chiefly a

pond

fish,

but found in some

spawns several times in a year,

deeps and turn-holes.

and feeds

in

Carp cannot be fished for too early in the morning, or too late at night. Baits : red and marsh worms, gentles, caddis worms, grassstill


IMFFEREXT KINDS OF hoppers, and sweet pastes

;

49

FISH.

ground

worms

bait,

or

creed wheat.

CHUB.

Both a river and pond fish spawns in May, and bites at the bottom. Baits : to be used early in the morning, and in the evenings during a ;

breeze of wind

:

worms, minnows,

soft cheese, gentles,

red and black beetles, pimper or seven eel, young green grubs, humble bee, or any of the paste of a yellow colour

;

also, fat

bacon, ox brains, or the pith

of the back bone of a calf boiled.

out into the streams full

bloom

;

They

first

come

when the hawthorn trees are in when oats are shooting

the second time,

out of the blade ; they then take several

The

flies.

smaller chub will rise at most of the trout

flies

the large fish prefer very large fancy

especially

flies,

;

but

those ribbed with gold and silver twist, with peacock's herl bodies, nearly the size of salmon

flies.

The hook

must be pointed with a caddis worm or gentle. When the fish shew themselves at the top of the water, in hot sunny days, and largest

may commonly

swim

in shoals,

be taken

proper to use are the following 70.

red

HACKLE

silk

:

this

many

way.

of the

The

flies

:

Moor- Game Brown.

Made

with

wing, a large dark-brown mottled moor-

feather, from top of thigh ; body, black down, ribbed with gold twist. Some anglers use a brown

game

H


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

50

mottled hen's feather for wings part of fox's ear, with orange

Brown Moth

HACKLE

71.

;

and

for body,

brown

silk.

Made with

Fly.

wing, mottled cock pheasant's breast feather, red edged ; body, green peacock's herl, ribbed silk

orange

:

with gold twist.

WINGED

72.

silk

orange ther

Great Moth Fly. Made with hen mottled tail feawing, pheasant's

a red cock's hackle feather

legs,

;

:

;

body, green

peacock's herl, ribbed with gold twist.

White Moth Fly. Made with white barn-owl's feather ; a mottled wing, white hen's hackle feather ; body, white part of

WINGED.

73.

white legs,

silk

a hare's This

:

scut, ribbed with

an excellent

is

fly,

yellow silk or gold twist. and is frequently taken by

the largest trout after hay-harvest, and during the night.

Black Fly. As No. 61, for trout, 74. WINGED. but very large in August ; it must be ribbed with silver twist.

75.

Fly. top

HACKLE. Harry Longlegs, or Large Spider Made with yellow silk wing, partridge's long :

tail

or

coloured close

76.

rump silk,

feather

;

with red

body, pale buff or nankeen-

down from

squirrel's thigh

under wing.

HACKLE.

Large Bank Fly.

Made

with


DIFFERENT KINDS OF

FISH.

51

wing, the largest feather from under corn-creak's wing body, light orange silk, with blue

orange silk:

;

and brown down mixed from 77.

HACKLE.

ple silk

:

fox's ear.

Purple Palmer.

Made

with pur-

wing, corn-creak's feather from top or out-

side of wing ; body, bright purple silk, and purple mohair dubbing close under wing. This is an excellent fly for the latter end of the season.

These

flies,

brown

looker,

with the green and grey drake, downshiner, purple midge,

and ant

flies,

are

made very large and chub, roach, and dace may always be taken with them on hot sunny days. DACE. Found in most rivers with chub ; spawns all

in

;

March

;

bites all

parts, at small red

at the

day

worms

in the deeps

and shadiest

caddis, pastes, gentles,

oak worm near the surface of the water

;

and

in hot

weather, they resort to the eddies betwixt two streams,

and

rise at ants,

and house and black

flies,

pointed

with gentles or caddis as for chub.

EEL. sea,

and

still

after

In most rivers that communicate with the

some ponds always in season found in deeps and muddy bottoms of sluices ; bites best in

a storm in gloomy

young

frogs,

;

;

warm

weather, at lob worms,

minnow, gudgeon, powdered

small lamprey

GREYLIXG.

beef,

and

eel.

Found

in

very few rivers; are a very


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

52 firm,

fish

good-flavoured

;

they spawn in May, and

are in high season during August and September,

when they

are black on the back, and the belly a dark

There

dappled grey. in the rivers

a great quantity of this

is

Dove, Wye, and Derwent,

fish

in

Derbyshire. They take ash grub, clock worm, wheat and malt creed, and small red and brandling worms one :

of the best of

all

bottom

baits in

or black

muddy

eggs in clear water, these fish lie in the swiftest part of the streams, and mostly take trout waters,

flies

:

is

ants'

;

they bite best at

at the fall of the

summer, except

year

;

flies

and again

in the spring,

but badly at the surface in

when

after rains,

the water

is

break-

they are then in the still deeps and flats, where the water breaks off into the rough streams, when ing

:

they rise very

fast

at

sometimes biting two or

flies,

three times in succession, if they miss taking the fly at first.

PERCH

A

bold-biting, firm, good-flavoured fish

;

most rivers and ponds ; they spawn in March, and bite early and late, and all day in cool, windy, in

gloomy weather. They take gentles, minnow, small frogs, and all sorts of worms also caddis, grasshopper, ;

and large

artificial

flies,

when

best for ground bait.

the hook

is

pointed

Red or lob worms are Perch swim in shoals, and a

with gentles, as for chub.


DIFFERENT KINDS OF great

many may be

taken after a good hole has been

baited overnight. PIKE " the tyrant of fresh-water in rivers, lakes,

53

FISH.

