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i
THE
AMERICAN ANGLEE'S GUIDE;
OK,
COMPLETE FISHER'S MANUAL,
FOB
THE UNITED STATES:
CONTAXKING
THE OPINIONS AND PRACTICES OF EXPERIENCED
ANGLERS OF BOTH HEMISPHERES;
WITH THE VARIOUS MODES ADOPTED IN OCEAN, RIVER, LAKE, AND POND FISHING ;
THE VSL'AL TACKLE AND BAITS REQUIRED ; INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ART
OF MAKING ARTIFICIAL FLIES ; METHODS OF MAKING FISH-
PONDS, TRANSPORTATION OF FISH, ETC., ETC.
FIFTH EDITION,
REVISED AND GREATLY ENLARGED AND IMPROVED, WITH THE ADDITION OF A
THIRD FART,
CONTAINING A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF SOUTHERN AND
WESTERN FISHES, AND OTHER MATTER OF INTEREST TO THE
ANGLER, TOGETHER WITH A COPIOUS INDEX.
HANDSOMELY ILLUSTRATED
WITH TWENTY-FIVE ENGRAVINGS OF THE PRINCIPAL ANGLE-FISH OF AMERICA'
AND EMBELLISHED WITH NXMEROUS ENGRAVINGS ON
STEEL, STONE, AND WOOD.
BY
JOHN J. BROWN.
NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY.
549 AND 551 BROADWAY.
1876.
Entebed, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1349,
By JOHN J. BROWN,
In the Clerk's Oflace of the District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876,
By JOHN J. BROWN,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
CENTENNIAL EDITION.
ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FIFTH EDITION.
I TAKE much pleasure in presenting to the fraternity of Anglers,
and the people of the United States, a Fifth Edition of this work,
greatly enlarged and improved, with the addition of a Third Part,
more particulai-ly enumerating and describing many kinds of Western
and Southern Fishes, and their location, together with the latest im-
provements in implements for taking all descriptions of the finny
race. The great success attending the sale of the previous edition^!,
and the high encomiums passed upon them by the press and the an-
gling community, not only as a book of information and reference,
but also as "the most complete and practical fisher's manual ever
issued," have induced me to keep up its former reputation by makin^j^
it attractive and valuable to all who go a-fishing. Of the many
thousands who use the rod-and-line, not one-tenth part of them be-
come scientific and accomplished anglers — mostly for the need of the
requisite time to perfect themselves in the "gentle art;" hence, in
preparing this edition for the press, it has been considered necessary
not only to inform and instruct in regard to game-fishes, but also to
describe all the inhabitants of the waters that give pleasure to the
angler. Hoping that I have reached that aim, and that this edition
as now completed will be a true "Angler's Guide" to those who,
for recreation or pleasure, use the implements of the art, I remain a
true friend to all who delight in fish or fishing.
THE AUTHOR.
LIST OP
ILLUSTRATIONS AND EMBELLISHMENTS.
$srt I.
~ PaBB
FRONTISPIECE (STEEL ENORAVIHO), TROCTIHO.
A FKE3U WATER MESS X
BAITINO NEEDLE AHO DISaOROBR' XU
PRIMITIVE HOOK, UIBD BT THB HATITBB OF THB BAIISWICB
ISLANDS 12
BASSE BASKET, WITH SAFF HOOK, ROD, REEL, &0. 19
LIMERICK AMD ORISWOLD SPRING SNAP HOOKS. PLATE 1 ... 26
BLACK riSH, VIROtNlA, SPRINO INAP HOOKS, &C. PbATB 2 . . . S8
ARTIFICIAL MINNOW 45
BAIT, OR LAKDINQ HBT 51
THB SALMON 5Q
ARTIFICIAL SALMON FLT 63
THE LAKE TROUT 61
THE HOLLOW WOODEN FLOAT 65
THE BROOK TROUT 66
TROUT FISHINO IN SULLIVAN COOHTT 74
THE PICKEREL, PIKE, OR JACK 115
TROUT BASKET 139
THE STRIPED BASSE, OR ROCK FUH . J59
THE WEAK FISH, OR SQUETEAQUB 170
THE KINO FISH, OR BARB 174
SWIVEL SINKER 177
THE BLACK FISH, OR TAUTOO 178
THE DRUM * 187
THE BLACK BASSE 189
MCLTIPLYINO BALANCE HAHDLB RBBL 194
THE SALT WATER BHEEPSHBAO 195
CLEARINO RING • 202
THE COD • 203
THB FLOUNDER 207
BEL SFKAR 209
THE BLUE FISH •... 210
CORK FLOAT FOR TROUT AMD PBRCH AllOLIXG 213
THE SKA BA93B 214
LANDING BOOKS, OR GAPPS Sl6
THB POROEE 216
THE PERCH, CHUB, AND BBI> 219
rOLOlNO NET RING • 224
LIST OF
ILLUSTRATIONS AND EMBELLISHMENTS.
PAOK
ENGRAVED TITLE PAGE (ON STONE) . / . . . 225
THE RED FISH, OR SPOTTED BASSE 235
SPOON BAIT 236
NATURAL SQUID 239
MACKINAW TROUT ..,*. 240
TROUT CAUGHT 244
O'SHAUGHNESSY TROUT HOOK 246
THE SMELT 247
ARTIFICIAL GREY DRAKE TROUT FLT 249
O'sHAUGHNESSy SALMON HOOK 251
RED HACKLE TROUT FLY 256
BAIT KETTLE 257
KNOTS, LOOPS, &C. (five ILLUSTRATIONS) 259, 260
NATURAL SALT WATER SHRIMP 26J
ARTIFICIAL GRASSHOPPER BAIT • . . . . 263
A WHITE PERCH ■ 269
SCENE ON HARLEM RIVER, N. Y 271
TROUT COOKED 273
A CANADIAN FISHING SCENE 283
AN EEL IN A FIX 287
ARTIFICIAL TIN SQUID FOR BLUE FISH AND SKA TROLLING ... 291
THE SPEARING 297
MAJOR JACK THOMAS, OR CHE8TERT0WN HOOK 308
BAIT BOX FOR WORMS, GRASSHOPPERS, &C 310
THE MACKEREL 311
THK LUCKY fisherman's RETURN . 312
A HAND LINE FOR THE FISHING BANKS . 314
THE KILL DEVIL 318
ARTIFICIAL FROG BAIT ... 323
A FAMILY OF ANGLERS . . 331
CONTENTS TO PART L
PAOIl
Preface
ixtroduction - . .... 9
Introductory Remarks on Angling ... 13
Chapter I — On the Materials used in Angling - - 20
Chapter II — On Baits used in Angling ... 34
Chapter III — Observations on the Practice of Angling 46
Chapter IV — The Sabnon 52
Chapter V — Of the Salmon Trout, Lake Trout, or Lake
Salmon ...... G4
Chapter VI — Of the Trout - - . . 66
Chapter VII — Of the Pike, Jack, or Muscalmga • 115
Chapter VIII — Of the Perch 140
Sun-Fish 149
Chapter IX — Of the Carp or Tench - - . - 151
Chapter X — Of the Striped Basse, or Rock-Fish - 159
Chapter XI— Of the Weak-Fish, Wheat-Fish, or Sque-
teague ... . . 170
Chapter XII— Of the King-Fish, or Barb - 174
Chapter XIII — Of the Black-Fish, or Tautog - . 178
Chapter XIV — Of the Drum 186
Chapter XV — Of the Black, or Oswego Basse - • 189
Chapter XVI— Of the Sheeushead - - - - 195
CONTENTS
PAGE.
Chapter XVII— Of the Cod and Tom-Cod - - 203
Chapter XVIII— Of the Flounder - - - - 207
Chaptkr XIX— Of the Blue-Fish - - - - 210
Chapter XX — Of the Sea-Basse, Porgee, &c. - 214
Chapter XXI — Of some of the other Inhabitants of the
Waters 217
The Eel . - - - 217
The Chub 218
The Bull-Head, Sucker, Bream, Roach,
Dace, Bleak, Gudgeon and Herring 21.9
The White-Fish and Cat-Fish 220
Chapter XXII — Concluding Remai-ks - 221
PREFACE TO PART I.
1 HE author of the following pages having been situated tor a
namber of years where the necessity of some general inform-
ation on the subject of the art of Angling was daily seen, at
first conceived the idea of publishing an American edition
of Walton's Complete Angler ; but on a later and more care-
ful perusal of its pages, and that of other writers, it was found
that but little, comparatively, real practical knowledge roiild be
given of the large variety of the fishes of our own coimtry ; he
therefore concluded to publish, in a small form, the opinions
and practice of the \arious English authors, with remarks,
thereon, and such information as could be gathered from
American books and American sportsmen. Of the former,
very few could be obtained : magazines and philosophical
works were searched with but little success ; the sportsmen
were consulted, and much valuable information obtained;
still tliere was a general lack of proper knowledge of the
nature and habits of the great body of our northern and west*
K.
PREFACE.
em fishes, and it was found a much more difficult matter than
was at first imagined ; yet the necessity of the case seemed
to invite a continuation of the task. With the object in
view of a small pocket edition, of 150 pages, the work w^as
commenced and prosecuted under many difficulties ; but it
was foimd that the field was vast and almost unlimited ; that
compared with England, a work to embrace all the varieties
of the subject in the United States, would require the labor
of many years, and almost countless pages. The work there-
fore has been restricted to the description of fishes most gen-
erally angled for in the United States. The writer has endea-
vored to give in plain language, and as far as could be ascer-
tained, the modes adopted by the anglers and experienced
authors of both hemispheres, leaving the amateur, in many
cases, a selection of all, according to his own views, as occa-
sion may require.
To the friends who have assisted him, and to the authors
consulted, he considers himself under many obligations for
the favors bestowed and the benefits derived. To those into
whose hands the work may fall, he submits it as an humble
attempt to impart practical information on an interesting
subject.
'^
I'N/VERSITY
Of
^^pRU\hi
INTRODUCTION
In every library of any magxiitude, there are well written
histories of the tenants of the air, from the smallest insect to
the " feathered King " that sits on the rocky tops of our ma-
jestic hills, and emblems our glory to the world: and of that
class, also, which walk the earth, from those that minister to
or oppose our comfort and happiness, to the " gigantic mi-
known," whose ante-deluvian origin appears almost fabulous.
Man has analyzed man ; and it has been snpx)08ed that the
intricate machinery of the greatest work of the Maker, was
well understood, yet every day seems to give new and con-
vincing proofe that our knowledge is yet but limited.
The sciences of Phrenology, Electricity, Magnetism, and,
more latterly. Mesmerism, are daily opening new fields to
the learned and curious; and regions which have formerly
been considered as explored to their utmost depths, now prove
mines of inexhaustible inqtiiry. Europe has furnished a
Goldsmith, a Buffo.v, a Linnjeus, and a Cdvikr, and our
own country has not been backward in scientific researches.
10
INTRODUCTION.
Mr. Audubon, so well known to every American, has explor-
ed the air, and opened to the world an enlarged and faithful
picture of the feathered songsters of the Western Hemisphere.
His History of Quadrupeds, also, promises for him a fame
equal to that accorded any who have preceded him in this
depai'tment.
But amidst all these researches, but little, comparatively
speaking, has been done in the Natural History of Fishes.
The boundless ocean, with its vast waters, and numberless
tributaries, remains unexplored : and the fact, that scientific
inquirers of all ages, have neglected to penetrate so far into
the philosophy of this branch of Nature's productions as into
many other departments of her wonderful and deep-hidden
mysteries, is certainly a source both of surprise and regret.
The objects that continually present themselves in our
every day relations, naturally invite the attention and awaken
an interest for the wonderful creations of Nature. Hence we
have a history of Birds, Beasts, Insects; works on Botany,
Geology, and Astronomy ; but as yet no standard treatise on
Ichthyology. The dangers attending navigation, are by the
aid of steam power becoming daily less formidable; and
where but few could formerly be tempted, thousands now are
uiduced to view the sublimity of Nature on the great deep,
and will consequently be led to study the natural history of
its inhabitants.
Linnaeus has defined nearly 400 species of fishes in the
Old World, while our own country, possessing as it does gteat
advantages over any other, cannot boast of a single treatise on
a subject so fraught with interest to the admirer of Nature.
INTRODUCTION 11
The late Dr. Mitchell, of New- York, together with Governor
De Witt Clinton, have furnished to the Literary and Philoso-
phical Society of this city, a great amount of valuable scientific
information on the natural history of the Fishes of the State ol
New- York. Dr. Smith, of Massachusetts, has written a very
able work on the Fishes of his own State. But of the history
of the fishes of our boundless western rivers and lakes, but little
is known. The celebrated Buflfon has said, " that in America
animated nature is weaker, less active, and more circumscrib-
ed in the variety of its productions, than in the old world :
that there is some combination of elements, and other physi-
cal causes, something that opposes its amplification; that
there are obstacles to their development, and perhaps to the
formation of large germs ; and that even those which, from
the kindly influences of another climate, have acquired their
complete form and expansion, shrink and diminish under a
niggardly air and unprolific land " ! ! How absurd and foolish
a remark from a person whom knowledge, and that too of a
great general character, shotdd have taught better! One is
almost tempted to believe that it is tinged with enw. It is
true, that at the time it was uttered, our resources were
comparatively small, our institutions weak and enfeebled, and
in fact our country itself but little known abroad ; yet the re
proach, even were the facts as stated, was ill-timed, and not
in taste : its falsity is too plain to need comment.
The plan adopted by many of our State Legislatures, oi
ordering geological surveys, bringing to its aid some of the
best talent of the country, is well calculated to advance this
science. As our country gradually progresses in wealth and
12
NTRODUCTION
prosperity, let us also advance in the culture of the scieucea
and arts ; and although its age as a nation, will not admit oi
as great perfection in literary or scientific attainments as those
of the old world, let there be no obstacles to the full devel-
opment of its prolific power ; and we may then hope that that
day is not far distant, when the Natural History of America
shall be as thoroughly explored as that of the mother coun-
try, giving valuable and important scientific information to
the inquirer after knowledge as well as to the lover of
aquatic sports.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ON ANGLING.
Akoling, from the earliest periods of the world, has been
considered a sotirce both of amusement and profit. Walton,
or old Izak, as he is more familiarly called, in his remarks on
the Antiquity of Angling, goes back as far as the days of the
sons of Adam, and the Book of Job, in which latter he proves
the first mention of fish-hooks. The earliest authentic infor-
mation, however, ive have of Angling as an amusement, can
be dated as far back as the days of the Romans. Trajan, the
Roman Emperor, is mentioned as one who loved Angling, and
also, if we may credit history, of eating the result of his days*
Bport in epicurean style. Plutarch also speaks of Mark An-
tony and Cleopatra as using angling as a principal recreation !
We know litde, however, of any perfection in the art, until
the year 1486, when a treatise on the subject was published
by a lady, celebrated at that time for her beauty and ac-
complishments, entided " The Treatyse of Fyssynge with
an Angle, by Dame Julyana Bemers, Prioress of the Nun-
nery near St. Albans." The book would at the present day
be considered a curiosity, if we may judge from the follow-
ing quaint extract, in which she shows the superiority of
fishing over fowling:
" The Angler atte the leest, hath his holsom walke, and
mery at his ease, a swete ayre of the swete sauoure of the
mede floures. that makyth him hungry ; he hereth the melo-
14
INTRODUCTORY RK MARKS ON ANGLKVU.
dyous armony of fowles ; he seeth the yoiige dwauues, hee-
rons, duckes, cotes, and many other fowles, wyth theyr
brodes ; whyche me serayth better than alle the noyse of
houndys, the blastes of horny s, and the scrj'^e of foulis, that
hunters, fawkeners, and fowlers can make. And if the
angler take fysshe ; surely, thenne, is there noo man merier
than he is in his spyryte."
Walton also makes mention of a Dr. Nowell, Dean of the
Cathedral of St. Paul's, and author of the present Church
Catechism, who lived in the reign of Henry the Eighth. He
is represented as a good man, a constant practiser of angling,
and as employing the tenth part of his time in that sport. In
an ancient picture, (which would, by the wayj be rather more
cuiious than the book above-mentioned) he is represented as
leaning with one hand on a desk, holding a Bible, whilst at
his side he his lines, hook, and other tackle, with several kinds
of rods; underneath is written " that he died ia 1601, at the
age of 95 years ; that age had neither dimmed his eyes nor
weakened his memory ; and that Angling and Temperance
were the causes of these blessings.'" Sir Henry Wotton, who
lived about the same period says, " 'twas an employment for
his idle time, which was not then idly spent ; for Angling was
after tedious study a rest to his mind; a cheererof his spirits;
a diverter of sadness ; a calmer of unquiet thoughts ; a mode-
rator of passions ; a procurer of conteuteduess."
Joe Davors,* who wrote about the same time, runs prettily
off in this style :
"Let me live harmlessly; and near the brink
Of Trent or Avon have a dwelling' place ;
Where I may see my quill or cork down sink,
With eager bite of perch, or roach, or dace;
And on the world and my Creator think ;
Whilst some men strive ill gotten goods t' embrace,
• John Dennys, Esq., author of" Secrets of Angling," A. D. 1613.
IJ* TRODL'CTORT REMARKS ON ▲NULINO. 15
And others spend their time in base excess
Of wine, or worse, in war and wantonness.
•* Let them that list, these pastimes stUl pursue,
And in such pleasing fancies feed their fill ;
So I the fields and meadows green may view,
And daily by fresh rivers walk at will.
Among the daisies and the violets blue,
Red hyacinth, and yellow daffodil.
Purple narcissus like the morning rays.
Pale gander-grass, and azure culver-keys.
I count it higher pleasure to behold
The stately compass of the lofty sky ,
And in the mist thereof, like burning gold.
The flaming chariot of the world's great eyo ;
The watery clouds that in the air up-roU'd,
With sundry kinds of painted colors fly;
And fair Aurora, lifting up her head,
Still blushing, rise from old Tithonus' bed,
• The hills and mountains raised from the plains,
The plains extended level with the ground ;
The grounds divided into sundry veins,
The veins enclosed with rivers running round;
The rivers making way through nature's chains
With headlong course into the sea profound {
The raging sea, beneath the valleys low,
Where lakes, and rills, and rivuleU do flow.
•♦ The lofty woods, the forests wide and long,
Adorn'd with leaves and branches fresh and greeu,
In whose cold bowers the birds with many a song,
Do welcome with their choir the Summer's queens
The meadows fair, where Flora's gifts among
Are intermix'd with verdant grass between ;
The silver scaled fish that softly swim
Within the sweet brook's chrystal, watery stream.