Found

fish."

some ponds they spawn in best early and late, in clear water,

and

March, and bite

in

;

on cool, cloudy days. They are most frequently found in the still parts of rivers, or the bottom part small roach, dace,

They take gudgeons,

of streams.

large minnows, and bleak, which bait

;

young yellow

a good shining

pimper or small

loaches, bullheads,

also,

in July,

is

eel

frogs are a tempting bait,

;

and

the best to use with trimmer lines, as the finest fish

take them.

ROACH

In most rivers;

bites all day, in gentle streams

spawns in May, and and still deeps. They

take caddis, red worms, paste of white bread, and flies,

as used for

hook, and a

chub and dace.

single hair,

often affords the angler

many very

fine fish are

The

use of a small

bottom baited with

good sport taken

;

;

as

by

indeed,

gentles,

this it is

means

by

far

the best method of angling for them.

SALMON, the choicest fish of the fresh waters, summer months are found in most rivers that

in the

run into the sea August, and

;

they spawn at the latter end of vary a little as to time

in September, but

in different rivers.

Salmon feeds best on windy days,


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

54

in the deepest part of rapid streams,

and

at the tails

of large ones on sandy or gravelly bottoms are large lob worms, cockle,

minnow,

;

the baits

loach, gudgeon, dace,

muscle, or a prawn taken out of the

and most trout

baits

:

they also take

flies,

shell,

made very

and from the gaudiest-coloured feathers boand green peacock's herl, ribbed

large,

;

dies of bright silks,

with gold and silver threads, with four and six wings, tied upon long-shanked hooks, affixed to salmon gut,

and headed with peacock's or magpie's green feather tail. The author has been in company, and

from the

out on excursions, with

excellent salmon-fishers,

many

and has found them to vary so colours of their

flies,

that

it

is

much

respecting the

next to impossible for

any person to describe them precisely the principal thing is to make them of bright gaudy colours, and :

Mr. Mackintosh gives a very good in his work on angling. By spin-

large enough. list

of salmon

flies,

ning the minnow in the streams, and laying the lobat the bottom in clear water, large fish are

worm taken gaff

is

;

some

bait with

two worms,

used to land them with, which

as for trout. is

hook, screwed into the end of a stick landing-net

is

Salmon are

A

a large barbed ;

a

common

often too small. called

stages of growth

:

the

by

different

first

names

at different

time they come from the


DIFFEREIfT KINDS OF FISH. sea,

they are called smelts

or grilse forktails

;

the second time, sprods,

;

the third time, morts

;

the

fifth

55

the fourth time,

;

time, half-fish

;

and

at the sixth

migration, salmon.

SALMON SMELTS at small

flies,

good sport, and rise well and black ones ; they

afford

particularly at red

are very delicate eating.

A

SALMON TROUT. in

spawns September that run into the sea ; large

;

flies

gaudy

handsome,

rich,

good

fish

;

found only in rivers and brooks in season in April

is

and worms, when the water

;

takes

is

much

A

most

coloured, and affords an angler great sport.

WHITE SEA TROUT, OR WHITLING. excellent fish

;

most

in

rivers near the sea

;

spawns

in September or October ; affords great sport when hooked ; takes flies and other baits used for salmon

and

trout.

TENCH. hot months ther

;

takes

caddis,

Chiefly a ;

pond

fish

bites best early

all

;

and

spawns during the late, in warm wea-

kinds of worms, young wasps, gentles,

and pastes of white bread and honey.

A fish of prey ; the finest flavoured and most esteemed of any other fresh-water fish ; in most rivers that are clear, or that rise from the moors or TROUT.

limestone springs broad.

;

a

fine

shape, rather

long than

In some good feeding rivers, they are very


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

56

and short

thick

have a short head and wide mouth

;

with sharp teeth ; a broad tail ; the sides marked with beautiful red spots. There are several sorts of filled

trout

those accounted best are the red or yellow

:

;

month of May, but continue good till they spawn in October and November. They spawn in beds of sand, but vary somewhat as they are in perfection in the

to time, being in after

some

lean, soft,

and unwholesome,

vered with small to the tails,

rivers sooner, in others later

;

spawning, they loose their spots, become sickly,

still

lice

:

their bodies being co-

in this condition, they retire

when they

deeps until spring,

get into the

eddies, or whirling parts of streams having gra-

velly bottoms,

and rub themselves

clean.

Trouts feed

on worms and minnows, which are then the best baits to take them with ; in summer they take

in spring

black

caddis, bullheads, loaches, stone

fly,

and most of the

given in the

second

flies

fly, beetles, first

and

lists.

GUDGEON. spawns

artificial

A

in April

land rivers

small, but excellent-flavoured fish

and November

;

found in most

;

in-

bites at small red

worms, gentles, caddis, best spots for gudgeon and The blood-worm, pastes. where the stream runs are fishing quickly, having a ;

gravelly or sandy bottom. bait that can

be used

A

gudgeon

for taking pike.

is

the best


DIFFERENT KINDS OF FISH.

MINNOW in

April

;

In most small rivers ; spawns OR. PINK abounds most in swift shallow streams ;

takes small worms, caddis, and gentles

An

on bright hot days. perch, and pike.

clear water, for trout,

A

LOACH. in April

worms

;

57

small

fish,

A

at the bottom.

An

excellent bait

but well flavoured

found in small streams

FLOUNDER.

bites best in

;

;

spawns

takes very small

;

very good bait for trout.

excellent fish

;

regularly taken in

fresh-water rivers near the sea, with the small bluish

meadow worms RUFF. small,

A

it

:

much sport to anglers. much like a perch in shape

affords

river fish

;

and well flavoured

;

These

quently very easy to take.

;

a greedy biter, consesmall,

greedy

fish

are the delight of juvenile anglers, as great numbers

of them

may be taken out of the water worm is the best bait.

a standing ;

at

a small red

A

BLEAK.

handsome

small, but

the back, the belly very white

and small

artificial flies

;

;

fish;

green on

takes gentles, worms,

the shade fly

is

one of the

;

takes small

very best to use.

A

BULLHEAD. worms, and

is

PRICKLEBACK

A

small, ill-shaped fish

a good

very small

or,

fish,

bait for trout.

more commonly, Stickleback.

with strong spines

bait with for trout, I

;

only used to


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

58

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Salmon, trout, greyling, perch, ;

pike, carp, tench,

and bream, are esteemed second best roach, and dace, are the worst. There are several kinds of

and gudgeons,

eels,

are the best of fresh-water fish

;

chub, barbel,

salmon

trout, as

are really

all

trout,

and yellow trout if these of the same species, it must be the dif-

bull trout, white trout, red

ferent kinds of water

and

:

soil in

which they are bred,

and something peculiar to the places where they lie and feed, that produces the varieties in the colours of their flesh

:

different kinds

are sometimes found in

the same river, one kind not far distant from the the lightest colours, however, are generally met with in limestone rivers, and the dark colours in

other;

In some of the small

streams that rise in the moors.

brooks which flow amongst the

ling,

and contain a

considerable quantity of vegetable colouring matter, trout are sometimes nearly black. is

considered the best

breed

A time,

these remain

choice is

by

;

there are

good

all

The female some

trout

that do not

winter.

way of taking large trouts in the nightpicking out the large lob-worm, when

quite dark, over the smooth part of a deep stream,


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. and near to the haunt of the

fish

;

59

draw the

tly along upon the top of the water, as

bait gen-

you would a

very close in the day-time, but feed The white moth, made very boldly during night. if used the way just described, will take them, large,

Trout

fly.

lie

both in rivers and ponds the side in a

:

pond or dam,

watching for food. Eels with white

best to throw close

it is

by

as the fish mostly lie there

bellies are the best

;

they run up

the rivers in April, return to the deeps in autumn,

and

retire

under the banks amongst the mud, having

watching for food. When the thick, they come out and bite eagerly ; they

only their heads out,

water

is

May, June, and July. The bait must always be on the ground, as eels never rise from the bottom to take their food, which they take best are in best season in

during the night and Sniggling for

eels

till

is

day breaks. done by dubbing the

lash

used to the middle of a needle, pointed at both ends ; then draw a worm on straight it may be put care:

fully

down

to the holes

where the

eels lurk,

drains and sludgy places in rivers. taken, time

must be given to gorge

When

better than using a out, as the point

hook

;

the bait

is

when a smart

it,

jerk pulls the needle across in the fish

such as

:

this

is

much

the needle wants no cutting

can be pushed through either way,


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

60

and the gimp being loosened from the wheel line, it is pulled out, and the appearance of the fish is not spoiled if for sale.

Bobbing is practised most in Lincolnshire : it is done by stringing worms from head to tail on worsted with a needle, and tying them so as to hang in links ; these are fastened to a strong line weighted with lead,

them quick

to sink

to the bottom;

the eels bite

eagerly at the baits, and are lifted gently out

strong pole on land, or into a boat chiefly used in

muddy

water

;

;

this

by a method is

three or four are some-

times taken at a time where they abound.

Most fresh-water in

fish

spawn

earlier in the season

ponds than in rivers. River

pond

fish

are generally better than

fish are better

than muddy-dike

than fen

fish

:

if

fish,

pond fish, but and fen fish better

the latter be kept alive a

few days in clear pure water before they are dressed for eating, they will be both sweeter and more wholesome.

The

greyling

is

by some persons

from the swiftness of

more

his

called

umbra,

swimming, or gliding out of

shadow than a

they seldom exceed twenty inches in length when first taken out of the water, they are thought to smell of water thyme the mouth is so tender, that they often break

sight

like a

:

:

fish

:


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Some angle

their hold.

them with small double

for

hooks, which retain them

much

Roach and dace recover

61

better.

their strength,

and are

in

spawning ; barbel and trout in four months ; and the

season, in a fortnight after

chub

in one

salmon

month if

also,

;

he gets into the

ponds. Fish

lie

or

and afterwards

sea,

Roach

are better in rivers than

swim nearer

the bottom, and in deeper

into fresh water.

summer

water, in winter than in

and nearer the

;

bottom, or in the deep part of the streams, on cold days. "

If fish could hear as well as see,

No

fishermen there'd need to be."

Fish are so quick-sighted, that anglers ought not to

to

have light-coloured

clothes, nor,

wear white or drab-coloured hats

days,

and when the water is

Sir

clear, that will

be a means

and spoiling your sport. The Humphry Davy, whose attachment

of frightening the celebrated

;

on any account, for on bright

fish

to the recreation of angling

is

well

known, wore on

field-days a green hat. If

a trout does not

fly, after

two or three

take, or

make an

casts, it is

offer at

your

of no use trying any

longer at that place.

To

fish fine

and

far off,

keep out of sight of the


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

62 fish

;

strike quickly, or at the first rising of the fish,

especially in clear water

these rules must be ex-

:

actly observed in fly-fishing.