" All these, and many more of His creation
That made the heavens, the Angler oft doth see
2
16
INTRODUCTO
K MARKS ON ANGLING.
Taking thereii no little delectation,
To think how strange, how wonderful they be ;
Framing thereof an inward contemplation
To set his heart from other fancies free :
And whilst he looks on these with joyful eye.
His mind is wrapt above the starry sky."
If Angling can give birth to such pleasant and wholesome
thoughts as these, who will deny that it is an employment
both profitable and amusing ?
Walton further says, that ** it is the contemplative man's
recreation ; for it is eminently calculated to still the stormy
passions of the breast, and lead to the calm and tranquil
pleasures ai*ising from frequent meditation of the beauties of
nature." What more powerfiil argument can the Angler have
in justification of this amusement ? Volumes could not have
said more.
Sir Humphrey Davy remarks: " For my health, I may
thank my ancestors, after my God : and I have not squander-
dered what was so bountifully given : and though I do not
expect, like our Arch-Patriarch Walton, to number ninety
years and upwards, yet I hope as long as I can enjoy a vernal
day, the warmth and light of the sunbeams, still to haunt the
streams, following the example of our late venerable friend,
the President of the Royal Academy,* with whom I have
thrown the fly, caught trout, and enjoyed a delightful day of
angling and social anmsement, by the bright clear streams of
the Wandle."
The celebrated Dr. Paley said, in reply to a person anx-
ious about the completion of one of his great philosophical
works, that " it would be finished as soon as the fly-fishing
season was over;" evidently considering this diversion of
equal importance with those mental efforts that have render-
ed his name almost immortal.
* Benjamin VVnsl.
liNTRODUCTORT REMARKS ON AMGLINQ.
Gat, Thompson, John Tobin, S. T. Coleridge, Pro-
fessor Wilson, Sir Walter Scott, and Sir Francis Chan-
try, were all ardent disciples of Walton ; and Admiral Lord
Nelson was so passionately fond of the sport, that he fished
with his left hand a long time after he had lost his right.
Benjamin West, who enjoyed many a day's sport with
Sir Humphrey Davy, was an American Painter ; and to come
down to our own day, Ht. Inm \.n, one of the best American
Painters li^•ing, now on a visit to Europe, divides his time
partly in painting the portraits of the nobles of England, and
partly in the noble sport of trout and salmon fishing, in the
beautiful lakes and rivers of Scotland.
Daniel Webster finds relief, after a tedious winter's
session of Congress, in angling for salmon in the Kennebec,
and for trout in the various streams of Massachusetts. It is
said, moreover, that this distinguished statesman is quite as
much at home in preparing a kettle of chowder, as he is m
the halls of legislation at Washington; and Martin Van
BuREN is acknowledged to be equally successiul in angling
for pickerell as in the cultivation of his beautiful farm.
Many other names of distinguished men, who
Oft have tried with baited hook
To tempt the tenant of the brook,
could be added to this list, to prove that angling is held in high
regard by all classes of people, but it is unnecessary. The
observant reader will draw his ovm conclusions.
When, however, we take into consideration the extent cl
onr country, its many beautiful streams and quiet lakes, where
the finny tribe abound, we vn'll find that the number of an-
glers, when compared with that of England, is astonishingly
Bmall. But the fact is, (and a deplorable one it is, too,) that
the maiority of the American people are so much engaged in
•* gettuig rich." that they scarcely ever think of enjoying the
18
INTROUUCTORT REMARKS O N A N G L 1 N t* .
-~
/
-_^
solid pleasures of this life, until, by the fatigues and perplexi
ties of business, they are better fitted for the grave, than for
any proper and healthy recreation.
An eminent divine and sound philosopher of this city, in
a discourse a short time since, remarking on the habits of the
people of this country, said: "that they always seemed to be
in a state of perpetual excitement — one continual hurry and
bustle ; and that it would not be surprising to him to see half
of the population of New-York fall dovra in its streets in epi-
leptic fits ; and that chronic diseases, in most cases caused by
excessive mental excitement, close application, and want of
ail' and proper exercise, were fearfully on the inri*ease."
Walton says, "And for you, that have heard many grave
and serious men pity anglers, let me tell you sir, there be
many men that are by others taken to be serious and gi-ave
men, which we contemn and pity. Men that are taken to be
grave because nature hath made them of a sour complexion —
money-getting men — men that spend all their time jirst in
getting, and next in anxious care to keep it — men that are
condemned to be rich, and then always busy or discontented ;
for these poor rich men, we anglers pity them perfectly, and
stand in no need to borrow their thoughts to think ourselves
80 happy." No, troth, we should be very sorry to borrow
anything from persons of this stamp, much less their thoughts,
the poorest things probably by far in their possession. Good
Isaac, vei'ily thou didst know human nature !
It is true, as Walton has remarked, that many have ridi-
culed this noble science and pitied its followers ; but let those
whose extreme and somewhat morbid sensibilities have ren-
dered them bhnd to the beauties of nature, remember that he
" who went about doing good," chose a number of his apostles
from among fishermen, and considered them worthy objects
of his confidence and love.
It seems, in fine, a work of supererogation to attempt to
INTRODOCTORT REMARKS ON ANGLING.
19
justify this agreeable pastime, after the expressed opinions of
so many learned and distinguished men of every age ; and let
us ask the reader if. there is any recreation at once so harm-
less, and with which so many happy associations are blended
— which combines so many rational inducements to health
and true enjoyment, as Angling.
" Adieu 1 ye sports of Noise and Toil
That Crowds in senseless strife embroil ;
The Jockey's Mirth, the Huntsman's Train,
Debauch of Health, and waste of Gain,
More mild Delight my Life employ.
The ANGLER'S unexpensive Joy.
Here I can sweeten Fortune's Frowns,
Nor envy Kings the Bliss of Crowns."
Brookes on Angling, (766>
CHAPTER I.
ON THE MATERIALS USED IN ANGLING.
" My rod and my line, my float and my lead,
My hook and my plummet, my whetstone and knife,
My basket, my baits, both living and dead.
My net, and my meat, for that is my chief.
Then I must have thread, and hairs green and small.
With mine ' Angling Purse *— and so you have all."
Walton.
* You must have all these, and twice as many more, with which, if
you mean to be a fisher, you must store yourself." — Idem.
It is necessary, in order to become a successful Angler, to
have a complete assortment of tackle ; and as many Anglers
pefer making and arranging their own materials, it will not
be improper to give here a list of the articles which con-
stitute a well arranged Angler's establishment. Therefore,
let the sportsman provide himself vdth the following articles :
Salmon and Trout Rods for both bait and fly-fishing ; rods
for bass and pickerel; and also for bridge fishing and troll-
ing ; spare tops of different sizes.
Lines of silk, silk and hair, twisted and platted, sUk-worra
gut, India gi'ass ; and hemp, or flax lines for trolling or sea
fishing.
Reels or Winches, small and large, for light or heavy
fishint
MATERIALS USED IN ANGLING RODS.
21
Hooks of various patterns, from No. to 12, on silk-wonn
gat, hair, gimp or wire, snap-hooks for trolling, hooks on
hemp lines, &c., loose hooks of all sizes.
Floats of quill, cork, or wood, of various sizes.
Sinkers, plain, swivel and hollow, for sea, middle or bot-
tom fishing, split shot, and swivels for fly-fishing.
Leaders oihmc, gut or grass, of various lengths, loose gut
for making or repairing leaders or tying on hooks, and gimp
or wire for pickerel tackle.
Squids of pearl, ivoiy, bone, tin or lead, for sea or river
trolling, artificial flies, minnows, grasshoppers, frogs, mice,
shrimp, &c.
Disgorgers of various sizes, bait needles, clearing rings,
bait and landing nets, bait box, and baskets.
A Book containing a full assortment of artificial flies ; a box
containing a variety of feathers, worsted, silks of all colors,
gold thread, shoemakers' wax, &c. ; also, a book for general
tackle.
A pair of plyers, a pair of scissors, a penknife, hand vice,
and a file for sharpening the points and barbs of hooks.
RODS.
There is probably no article of tackle upon which the An-
gler looks with so much pride and pleasure, as a good Rod ;
like the fowler's gun, or the jockey's horse — next to his wife,
they are always the best. They are made of various
kinds of woods, and of various lengths, for the different spe-
cies of Angling. The best rods were formerly imported from
England, and made of hazel or hickory, but they were little
adapted to our modes of fishing, and have consequently grown
into disuse. American rod makers have introduced great im
provements in the ai-ticle within the last ten years, and can
now turn out rods which, for- workmanship and beauty of
finish, cannot be surpassed. They are made to suit the tastes
22
of all Anglers, from the single ferruled rod for the novice, at
the cost of from $2 to $5, to the more expensive one of the
•cientific Angler, varying from $5 to $50. Those now in ge-
neral use are made either from ash, bamboo, Calcutta reed,
or lance wood. The three former woods are preferred by-
good Anglers ; the latter wood is objected to on account of
its weight, and as it is the main object of the sportsman to
have his tackle as light as strength and durability vnll permit,
this description is seldom used. There are three requisites
for all good rods, viz. strength, lightness and pliability; and it
is absolutely necessary that the wood should be of suc'i a na-
ture as to admit of a uniform flexibility from butt to top.
Rods for salmon are usually from 18 to 20 feet in length,
the butt made of well seasoned maple, the second and third
joints of ash, and the fourth joint, or top, of lance wood ; and
if for fly-fishing, the top should be in three pieces, neatly
spliced, say in equal proportions of lance wood, bamboo, and
whalebone.
For striped, or black bass, and pickerel, a rod from 12 to
15 feet in length is used; the butt of ash, the second and
third joints of ash or bamboo, (this latter wood is preferred by
many Anglers on account of its lightness and toughness, and
if it can be procured, is quite as good as the best ash,) the
last joint, or top, of lance wood. The Calcutta reed also
makes a very good rod, when it can be had of a regular taper,
and free from worm-holes, or other imperfections, and is used
mounted with rings, in its natural state, or cut up into joints,
and feiTuled. Some country Anglers prefer these rods in
their rough state, and will send many miles to procure them.
Those of the city sportsmen, also, who have their regular
fishing grounds, provide an extra rod of this description,
which they generally leave at the tavern where they stop.
They cost but litde, and if kept in a proper manner, will save
RODS. 23
the Angler much trouble ; as, in case of accident, his rod ia
always at the place of destination.
The rods used for Trout are from 12 to 16 feet in length;
the butt of maple, the second and third joints of ash or lance
wood, and the last joint, or top, of lance wood, for bait ; if for
fly-fishing, of sphced lance wood, bamboo, and whale-bone,
similar to the salmon rod : in fact, a trout rod may be called
a small salmon rod, and is very often used for the same pur-
pose.
The general rod is very useful in travelling where the
Angler expects a variety of sport. It is composed of vaiious
kinds of woods, with a hollow butt, commonly of maple, and
is made to contain several spare tops, of different sizes, by
which it can be altered to suit any kind of fishing.
The walking-cane rod, if well made, is also a very useful
article for travelling, or where the Angler does not wish his
business or profession known. Each joint is made to shde
into another, and the whole is contained in a hollow butt,
similar to the walking-cane. T,his rod suits very well for
trout, perch, or any hght fishing, but wiU not answer for
heavy fishing, as it cannot be made suflSciently large to be
strong. Heavy rods have been made to shde into metal cases,
but they are large, and more inconvenient to carry than the
ordinary jointed rod.
The true Angler should if possible have a separate rod for
each kind of fishing. All the varieties of rods above men-
tioned are for sale at the principal tackle stores in the Union,
put up in compact form, in linen, woollen, and canvas bags,
or neat leather cases.
The Angler will therefore bear in mind, that in choosing
a rod of any description, it is necessary to observe that it is
perfectly straight, tight in the joints, without shaking, a grad
ual tapering from bwtt to end, and that it springs equally in all
its pans.
24
REELS.
Many old-fashioned Anglers think that this is a superfluous
article in the equipment of a sportsman ; but to any one who
has used it, it is almost as indispensable as the rod itself. The
main object of the reel is to give the fish a sufficient quantity
of line to tire itself, and consequently affords more sport than
could be obtained by the rod alone. By means also of this
valuable accessory, fish of almost incredible weight, may be
captured where the rod would prove utterly useless.
They are generally made of brass or Gemian silver, and
are _.f two kinds, simple and compound, or plain and multi-
plying. Those used for trout, perch, or any kind of light
fishing, are mostly imported from England, and hold from 20
to 50 yards of line. The majority of good Anglers prefer a
multiplying reel, because they can wind up much faster, and
consequently enjoy more sport in the same length of time ;
some prefer the plain reel on account of its simplicity, and
object to the multiplier on opposite grounds, and also reason
that with a heavy fish, the wheels of the multiplier are apt to
be clogged by friction, or bent by pressure. This may apply
to the cheap imported reels, but not to those of American
manufacture, which have almost entirely superseded the fo-
reign; in fact, with the exception of artificial baits, all articles
of tackle made in this country are equal, if not superior, to
those of England ; and if the Angler can procure the Ameri-
can, he should patriotically avoid any thing else.
The reels used in bass or salmon fishing, are manufactur-
ed altogether in this country, and. are calculated to hold from
50 to 200 yards of line each. They are made of the best
hammered brass, or German silver, with balajice handles,
without stops, and with plain or steel bushings. They rmi
with little friction, and the least possible noise, and when in
perfect order are the yn-ide of the scientific Angler.
LINES — HOOKS. 25
LINES.
Lines are made of silk, silk and hair, gut, India grass, flax,
hemp, and cotton. They vary in size and length — coming
from the size of a hair to that of a quarter of an inch, and
in some cases even thicker, and being from 12 to 200 yaids
long.
A line for trout, should be either of silk, silk and hair,
India grass, or fine flax ; the most common one in use, how-
ever, for this fish, is the India grass, which is to be had in
lengths of from 12 to 20 yards, and of various sizes. The
silk plaitted line has an extensive reputation in Enghmd for
this species of angling, as also that of twisted silk and hair.
They are expensive, but considered by far the best for trout
and salmon fishing.
For salmon, lake pickerel, black or striped bass, the lines
in general use are made of flax, hemp, gi-ass, silk, or hair, all
of which can be obtained in lengths of from 50 to 200 yards.
The cotton and hemp lines (50 to 100 yards long) are used
in trolling for blue fish, bass, pickerel, or any kind of sea
fish.
The size and length of a line should always vary in pro-
portion to the sport anticipated. For instance, you cannot
have too light a line in clear trout streams, provided it is
strong enough to take your fish; and the same rule may also
apply to striped bass, salmon, and other timid fish. On the
subject of lines generally, much must be left to the discretion
and judgment of the sportsman.
HOOKS.
There is no article of tackle of so much importance to the
Angler, and concerning which such a variety of opinion exists,
as the Hook.
36
'=^^-
-N^.
:
The most common Hook in use in this country is the
•* Kirby, " which the reader will perceive is not included iu
either of the plates, for the reason, that until a few years
since, it has been the only kind in use, and consequently
its shape and construction are well known to every sports-
man. The sizes and numbers are similar to the " Lim-
erick," so that a person wishing to procure a Kirby Hook,
can do so by giving the number of the Limerick pattern.
These hooks derive their name from one Kirby, who first
made them, according to instructions given him by Princo
Rupert, a member of the Royal Society of London. They
vary materially in shape, being more or less kirVd* or bent;
high or low in the point ; with long or short shanks, some
marked, and others flatted. Those with flatted shanks are
used in taking salt water fish only — such as black-fish, por-
gies, eels, flounders, &c., where a hemp line is attached.
Those with marked or indented shanks are tied to gut, hair,
or other light materials, and are used in all kinds of fresh
water fishing. There are many cheap hooks of the Kirby
description, imported and sold in this country, t Within a
few years, an inferior quality, made in Germany, has been
sold at cheap rates and in large quantities to the country
trade. Hooks of this latter quality may always be tested (as
in fact may any hook) by merely sticking the barb into a pine
boai'd and pulling moderately ; it will be found as brittle as
glass. It may not be improper to state here, that one of the
reasons why the Kirby hook has gone into comparative dis-
use, is because the Limenck, for^ne fishing, is far superior,
and has consequently superseded them ; although the former,
* A phrase denoting the peculiarity in all Kirby hooks, derived from
the name of the inventor.
t There are many goods imported, and labelled " manufactured ex-
pressly for the American market," which are absolutely unfit for any
market
^^brIa^^
UN
OF THE
£^L
IVERSITY
OF
28
HOOKS.
O'Shaughnessy hooks in Limerick, vary from one-and-six-
pence to four shillings sterling per dozen, and when the cost
of importation is added thereto, it will be found that they are
rather expensive. The style and shape of the best Limerick
hook described in Plate No. 1, when well made, and properly
tempered, however, give satisfaction to the majority of
Anglers.
Those marked " Limerick Trout *' are in general use for
trout or perch; and
Those marked " Limerick Salmon^ for pickerell, bass,
weak-fish, salmon, or salmon trout.
The hooks designated in Plate No, 2, as numbers 1 and
2, are the kinds used for black-fish, eels, and flomiders.
Number 1 represents the ordinary round bent black-fish
hook, and number 2 the Virginia hook. This latter was
originally made to suit the fishing south of the Delaware,
and is highly esteemed in that region of country, where it
finds a large and ready sale. The numbers are the same as
those of the Limerick pattern.
No. 3 represents the " Aberdeen " pattern, which is
made of small blued steel wire, with a perfectly round bend,
low point and long shank. It is used by some Anglers for
weak-fish, trout, salmon, and salmon trout.
Nos. 4 and 5 are correct drawings of the " Pickerell
Spring Snap Hook,''^ which the reader will notice consists of
three hooks. The small hook, used for the bait, is placed at
the top, whilst the two larger ones, made of spring steel, are
lower down, and slide in a groove. No. 5 shows the hook
at rest. The exertions used by the fish, when finding him-
self caught, will naturally cause him to nin, (if it may be so
called,) and in so doing he pulls the hooks down, and thus
springs them, securing him more safely than could be done
with a common hook. No. 4 presents the hook in a state of
action, and one too, it would appear, rather uncomfortable to
c
PLATE 2.
c
HOOKS SINKERS, AC. 29
the member of the " fimiy family.'* This hook is much used
in Europe, and produces good sport.