The artificial fly must always be thrown on the water about half a yard above the place where fish are observed to rise, or the stream will carry it down before the fish can take

coming down

flies

as they always look for the

it,

the current, and either take or

miss them overhead, but never rise at any that have

gone past the spot where they

lie

and

In

feed.

throwing out the long line, the flies should fall first on the water, the rod being kept erect, so that as little of the line as possible touch the water, otherwise

make a

will

Always with not

splash,

and frighten the

strike as

it

fish.

quick as possible when fishing a small fish ; if a large one,

artificial flies, if for

till

he turns his head down with the

Strike instantly

when

fly.

fishing with paste, ant-eggs,

wasp-grub, or bread, or the bait is taken off the hook. Give time enough, when using the worm at bottom,

and when

fishing for perch or pike with a

minnow

or

they can pouch the bait. If pike or perch have got into a baited hole, the

any

live fish, so that

other fish will not bite

it

:

is

easy to find out

this is the case, as the small fish will strike

on the top of the water

:

when

and jump

proper baits must presently


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

63

be used to take them, or the angler will have no sport with the fish for which he baited the place.

Canal fishing with the artificial fly by a person standing close on the

show

will then

when

best practised

as soon as they drop in the water,

them

the fish generally take

end

to the opposite side, the sides, this

is

side, as the flies

fly

when thrown across

;

only will show

cannot always be done, as there

is

;

be-

wood

in

on the side opposite to the hauling path. In the hot months, mornings and evenings are the

many

places

only proper times for fishing with the long Flies

come

in earlier or later,

warmth or coldness of

the season

:

line.

according to the

want of rains

will

also alter the time of the water-flies, as they cannot rise

from the bottom until freshes soften the sand-

beds where some of them breed, from which they emerge when the fish prepare to take them. In making

artificial flies,

the exact

size,

shape,

and

colour must, with some exceptions, be particularly

attended

to,

or the fish will rise at and not take them,

but give them a lash with their see

them do

frequently,

when

tails

this

;

the fly

is

you may

ill-propor-

tioned, or not of the true colours.

Endeavour lours of the

especially to imitate well the true co-

body and

serve these parts most

;

legs of a it

will

fly,

as the fish ob-

be proper to wet the


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

64

dubbing, otherwise after a little use,

more or

less

when

may

it

not be the right colour

most downs altering

their colour

wet.

To Mix Compound Colours. Black and white make a russet white and blue, a lead colour ; white, ;

and

black,

blue,

an ash colour

nation or flame colour

;

red and white, a car-

;

blue,

brown, and white, a

deep purple or plum colour ; fair red and blue, a purple; red and white, a light crimson, and by adding blue, a dark crimson ; blue and green, a violet

;

pink and blue, with white, a light green ; white, and blue, make a dun blue ; red and white, a

yellow, violet

;

black and red, a brown

;

brown, white, and

deep red, a flesh colour ; purple and white, a red brown and black, a bay colour.

With

flies

;

of proper colours, and in a preserved or

unfrequented river, on a dark day, and with a right wind, a good angler may be sure to catch such plenty of fish, as will make him grow more and more in love with " the art," as it is called ; and certainly it is an art,

more

requiring

to catch

skill

some kinds of

than

many

persons imagine,

fish.

Anglers have a maxim, that

When 'Tis

the wind

good

But when It takes

is

north or east, man nor beast

for neither it

;

blows from west or south,

the bait into the

fish's

mouth.


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The south and west winds

are

by

65

far the best

;

but

if

by an the wind

the weather be not rendered extremely cold

and

east wind,

if it

be a cloudy day,

blow from what quarter so that the above is not

it

may,

fish

let

may be

taken ;

in all cases a standing rule

;

Solomon observes, "he that considers the wind shall never sow ;" so he that does this too im-

for,

as

The

plicitly, shall rarely fish.

tions of probable success

The waters not too

When

Sol's bright

The wind not

On

high, or clear,

colour right, fish best will take,

good way is

fly

of true make,

dare engage, have you but

A basket with

A

at times appear,

low, nor over high,

proper streams then cast the

The

for as condi-

:

beams

That's just in season

I

following are, as near

what an angler could wish

as need be,

to

fine trout

skill,

you

to find out

fill.

what

baits the fish are

open the mouth of the

first you catch, and force with your thumb the feed up from his stomach, and put it in water : it will thus presently

taking,

show what

fly or

other baits he has taken, thus fur-

nishing a proper criterion for your judgment. In baiting with a moth, the hook is to be put in at the head and out at the

tail

;

the

fly

to lie straight

on the shank, the point of the hook being

left

bare.


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

66

With

the hook is put through the under the wings thick part body say in at if with two flies, put one side and out at the other ; the drake

fly,

of his

the head of the second contrary

some this

way.

left to

they

down

carry

will not so

Some

way

they will live

:

and stand picking out several times, baited The rod must be kept up, and the stream

time,

anglers

the

flies

:

this is

most

natural,

and

soon be drowned.

dub a small hook on the gut about

an inch above the hook used the worm's head on

;

it

for worm-fishing, to

keeps

it

from slipping

hang

off the

by small fish. the latter end of the

large hook, or being pulled off

For bottom

at

fishing,

year,

you may use three or four shade or house flies on a small hook, and a very small cork float try this bait :

both in

still

places and where there

running stream, or an

eddy

;

is

many

a deep, slowfish

are often

taken by this method, which is considered a great secret, as fish will take this when they refuse all other baits.

Small clock

taken this

way

;

flies,

or beetles, are also well

they must be used when the water

is clear.

In limestone

rivers,

when

the water

is

clear

and

must be made from the brightest cock hackle feathers that can be obtained ; dark furness

low, the

flies

and three shades of blue duns are the best

;

they must


GENEBAL OBSERVATIONS. be very small, with bright no dubbing being used.

On

silk bodies,

67 very

bright hot days, and in low water,

little

when

or

the

gnats are strong on the wing, and fly in swarms, the

gnat flies cannot be made too small on 00 with hooks, black, purple, sky-blue, and flesh-coloured silk bodies ; the wings from the marten, and long artificial

wing

feathers from back, of different shades,

must be

and regular-sized ; are on the water, morning and evening.

used in the middle of the day that

It is useless to fish in the

frosty nights

the fish

lie

if

:

after bleak

the day turn out fine and bright,

and feed

the morning,

flats in

rough streams

flies

streams as the sun

at the

bottom end of the shallow

and keep getting

warms

the water.

farther

up the

About the

middle of the day, they rise in the deep or smooth places ; and about four o'clock in the afternoon, some few get into the roughs, particularly greyling. This is

a certain

rule,

and may save young anglers the

time they would waste by trying over the streams. In strong black or discoloured waters, the fish rise in the

On

still

deeps

all

the day.

hot bright days, and with clear water, the swift-

est part of the

stream

is

the only place to take trout

and greyling with the long with dibbing.

line,

and under the bushes


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

68

persons desirous of becoming anglers, try to

Many

but for want of judg; ment, they go home without any, and are angry because they do not bite. Such persons, like all bad take fish at different times

not

care

sportsmen,

to

diversion

the

follow

any

longer. certainly requires a great deal of both practice and patience to become a good fly-fisher. It

An

old author says "

If

patience be a virtue, then happy are we fishermen

How For

all

!

do know that those who

fish

Have patience more than heart can wish."

Wash him

To Cook an Eel.

in salt

and water

;

cut off his head, strip off the skin to the vent, gut,

and wipe him clean

inside, but do not wash it ; give a few scotches with a knife, and put into his belly sweet herbs cut small, a little nutmeg grated and

mixed with butter, and a

up over him, and within

;

then pull his skin keep all the moisture

little salt

tie it fast, to

;

bind him with tape, and roast him leisurely ; and salt till the skin breaks, and then

baste with water

with butter

was put

A

till

enough

;

let

what he

drips,

and what

into his belly, be his sauce.

Cheap

Way

to

Dress Trout.

Cut them open,

and take out the inside and blood, and wash them clean to the back bone

;

do not

let

them

lie in

water,


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

69

but wipe them quite dry inside and out, and rub them all over with flour ; then put butter or a little

bacon

fat into the pan,

heat, put the fish

browned

in,

over

all

;

and when

When

parsley and white sauce. are cleaned the

of a proper

they are boiled, they in a linen

same way, and wrapped

cloth, quite separate, or so as

and put

is

it

and fry them gently till they are then serve them up with crisp

into the water

when

not to touch each other, it

boils

when enough,

;

Greyling and

they are served up with parsley sauce.

same

some persons scale them, and then dip or cover them with eggs and bread-crumbs beat together when well browned perch are dressed the

as trout

;

;

to

pan with butter, this is considered the best cook them. If perch are dipped up to the

gills in

hot water, the scales will come off quite easy.

in the

way

and browned

in the

are of exquisite taste, and

com-

Gudgeons, dressed same as

pan with

mended

butter,

trout,

as a fish of excellent nourishment.

Trout and greyling are the best flavoured and finest eating when cooked the same day they are taken.

How

to

Dress large Chub. First scale them, and then wash them clean, particu;

take out the inside larly the throat

as

you can

;

;

make a

little

hole as near the

gills

then put herbs of rosemary, thyme,

sweet-marjoram,

parsley,

and winter savory,

into


THE ANGLEll's MANUAL.

70 their belly

them with

tie

;

baste with vinegar, butter, and

Another fins

;

then

Way slit

Scale,

broil

How to Fish.

free

little

off the tails

from smoke

scale them, ;

and

as salt fish

baste with

;

thyme bruised in

Dress Barbel, Bream,

First

little

fire,

with a

salt,

wash them clean a

and cut

give a few scotches with a knife,

;

them on a

butter and

;

salt.

them through the middle,

are usually done

and

and roast them

splinters,

it.

or. any other large

take out the

inside,

and

then peel and boil a few onions in

water ; take them out, and boil the

same water with a

fish in

the

till enough ; then pour a few eggs, which chop with the onions very small, put them in white sauce, and pour it on the fish : it will be good eating either hot

off the water,

and

little salt,

boil

or cold.

SIGNS OF RAIN, OR PROGNOSTICS OF THE

WEATHER. If

two rainbows appear together.

When

thin white clouds fly swiftly in the

der thick black clouds. If corns pain

your

feet

more than

usual.

air,

un-


SIGNS OF RAIN.

71

and often touch the water with

If swallows fly low, their wings.

If cattle feed greedily after dark at night, or faster

than

common when

If sheep return it is

it

rains, the rain will continue.

from the

certain to rain that

the top of them,

When

it

will

hills

day be

;

early in the morning,

but

if

they go up to

fine.

there appears to be mist, or several grey,

dark, or coloured circles about the sun or

moon.

keen when you are near rivers. If mists continue to hang on the tops of hills in a If gnats bite very

morning. if

the large

its

The Derbyshire people always hill called

say, that

Mam Tor, near Castleton, keeps

nightcap on in the morning,

the mist rises and clears

off, it

it

will

will rain

be

;

but

if

fine.

If very large black thick clouds arise suddenly in

the west. If stones, or walls inside houses " sweat," or

become

suddenly wet. If flies bite very keen,

eyes of people or

and get near the mouth and

cattle.

When white clouds appear like packs of wool, or mountains of snow, and are tinged on the edges like be showery that day. Rain generally occurs after three or four sharp white frosty nights in summer.

silver, it will


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

72

When

a white mist, like a sheet, completely covers

the rivers or valleys, and the tops of the quite clear early in the morning, it

generally turns to rain

sun,

if it clear off

always good angling, and the

is

it

but

:

and no wind

hills

are

stirring,

with the

fish rise

very

well that day.

When it

rain in the

morning comes with the wind,

does not clear up by nine o'clock,

tinues rainy

When

all

it is

it

if

generally con-

the day.

very red about the sun at

soon turns gloomy

rising,

and

after.