The single pickerell hook is numbered 6, on Plate 2, and
is a stout hook, either bent or straight.
The double pickerell hook is numbered 7 on the same
plate, and is made of a single piece of wire, similar to the
last. It has been found necessary, from the great voracity of
this fish, to attach twisted brass wire, or gimp, instead of gut
or line, to the hook used in angling for them.
The weak trout hook, which is a superior equality of Kirby,
made of slim wire, with a long shank, similar to the Aber
deen, will be found an excellent hook for trout, salmon, or
bass.
Since the establishment of a manufactory of hooks in this
country, the Angler can gratify his own taste in selection, but
he must bear in mind that a great portion of his success de-
pends upon the quahty of these small articles of his equip-
ment, and he should therefore take particular care to choose
those that are well tempered. Let him test every hook be-
fore attaching it to his line, abd see that the barb and point
are perfect and sharp. A small file will be foimd convenient
for this latter purpose.
SINKERS, DIPSIES, OR LEADS, AND SWIVELS, &c
These articles of tackle are believed to be peculiar to this
country — no mention of them being made in English works
on Angling, split shot and bullets being used in their stead.
There are three kinds in use, the Plain, Slide, and Swivel
Sinkers.
The first of these, the Plain Sinker, is made of lead, with
brass wire loops at each end, and of various sizes, from a
quarter of an ounce in weight, for trout or perch fishing, to
that of one or two pounds for sea angling.
30
SINKERS, &C. FLOATS.
The Slide Sinker, is nothing more or less than a thick
lead tube, shghtly rounded at each end. It is used princi-
pally in bottom fishing ; the object of the tube being to allow
the line to pass through at the least motion of the fish, which
is thus immediately felt. It is considered much better than
the old plan, where the fish moves the weight of the sinker,
before the Angler has notice of his luck.
The Swivel Sinker is decidedly the best in use for any
kind of fishing, and is made similar to the Plain, with the ex-
ception of the swivels at each end, instead of the plain sta-
tionaiy loops. This arrangement gives the double advantage,
both of " spirming " the bait in trolling, and of preventing
the line from twisting, and consequent entanglement of the
leaders, hooks, &c.
Split Shot are used almost universally for trout fishing.
They should be quite small, and where greater weight is ne-
cessary, should be used in larger numbers rather than of
large size, as these latter make much noise when the line is
thrown, and are apt to frighten the fish.
Swivels are used for " spinning " bait, and for preventing
entanglement of the line. They are placed in various parts
of the tackle, but usually on the gut-length, or leader, and
should be a necessary appendage to the equipment.
Should this chapter prove rather heavy for the patience of
the reader, it is to be hoped that the buoyancy of the next
may enable him to recover his equilibrium.
FLOATS.
Floats are made of quills, cork, and red cedar, of various
sizes, adapted to the current of water, or the peculiar descrip
tion of angling, and are of two shapes, egg and oblong.
The float used for trout is generally made of quills or
cork, and cannot be too light for fishing in clear streams *
SILK- WORM GUT, LEADERS, &C. 31
where the current is strong or water muddj, a larger float
may be used without inconvenience.
For bass, pickerell, or salmon, there are two kinds of
floats employed, the cork, ©nd that made of hollow red cedar,
which are made of different sizes, varying from three to eight
inches in length, and of neat proportions. Those of red cedar
are very light, and much preferred in angling for bass and
weak-fish, in the vicinity of New- York.
SILK-WORM GUT, LEADERS, &c.
This extraordinary substance is comparatively little
known, except among dealers and scientific anglers. It is
manufactured in large quantities in Spain, and sent thence to
London, Edinburgh, emd the United States.* It is a source
of much surprise, and by many viewed as incredible, that this
gut is taken from the silk-worra, at the tmie when it is about
to spin. The size of the gut varies according to the capacity
of the worm, some strands being as small as a fine' hair, while
others are as thick as the 1-32 part of an inch. It is a beauti-
ful, semi-ti-ansparent substance, and is in strands of from
twelve to twenty inches in length, but usually not exceeding
fifteen inches. When used by the Angler, it becomes quite
soft and pliable, but at the same time extremely strong and
durable. It is almost imperceptible in the water, and if of
* Inferior qualities of this article are manufactured in China and Italy
but the best is imported from Alioant, in Spain. No mention is made
of it3 ever having been successfully manufactured in any other country
Mr. Durand, of Jersey-City, opposite New-York, succeeded in making
some a few years ago, but the strands were entirely too short to be use
ful to the Angler. Latterly, however, an enterprising American in the
same neighborhood, has had still better success, and produced some al
moat equal to the Spanish. He is still experimenting, and will no doubt
pucceed to liis entire satisfaction.
3
32
LANDING AND BAIT-^•£TS, &C.
good quality, and carefully used, will outlast anything of th«>
kind which can be procuiied.
It is used singly, twisted, and plaitted for lines, leaders or
snells, for hooks. The smallest sizes are used for trout, and
the larger, when of superior quality, ai'e highly esteemed
and in great demand for salmon or bass.
Leaders are made from the above-mentioned article,
twisted horse-hair, and India grass, and should always be as
light as possible.
LANDING AND BAIT-NETS, GAFF-HOOKS, AND
CLEARING-RINGS.
In the pleasure of anticipation, the enthusiastic fisherman
is very apt to forget many little things which are very im-
portant items in the success of his day's sport ; among these
are the articles enumerated above.
The Landing-Net in ordinary use is made of linen twine,
or fish-line, sixteen inches in diameter, and about two feet in
depth, with a mesh of three-eighths of an inch, and is at-
tached to a stout wire ring, of iron or brass. The latter ma-
terial is better adapted to the purpose, for the reason that it
does not corrode the net, whereas with almost every precau-
tion, the former cannot be prevented from acting on the
twine. The handle should be made of stout hickory or ash,
and not less than five feet in length. A very convenient form
of this net is now made, and which occupies about half the
space of the ordiuaiy net. The ring or hoop is composed of
three joints or hinges, by which it is folded into a very port-
able shape. The handle to this contrivance, in order to can-y
out the principles of its space-economizing inventor, is made
of three joints, w^hich slide into each other like a telescoj)e,
or, as Blaine, in his " Rural Sports," calls it, " a swalhiced-
uv handled
LANDING AND BAIT- NETS, AC. 33
The Bait-Net is made in a similar manner to the Landing,
but of small size, for shrimp, minnows, spearing, or like fish.
It should be about twelve inches in diameter by eighteen
inches deep, with a quarter inch mesh.
The Gaff-Hook is found to be very important in securing
large fish after their strength is expended, and where the
landing-net cannot be. used. The hook is usually about four
inches in length, with or without a barb ; but as the latter is
the more safe hook of the two, it is preferred. The handle
should be of hickory or ash, and from five to six feet in length
The Clearing-Ring is a useful article to tlie Angler in
difficulty, (for he is not wholly infallible, and will occasionally
have some tronble.) and as Walton says the fisher should be
patient and not swear, his disciples, to prevent any thing of
the kind, should avail themselves of this valuable implement
The most simple and useful is made of iron, or stout lead, and
is in the form of a ring of from four to six ounces in weight,
and about three inches in diameter, with a joint or hinge
similar to that in the net bow before described. It is at-
tached to a stout line, about twelve or fifteen yards in length,
and when needed is opened, placed around the line, and sent
down as a messenger. The reader can probably infer from
the name, the use to which this ring is applied ; it is found
very serviceable in removing any obstructions which the
Angler may encounter in the enjoyment of his sport. It may
be well to observe here that in many cases this little appara
tus should only be used with the oil of " patience," so highly
spoken of by Walton.
This brings us to the last item of the materials of the An-
gler's equipment, which however necessarily tedious in the
minutiae of explanation, will, we trust, be relieved by other
more interesting, cr tX least . ^nusing, parts of the Angler's
instructions
CHAPTER II.
ON BAITS USED IN ANGLING.
f
The most common Bait used in this country for ensnaring
almost all varieties of the finny tribe that inhabit fresh water,
is the common earth-worm, or, as it is called, dew-worm,
dug- worm, and the angle-worm ; which latter, from its univer-
sal use in angling, would be the most proper name. It can
generally be obtained by digging a foot or two in the gi'ound,
except in sandy soils, wliich produce clear streams, and
where the fly will be found the better bait. Another method,
recommended by Blaine, is " to walk cautiously over close
cut lawns, or clean fed meadows, with a candle or lantern,
during the night. If the weather be moist, and the search be
conducted with a very light tread, almost any quantity may
be procured ; for as they are blind, it is not the light but the
motion which disturbs them." When they are not wanted
for immediate use, a good plan is, to wet some straw, or hay,
and lay it on the ground for a few days, by which means they
will be brought to the top, and can be easily gathered. An-
other, and a more expeditious plan, practised by Walton, and
others, is to take the green leaves of the walnut-tree, and
squeeze the juice into fresh or salt water, and pour it on the
ground, which will make them rise in a very short time.
The common White Gnib- Worm, is also a very good bait,
and will often take trout when all others have failed. They
35
can be procured in the Spring of the year, underneath decay-
ed trees, foliage, stumps, &c., and sometimes in fresh ploughed
ground.
The Grasshopper is an excellent bait for trout, when in
season, and is approved by all Anglers.
The Minnow, that beautiful little fish so highly esteemed
among all English sportsmen, is found in many of our streams,
under a variety of names, and makes a good trout, pickerell,
or salmon bait.
The trout or salmon Spawn, however, takes the lead as
the best trout bait in the world ; so much so, that many An-
glers in Europe deem it unworthy a sportsman to use it.
Wasps, Beetles, Flies, Caterpillars, Locusts,* and many
other insects, also make very good trout baits.
The Frog, used whole or in parts, is one of Hie best baits
for pickerell. The hind legs, when skinned, which operation
leaves them perfectly white, is preferred.
The Shiner or Mullet, the Gold-Fish, and in fact any
small fish, is acceptable to this all-devouring subject of the
Angler's toiL
For salt water angling, the Shrimp, like the worm in fi-esh
water, takes its place as the best bait, and is a great favorite
^-ith all anglers for striped bass or weak-fish.
The Shedder-Crab, when it can be procured, is a dainty
morsel and a most killing bait for striped bass — many of the
largest fish being taken with it.
The Soft-Shell Clam, when cut up into small pieces,
makes a very good bait for black-fish, flounders, or any kind
of sea fish.
These are the only kinds of baits in general use ; many
others are occasionally used, but are not worthy of special
* la the summer of 1843, Locusts were used as u bait for weak -fish, in
the Hudsou river, opposite Hoboken, with great success.
36
BAITS .
notice. The Angler, to insure success, should always take a
variety of baits: as the fish, like the fisher, in his tastes ia
often hard to please.
In addition to the aboveinentioned baits, the following,
taken from " Hofland's Angler's Manual," and used with
much success m England, may be found useful to the Angler.
The Marsh- Worm, is smaller than the dew-worm, and of
a paler color, with a broad flat tail. It is an excellent bait for
trout, when well scoured, and two of them may be used on
a hook.
The Brandling, is streaked from head to tail in round
ringlets, alternately red and yellow, and is jound in old dung-
lills, but chiefly where various kinds of dmig are mixed to-
gether, and in decayed tanners' bark. It is considered a fine
jait for trout, perch, or eels.
The Little Gilt-Tail, or Tag-Worm, is of a pale yellow
towards the tail, and knotted like the dung-hiD red-worm,
and found in old horse-dung.
The Red- Worm. This worm is small, and of a bright red.
It is found in old manm-e heaps, in decayed tanners' baik, and
on the borders of old drains, and is highly spoken of for almost
every kind of fresh water fish.
The Peacock-Red, or Black-Headed Red- Worm, is found
under cow or horse-dung, three parts dried in the fields, but
chiefly under cow-dung. He is also found under stones in
the beds of rivers, and is a good trout worm.
The Gentle, or Maggot, is a universal bait, and will take
any kind of fresh water fish, save salmon and pike. It is a
very killing bait for trout.
The Cadis, or Cad-Bait, and Straw- Worm, are found in
tne shallow, sandy parts of rivers, small brooks, and even
ditches. The first is a yellowish grub, with a reddish head,
and is covered with a case or husk of sti*aw, bark, bits (i|
37
rushes, particles of gravel, &c., aiid with this covering to
shelter it, is enabled, by protruding its head, to creep on the
bottom of the stream where it is found. There is another
similar kind, of several varieties, called the straw-worm,
which produce different sorts of flies. They are all excellent
bait for trout.
The Cow-Dung, Boh, or Clap-Bait, is found in the fields,
and old pastures, imder cow-dung, from April to September.
It is something larger than the gentle, has a reddish head,
and is a capital bait for trout. They may be preserved in a
tin box> with a little of the earth from which they were taken
The Dock Grub, is a large white grub, a reddish head,
and is fotmd in the root of the common water-dock from April
to June. A killing bait for trout, by dropping into a gentle
stream, or a still deep hole.
The Oak Grub is a small green caterpillar, and may be
procured in the months of June, July, and August, by shaking
the branches of an oak tree over a sheet or table-cloth. They
should be preserved in a large tin box, with a few of the oak
leaves in it. A most successfixl bait for trout.
Bobs. These are fotmd by following the plough in Spring
and Autumn; they are twice the size of a gentle, and have
red heads — are good bait for trout.
The A$h Grub, is found under the oak, ash, and beach,
when filled, and when they have lain a long time on the
ground ; also in the hollow of those trees when rotten. They
are very tender, require careful handling, and are excellent
for trout.
The majority of these baits without doubt can be found in
similar locations in this country; perhaps not in the same
months as in England, but in as great perfection and numbers,
and possibly as tempting baits for fish of the same description.
How to scour and preserve worms. — The practice of
is BAITS.
scoui-ing and preserving worms, is little practised in thia
country among Anglers generally ; but as the method is very
simple, it should be followed by all sportsmen, on account of
the increased activity, brightness, and toughness it gives to
this favorite bait. A variety of modes are recommended by
different writers. The best method is to take a quantity of
moss, which can readily be procured in any part of the coun-
try, wash it well, and squeeze it till nearly dry, after which
place it in an earthern pot together with your worms. A few
days will be sufficient to make them thoroughly scoured, and
fit for use. They can be preserved in the same mamier for a
number of weeks, by changing and washing the moss every
three or four days. Should any of them be found sickly or
dead, they should be immediately removed, or they will
eventually destroy the others.
The mode of baiting hooks with worms. — " To bait with
single worm, enter the point of the hook a little below the
aead, threading it carefully, without breaking or bruising it,
to within a quarter of an inch of the tail ; the shank of the
aook must be well covered with the worm."
** To bait with two worms on a hook, enter your hook at
the head of the first worm, and bring it out at the middle, and
then draw it over the arming* of your hook on the line, then
enter the hook at the middle of the second worm, and bring
it up to within one quarter of an mch of the head ; draw down
the first worm till it meet the second, and your bait will then
ti-avel freely on the bottom."
Another mode of baiting wdth a single worm, is to enter
the point of the hook at the head, and bruig it carefully dowc
to within a quarter of an inch of the tail ; and if th3 worm bf^.
The place where the hook is tied or whipped on
39
very large, part of it may be drawn above the arming -f the
book on to the line. — Hofland.
" To bait with a brandling. The point of your hook is
to be put in at the very tag of his tail, and run up his body
quite over all the arming, and still stripped on an inch at
least upon the gut, the head and remaining part hanging
downward.
" The Grubs are to be baited thus : It wrill be necessary
to wrap on a piece of stiflf hair or gut, vdth your arming,
leaving it standing out about a straw's breadth at the end of
your hook. The hook is to be put in under the head or chaps
of the bait, and guided down the middle of the belly, without
suffering it to peep out of the way, (for then the ash-grub,
especially, will issue out water and milk till nothing but the
skin shall remain, and the bend of the hook shall appear black
through it,) till the point of your ho k come so low that the
head of your bait may rest, and stick upon the hair or gut that
stand out to hold it, by which means it can neither slip of it
self, neither will the force of the stream, nor quick pulling
out upon any mistake, strip it off.
" The Cadis may be put on to the hook two or three to-
gether, and is sometimes (to very great effect) joined to a
worm, and sometimes to an artificial fly, to cover the point of
the hook, but is always to be angled with, (when by itself
especially,) with the finest tackle, and is the most holding
bait for trout,"— Co«on.
OF PASTES FOR BAIT. '
Pastes are considered of much importance in England, ic
taking carp, chub, dace, perch, and trout. Some of them havt
been tried with success in many of our own brooks and ponds.
The following will tax the Angler's ingenuit)^ and a trial
in many cases more than compensate him for his trouble.
40 BAITS.
Salmon Roe. Bai'ker, author of a work on angling, was
the first to discover this most tempting bait. In a letter to a
" noble lord," he says: " I have an experience of late which
you may angle with, and take great store of this kind of fish.
t irst, it is the best bait that I have seen in all my time ; and
will take great store, and not fail, if they be there. Secondly,
it is a special bait for dace, or dare, good for chub, or bottlin,
or grayling. The bait is the roe of a salmon or trout ;* if it
be a large trout, that the spawns be any thing great, you
must angle for the trout with this as you angle with the
braiidling, taking a pair of scissors, and cut as much as a large
hazel nut, and bait your hook, so fall to your sport; there is
no doubt of pleasure. If I had known il but twenty years
ago, I would have gained a hundred pounds only w^ith that
bait. I am bound in duty to divulge it to your honor, and
not caiTy it to my grave with me. I do desire that men of
quality should have it that deUght in that pleasure. The
greedy Angler will murmur at me, but for that I care not."
Blaine gives the following most approved method of pre-
serving this spawn.
" A pound of spawn is immersed in water, as hot as the
hands can bear it, and is then picked from membranous films,
&c. It is now to be rinsed with cold water, and hiing up to
drain for 24 hours ; after which, put to it two ounces of rock
or bay salt, and a quarter of an ounce of salt-petre, and again
hang it up for 24 hours more. Now spread it on a dish, and
gently dry it before the fire or in the sun, and when it be-
comes stiff, pot it down. We should, however, recommend
that the potting be rot in one mass, but that it be divided in
small pots, pouring over each some melted suet, by which
method a part can be opened when wanted, instead of dis
* A late writer in the " Spirit of the Times," says he has used thif
bait for trout, in the vicinity of the Wl)ite Mountains, Newiijainpshinf,
and found it a most killing' bail. ^^^^.
BAITS. 41
turbing the gejieral store. It forms an additional secmnty to
cover each over with a moistened skin or bladder. To bait,
firet put on the hook ( which should be sized according to thfl
fish intended to be tried for) a mass which shall fill up the
hollow of the bend and hide the steel. On the point, put two
or more firm large gi-ains, both to conceal the snai'e and tempt
the fish."
Shrimp Paste is -used by some Anglers for perch, and is
prepared and used in a similar manner to the salmon roe
paste.
Cheese Paste is a favorite with some Anglers. It \i made
of either old or new cheese, grated, and woi'ked into a paste
with a littie butter and saffron, and also with stale bread il
the cheese be new, and new bread if the cheese be stale.
Sweet Paste, is made by mixing a proportion of bread and
honey together, until they become thoroughly incorporated,
and of suflBcient tenacity to remain well on the hook. When
honey cannot be procured, white sugar, made into a syrup,
or molasses, will be found equally good.
Bread Paste. The following simple method is recom-
mended by Hofland. Take the inside of a French roll, or a
piece of fine white bread, nearly new, soak it a few seconds
m water, then squeeze from it with very clean hands, knead
it, and work it patiently till it becomes a perfect, smooth, and
compact paste.
Pastes are sometimes colored, to give them the appearanca
of fish spawn. For this purpose, to give a yellow color, use
inffron or turmeric, and for a reddish, vermillion or red lead.
Wheat, Rye, Barley, and other grains, and Malt, are also
used for taking small fish of vaiious kinds, in still water.
They should be soaked in water, or boiled in milk, until soft
The Angler will find them useful in taking miiuiows, sliinera,
jpearing, and other small fry for bait.
Graves or Tallow-Chandlers' Seratchings. The late*
43
r^
I
._=^-
—
::V,-='
-^:>^:^^^
English writers on angling highly approve of this bait for
barbel, roach, dace, chub, and eels. As it can be easily
procured, and may prove a good bait for some varieties of
our own fish, we conclude our Chapter on Baits, by giving
Blaine and Hofland's manner of prepaidng it. Blaine says :
" To prepare them, break a sufficient quantity, over which
first pour some cold water, and let it stand by all night : in
the next morning, pour oflf the cold, and in lieu of it pour
some warm, but not very hot water ; after this has stood an
hour or two, the parts of the greaves will separate, from
which choose as baits the largest, whitest, and most connect-
ed pieces, which cover with leaves, or wrap in a moist cloth
for use. When fishing, hang one, two, or three of the whitest
pieces on the hook, concealing the point." Hofland says:
" They must be chopped into small pieces, placed in an
earthen pan, and boiling water poured on them till covered,
when in one hour, the slimy particles wiU have softened and
separated, and become fit for use : when mixed with clay and
bran, they form an excellent ground bait. Graves should be
newly scalded for every day's fishing, for if stale, they do
more harm than good."
The following beautiful lines by Cotton, the celebrated
Angler, and friend of Walton, may serve to remind their dis-
ciples of many requisites for success, which put in plain prose
might possibly be forgotten.
Away to the brook,
All your tackle out-look,
Mere's a day that is worth a year's wishing.
See that all things be right,
For 'twould be a spite
To want tools when a man goes arfishing.
it
Your rod with tops two,
For the same will not do,
If your manner of angling you vary ;
And full well may you think,
If you troll with a pink,
One too weak may be apt to miscarry.
Then basket, neat made
By a master in's trade.
In a belt at your shoulders must dangle ;
For none e'er was so vain
To wear this to disdain
Who a true brother was of the angle.
Next pouch must not fail,
StufTd as full as a mail,
With wax, crewels, silks, hairs, furs, and feathem,
To make several flies.
For the several skies,
That shall kill in despite of all weathers.
The boxes and books
For yo'ir lines and your hooks ;
And, though not for strict need notwithstanding.
Your scissors and hone
To adjust your points on,
With a net to be sure of your landing.
All these being on,
•Tis high time we were gone,
Down and upward, that all may have pleasure,
Till, here meeting at night.
We shall have the delight
To discourse of our fortunes at leisure.
The day 's not too bright,
And the wind hits us right
And all nature does seem to invite us ;
We have all things at will
For to second our skill.
As they ail did conspire to delight ua.
44
MPROVEMENTS IN ANGLING INSTRUMENTS.
IMPROVEMEXTS IN ANGLING INSTRUMENTS.
Many improvements have of late years been made in the
materials used in angling, both in this country and in Eu-
rope.
RODS.
This important article of the angler's pleasure is made
adapted to every variety of sport, and independently by it-
self, although the general rod, for salt and fresh water basse-
fishing, is still used and found serviceable. The best and
lightest ti'out-rods are made either of split bamboo or green-
heart, and do not weigh over 9 or 10 ounces, while many
scientific anglers prefer a 7-ounce rod, " a graceful wand,''
that can be bent from tip to butt, and with which a cast can
be made of from 60 to 90 feet. Salmon-rods are made
equally as fine and pliable in proportion, of the same mate-
rials. These rods are made with metal ferrules or splices,
many sportsmen preferring the latter style. Heavy troll-
ing-rods will be found at all the outfitting establishments,
especially adapted to trolling or casting in the surf.
REELS.
Click-reels, for trout and salmon fishing, are made to suit
the taste of those who tread the banks of the stream or
roam o'er rocks and rushing river. Fine bronzed reels are
imported from London and find sale, and checks or drags
in reels for heavy work are adopted as important. Reels of
hard rubber, instead of brass or German silver, find favor
with some, and others consider a style composed, of metal
and rubber as much superior. A little experience will en-
able the beginner to select with care and judgment from an
IMPROVEMENTS IN ANGLING INSTRUMENTS. 46
honorable dealer, and " they are all honorable, because they
are all faithful anglers."
ARTIFICIAL BAITS
Are made to imitate Nature so closely, that it is sometimes
diflBcult to distinguish between the imitation and the natural.
The trolling minnow is made of plated metal and silver, so
as to imitate the original, and can be used, as are the spoon
and other trolling devices, with scarlet feathers or worsted ;
and, with every variety of flies, can be had of quality to
please the most fa::«tidious 6sh or fisher.
The ponderating or adjustable sinker, made in several
parts to screw together, is an improvement, angler to change
the weight of his lead without detaching it from his line, is
an improvement worthy of notice.
HOOKS.
These little indispensable articles of the angler's outfit
have been introduced by the manufacturers of this country
and Europe in a variety of new styles. A form called the
Sproat-bend, imported from England, finds much favor with
some ; while the Kinsey or Pennsylvania hook is preferred
by others. They are both excellent in shape, and approach
nearly in form and style the original O'Shaughnessy hook,
which if drawn out with the hammer and properly tempered,
as described on page 27, may be considered the ne plus ultra.
For fine fishing, for salmon or trout, the expense of this lit-
tle article of equipment should be a secondary consideration
— the best i^ the cheapest ; the form, such as fancy or expe-
rience may dictate.
CHAPIERIII.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRACTICE OF ANGLING.
For Angling may be said to be like the Mathematics, that it can
never be fully learned ; at least not so fully but that there will be still
more experimenting left for the trial of other men." Walton.
Angling generally, in this country, is not necessarily so sci-
entific as in many parts of Europe. Our streams being larger,
more numerous, and less fished, except in a few instances
near our large cities, heavier tackle in some cases may be
used, and less skill required. In angling for trout in the
country streams, where immense quantities are found, the
less skilful angler, with coarse tackle, will often succeed in
filling his basket in a very short time. But as railroads in-
crease, and access becomes more easy to the different fishing
grounds, the fish will become more shy, greater skill be re^
quired, and finer tackle indispensable, to complete success.
Hence where a worm for trout, a piece of bread for perch, or
a strip of pork for pickerell, have been used, natm'al or arti-
ficial flies, and small fish, attached to the finest possible kind
of materials, will be needed. Therefore the true Angler
should make himself thoroughly acquainted with the most
approved modes of Angling, and the best materials for his
proper equipment.
ON THE PRACTICE OF ANGLING. 47
The AHificial Fly, so much used in England, finds but
little lavor in this country, not because it is not as good a bait,
but because more skill is required in using it; consequently
many of our Anglers only fish in the spring months, when the
water is thick and turbid, and the worm can be used, while
the more experienced sportsman from foreign parts,* will
astonish the native by his dexterity in throwing the fly and kill
hig an almost incredible number of fish, where the unbeliever
regarded the fly as a useless article of tackle. There are
some that attain to greater proficiency in fly-fishing than
others, as is the case with almost any kind of sport. But the
skill necessary to success in this branch of our subject, is not
BO great as the novice imagines : certainly it is the more gen
teel, as well as the most pleasant mode, as those who have
successfully tried it can testify. It is therefore to be hoped
it will be more generally adopted by
AH who seek the lake or brook,
With rod and line, and float and hook.
Great improvements have been made within a few years
in the manufacture of artificial baits. Every variety of fish
and insect has been most successfully imitated, defying almost
the Bcrutiay of the Angler, and certainly the object of his
sport. These improvements every brother of the angle
should adopt, and thereby remove the objections of the few
who oppose the art on Bacon and Byronic grounds.!
As the enjoyment of angling naturally makes the sports
man a keen observer, he should pay particular attention to
the winds, those
* Parties are ohen made up in England for fishing in the Canadat
and the United States.
t Byron and Bacon both objected to angling on account of the necet
«tv which then existed of using various live animals on the hook as baiu
4
48
ON THE PRACTICE OF ANGLING.
" Unseen currents of the air,
#- • /
as Bryant has it. Walton says: " You are to take notice, that
of the winds, the south wind is said to be the best. One ob
serves, that
« When the wind is in the south,
It blows the bait in the fish's mouth.'
Next to that, the west wind is believed to be the best ; and
having told you that the east wind is the worst. I need not
tell which wind is the worst in the third degree : and yet (as
Solomon observes) ' that he that considers the wind shall
never sow,' so he that busies his head too much abcut them,
if the weather be not made extreme cold by an east wind,
shall be a little superstitious ; for as it is obser\'ed by some
that there is no good horse of a bad color, so I have observed
that if it be a cloudy day, and not extreme cold, let the wind
set in what quarter it will, and do its worst, I heed it not, and
yet take this for a rule, that I would willingly fish standing on
the lee shore ; and you are to take notice that the fish lies or
swims nearer the bottom, and in deeper water than in sum-
mer ; and also nearer the bottom in a cold day, and then gets
nearest the lee side of the water.
Sir Humphrey Davy says : " For fly-fishing,
A day with not too bright a beam,
A warm but not a scorching sun.
Also, " never fish with your back to the sun, as your shadow
is thrown on the water, and the fish are frightened at your
movements." These are important instructions to the Angler,
and the high source from whence they come should be con-
sidered by him as law. It would be well to notice here,
also, that after protracted rains or severe storms, the Angler
should fish at the bottom if he expect sport, and that it is use-
ON THE PRACTICE OF ANGLING. 49
less to angle after a long drought in summer, or in the autumn
or spring, when the high east, or cold north winds blow.
In fresh water angling the best time is early in the morn-
ing, or at the close of the day. The proper time for salt
water angling depends upon the tide. The best time is at
the last of the ebb or the first of the flood, whether at morn-
ing, at mid-day, or at night.
In all kinds of angling it is necessary to be very cautious,
but particularly in taking the wily trout. Many novices m
the art wander up and down streams, and wade creeks, with
little or no success, from the want of this — a proper requisite
of every good angler. The more skilful, also, sometimes fail
fi-om the same fault.
A story is told, which serves well to show the necessity
of caution. An Angler, who had risen with the sun, and
fished till near noon-day without success, was outdone by a
knowTng one, who, with proper precaution, passed his rod
and line between the legs of the Angler (which like his line
were pretty well stretched) into a hole underneath the bank.
He soon had a bite, and succeeded in taking a two pound
trout, almost before the astonished tyro was aware of his
presence.
Some are of opinion that trout, and similar fish, can hear*
the tread on the ground. It is certain that it will start
at the least noise, when nothing can be seen. Salter, in his
" Angler's Guide," says: " Keep as far from the water as
you can, and go quietly and sUly to work, for fish have so
many enemies that they are suspicious of every thing they
see, feel, or hear ; even the shaking the bank of a river (un-
* Smith, in his " History of the Fishes of Massachusetts," says that
the acoustic apparatus is boxed up in the solid bones of the skull, so that
sound propagated through the water, gives a vibratory motion or tremor
to the whole body, and which, agitating the auditory nerve, produces
hearing. ,
50
ON THE PRACTICE OF ANGLING.
der which they frequently lie) will alarm them, and spoil the
Angler's sport, &c. ; and also, when two or three anglers are
fishing near each other ; therefore avoid agitating the water
by trampling on the bank unnecessarily ; drop your baited
hook in the water gently, and you will kill more fish than
three Anglers who act differently."
Blaine also says: " Avoid every thing that may attract the
attention of the fish : stand so far from the water's edge as
you can, and never let your shadow fall on the water. If
possible, take the advantage of a bush, tree, &<;., completely
to conceal the person. When an Angler fishes near home,
an artificial screen of rushes, twigs, &c., may be employed
for that purpose. In dropping or dipping with the natural
fly, the greatest caution is necessary to keep completely oiit
of view of the fish; not only the shadow of the person, but
that of the rod also, should be kept from falling on the water."
The dress of the Angler is of great importance in trout
angling. If it be true, as before stated, that this timid inha-
bitant of the brook is disturbed by the least motion, certainly
the best means should be taken to render any motion imper-
ceptible. There are two colors of dress for angling, desirable
on different occasions. If your sport be in the summer, and lie
raid the brilliant green foliage of the trees, bxishes, and mead-
ows, your dress should undoubtedly be green throughout. On
the conti'ary, should you be pleased to enjoy yourself in au-
tumn, when nature has changed the scene, and draped herself
in sober brown, the most proper uniform is a drab from top tn
toe. A disciple of Walton, who angles on Long-Island, and
takes more trout than any ten sportsmen who visit that delight-
ful resort, is represented as standing as still as a ghost, his rod
extended in his hand, w^ithout any apparent motion, equipped
in drab pantaloons, drab vest, drab coat, and drab hat; and
so quiet is he in his movements, that he will take a mess of
trout, when a person but a few yards distant would hardly be
ON THE PRACTICE OF ANGLING.
51
aware that he moved a muscle. How different from many
who profess to understand the art, and who go whipping and
splashing the water for miles around.
As health is of great importance, the lover of this sport
should adopt the physician's prescription, and " keep the
head cool and the feet warm." To this end he should pro-
vide himself with a pair of water-proof boots, to be ready
should he wish to wade the stream, or cross a marsh. He
should also pay strict attention to all laws regarding angling,
and aU rules laid down for bridge, boat, or brook fishing, and
on no account transgress the laws of the different States with
respect to spawning time, and the size of the fish to be taken,
It is much to be regretted, that there are many who call
themselves anglers, who set all laws at defiance, by taking
many kinds of fish out of season; such conduct is unworthy a
sportsman, and should meet with rebuke from every member
of the angling community.
Finally, let the disciple of the rod
" Use all gently,"
and when he has made up his mind to pass a few days, or
even hours, in this delightful amusement, let him be fiilly
prepared with everything necessary, and everything in order
CHAPTER IV.
THE SALMON,
This noble fish was known to the world as early as the days
of the Romans. Pliny speaks of them as being in the rivers
of Aquitaine. They are found at the present day in the
waters of France, England, Ireland and Scotland, and on this
continent as far north as Greenland. They are found in the
greatest abvmdance in Ireland and Scotland. In some of the
rivers of the latter country, large rents are paid for these
fisheries. In England and Wales, at certain seasons, they
have been taken by thousands in a day, and on some occa-
sions in such abimdance that they have been fed to the swine.
" In Scotland, they have been so plenty, that the fai-mer's
servants have stipulated to have them Ijut twice a week for
food!"
Smith, in his " History of the Fishes of Massachusetts,"
elates the followmg : " Captain Charles Kendall, a respect-
able and intelligent navigator of Boston, assm-ed us, that
when on the northwest coast of America, within a few years.
he stood in a small stream that came leaping down the crags
of a mountain, in which these delightful fishes were urging
their way in such astonishing crowds, with hardly water
enough to cover their backs, that he stood with an axe and
killed hundreds of them as they passed between his feet. He
saw birds of prey dive down from the long branches of trees
THE SALMON
53
that waved over the falls, and pick out the eyes of several at
H time, before they flew back to their resting-places."
The Salmon formerly frequented the Hudson* and Con-
necticut, but the steamboat navigation on these beautiful
rivers, have interfered with their passage, and by increasing
interruption, they have been driven farther north, and like the
aboriginal inhabitants of our land, seem destined to find a
resting-place far beyond the home of .heir fathers. The
Kennebec, the St Lawrence, the waters of California and
Oregon, and many of our western lakes, now furnish large
quantities, equal in beauty and flavor to those of any part
of the world. They leap up the falls of many of these
rivers with astonishing and almost incredible velocity, sur-
mounting obstacles of great magnitude by the extraordinary
muscular power of their tail. Michael Drayton, an English
writer, speaks of their summersault, or leap, in the following
lines:
" As when the salmon seeks a fresher stream to find,
(Which hither from the sea comes yearly by his kind,)
As he towards season grows : and stems the watery tract
Where Tivy, falling down, makes a high cataract,
Forced by the rising rocks that there her course oppose.
As thoueh within her bounds they meant her to enclose;
Here, when the laboring fish does at the foot arrive,
And finds that by his strength he does but vainly strive ,
His tail takes in his mouth, and bendiug like a bow
That's to full compass drawn, aloft himself doth throw.
Then springing at his height, as doth a little wand.
That bended end to end, and started from man's hand
Far off itself doth cast; so does the salmon vault;
And if at first he fail, his second summersault
He instantly essays, and from his nimble ring
Still yerking, never leaves until himself he fling
Above the opposing stream."
* A number were taken in netts, in the Bay of New-York, in the
month of June, 1844.
54
. THE SALMON
Like the trout, they are very timid; and if, at the time of
their advent, they are suddenly frightened by any noise, or
splashing of the water, will tm-n and swim in a contrary direc-
tion at a surprising rate of velocity. It has been ascertained
by calculation, that they can move at the rate of 30 miles an
hour. They run up the rivers from the sea, to deposit their
spawn, from April to July, and are at this time in fine condi-
tion for the table ; after which they return again to the sea.