PROPER TIMES TO ANGLE. Fish bite well in close

warm gloomy weather, or when the dew is strong.

during soft mizzling rain, or

They

are often very eager in small rivers

after a

shower that has a

the water

:

little

on a gloomy day,

raised after

and brooks,

and discoloured

a light night, and

-with a little wind, the best fish will feed rise

and

bite well in rivers a little

where sheep are being washed. Trout bite well when the water it is

clearing after a flood.

they also below the place :

is rising,

or

when


IMPROPER TIMES TO ANGLE.

When

73

there

is

a flood, and the water keeps up

some days, and

is

not very thick, while

it is

sinking

within the banks, angle near the ends of bridges, and in shallow

still

the turnholes

places,

where the

fish

then

and back current of streams

lie, :

or in

at such

times and places, the author has often taken fine fish

with the

artificial fly,

and

also

where the froth

spots very few would think of trying with the

lies fly.

IMPROPER TIMES TO ANGLE. It is

of

little

use to angle with the long line under

a scorching sun, in the middle of the day, during the

summer months. It is

almost always bad angling

-in

a cold east or

north wind, especially in the spring or fall of the year. It is never when " snow-broth" is in

good

fishing

the rivers.

Large fish will rarely or never feed the day after a dark or a windy night ; for in those nights they glut themselves, and will not soon feed afterwards. It

is

of

when the full

little

use fishing in very long droughts,

rivers are very low, the water dead,

and

of fine green weed, vulgarly called " croggil,"


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

74

which adheres to the knots of the

and covers the

and

lash, clogs the hooks,

so that no fish can take them,

quite troublesome to the angler.

is

commonly bad

It is

above you stands of

It is fly,

flies,

when

use, in

little

the

dace never

still,

wind

rise

is

when

fishing whilst the mill next

and there

is

no stream running.

most instances, to very high

;

fish

with the

chub, roach, and

there are great waves on the

water.

AMUSEMENT FOR LEISURE Anglers,

when they have

leisure,

TIME.

may

be recom-

mended

To

look over their rods, and put them in proper

repair, especially

To

spin,

by

varnishing, which preserves them.

and repair

their reel lines,

of a proper thickness, and

which

is

fine

and keep them

at the small

end,

of great importance in throwing the line

light.

To examine them

;

gut, to

tie

lashes of gut, after a day's fishing with

the knots over again

;

add new lengths of

make them of a proper length

next excursion.

to use at the


AMUSEMENT FOR LEISURE TIME.

To

cut up the old

make new fresh in

flies

ones, whilst

taken, which

and

that have been used,

the proper colours remain

as connected with the fish they

memory is

75

have

certain to be of great use at a future

time.

To

re-dub hooks that have been used for bottom

fishing.

To after

look over the fishing-book, and put

all

to rights,

a fishing journey.

To wash

the bait-bags and fish-hamper quite clean,

both inside and out.

To

look over and dress any feathers that

been procured, and paste them

in

may have

paper in rows ready

for use.

To

dress

any

kept quite dry

furs, ;

or parts of skins, which must be

spirit-of-wine varnish being laid

the underside of the skin, to preserve

be neglected, the

down

all their

downs

:

if

on

this

side will soon be full of small

eggs that turn to grubs.

I

have known anglers have

totally destroyed,

or laying them in a

them

damp

by neglecting them,

place during the winter.


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

76

FISHING GROUNDS. commenced angling

I first

in

some dams

had

that

plenty of fine trout in them, and lost no time in re-

turning

home from

and go

to the sport.

school in

summer

to fetch

rod

my

My grandfather was an indeand an excellent fly-fisher: he had pendent man, for practised fifty years, and supplied me with his old flies

for

some time

with these

;

I

many fish. He

took

then took me, as a companion, to the upper part of the river

Don,

to fish in the hill streams

;

there were

very few anglers, and plenty of fish in the rivers, at that time ; I soon found out it was much better fishing there than in ceiving

give

me

my

still

instructions

;

My

grandfather, per-

was

at great pains to

pools.

taste for the art,

he taught

me by

degrees the

art of fly-making, and what sort of feathers, downs, and silks were proper to use for different flies he :

feed

;

called

me

concerning the places where fish so that before I was fourteen years of age, he

informed

also

me

Being a good shooter, an angler, he supplied me with a capital

a good fly-fisher.

as well as

stock of materials

;

and

ble selection of tackle,

at his death I got his valua-

and

his book, out of

which

and caught

have made many flies, different times an immense quantity of hundreds of

fish.

I

at


FISHING GROUNDS.

77

The river Don produces fine-flavoured, handsomeshaped trout, and several sorts of scale fish, but no It rises on the high moors above Penistone, greyling. several smaller rivers flowing into

they

all

breed good trout

;

above Sheffield

it

but there are so

works on most of these waters,

:

many

for puddling, tilting,

or grinding, in connection with the different manu-

town of

factories of the fish are

cleaning out the are

night, that

it

is

angle for trout, is

dams

in

"

by

What few

summer.

good

of

little

or fish

most

use, in

trout are

catch scale

fish.

situations, to

except in the spring of the year. fly-fishing for

chub and other

the river and canals below Rotherham

when

most of the

sludging,"

the deeps, are often so poached during the

left in

There

Sheffield, that

destroyed, particularly

bad to

take,

in the Rother, but very

fish

few trout,

fish in

summer

:

the best time to

is

it

Pike and scale

all

it

are also taken

being a slow-

running river. There is a very large and deep reservoir of water near Chapel-en-le- Frith, Derbyshire, where many gentlemen go to angle

;

it

contains an

tity of perch and very large trout.

immense quanI was once re-

turning from a journey, and met with a gentleman

from Manchester, who was going to angle there : he kindly obtained permission for me to fish one evening


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

78 only

it

:

was rather windy, the trout

the grass near the edge of the water.

rising close to I

took sixteen

weighing together thirty-three pounds ; having, besides this, broken or lost my flies five different trout,

times with very fine

fish.

The brown

watchet, up-

winged dun, and a small black, were taken was the dun drake, made

principal fly

;

but the

large, with

wings from the grey mottled mallard's feather light ginger cock's

coloured

silk,

hackle feather

;

;

legs,

and body, ash-

with a shade of green in

The

it.

gentleman, who was a bottom fisher, took sixty perch with the red worm, that together weighed sixteen

pounds: he assured me there were many trout of from four to six pounds weight in the pool, which is supplied from two brooks that rise on the moors,

where the trout run up to spawn. There is a neat stone building, known as the Grouse Inn,

in

Darley Dale, Derbyshire, the landlord fish in the river Der-

of which gives anglers leave to

went

he

a pleasant, cheerful,

civil man, affords and charges very reasonably. good accommodations,

It is

:

is

very good fishing in his part of the river the is so full of rocks, and often so :

bottom, however,

deep by some of them, as to be dangerous wading to When the water is discoloured, I have strangers. frequently seen

young anglers

so eager to throw at


FISHING GROUNDS.

and reach a

fish

when

and drop overhead like

enter the water,

rising, as to

in

half-drowned rats

79

;

an instant

;

then crawl out,

having to take off their wet

clothes, and hang therii to dry on the rails near the I have felt sorry for them, but could not help river. laughing at the same time. It is no uncommon thing

Derbyshire publicans to have to lend dry

for the

clothes to anglers.

In Sheffield, there are more general anglers, and

good fly-fishers, who make their own rods, lines, flies, and other tackle, than can be equalled in any other town in England, considering they are ten miles from the river Derwent, where they for trout

commonly go

to fish

and greyling.

EXCURSION INTO DERBYSHIRE AND STAFFORDSHIRE.

A

middle-aged,

independent,

single

gentleman

upon the author for a complete set of artificial with which he was so well pleased, that an in-

called flies,

vitation

-him

in

was given

to

go and spend a few weeks with

Darley Dale.

We

first angled in three preserved dams, into one of which the owner had put

many

fine

himself.

them.

It

greyling,

he being a young fly-fisher in which L ever saw

was the only dam

After taking there as

greyling as he wanted,

my

many

fine trout

friend wished to see

and

me


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

80

angle in the rivers.

We

commenced

near Matlock, and fished with the

fly

in the

Derwent

up the streams,

taking very fine trout and greyling, particularly above Darley Bridge : there are some fine deep streams, and

they contain plenty of river lage.

Wye

We

joins the

fish up to Rowsley, where the Derwent a little below the vil-

found very good accommodations at the We then fished up to Chatsworth,

Peacock Inn.

through the park of His Grace the shire, close in front of his

to Baslow.

trout

We

Duke

of Devon-

noble mansion, and forward

took both chub and dace, as well as

and greyling.

There are very large

and several other kinds of

fish, all

barbel,

up the river.

We

then passed Stoke Hall, Grindleford Bridge, and up the fine streams at Padley Wood, to Hasleford Bridge, and stopped a night at

Widow

Eyre's,

whose

son had angled many years, and was very entertaining, relating various days' sport, and telling what quantities of large fish the

Duke

Mr. Jonathan Bamford, and

of Norfolk's keeper, had taken, before

others,

the river was so poached in overnights.

We next

went up fine streams and roughs to Mytham Bridge, where the river Hope joins the Derwent, and forward to

Bamford

beautiful place,

we found

it

and thence up to Ashopton Inn, a where the woodland brook comes in

Mill,

good

:

fishing all the

way

:

the streams are


FISHING GKOUNDS. less,

and the

fish

81

tiful,

clear,

Wye,

then

a beau-

limestone water, and crossed the

swift,

Lathkil, the clearest stream, finest

We

become smaller above.

returned to Rowsley, and went up the

and which breeds the

and reddest-coloured

we next passed Haddon abundance of

fine trout

trout, in the country Hall to Bakewell, and took :

and greyling

by His Grace the Duke of Rutland anglers.

We

found the Rutland

and the streams that the inn

is

in streams

made

to

accommodate

Arms

a capital inn;

in the vicinity are so free

from M ood, r

always well attended by gentlemen, drake season. We then passed by

particularly in the

Ashford, up Monsal Dale, which celebrated a place,

when

the water

may

tire

is

is

so romantic

and the stream so

and

of trout,

full

discoloured after rains, that a person

himself with sport.

small streams up to Buxton.

There are good but Our next out was to

Ashbourn : we fished two days up Dove Dale, and found plenty of fish there: it is such a place for romantic scenery, as cannot be described we then :

returned home, after spending nearly a month in this delightful

way

the middle of

namely, from the middle of April to May, which is the best season of the

year for the Derbyshire rivers.

As

there were

many

light showers, which discoloured the waters, little the March brown, dark change of flies was wanted :

M


THE ANGLEK'S

82

MATVUAI,.

dun, cock-up dun, dun drake, snipe dun, cow-dung dun, brown watchet, and a small black, were the principal flies taken.

very pleasing to good anglers, when they meet together after a few days' sport, to name the particuIt is

lar places

and holds

where they have at and what colours of flies,

in rivers

different times taken fish

;

or what sort of baits, they took them with.

pears a sort of repetition of the enjoyment

one from which young anglers

may

deal of valuable information, that

years to find out by their

own

It

ap-

and

itself,

gather a great

would take them

practice.