They are much troubled with what fishermen call the salmon-
louse, and are known in some instances to return to the fresh
water in the months of September and October, to rid them-
selves of these annoying insects. Smith says : " The young
are about two inches in length when they visit the sea for the
first time. After the parent fish have passed up the rivers,
the spring following, the young ones follow at a respectable
distance, having grown about six inches. At the end of two
years, they weigh five, six, and seven pomids ; at the end of
six years, they have attained their ordinary dimensions."
An English writer, called the " North Country Angler,"
says : " The roe of the salmon becomes salmon fry in March
and April, and they very soon find their way to the sea, where
they grow with amazing rapidity ; as on their return to their
native streams in June or July of the same year, they weigh
six or seven pounds. They are usually called giilse imtil they
weigh about nine pounds, after which they are called
salmon.''
The following account of late experiments on salmon in
Scotland, taken from the " Kelso Mail," a Scotch paper,
rather contradicts the opinions of former writers on the rapid
increase in size of this species of fish. " In the month of
April, 1843, Mr. James Keras, a game-keeper at Bowhill,
Selkirkshire, took fi-om the Ettrick, and marked from six to
seven dozen of the salmon fry going down to the sea, by in-
9ei*ting a piece of wire through the tail of each, and twisting
TH£SALMUN. 55
it at both ends. In the last week of July last, (1844,) a grilse
of fix»m five to six pounds weight, was caught at the shore-
side fishery near Berwick, by James M'Queen, fisherman,
and in the tail was a piece of wire twisted at both ends, as
described. M'Queen did not preserve the wire, but is satis-
fied in liis own mind that it was brass, and of the description
inserted m the fry by Mr. Keras. There can therefore
scarcely be a doubt that it was one of the fry marked by the
latter, and proves to a demonstration, that the fry occupy a
much longer period in ai riving at a state of maturity than has
been generally supposed."
This extraordinary fish grows to a very large size. Hof-
land says, the largest ever heard of in England was sold in the
London market, and weighed 83 pounds. He also tells a story
of a Scotch Highlander, who, whilst fishing in the river Awe,
struck a salmon, which he played with great skill and patience
until night came, when the fish sulked at the bottom. The
persevering fisher, not to be subdued, took the line in
mouth and lay down for a snooze, when he sulked until three
o'clock in the morning, when his angling friends aroused him,
and the fish, after a further run, was brought to land, and
weighed 73 pounds. Sir J. Hawkins says that the largest
salmon ever taken in England was caught in April, 1789 ; •' it
measured upwards of four feet in length, three feet around the
body, and weighed nearly seventy pounds," There may be
some in this country of like size and weight among our undis-
covered waters and virgin streams where yet the angler's line
"s to be thrown. The largest on record at present remembered
weighed about forty pounds.
The common length of the salmon is from two to three and
a half feet, except when of the extraordinary English weight
mentioned, when they would probably measure five or six feet.
They are of a beautiful silver gray color, running into white on
the belly and blue on the back, and are marked with numerous
irregular dark and copper colored soots. Tlie male is ^ener
56
THE SALMON.
ally of a larger and more slender shape than the female, with
a slight difference in the shape and color of the spots. The
upper jaw is larger than the lower, and in the males the mider
jaw is curved upward. Considered as a whole, he may be
called the most extraordinary and most beautiful fish in the
world ; and whether we admire him as leaping the cataract,
fresh floored from his native element on the green carpet of
the meadow, or in smoking anticipation as a viand on
the table, he well deserves the appellation of king of the
watery course, or, as Willis in his quaint way would proba-
bly call him, the prince oi fish-do m.
The sport in taking him is of the most exciting kind, re-
quiring the utmost skill of the truly scientific Angler. Sir
Walter Scott says : " Salmon fishing is to all other kinds of
angling, as buck shooting to shooting of any meaner descrip-
tion. The salmon is m this particular the king of fish. It
requires a dexterous hand and an accurate eye to raise and
strike him; and when this is achieved, the sport is only be-
gun where, even in trout angling, unless in case of an unusually
lively and strong fish, it is at once commenced and ended.
Indeed the most sprightly trout that ever was hooked, shows
mere child's play in comparison to a fresh run-salmon. There
is all the difference which exists between coursing the hare
and running the fox. The pleasure and suspense ai*e of
twenty times the duration — the address and strength required
infinitely greater — the prize when attained, not only more
honorable but more valuable. The hazards of failure are also
an hundred-fold multiplied ; the instinct of the salmon leads
to the most singular efforts to escape, which must be met and
foiled by equal promptitude on the part of the angler "
They love to haunt the rapid rivers or large lakes, with
sandy or pebbly bottoms, that run into the sea, and are usually,
when on the feed, found in the roughest and boldest parts.
rhey will best take the bait early in the morning or late in
THK SALMON
57
the afternoon, when there is a light breeze on the water
When not on feed they retreat to deep water, and also under
banks, bushes, &c. The best time for angling for them is
from May until August. In July and August they will often
take the fly freely ; for the months of May and June, worms,
shrimp, or small fish, will be found the best baits.
Bait-fishing for Salmon is generally practised with a rod
of from sixteen to eighteen feet in length, with a hollow butt
and spare tops, either for worm or miunow fishing. Some
sportsmen prefer a lighter top for worm fishing than for spin-
ning the minnow ; the hollow butt allows him to use his
taste, and also the advantage of extra tops against breakage.
There are two ways of rigging the rod for the line — the old-
fashioned plan of rings, whipped on with thread, is preferred
by some, and the patent guide, a solid stationary ring, (a new
invention) by others. Attached to the rod should be a multi-
plying reel, capable of holding from three to six hundred
feet of line ; to insure success with large game, the largest
sized reel, with six hundred feet of line, should be used. The
line adapted to the reel should be either of silk, hair, silk aud
hair, or grass. The two former descriptions are most in use,
but the latter is now preferred by many on account of its
strength, durability, and lightness. Affixed to the line should
be a swivel sinker, and a leader, either of single or twisted gut,
of from three to six feet in length, according to the depth of
water. For middle fishing, use a large size float of cork or
red cedar. The proper size of hook should be No. 0, 1, 2, 3,
of the Kirby or Limerick pattern, attached to single or twisted
gut. A very few Anglers use gimp instead of gut, hut the
show it makes in the water, both from its size and color, pre-
clude the idea of much success. From the timid nature of
the object of your sport, your tackle should combine strength
with imperceptibility.
For Fly-Fishing for Salmon, the customary rod used is
58
THE SALMON.
from sixteen to twenty feet long, with a gradual taper, and
uniform from the end of the first or butt joint to the end of
the top, which latter should be of the most elastic substance,
and brought almost to a point : in fact the proper form of a
fly rod, is a perfectly whip taper. The rings should be of the
lightest kind, and wound on with thread or silk, and the
whole apparatus as light as the necessary strength will allow.
In some instances they are provided with a spike or spear,
which screws into the butt, and which is found very useful
to the Angler on many occasions, for sticking the rod in an
upright position, for the purpose of altering or arranging
the Unf» or other tackle. The same arrangement of tackle
is required for the fly rod as for the bait rod, with the
exception of Bubstituting a swivel, instead of a swivel
sinker.
Worm fishing for Salmon. For worm bait, use a Salmon
Limerick hook, from No. to 4, as the size of the game may
indicate. Attach the worms according to the method de-
scribed in Chapter IT. ; throw them gently in the current ;
let them flow easily down a few yards ; then draw them
back; then to the right and left; keeping up a continual
motion of the bait. By this method, if you are cautious, and
keep out of sight — and if there he fish, as Walton would say
— you wiU be sure to have your share of good luck. In bright
clear weather, a hook of either No. 3, 4, or 5, will be large
enough. It will also be necessary, if the stream be clear, on
some occasions to use only one large worm.
When the bait is taken, the premonitory symptoms are a
distended line, and sometimes a sudden jerk. In either case
keep a tight line : the former admonition generally promises
success, and when it is well understood^ will give the most
pleasure. After allowing a short time for gorging, you should
give a sharp strike, and if done with precision, and not too
TUESALMON. 59
violent, you will rarely fail to hook your fish. On the con-
trary, the sudden jerk is seldom more or less than a nibble ;
you should therefore give a moderate puU, which will rather
excite your game, and induce him to call again for worms!
The following practical information, taken from " Fisher's
Angler's Souvenir," will give the reader some idea of the
manner of taking a large fish, after he is hooked ; for as it is
one thing to catch a fish and another to cook it, so it is one
thing to hook a fish and another thing to take him after you
get him on. " Judging from his pull, you estimate his weight
at 30 pounds, the largest and strongest, you verily believe,
you evei- have hooked. With that headlong plunge, as if he
meant to bury his head in the gravelly bottom, he has hooked
himself. Youi- hook, which will hold 30 pounds dead weight,
is buried in his jaws to the bend, and now that he feels the
barb, he shoots up the stream with the swiftness of an arrow,
and fifty yards of your line are nm off before you dare ven-
ture to check him. Now his speed is somewhat diminished,
hold on a little, and as the river side is clear of trees, follow
up after him, for it is bad policy to let out line to an unman-
ageable length, when you can follow your fish. There are
some awkward rocks towards the head of the pool, which
may cut your line ; turn him, therefore, as soon as you can.
Now is the time to show your tact, in putting your tackle to
test, without having it snapped by a sudden spring. Hold
gently — ease ofi' a hltle — now hold again — how beautifully
the rod bends, true from top to butt, in one uniform curve !
He has a mouth, though bitted for the first time ! Bravo !
his nose is down the water! Lead him along — gently, he
grows restive, and is about again. Though his course is still
up the stream, he seems inclined to tack. Now he shoots
firom bank to bank, like a Berwick smack turning up Sea
Beach in a gale of wind. Watch him well in stays, lest he
shoot suddenly ahead, and carry all away. He is nearing the
60
THE SALMON.
r\.
rocks — give him the butt and turn him again. Be comes
round — he cannot bear that steady pull — what excellen
tackle ! lead him downwards — he follows reluctantly, but he
is beginning to fag. Keep winding up your line as you lead
him along. He is inclined to take a rest at the bottom, but
as you hope to land him, do not grant him a moment. Throw
in a large stone at him, but have both your eyes open — one
on your rod, and the other on the place where the fish lies —
lest he make a rush when you are stooping for a stone, and
break loose. Great, at this moment, is the advantage of the
angler who has a 'cast ' in his eye ! That stone has. startled
the fish — no rest for salmo — and now he darts to the surface.
' Up wi tally ! ' what a leap ! it is well you humored him by
dipping the top of your rod, or he would have gone free.
Again and again! these are the last efforts of despair, and
they have exhausted him. He is seized with stupor, like a
stout gentleman who has suddenly exerted himself after
dinner, or a boxer who has just received a swinging blow ou
the-jugular. Draw him towards the shore, he can scarcely
move a fin. Quick, the gaff is in his gUls, and now you have
him out ; and as he lies stretched on the pebbles, with his
silver sides glancing in the sun, you think that you never
caught a handsomer fish in your life, though you perceive
that you have been wrong in your estimate of his weight —
thirty pounds — for it is evident that he does not weigh more
than thirteen. It was exactly half-past seven when you
hooked him, and when you look at your watch after landing
him, you perceive that it wants a quarter to nine, so that he
nas kept you in exercise exactly an hour and a quarter."
Artificial Flies for Salmon Fishing. The flies used in
this country for taking salmon, do not differ materially from
those used in England, Ireland, or Scotland. In the fly sea-
son, those of the most gaudy description are generally used.
THESALMON. * bl
The most approved are made of tlie choice feathers of the
peacock, pheasant, parrot, partridge woodcock, ostrich, ma-
caw, turkey, guinea-hen, &c., with bright colored bodies, and
gold twist. They can be procured ready made, and of all
descriptions, at the general tackle stores. The following list,
used in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, mid to some extent in
the United States, may be found useful to the Angler.
No. 1. Body of the fly half dark blue and half orange
mohair, ribbed with silver twist and red tip -, legs of black
hackle, wings of the grey mottled feather of the wing of the
mallard.
No. 2. The body half blue and half light green, or greenish
yellow, with a gold rib and red twist, black hackle legs, and
wings from the heron's wing.
No. 3. Body, light green mohair, ribbed with gold twist ;
tips, orange mohair and turkey's wing ; legs black hackle ;
wings of the black and white tail feathers of the turkey.
No. 4. Body of orange colored silk or worsted, with gold
twist ; dun hackle legs ; wings dark brown mottled feather
of the bittern.
No. 5. Wings of the speckled feather of the mallard's
wing; body of blue mohair, with silver twist, with a dark
blue hackle for legs.
No. 6. Body, claret and orange colored mohair, with
green tip and gold twist ; wings of the turkey feather, with
white tips ;. legs black and red hackle.
No. 7. Body of yellow silk or mohair, with gold twist ;
wings of the brown mottled feather of the turkey; dark red
hackle for legs.
No. 8. Wings of the woodcock or partridge, body purple
mohair, legs coch-a-bonddu hackle.
No 9 Wings light speckled feather of the wing of the
mallard ; body yellow silk with fine gold twist ; tail three
strands of red hackle, and legs of the same.
62
THE SALMON
No. 10. Bo'dy black osti-ich , with silver twist ; wings
from the mallard's wing, and black hackle for legs.
There are other varieties of flies, both of English and
American manufacture, used in the United States and Canada,
which caii generally be procured at the tackle stores in the
city of IMew-York.
Salmon Spearing. This is a mode of taking fish not ap-
proved of by the regular sportsman. It is practised to a
great extent on many of our western lakes and rivers,
usually by persons who take fish for a livelihood, and
where they are found in such immense quantities, that there
can be no objection to the plan, as it is an active and invigor-
ating pastime, almost equal to that of hunting. It is generally
practised at night, with torches, and gives many an hour of
evening sport, after a day's business, to the inhabitants in the
vicinity of the lakes where they are found. The Indians,
who in their rude manner surpass many of their more civilized
brethren in water or land sports, are very fond of this amuse"
ment, and in the season can be seen traversing the lakes in
their canoes, with varied and brilliant pine lights, presenting
a most beautiful and picturesque appearance.
There is a law of the State of New-York, prohibiting the
taking of salmon by net, hook, or spear, " or any other device
whatsoever," in the months of October and November, but
which, like many of our State laws, is better known by its
breach than its observance.
How to cook a Salmon. The following method of cooking
and crimping a salmon, given by Sir Humphrey Davy, will
be found useful after he has been taken; and as the reader
has been led through the instructions of taking the game, con-
cluding that the fish is taken, directions for cooking will be
here in place.
THK SALMON
63
" He seems fairly tired, I shall bring him into shore. Now
gaff him ; strike as near the tail as you can. He is safe ; we
must prepare him for the pot. Give him a stunning blow on
the head, to deprive him of sensation ; and then give him a
transverse cut, just below the gills and crimp him, by cutting,
so as almost to divide him into shoes, and hold him by the
tail that he may bleed. There is a small spring I see, close
under that bauk, which I dnr^ say has the mean temperature
of the atmosphere in this climate, and is much imder fifty de-
grees ; place him there, and let him remain ten minutes, and
then carry him to the pot and let the water and salt boil furi-
ously, before you put in a shoe ; and give time for the water
to recover its heat before you put in another ; leave the hend
out, and throw in the thickest pieces first "
CHAPTER V.
OF THE LAKE TROUT.
(Salmo Confinis.)
'This species of Trout is entirely distinct from that known as
the Mackinaw Trout or Mackinaw Salmon ; he is not so much
of a game fish, neither is he so tasteful to the palate as the
former description. The following, taken from Dr. Dekay's
New York Fauna, will enable our friends to make the proper
distinction between the two : —
"Characteristics: — Blackish, with numerous gray spots.
Body robust, comparatively short in proportion to its depth.
Caudal fin, with a sinuous margin. Length two to four feet.
" It occurs in most of the northern lakes of this state ;* and
I have noticed it in Silver Lake, Pennsylvania, adjacent to
Broome county, which is, as far as I know, its southernmost
limits. The average weight is from eight to ten pounds, but I
have heard fishermen speak of its weighing thirty pounds, and
even more. Some idea of their abundance may be formed
from the fact that a single fisherman has been known to cap-
ture, on Paskungameh or Long Lake, five hundred weight in
the course of one week."
They are taken with stout lines and tackle similar to that
used for the Mackinaw Trout ; the deepest holes in the deepest
* New York.
THE LAKE TROUT.
65
parts of the lakes are their haunts. The best bait for taking
them is the shiner, although they are not very particular as to
feed, and can be captured with almost any kind of small fish that
populate the brooks that run into the lakes. Although not so
valuable as an article of diet or sport, still they should be pre-
served from certain and inevitable extinction by a protective law
during their spawning season. They have the misfortune to
spawn in the month of October ; a pleasant time for active
out-door exercise, and for the favorite practice with many of
the foolish inhabitants near the lakes, of spearing this fish when
they go into shallow water to spawn. It is said that legis-
lative enactments against this wholesifle murder would be
useless. It might be so ; but were our angling friends on the
lakes to take the subject in hand, have proper laws passed,
and see that they were put in execution against every offender,
this member of the finny family might he preserved as long as
waters run and fish swim.
CHAPTER VI.
OP THE TROUT.
-==
»:
-JS:H=
—
This beautiful and well known fish inhabits the waters of
almost all counti-ies on the globe. In England, Irelaud, Scot-
land, Germany, and Prussia, it is sought for by the angler and
the epicure as the height of their admiration. Our own coun-
try, with its countless streams and lakes, furnishes quantities
equal to all the rest combined ; and although they have been
much sought after within a few years back, still there are
many streams where the line never floated, or the trout ever
had the satisfaction of being tempted by the angler's scientific
art They vary greatly in size, color and description, accord-
ing to the climate, the nature of the water, or the quality oi
their feed. They go under the different names of common
or silver trout, black trout, sea trout, and bass.
The Silver Troiit, or common trout, is found m almost all
of our clear swift running northern streams, and weigh from one
to 15 pounds. A splendid specimen of this species of trout is
taken in Bashe's Kill, Sullivan County, New-York, said to sur-
pass any thing of the kind in the world. This stream winds along
the western side of Shawangunk mountain, through the beauti-
ful and well cultivated valley of Memekating, has a smooth
gravelly bottom, and so remarkably clear and transparent is
it. that the smallest insect is perceptible on its bed.
TROUT-FISHING IN SULLIVAN COUNTY.
We break from the tree-groups, a glade deep with grass ;
The white clover's breath loads the sense as we pass.