PLEASURES OF ANGLING. What

can be more delightful to an angler, than to

look from the

hills

into the beautiful valleys,

three of the principal Derbyshire rivers

the

Wye, and

the

Derwent

take their course

see rocks, woods, pleasant groves, and in

the fine streams in which he

ing as they

do with

is

going to

fine trout

fly in the

!

to

some places

fish,

abound-

and greyling.

rounded by such scenery, while angling with the

where

the Dove,

Sur-

for these fish

charming month of May,

is

indeed


PLEASURES OF ANGLING.

83

enjoying one of the sweetest pleasures of outdoor life, not only passing his days delightfully, but making

very dreams pleasing. last desire of an old angler who had lost his was to go with the gamekeeper of His Grace sight, his

The

Duke

the

rivers in

see

:

of Norfolk, up one of the favourite small which he had so often fished when he could

the keeper respected the enthusiast, and was at

him through the scenes of former days, and name to him the different holes ; and when the keeper took some fish, which he put

considerable pains to lead his

he called them " pretty creatures though he could not see them ; and so much pleased was he, that he told the keeper he was

into his friend's

hand

alive,

"

!

healthy,

and could then go home and die happy Walton remarks, that there is no life so so happy, and free from care, as that of an

angler

for while

satisfied,

Isaac

;

!

the lawyer's time

in business of deceit,

is

swallowed up is con-

and while the statesman

triving plots, the angler walks through the

where the cowslips grow

;

ceives the benefit of the fresh air ties

;

;

re-

admires the beau-

much quietness as the streams that glide so quietly by him.

of nature, and enjoys as

silent silver

God

meadows

hears the birds sing

never allowed a more harmless or innocent re-

creation than angling

;

for,

to sit

on the primrose


THE ANGLER'S MANUAL.

84

banks in summer, and to look down the meadows they appear too beautiful to be looked upon except He also mentions several eminent reli-

on holidays. gious, it

good men,

useful to

as having been anglers,

keep the

troubles of the world time,

which

is

mind

free

and proves

from the cares and

an employment for leisure then not leisurely spent ; after hard it is

:

labour or severe study, it is a rest to the mind, a cheerer of the spirits, a diverter of sadness, a calmer of unquiet thoughts, a moderator of passions, a procurer of contentedness, and prepares a person for a feathery rest at night.

Let not the foregoing remarks in commendation of art be mistaken, or misapplied, so as

this delightful

to prejudice their proper effect. intent on angling, as to

and spend

go out

Some at

persons are so

improper seasons,

their time in a foolish, not to say criminal,

manner, stopping together, or, at

at

all

stances will justify

the sport for days and weeks

events, longer than their circum:

this is certainly

for he

who makes

way

so sedulously to

very improper

;

a profession or business of any The best recreation or pastime, will be a poor man. is,

in their proper time

mind the

and

affairs

place, as to

for pleasures, lest they leave a sting is

of business

make

provision

behind.

a proper time and season for every thing.

There


THE ARTIFICIAL FLIES

LIST OF

DESCRIBED IN THIS WORK.

1.

March Brown.

20.

2.

Barm Dun,

21.

Bank Fly. Brown Shiner.

22.

Proud Tailor

3.

Brown Watchet.

23. Purple Midge.

4.

Hawthorn

24. Little Pale Blue.

Black, Red, or

Furness Fly.

Black Ca-

Fly,

terpillar,

and Black Ant

25.

Fly.

Red Palmer Fly. Red Palmer.

26. Great

Fly. 5.

Whirling Dun.

6.

Dun Drake.

7.

Cock-up,

or

27. Whirling Blue.

Upwinged

Dun.

28.

Black with Red.

29.

Green

30. Snipe

8.

Red Spider

9.

Brown Spider

Fly.

Fly.

Tail.

Dun.

31.

Red Shiner

32.

Cow- dung Dun.

33.

Black

10.

Stone Fly.

11. 12.

OrlFly. Downlooker.

34.

13.

Primrose Dun.

35. Iron Blue.

14.

Black Gnat.

15. 16.

Yellow Spider Green Drake.

17.

Red Ant

May

Fly.

Fly, or Silver

Palmer.

Oak

Fly.

36. Black Midge. Fly.

37.

May Imp.

38.

Yellow Legs.

Fly.

39.

18.

Orange Dun.

40.

Grey Drake. Purple Gold Palmer.

19.

Tail to Tail, or Knotted

41.

Red

4*2.

Small Red Spinner.

Midge.

Spinner.


ARTIFICIAL FLIES.

86

Black

Wood

43.

Nettle Fly.

61.

44.

Gold-coloured Dun.

62. Yellow Spider Fly.

45.

Brown Gnat.

46. Small

Ant

63. Mill

Fly.

47.

Grasshopper.

48.

Sky-coloured Blue.

49. Buff-coloured

Stream

Dun,

Fly.

50. Blue Gnat.

Fly.

Dun.

64.

Black Clock

65.

Stone

Fly.

Gnat,

or

Dark

Watchet. or

66. Little Whirling Blue. 67. 68.

Grey Dun Midge. Willow Fly.

51.

White Moth.

69.

Winter Brown.

52.

Shade

70.

Moor-Game Brown.

Fly.

71.

Brown Moth.

54. Violet Midge.

72.

Great Moth.

55.

Stone Midge.

73.

White Moth.

56.

Orange Black.

74.

Black Fly.

57.

Wasp

75.

Large Spider Fly.

76.

Large Bank Fly. Purple Palmer.

53. July Blue

Dun.

Fly.

58. Black Palmer. 59.

White Dun Midge.

60.

Red Clock

G.

77.

Fly.

RIDGE, PRINTER, MERCURY OFFICE, SHEFFIELD.





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