A sparkle— a streak— a broad jrlitter is seen,
The bright Callikoon, through its thickets of green I
We rush to the banks— its sweet music we hear ;
Its gush, dash, and gurgle, all blent to the ear.
No shadows are drawn by the cloud-covered sun,
We plunge in the crystal, our sport is begun.
Our line, where that ripple shoots onward we throw.
It sweeps to the foam-spanirled eddy below,
A tremor— a pull — the trout upward is thrown,
ne swings to our basket— the prize is our own 1 "— Stree';
THE TROUT.
G7
Common Trout, * {Salmo Fontinalus — Mitchill,) " with
yellow and red spots on both sides of the lateral line, concave
tail, ajid sides of the belly orange red ; back mottled pale and
brown, sides dark brown with yellow and red spots, the yel.
low larger than the red surrounding them ; the latter appear
like scarlet dots ; lateral line straight, the yellow spots and
red dots both above and below that line ; lowest part of the ab-
domen whitish with a smutty tinge ; first rays of the pectoral
ventral and anal fins white, the second black, the rest pur-
phsh red ; dorsal fin mottled of a yellovsdsh and black ; tail is
rather concave, but not amounting to a fork, and of a reddish
purple, with blackish spots above and below ; eyes large and
pale, mouth wide, teeth sharp, tongue distinct, skin scaleless.
Is reckoned a most dainty fish. He lives in running waters
only,t and not in stagnant ponds; and therefore the lively
streams, descending north and south from their sources on
Long Island, exactly suit the constitution of this fish. The
heaviest Long Island trout that I have heard of weighed four
pounds and a half"
" The common trout of Massachusetts % is from 8 to 12
inches long, dotted on the back vsdth brownish spots, shaded
by a paler circle. On the gill-covers is a broad spot; the un-
der jaw is the longest ; the soft rayed fins tinged with yellow,
and on the sides of the body are red spots."
The Black Trout is usually found in muddy sluggish
streams or large ponds, with clay bottoms, in the roughest and
wildest parts of our country. They are not considered as
* The trout of Long Island.
t This is not always the case. They are taken in great quantities at
Stump Pond, Long Island, of a large size, but not of as fine a flavor and
color as in swift running waters. They are also found in various other
ponds throughout the country, and are often transferred to artificial ponds
supplied from springs.
^ Smith.
bb THE TROUT.
game a fish as the ordinary trout, neither do they possess
as fine a flavor for the table. They are supposed to take their
color from the quality and color of the water, which has gene-
rally a dark smoky appearance, occasioned by the decayed
leaves and timber which there abound. Many of the streams
in the western and mountainous parts of Pennsylvania, contain
this species. They are found also in great abundance, in the
wUd and uninhabited parts of Hamilton county, New-York,
and in some parts of New-Hampshire and Vermont.
Of the Sea Trout, the writer is enabled to give a better
and more satisfactory description than his owii. Smith says :
" They are found, as may be inferred from the name, in the salt
and brackish waters of tide rivers, inland bays in various parts
of this * and the adjoining states. When taken from the salt
water early in the spring, they are in high perfection, and
nothing can exceed their piscatory symmetry. The general ap-
pearance of the skin is of a silvery brightness ; the back being
of a greenish and mackerel complexion, the spots of a vermil-
ion color, mixed wHth others of a faint yellow, and sometimes
slightly tinged with purple, extend the whole length on each
side of the lateral line ; the fins are light in color and firm in
texture, and together with the tail are rather shorter and more
rounded than the common trout. They have a firm compact-
ness of form from head to tail, which accounts for the superior
sprightliness of their motion ; the head and mouth are very
small, and the latter never black inside like the common, or
fresh water trout ; the flesh is even redder, or rather we would
say, more pink colored than the salmon, to which, by many,
they are preferred as a delicacy, having, like the salmon,
much of what is called the curd or fat between the flakes.
" A fish of a pound weight measures about 11 inches in
length. Their average size is considerably larger than the
fresh water, or brook ti'out — ^having been taken in the waters to
" Massachusetts.
THETROUT. 6JI
which we refer* of nearly five pounds weight ; such instances,
however, are rare, three pounds being considered a very large
fish. We do not remember ever seeing a poor fish of this kind
taken ; they are invariably in good condition, let the size be
what it will ; their principal food is the minnow and shrimp,
particularly the latter, with which early in the season their
stomachs are foimd to be filled ; they feed upon the minnow
rather later in the season, when the increasing warmth of the
water invites it to leave the warmer springs of fresh water,
where it has passed the winter, and venture into the shallows
round the margin of the bay, it then becomes an easy prey to
the voracious trout, which pursues it with desperate boldness
to the very feet of the angler as he stands in the water, obli-
ging it in shoals, to leap from the surface, and sometimes even
to be cast on shore in its attempts to escape its hungry jaws.
Though they are, on the whole, the best bait ; the shrimp on
the contrary, living as they do among the eel-grass in the bay,
which also affords sheltc to the trout, being more within
reach, may consequently be said to supply their principal food,
at least through the winter months. As it is necessary in the
pursuit of all game to be governed by a knowledge of its par-
ticular food, so it may be said of the sea trout ; their motions
while in the salt water being regulated by those of the minute
fish on which they live. Both minnows and shrimp are more
or less affected by the action of the tide, particularly the lat
ter, w^hich in its reflux sweeps the passive shrimp in shoals
across a sandy eddy of the bay, into the very mouths of the
expectant trout, who there collect and lie in wait to feast up-
on them."
The last mentioned species, (Lepomis Salmonea,) is pe-
culiar to our southern rivers, and with many southerners go
under the name of Trout Bass, or Brown Bass. They grow
to a much larger size than the northern trout, varying in
* Waquoit Bay. upon Cape Cod, and Fire Place, L. 1.
TO
THE TROUT.
length from 6 to 24 inches ; they are of a darker color, and
do not possess that beauty of appearance when out of the
water, or that dehcious flavor when upon the table ; neither
do they contribute as much to the Angler's sport, as those of
more northern latitudes.
Another species of trout, mentioned by Smith, is the
Hucho Trout, (Salmo Hucho,) resembling very much the
sea trout; it is found, on cai-eful inspection, to be more
slender, and to have a greater number of red spots ; the back
is dusky ; the ventral fin has a yellowish tinge ; all the others
are of a palish purple ; the tail is forked, and the fish measures
sometimes four feet through ; ordinarily they are only about two,
and caught by the hook. This trout certainly exists in the
large rivers and ponds in the interior, but deteriorate in size
They are brought from New-Hampshire in the winter, frozen
for the markets, and from the northern pai'ts of Maine, where
specimens have been taken, large as any produced in the
great rivers of Europe.
There is no fish that varies so much in size, shape, color
and flavor, as the trout. They are found in different varieties
in the same stream, and vary so much in external appearance
and flavor in some pai'ts of the Union, as to lead to different
appellations from experienced and scientific men.
They usually spawn in the months of September and Oc-
tober. The best time for taking them is from April until
August ; but if the weather is mild and pleasant, they are
often taken in fine condition and of large size, in the mouth
of March. They are not, however, considered in perfection
until the months of May and June, until which time, owing
to the coldness of our climate, they do not obtain sufficient
quantity of the proper food to make them active and healthy.
They are also more difficult to take, and will give the sports-
man more pleasure than in the months ot Mai'ch and April,
when they bite more freely, but not with that zest and vigor.
THE TROUT. 71
Of the nature and habits of the trout, Walton says : "And
you are to note that he continues many months out of season ;
for it may be observed of the trout, that he is like the buck
or the ox, that will not be fat in many months, though he go
in the very same pastures that horses do, vsrhich wiU be fat in
one mouth. And so you may observe, that most other fishes
recover strength and grow sooner fat and in season than the
trout doth.
" And next you are to note, that till the sun gets to such a
height as to waim the earth and water, the trout is sick and
lean, and lousy, and unwholesome ; for you shall in winter
find him to have a big head, and then to be lank and thin, and
lean ; at which time many of them having sticking to them
sags, or ti*out-lice ; which is a kind of worn, in shape like a
clove, or pin with a big head, and sticks close to him and
sucks his moisture ; those I think the trout breeds himself;
and never thrives till he frees himself from them, which is
when warm weather comes ; and then as he grows stronger,
he gets from the dead still water into the sharp stream and
the gravel, and there rubs ofi" these worms or lice ; and then
as he grows stronger, so he gets him into swifter and swifter
streams, and there Ues at the watch for any fly or minnow
that comes near him."
The North Country Angler, an English writer, says: " The
burn (or common) trout, grows fast if it has plenty of food
and good water ; several experiments have been made in
fish-ponds ; some fed by river water, some by clear fluent
springs, into which the young have been put about five or six
months old — that is, in September or October, reckoning
from April, when they come out of their spawning beds, at
which time they will be six or seven inches long ; and though
there has been but littie difference in their age and size when
put bito the pond, yet in 18 months after there will be a snr
prising change. I have seen a poqd drained ten months after
72 THE TROUT.
the fish were put into it, which was in July, when they were
about 15 months old, at which time they were 15 or 16 inches,
others not above 12. But when the pond was drained ten
months after, in March, when they were almost two years
old, some were 21 or 22 inches, and weighed three poimds
or more ; others were about 16 mches; and a fourth part not
above 12. I do not know to what we can attribute this dif-
ference ; it could not be either in the food or the water, or
the weather, they faring all alike in these. But if I may be
allowed my opinion, perhaps some of the fry may have been
the spawn of those that were only 17 months old, which is
the soonest that any of them spawn ; others of parents 29
months, or two years and a half old ; and others a year older.
This difference in the age of the parent trout may, I believe,
occasion the difference in the size of their breed ; otherwise
I cannot account for it. Trout, in a good pond, will grow
much faster than in some rivers, because they do not range
so much in feeding. How long they live cannot be determined
in any other way so well as by observation on those in ponds,
which observation I never had an opportunity of making my-
self, and therefore shall only mention what a gentleman told
me. He assured me that at four or five years old they were
at their full growth, which was, in some, at about 30 inches,
and in many much less; that they continued about three
years pretty nearly the same in size and goodness ; two years
after they grew big headed and smaller bodied, and died hi
the winter after that change ; but he thought the head did not
grow larger, but only seemed to be so, because the body
decayed; so that, according to this gentleman's computation,
nine or ten years is the term of their life ; and yet I think
they may live longer in some rivers, and grow to a much
greater size, when they have liberty to go into the tide-way
and salt water."
The evidence of other writers goes to show that they live
THE TROUT
73
to a much greater age, an instance being known in England
where a trout remained in a well upwards of sixty years, be-
ing visited by the neighbwing country as a remarkable curi-
osity. Another one, for 28 years was an inhabitant of a well
at Dumbarton Castle, Scotland. It had never increased in
size from the time it was placed there, when it weighed
about a pound, and became so tame that it would receive its
food from the hands of the soldiers.
When in prime condition the trout is short and thick,
having a small head and broad tail ; the spots on the sides are
red tinged with purple, and the belly of a beautiful bright
silver color.
This fish, from its extreme beauty, delicacy of flavor and
extraordinary activity as a game fish, has attracted the atten-
tion of all classes of people, from the boy with a pin-hook, to
those that have swayed the destiny of empire. The divine,
the philosopher, the poet, the artist, and the statesman, from
tlie earliest dates, have enjoyed many days of recreation in
his pursuit, sang songs to his praise, or wntten pages of in-
struction of their own experience in taking him from his na-
tive element. Under such circumstances, it would be super
fluous, at this late day, to attempt to give any new instruc-
tions to the young Angler, or the seeker after piscatorial in-
formation. And as the opinions and practice of well known
advisers will no doubt be preferred, they are here given,
with such comments as may be found necessary.
There are three different methods pursued in the capture
of the trout : — angling at the top, with a natural or artificial
fly, grasshoppei-, or other small insect ; at the middle, with a
minnow, shrimp, or similar small fish ; and at the bottom,
with a worm, or different kinds of pastes.
Of Fly Fishing. Of all the various modes adopted and
contrived by the ingenuity of man for pulling out the " cun-
74
THE 1 ROUT,
ning trout," this at once recommends itself as the perfection of
the art ; but as it is considered by a majority of our brethren
more difficult than worm fishing, it has many objectors. But
the difficulties are more in the imagination than the practice,
and when once understood, it gives the highest pleasure of
the art. Others think they will not take the fly at all in this
country, and having fished with a worm all their life, they
cannot be persuaded that with a simple fly made of feathers,
they can take as many fish, and often times more. Tell them
that Isaac Walton, Sir Humphrey Davy, and some of the
greatest Anglers the world ever saw, adopted this mode
altogether, and that all vmters on AngHng have devoted
pages of their works to explanatory drawings, &c., in refer-
ence to it; that it is the most gentlemanly, the most elegant,
the least trouble ; that you can take your rod enclosed in a
small bag a couple of feet long, and about half a pound in
weight, or in the more portable form of a walking stick, and
your flies in your pocket-book ; that you can traverse the
stream, and enjoy its beautiful scenery for miles and miles
with the least possible trouble ; and they will still adhere to
their only method of worm fishing.
From the fact of there being comparatively few who
practice with the fly, some English writers are of the opinion
that there are no jiy-fishers in America, and many of our own
countrymen think there are very few; but this is a great
mistake. There are hundreds of good fly anglers, and many
that can throw a fly with the most experienced of Europe.
In the Spring, when the streams are muddy, the worm, of
course, is preferred, as it is the only method that can be
pi'actised, owing to the state of the water, and also from the
fact that the trout he deep, and in the holes under the banks.
It is also sometimes better towards the close of the day in
summer ; the worm will then tempt the trout when nothing
else will. But as a general rule, in clear streams, no raattei
THE TRODT. 75
in what part of the country, in the summer months, the arti-
ficial fly can be used with success.
Fly-fishing is usually practised with a short one-handed
rod, from ten to twelve feet in length, or a two-handed rod,
from fifteen to eighteen feet in length. The first mentioned
is the most common in use, and is calculated for the majority
of our streams, which are small, and require but litde length
of rod or line. Attached to the rod should be a reel, contain-
ing from thirty to fifty yards of hair, grass, silk, or silk and
hair line — the latter description should be used if it can be
procured, tapering from the tenth of an inch almost to a
point ; to this should be attached a leader of from one to two
yards in length ; and finally your fly, on a light length of gut ;
if you wish to use two or three flies, place them on your
leader with short gut, about 24 inches apart.
The latter description of rod is used in larger streams,
where it is necessary to throw a great distance ; for this pur-
pose, the reel should be large enough to contain 100 yards of
line, with the other tackle precisely the same as with the
smaller rod. It should be recollected that the trout rods
should be made similar to the salmon rods, and of the lightest
woods, as formerly described.
The above descriptions are generally used in this country,
but the following information from Hofland, one of the latest
and best English writers, may be preferred :
" A slight rod, 12 feet long, or, if wanted for a narrow or
wooded stream, one of 10 or 12 feet only would be more
convenient, a reel containing 30 yards of line, a book of arti-
ficial flies, and a landing-net, and you are fully equipped for
the sport, * * * I have already said that a one-handed
rod should be 10 or 12 feet long, and a two-handed rod from
16 to 18 feet; to either of which must be attached a reel
containing 30 yards of twisted silk and hair line, tapering
from a moderate thickness up to a few hairs, at the end of
76
THE TROUT.
which you are by a loop to attach your bottom tackle. This
should be made of round, even gut, and three yards long :
some persons prefer four yards ; but I think too great a
length of gut increases the difficulty in casting the line.
These lines should also taper gradually, the gut being much
stronger at the end which is to be attached to the line on the
reel, than at the end to which the sti-etcher fly is to be fixed.
When you fish with only two flies, the second (or drop fly)
should be at a distance of 36 or 40 inches from the bottom or
stretcher fly ; but if you use three flies, the first drop should
be only 34 inches from the stretcher, and the second 30
inches from the first. These drop flies are attached to the
line by loops, and should not be more than three inches long;
and by having the gut rather stronger than for the end fly,
they will stand nearly at a right angle from the line. I re-
commend the beginner to commence with one fly only ; but
at most he must not use more than two ; and, as for his mode
of casting or throwing his fly, now his tackle is prepared, I
fear little useful instruction can be given, as skill and dextei-ity,
in this point, must depend upon practice. T may, however,
advise him not to attempt to cast a long line at first, but to
try his strength and gain facility by degrees. He must make
up his mind to hear many a crack, like a coachman's whip,
and find the consequent loss of his flies before he can direct
his Stretcher to a given point, and let it fall on the water as
light as a gossamer."
Cotton says : " For the length of your rod, you are always
to be governed by the breadth of the river you shall choose
to angle at; and for a trout river one of five or six yards is
commonly enough; and longer, though never so neatly and
artificially made, it ought not to be, if you intend to fish at
ease ; and if otherwise, where lies the sport ? The length of
your line, to a man that knows how to handle his rod and to
cast it, is no matter of encumbrance, except in woody places.
THETRODT. 77
and in landing of a fish, which every one that can afford to
angle for pleasure has somebody to do for him.* And the
length of line is a mighty advantage to the fishing at a dis-
tance ; and to fish fine and lar off, is the first and principal
role for trout angling. Your line in this case should never be
less than one, nor ever exceed two hairs, next to the hook ;
for one (though some, I know, will pretend to more art than
their fellows) is indeed too few, the least accident, with the
finest hand, being suflBcient to break it ; but he that cannot
kill a trout of twenty inches long with two, in a river clear of
wood and weeds, deserves not the name of a true angler.
" Now, to have your line t as it ought to be, two of the
finest lengths nearest the hook should be of two hairs a-piece ;
the next three lengths above them of three ; the next three
above them of four ; and so of five, and six, and seven, to the
very top ; by which means your rod and tackle will in a
manner taper from your very hand to your hook ; your line
will fall much better and straighter, and cast your fly to any
ceitain place to which the hand and eye shall direct it, with
less weight and Nnolence, than would otherwise circle the
water and fright away the fish.
" In casting your line, do it always before you, and so that
your fly may first fall upon the water, and as little of your
line with it as possible ; though if the wind be stiff, you will
of necessity be compelled to drown a good part of your line
to keep your fly under water. And in casting your fly you
must aim at the farther or nearer bank, as the wind serves
♦ This is the method of fishing without a reel, and with very fine hair
Knea, mostly practised in Cotton's day. We hardly think that every
body in Republican America, that can afford to fish for pleasure, has
an attendant to land his fish for him !
t This mode is given for the benefit of those who live in the country,
are obliged to make their own lines, and find it necessary to fish with
eat a reeL
7« THE TROUT.
your turn, which also will be with and against you on the
same side, several times in an hour, as the river vdnds in its
course, and you wiE be forced to angle up and down by
turns accordingly, but are to endeavor, as much as you can,
to have the wind evermore on your back. And always be
sure to stand as far off the bank as the length will give you
leave, when you throw on the contrary side ; though when
the wind will not permit you so to do, and that you are con-
strained to angle on the same side whereon you stand, you
must then stand on the very brink of the river, and cast your
fly at the utmost length of your rod and line, up or down the
river, as the gale serves."
Management of the Line, token Fishing either with one
Fly, or two or more Flies- The following minute and easy
method of the management of the line, and throvnng the fly
from Taylor's " Art of Angling," will be found to be excel
lent advice to the young beginner.
" When you have fixed your rod properly, with your
winch thereon, and brought your line from it through the
rings of your rod, loop on to it by the strongest end your foot
length,* which should be about three yards and a half long,
made of good strong silk- worm gut, well tied, and the knots
neatly whipped, running (very little) finer towards the hot*
torn end, at which place there must be a neatly whipped loop ;
then take your end fly, or stretcher, which should be made
of one or two lengths of good level gut, full as fine, or a little
finer, than the bottom link of your foot length, tied and
whipped neatly together, and looped nicely at the end; loop
this to the end of your gut length ; and then, your drop fly-
just above a knot, where whipped, about a yard from the
end fly, to hang from the line not more than two or three
* Called in this country a leader, as described on page 32.
THE TROUT. 79
inches. If you choose to fish with more, keep them all at
the same distance. And observe, that if your droppers be
larger than, or even as large as, your stretcher, you will not
be able to throw a good line : but a beginner should never
use more than one fly.
" When thus prepared, let out the line about half at long
again as the rod ; and holding the line properly in one hand,
and the line, just above the fly, in the other, give your rod a
motion from right to left, and as you move the rod backwards,
in order to throw out the line, dismiss the line from your
hand at the same time ; and try several throws at this length.
Then let out more line and try that ; still using more and
more till you can manage any length needful ; but about nine
yards is quite suflBcient for a learner to practice with. And
observe, that in raising your line in order to throw it again,
you should wave the rod a little round your head, and not
bring it directly backwards ; nor must you return the line
too soon, nor until it has streamed its ftill length behind you, or
you will certainly whip ofi" your end fly. There is great art in
making your line fall light on the water, and showing the flies
well to the fish. The best way that I can direct is, that when
you have thrown out your line, contriving to let it fall lightly
and naturally, you should raise your rod gently and by de-
grees; sometimes with a kind of tremulant fiourish, which
will bring the flies in a little towards you ; still letting them
go down with the stream, but never drawing them against
it, for it is unnatural ; and before the line comes too near you
throw it again. When you see a fish rise at a natural fly,
throw out about a yard above him, but not directly over his
head ; and let your fly or flies move gently towards him,
which will show it to him in a more natural form, and tempt
him the more to take it. Experience and observation alone,
however, can make a man a complete adept in the art, so as
80
THE TROUT,
lo enable him to throw his fly behind bushes and trees, into
holes, under banks, and other places mentioned as the ' trout
haunts," and where the best fish are to be found."
There is much diversity of opinion about the manner of
fishing, whether up or down the stream ; the great majority
of Anglers, both in Europe and this country, favor the latter
method, and a very few the former. Hofland remarks on
this : " Some persons recommend fishing up the stream, and
throwing the fly before them. For my own pait, (aftier much
experience,) whenever I can do so with couvenience, I cast
my fly above me, and across the stream, drawing it gently
towards me. If the wind should be against you, you will be
constrained to stand close to the water's edge, and make
your cast close to the bank on which you stand, either up or
down the stream, as the wind may serve. Avoid, if possible,
fishing with the sun behind you, as the moving shadow of
yourself and rod will alarm the fish. The finer the tackle
(particularly the bottom tackle) and the lighter the fly falls
on the water, the greater will be your sport; indeed some
Anglers use only a single hair for their bottom tackle ; but
when the water you fish is weedy, or much wooded, a single
hair is difficult to manage ; but in ponds or streams, free
from impediments, it may be used by a skilful hand to a great
advantage."
Of Bush-Fishing, sometimes called Dihbing, Dabbing, or
Daping. This is a cunning mode of fishing on the part of the
Angler, quite equal to any of the curious manoeuvres of the
trout himself. It is practised in the summer months, when the
water is low, and the bushes are in leaf, thereby giving the
Angler a hiding place ; and when it is almost impossible to
take him by any other method ; and although it requires
extreme care, and all the ingenuity of the fisher, it will
THE TROOT. 81
•mply repay him, by the size and quality of the game, the
largest, oldest, most wary of the tribe, being often taken by
this process. Hofland gives the following instructions :
" The Angler must be provided with a 14 feet rod, with a
stiff top, and strong running tackle ; he will seldom have to
use more than a yard of line, the bottom of which should be
of strong silk \*^orm gut I recommend strong tackle, because
in confined situations, overhung with wood, you will not have
room to play your fish, but must hold him tight and depend
on the strength of your tackle. ,
" The size of your hook must depend upon the size of the
fly, from No. 7 to 9 for small flies and grubs, and for beetles
No. 4 or 5. For bush-fishing, you should be provided with
well scoured brandlings and red worms, cad-baits,* clock-
baits, earth-grubs, beetles, grasshoppers, and a horn of flies ;
or at least as many of the above as you cem procure.
" Great caution is necessary in using your rod and line, for
if there are few bushes or brambles to conceal you, the
water must be approached warily, as the large trout often lie
near the surface, and if you are once seen they will fly from
you. If the water should be deep, dark, and overhung with
thick foliage, so that you can scarcely find an open space for
your bait, your line must be shortened to half a yard, and
sometimes less.
" If your flies are small, use two of them at once, as they
frequently fall in the water in couples. When daping with the
fly, if you see your fish, drop the fly gently on the water
about a foot before him, and if you are not seen, he will
eagerly take it. When your fish is struck, do not allow him
to get his head down, for fear of roots and weeds, but keep
him to the top of the water, when his fins and strength will
* Cad-baits and clock-baits are not known amongst Anglers in tbi^
country ; the others will be found useful if they can be procured.
82
THE TKOUT.
f"
L.
-rr^
=l'-.
■
^VE.:
—
^-:^.---
^\^=
,
le of little use to him; and in this situation, with good tackle,
you may soon exhaust h'm, and make him your own by a
landing-net, the handle of which should be two yai'ds long ;
or he may be landed by a hook or gaff, with a long handle,
and this in some situations, amidst close thorny brambles, will
be found more useful than the landing-net, which is liable to
be caught in the bushes. When you use the worm, caddis
or any other grub, you will reqxiire a single shot. No. 6,* t
sink your bait, for it cannot sink too slowlv, or cause too
little disturbance in the water."
The North Country Angler says: ** There are some obser-
vations I have made, which the Angler may find the benefit
of; one is, that although the shade of trees and bushes, is much
longer and greater on the south or sun side of the river, than
on the north ; yet I always find the most and largest trout on
that side. I suppose the sun's bemg more intense and warm
on the north side, may occasion more flies, erucas, and insects,
to creep upon those bushes, and consequently the more fish
will frequent them.
** When the trees or bushes are very close, I advise the
bush Angler to take a hedge-bill or hatchet, and cut off two
or three branches here and there, at proper places and dis-
tances, and 80 make little convenient openings, at which he
may easily put in his rod and line ; but this is to be done
some time before you come there to fish.
" If you come to a woody place, where you have no such
conveniences, and where perhaps there is a long pool, and
no angling with a fly, or throwing the rod, there you may be
sure of many large fish. For that "very reason, I have chosen
such places, though very troublesome, when I have been
* It has not been thought necessary to remark upon the sizes of hooks,
shot, or sinkers, in speaking generally, as they should vary materially id
the various waters where the different sizes offish are found, and where
•treams run more or less rapid.
THE THOUT. 83
forced to creep under trees and bashes, dragging my rod
after me, with the very top of it in my hand, to get near the
water; and I have been well paid for my trouble. Whilst
you are getting in your rod, throw a brandling, or grub, or
what you fish with, into the water, which will make the fish
take your bait the more boldly.
" There are some pools that have no bushes at all, but
only hollow banks, in some places under which the great fish
will lie in the day time. I have gone softly to such places,
and have dropped in a suitable bait, close by the bank, and
have presently had a good fish. When I use cork, thamois,
or bufi", instead of natural baits. I always drop them in strong
scented oil, in shade-fishing, because the fish comes slowly to
the bait, and if he does not smell something like the natm-al
bait, he will not take it, though well imitated."
Cotton gives the following, with which we conclude oiu*
remarks on Daping or Dibbing. " These are to be angled
with a short line, not much more than half the length of your
rod, if the air be still, or with a longer, very near or all out
as long as your rod, if you have any wind to carry it from
you. And this way of fishing we call Daping, Dabbing, or
Dibbing, wherein you are always to have your line flying
before you, up or down the river, as the wind serves, and
to angle as near as you can to the bank of the same side
whereon you stand, though where you see a fish near, you
may guide your fly quick over him, whether in the middle or
on the contrary side ; and if you are pretty well out of sight,
either by kneeling, or the interposition of a bank or bush,
you may be almost sure to raise and take him too, if it be
presently done ; the fish will otherwise peradventure be re-
moved to some other place, if it be in still deeps, where he
is always on the motion, and roving up and down to look out
for prey, though in a stream you may always, almost, espe-
cially il" there be a good store, find him in the same place.
84
THE TROUT,
Your line ought, in this case, to be three good hairs next the
hook ; both by reason you are in this kind of angling to ex-
pect the biggest fish, and also that, wanting length to give
him line after he has struck, you must be forced to tug for it;
to which I will add, that not an inch of your line being to be
suffered to touch the water in Dibbing, i: may be allowed to
be the stronger."
Ha\dng given two of the methods of taking the trout, it
will be well to introduce the reader to his hiding-places. On
this subject, Hofland gives the best and most minute infor-
mation. "He is fond of swift, clear streams, running over
chalk, limestone, or gravelly bottoms; but he is more fre-
quently in the eddies by the side of the stream, than in the
midst of it. A mill-tail is a favorite hamit of the trout ; for
he finds protection under the apron, which is generally hol-
low, and has the advantage of being in the eddy, by the side
of the mill-race, awaiting his food. He delights also in cas-
cades, tumbling bays, or wiers. The larger trout generally
have their hold under roots of overhanging trees, and beneath
hollow banks in the deepest parts of the river. The junction
of little rapids, formed by water passing round an obstruction
in the midst of the general current, is a likely point at which
to raise a trout ; also at the roots of trees, or in other places
where the froth of the stream collects. All such places are
favorable for sport, as insects follow the same course as the
bubbles, and are there sought by the fish. After sunset, in
summer, the large fish leave their haunts, and may be found
in the sewers, and at the tails of streams ; and during this
time, so long as the Angler can see his fly on the water, he
may expect sport."
Of Fishing in the Middle, with a Minnow, or any Smalt
Fish. The rod used in this kind of angling, is from 12 to 16
feet in length, with a stiffer top than that used for fly-fishing,
THE TROUT.
and goes under the name of a bait-rod. The smaller, say 12
feet, for small wading streams, and the longer for wider and
deeper waters. Attached should be an American* reel,
holding from 30 to 50 yards of American laid\ grass, or silk
line, with from two to three yards of silk-worm gut, termi-
nating with a Limerick hook, from No. 2 to 5, according to
the size of your bait, fastened by a loop as before described.
For baiting the minnow, pass your hook in at the mouth and
out at the giils, then in again at the commencement of the
dorsal fin and out again just beyond, tying the hook at each
end with a piece of thin silk or thread. By this method you
can, if you use a live minnow, and are very careful, keep
your bait animated for a great length of time.
The North Country Angler gives a veiy good, mode of
baiting with the minnow, as foUows : " I have a gilse-hook
(No. 3 or 4) at the end of the line, but wrapped no further
on the end of the shank than to make it secure, and leave
more room to bait. An inch, or very little more, from the
shank end of the gilse-hook, I wrap on a strong hook, about
half the size of the other. I put the point of the large hook
in at the mouth of the minnow, and out at the tail, on the right
side of the minnow, binding it half round as I put it in ; then
I put the other hook in, below the under chap, which keeps
the minnow's mouth quite close.
" When I am in no hurry, I tie the tail and hook together,
with a very small white thread; before I enter the little
hook, I draw up the minnow to its full length, and make it
fit the bending of the great hook, to make it twirl round
* The imported reels are used to a great extent, but those of Ameri-
can manufacture are much superior, and should be preferred.
t This description of line has of late years become much used. The
grass is imported from Canton and laid here, or taken in a finished
state, untwisted, and relaid, which makes it much stronger and firmer
than when first imported.
sg^J^RV
THE
u
c
CALI1
86
THE TROUT.
when it is drawn in the water. When all is in order, I take
the line in my left hand, a little above the bait, and throw it
under-hand, lifting up my right and the rod, that the bait
may fall gently on the water.
" I stand at the very top of the stream, as far off as my
tackle will permit, and let the bait drop in a yard from the
middle of it; I draw the minnow by geude pulls, of about a
yard at a time, across the stream, turning my rod up the
water, within half a yard of its surface, keeping my eye fixed
on the minnow. When a fish takes it, he generally hooks
himself; however, I give him a smart stroke, and, if he does
not get off then, I am pretty sure of him. In this manner I
throw in three or four times, at the upper part of a stream,
but never twice in the same place, but a yard lower every
cast. I always throw quite over the stream, but let the bait
cross it in a round, like a semicircle, about a foot below the
surface, which two of No. 3 or 4 shot, which I always have
upon my line, nine or ten inches from the hooks, will sink
it to. When I am drawing the bait across the stream, I keep
the top of the rod within less than a yard from the water, and
draw it downwards, that the bait may be at a greater distance
from me, and the first thing that the fish will see. Some-
times 1 can see the fish before he takes the bait, and then I
give in the rod a little, that the minnow may, as it were,
meet him half-way ; but if I think he is shy, I pull it away,
and do not throw it in again till he has got to his feedmg
place.
'• The twirling of the minnow is the beauty of this kind of
angling, the fish seeing it a greater distance, and fancying it
is making all the haste it can to escape from them ; and they
make the same haste to catch it."
Hoflaud has the following : " The minnow rod should be
of bamboo cane, at least 16 feet long, with a tolerable stiff
top ; and 20 or 25 yards of line, something stronger thao
THE TROUT.
87
your fly-line, will be sufficient. Some Anglers use a rod 20
feet long. To enable them to fish a wide stream, this length
of rod is necessary, as the line, in spinning the minnow, is
somewhat short of the rod ; if you wade the stream, a rod of
12 feet will be long enough.
" For Baiting with the Minnow. In the first place, pro-
cure a piece of brass wire, about three inches long ; one end
of which must be hammered into a small loop, and the other
end flattened with a hammer, and sharpened in the shape of
a spear head. This must be drawn- through a tapering piece
of lead,* cast for the purpose. Wires of this description may
be kept by you, df different lengths, to suit the size of the
bait-fish used.
" Enter the spear end of the leaded wire at the mouth of
the minnow, and bring it out at the fork of the tail. Then
take a triangulai- hook, formed by tying together three No. 8
or 9 hooks on a piece of strong gut, one inch and a quarter
long, with a small loop on the end. Now, with a baiting-
needle, enter the point under the back fin of the bait, when
one of the triangular hooks will enter the bait under the back
fin, the other two will lie by its sides, and the loop of the
gut will be even with the brass loop in the minnow's mouth.
" You must now prepare a minnow-trace, of three yards of
gut, at one end of which tie on a Limerick hook No. 9 ; 12
inches above this, place a fine swivel, and 24 inches higher
up another swivel, and your trace is ready. Next, enter the
hook at the end of your trace, at the back of the bait's head,
and pass it through the two loops now in its mouth, and
bring it out under the lips, when the bait's mouth will be
closed. Then, bend gently the spear of brass wire, so as to
gently curve the tail of the minnow, and then tie the tail fast to
the wire with white thread, and you are ready for the stream."
* These articles can be purchased at the tackle stores, of different
•ize< and descripuons.
88
THE TROUT
The following is from Walton, who by many writers was
considered the best minnow Angler in England : " And of
these minnows, first you are to know, that the biggest size is
not the best, and next, that the middle size and the whitest
are the best ; and then you are to know, that your minnow
must be put on your hook, that it must turn round when it is
drawn agamst the stream ; and that it may turn nimbly, you
must put on a big sized hook, as I shall now direct you,
which is this : put your hook in at his mouth and out at his
gill; then having drawn your hook two or three inches be-
yond or through his giU, put it again through .his mouth, and
the point or beard out at his tail ; and then tie the hook and
his tail about very neatly, with a white thread, which will
make it apter to turn quick in the water ; that done, pull
back that part of your line which was slack when you did put
your hook into the minnow the second time ; I say, pull that
part of your line back so that it shall fasten the head, so that
the body of the minnow shall be almost straight* on your
hook ; this done, try how it will turn by drawing it across
the water, against a stream ; and if it do not turn nimbly,
then turn the tail a little to the right or left hand, and try
again till it turn quick ; for if not, you are in danger to catch
nothing; for know, that it is impossible for a minnow to turn
too quick."
The Minnow is beautifully and faithfully imitated in
England, and imported into this conntry, and will be found a
valuable addition to the Angler's stock of artificial baits.t
Although in this and the following methods, the float is
not mentioned as an article of tackle, it is much "aed by
* Rennie, in his notes on Walton, says : " I hav** never been able to
:ause a minnow to swim well in trolling, unless the tail was bent nearly
to a semicircle.''
t Smearing the artificial baits with fish-slime is recommended by
Rennie.
THETROUT By
Anglers generally. It should be of small size, and made of
light cork, or quills, suited to the weight of your shot and the
current of the stream.
Of Bottom or Worm- Fishing. This is, and has been from
the earliest periods, the standard mode of trout angling. It
is practised principally at the opening and closing of the sea-
son by Anglers generally; but by some of our piscatorial
friends, who adjure fly-fishing, from the time the trees bud,
until autumn scatters their leaves upon the ground.
The rod generally used is from 12 to 15 feet in length, foi
small streams, and from 15 to 20 feet (according to circum-
stances) for the larger. The reel, and other appurtenances,
should be similar to that described for minnow-fishing.
Hofland says : " For worm-fishing, your rod should be of
bamboo cane, and from 16 to 20 feet long, and the line gene-
rally something shorter than the rod ; but it may be shortened
or lengthened, according to circumstances, by your reel. The
best worms for a large trout are the lob-worm and the marsh-
worm, but with many Anglers the brandling is a great
favorite.
" The method of casting your line will depend upon the
nature of the water; but as a general rule I may say, keep
the point of your rod, as nearly as possible, perpendicular to
your bait, steadily following it, as the bait drags along the bot-
tom, with the point of your rod, and when you feel a bite, let
the fish turn before you strike. Unless the stream be rapid
or deep, a single shot (No. 4) will be sufficient to sink your
worm ; but in a deep heavy current, two or three more of
the same size will be required. In fishing across a stream
with a single hair, and a small red-worm, run, from your
reel, line to the length of the rod, and, taking hold of the line
about 12 inches above the bait, with your left hand draw it
towards you till the line tightens, and the top of the rod
90
THE TROUT
-■ : ^
^^-^?
. .-
bends. HolJiug the rod firmly in the right haud, let go the
line, and with a little practice you will find the bait drop
lightly into the water at the extremity of the rod and line;
and then, either draw your line gently across the water, or
carry your bait down the stream, as above directed. The
eddy by the side of a mill-tail, or flood-gate, or water-fall, is
a good place to try the lob-worm. The deep holes near
overhanging trees and old stumps, and those parts of the river
where the sti'eam has undermined the banks, are also the
haunts of the largest trout.
" When the water is discolored by rain, your tackle may
be strong, and you will not easily be seen by the fish; but if
the water be clear, and the day bright, your only chance for
taking trout with the worm, will be by using fine tackle, and
keeping completely out of sight.
" The lob-worm is also used, without any shot on the line,
after sunset in summer, by drawing it on the top of the water,
across a sharp mill-stream, when the trout will rise and take
the bait at the top of the water, as they would the fly ; and
in this maimer very large ti'out are frequently taken.
" The gentle, or maggot, is a good bait for a ti'out, during
the months of June, July, and August, and may be used, with
a small float, carrying one or two shot-corns, in mill-dams,
ponds, and other still waters, allovvdng your bait to nearly
touch the ground.
" I shall now describe a method of bottom-fishing, with a
bait which I have found, in certain situations and seasons,
more successful than any other. The same tackle may be
used as before described for the gentle, i. e. a fine gut bot-
tom, with hook No. 10, and a small quill float, cari-ymg one
or two small shot-corns.
" Procure a wide-necked bottle, and fill it with blue
bottle-flies, or the flies caught on newly scattered cow or
horse-dung, and with two of these flies bait your hook, and
THE TROUT. 91
let it nearly touch the ground In this manner I have caught
many fine trout in mill-dams, ponds, and deep quiet waters,
during July and August, when not a single fish would rise at
any kind of artificial fly which could be offered. I have never
seen the method described by any author on the subject, but
I can with confidence recommend it to my brothers of the
angle, at those times when the usual baits fail to procure a
dish of fish.
" When you have struck a good fish, keep him as near
the top of the water as possible, and carry him down the
stream above the weeds, and, if you succeed in getting him
into clear water, with a little care he is your own."
Cotton gives the following method of angling by the hand
with a ground bait: " And by much the best of all other, is
with a line full as long, or a yard longer than your rod; with
no more than one hair* next the hook, and for two or three
lengths above it; and no more than one small pellet of shot
for your plumb ; your hook little ; your worms of the smaller
brandlings, very well scoured ; and only one upon your hook
at a time, which is thus to be baited : The point of your
hook is to be put in at the very tag of his tail, and run up his
body quite over all the arming, and still stripped on an inch
at least upon the hair; the head remaining part hanging
downward. And with this line and hook, thus baited, you
are evermore to angle in the streams, always in a clear rather
than a troubled water, and always up the river, still casting
out your worm before you with a light one-handed rod, like
an artificial fly, where it will be taken, sometimes at the top,
or within a very littie of the superficies of the water, and
almost always before that light plumb can sink it to the bot-
tom ; both by reason of the stream, and also that you must
always keep your worm in motion by drawing still back
* If the American Angler prefer any of Walton's or Cotton's instruc-
tions, be should in all cases use fine gut, instead of hair as described.
92
THE TROUT.
'A
towards you, as if you were angling with a fly. And believe
me, whoever will try, shall find this the best way of all others
to angle with a worm, in a bright water especially ; but then
his rod must be very light and pliant, and very true and finely
made, which, with a skilful hand will do wonders, and in a
clear stream is undoubtedly the best way of angling for a
trout or grayling, with a worm, by many degrees, that any
man can make choice of, and of most ease and delight to the
Angler. To which let me add, that if the Angler be of a
constitution that will suffer him to wade, and will slip into
the tail of a stream, to the calf of the leg or the knee, and so
keep off the bank, he shall almost take what fish he pleases.''
The following pertinent remarks for clear weather, from
Blaine, should have place in the memory of every lover of
trout angling :
" Trout are to be taken in clear weather, when they wdll
not touch either minnow or fly ; and there is certainly more
art and sportsmanship in fishing with the worm at that time,
than some people imagine or acknowledge. When to the
advantage of bright weather are added those of clear and
shallow streams, much artifice must be employed. Your
tackle very fine, your hook small, (No. 5, 6, or 7,) and your
baits well scoured and lively. A wheel will enable you to
vary the length of your line as occasion dictates ; and though
in general it must be as long or longer than your rod, yet
where there is wood, &c. <&c., you may by shortening it, get
at the holes, and still contrive to keep out of sight, for com-
pletely so to be must never be forgotten — ^kneel, stoop or
stand — out of sight you must be ; and then if you can lightly
and neatly drop in a lively brandling, near the likely holds or
haunts in a strong stream, especially near the top of it, let the
sun sliine ever so bright, be the wind rough or calm, and the
water ever so clear, you will kill fish when they are not to be
taken by any other mode."
THK TROUT. 98
Franks gives the following pleasant mode of killing a trout
which is well worthy of repetition :
"And now, Theophilus, I must reprove your precipitancy,
because a great error in young Anglers; be mindful, there-
fore, to observe directions in handling and managing your
rod and line, and cautiously keeping out of sight; all of which
precautions are requisite accomplishments, which of necessity
ought to be understood by ever^ ingenious Angler ; and so
is that secret of striking, which should never be used with
violence, because by a moderate touch, and a slender pro-
portion of strength, the artist for the most part hath best
success. Another caution you must take along with yc ft ;
I mean when you observe game to make out, that is, when
he bolts, or when he launcheth himself to the utmost extent
of your rod and line, which a well-fed fish at all times, fre-
quently attempts, upon the least advantage he gains of the
Angler; be mindful, therefore, to throw him line enough, if,
provided, you purpose to see his destruction ; yet with this
caution, that you be not too liberal. On the other hand, too
straight a line brings equal hazard, so that to poise your fish
and your foresight together, as by keeping one eye at the
point of your rod, and the other be sure you direct on your
game, which comes nearest the mediums of art, and the rules
and rudiments of your precedent directions. But this great
round may be easily solved, for if when you discover your
fish fag his fins, you may rationally conclude he then struggles
with death, and then is your time to triffle him on shore on
some smooth shelf of sand, where you may boldly land him,
before his scales encumber the soil.
" Lest precipitancy spoil sport, I'll preponder my rudi-
ments and prognosticate, here's a fish, or something like it,
a fair hansel for a foolish fisher. This capering, for aught I
know, may cost him his life, for I resolve to hold his nose
to the grindstone : dance on and die, that is the way to yom-
94
THE TROUT.
silent sepulchre, for upon that silty, gravelly, shelf of sand I
resolve to land him, or lose all I have. And now I fancy him
weary of life, as aged people that are weary of infirmities, yet
I want courage to encounter him, lest fearing to lose him,
which if I do I impair my reputation. However, here is
nobody but trees to reprove me, except these rocks, and
they tell no tales. Well, then, as he wants no agility to
evade me, I'll endeavor v(^ith activity to approach him, so
that the difference between us will be only this, that he covets
acquaintance with but one element, and I would compel him
to examine another. Now he runs to divert me or himself,
but I must invite him nearer home, for I fancy none such
distance.
" Though his fins fag, and his tail wriggles, his strength
declines, his gills look languid, and his mettle declineth — all
of which interpret tokens of submission — still, the best news
I bring him is summons of death. Yet, let not my rashness
pre-engage me to the loss of my game, for, to neglect my ru-
diments is to ruin my design, which in plain terms, is the
ruin I f this resolute fish, who, seemingly, now measures and
mingles his proportion with more than one element, and,
doomed to a trance, he prostrates himself on the surface of
the calms, dead to my apprehension, save only I want credit
to believe him dead, when, calling to mind my former pre-
cipitancy, that invited me to a loss, and so this adventure may
prove, if I look not well about me, to land and strand him on
that shelf of sand, where I resolve with my rod to survey his
dimensions Welcome on shore, my languishing combatant,
if only to entertain my friend Arnoldus."
The following beautiful lines from the poet and fisherman
Gay, " r?wi " directly from the '' reel " of his imagination,
and from the crystal " waters ^^ of the fount of inspiration;
every " line " '• plumbed " to the nicety of a " hair,''^ the
" point " needs but the aid of the ^*fly " press of the printer
THE TROUT. 95
and the " east " of the founder, to stereotype on, or caose it
to " vorm " itself into, the " gentle " affections of every true
piscatorial sportsman, and make it ever ''jioat " around the
" net "-work of his memory, giving him " buoyancy " of
spirit, a "/uW length " of courage, and a " mess " of patience,
sufficient to make him master of his " rod,:'
" He lifts his silver fills above the flood,
And greedily sucks in th' unfaithful food,
Then downward plunges with the fraudful prey,
And bears with joy the little spoil away ;
Soon, in smart pain, he feels the dire mistake,*
Lashes thp wave, and beats the foamy lake
With sudden rage he now aloft appears.
And in his eye convulsive anguish bears ;
And now again, impatient of the wound,
He rolls, and writhes his straining body round.
Then headlong shoots beneath the dashing tide.
The trembling fins the boiling wave divide :
Now hope exalts the fisher's beating heart,
Now, he turns pale, and fears his dubious art;
He views the trembling fish wiih longing eyes.
While the line stretches with the unwieldly prize;
Each motion humors with his steady hands.
And one slight hair the mighty bulk commands ;
Till tired at last, despoil'd of all his strength.
The game athwart the stream unfolds his length ;
He now, with pleasure, views the gasping prize
Gnash his sharp teeth, and roll his blood-shot eyes ;
Then draws him to the shore, with artful care,
And lifts his nostrils in the sichening air;
Upon the burden'd stream he floating lies.
Stretches his quivering fins, and gasping dies."
Holo to Cook a Trout. As the sportsman, after a few
aours diversion and toil, often needs a littie refreshment, and
as a meal of hi^ own providing is generally ate with more zest
and satisfaction, he should be possessed of the proper inform
ation, either to prepare, or direct the preparation, of his re
96
THE TROUT.
past. Barker, before spoken of, gives the following approv
ed methods, which will be found sufficiently epicurean to
tickle the palate of the most dainty, or to bi-ing into requisi
tion the talent of a most finished Parisian cook.
*' We must have one dish of broyled trouts ; when the en-
trails are taken out, you must cut them across the side ; being
washed clean, you must take some sweet herbs, thyme, sweet
marjoram, and parsley, chopped small, the trouts being cut
somewhat thick, and fill the cuts full with the chopped herbs ;
then make your gridiron fit to put them on, being well cooled
with rough-suet ; then lay the trouts on a charccJ fire, and
baste them with fresh butter until you think they are well
broyled. The sauce must be butter and vinegar, and the
yolk of an egg beaten ; then beat it altogether, and put it on
the fish for the service.
'' The best dish of stewed fish that ever I heard com-
mended of the English, was dressed in this way: first, they
were broyled on a charcoal fire, being cut on the sides as
fried trouts; then the stew-pan was taken, and set on a
chafing-dish of coles ; there was put into the stew-pan half a
pound of sweet butter, one pennyv^orth of beaten cinnamon,
a little vinegar ; when all was melted, the fish was put into
the pan, and covered with a covering-plate, so kept stewing
half an hour ; being turned, then taken out of the stew-pau
and dished ; be sure to beat your sauce before you put it on
your fish; then squeeze a lemon on your fish : it was the best
dish of fish that ever I heard commended by noblemen and
gentlemen. This is our English fashion. The Italian, he
stews upon a chafing-dish of coles, with white wine, cloves,
and mace, nutmegs sliced, and a little ginger ; you must un-
derstand, when this fish is stewed, the same liquor the fish
is stewed in must be beaten with some sweet butter and the
juice of a lemon before it is dished for the service.
" The French doth add to this a slice or two of bacon.
THE TROUT.
S>7
Though I have been no traveller, 1 may speak of it, for 1 have
been admitted into the most ambassadors' kitchens that have
come into England this forty years, and do wait on them still,
at the Lord Protector's charge, and I am duly paid for it ;
sometimes I see slovenly scullions abuse good fish most
grossly.
" We must have a trout-pie to eat hot, and another to eat
cold : the first thing you must gain must be a peck of the
best wheaten flour, two pounds of butter, two quarts of milk,
new from the cow, half a dozen of eggs to make the paste.
Where I was bom there is not a girl of ten years of age, but
can make a pie. For one pie, the trouts shall be opened, and
the guts taken out, and cleaned, and washed; seasoned with
pepper and salt, then laid in the pie ; half a pound of currants
put among the fish, with a pound of sweet butter cut in
[neces and set on the fish, so close it up ; when it is baked
ind come out of the oven, pour into the pie three or four
>poonsfull of claret wine, so dish it up and send it to the table.
These trouts shall cut close and moist.
" For the other pie, the trouts shall be boyled a little ; it
nWII make the fish rise, and eat more crisp; season them with
[tepper and salt, and lay them in the pie; you must put
more butter in this pie than the other, for this will keep, and
must be filled up with butter when it cometh forth of the
oven."
A common mode of cooking the trout, is by cutting them,
as before directed by Barker, seasoning them well with salt
and pepper, dredging them with oat meal or wheat flour, and
frying them in butter.
Another method is to cut them in two, sprinkle with a
small quantity of Cayenne pepper, a due proportion of salt,
and broil them.
Of the Artificial Fly. The idea of having flies for every
98
THE TROUT.
month in the year, is long since exploded, and although some
authors in England still arrange them according to the months,
it is found that they cannot be depended upon as a certainty.
Walton, one of the first authors who arranged them in this
manner, in his preface has these remarks : " That whereas
it is said by many, that in fly-fishing for trout, the Angler
must observe his twelve several flies for the twelve months
of the year ; I say, he that follows that rule shall be as sure
to catch fish, and be as wise as he that makes hay by the fair
days in an almanac, auid no surer ; for those very flies that
used to appear about and on the water in one month of the
year, may, the following year, come almost a month sooner
or later, as the same year proves colder or hotter ; but for
the generality, three or four flies, neatly and rightly made,
and not too big, serve for a trout in most rivers all the sum-
mer ; and for winter, fly-fishing is as useful as an almanac out
of date."
Barker gives his instructions in his favorite vein, thus :
A brother of the angle must always be sped
With three black Palmers, and also three red ;
And all made with hackles. In a cloudy day
Or in windy weather, angle you may.
But morning and evening, if the day be bright ;
And the chief point of all is to keep out of sight-
' In the month of May, none but the May -fly,
For every month one,' i? a pitiful lie.
The hawthorn-fly must be very small ;
And the sandy hog's-hair is, sure, best of all
(For the mallard-wing May-fly, and peacock's train,
Win look like the flesh-fly) to kill trout amain.
The oak-fly* is good if it have a brown wing,
So is the grasshopper, that in July doth sing ;
* The oak-fly is also known in England by the names of the asb-ti7,
the woodcock fly, and the cannon, or downhill-fly.
THE TROOT. 99
With a green body make him, on a middle sized hook^
But when you have catch'd fish, then play the good cook.
" Once more, my good brother, I'll speak in thy ear ;
Hog's, red cow's, and bear's wool to float best appear ;
And so doth your fur, if it rightly fall ;
But always remember, make two, and make alL"
It woiild be equally absurd to name any precise desorip-
tion of fly for any particular mouth in this cc ontry, and per-
haps more so, as our weather is more changeable than that
of any part of Europe.
There are many kinds of flies used both here and in Eng-
land, but two descriptions have the preference, and accom-
pany all Anglers as the universal fly, and are consequently
necessary requisites to a well arranged Fly- Angler's estab-
lishment. The Red Hackle, or Soldier Palmer, and the
Black Ha<:kU, or Black Palmer, are " the Flie$" They are
both made in a variety of ways, with difierent colored bodies,
but with the same kind of hackle or legs. The most killing
kind of the red hackle is made with a red worsted or mohair
body, wound around with gold twist. The black hackle is
used more particularly in very bright days, when the sun
shines unobscured by clouds. Lt is made with black worsted
body, and a black cock's hackle for legs ; the body is some-
times wound with silver twist, which in many streams, at
certain times, offers additional attractions to the dainty sub-
ject of our discourse. They are both made in various ways
and of various sizes, and are known under different names.
The body of the red hackle is sometimes made with crimson,
black, yellow, green, and various other hues of worsted, for
bodies; the black, also, with red, white, green, and other
colors intermingled. They are also made under different
names with and without wings.
The White Hackle, or Miller, \a a good fly in dark, low-
ering days. It is made with a white worsted body, and
100
THE TROUT.
white dog's hair for legs, and is sometimes varied with a dark
colored or gold twist ; also, sometimes with wings and some-
times without. The Green Drake is also considered a good
fly in some streams. It is made with a yellow floss silk or
worsted body, wound with a red or ginger hackle for legs,
and dark yellow or light green parrot feather for wings.
As there are no particular names given to the different
varieties of flies with us, the following list from Hofland, will
be of assistance to the American fly-fisher, in making up his
book of flies.
The Chantrey. It takes its name from being a favorite
of Sir Francis Chantrey, the celebrated sculptor. Body,
copper-colored peacock's herl, ribbed with gold twist ; legs,
a black hackle ; wings, partridge or brown hen's feather, or
pheasant's tail. Hook No. 9 or 10.
Hofland'' s Fancy. Body, reddish, dark brown silk ; legs,
red hackle ; wings, woodcock's wing ; tail, two or three
strands of red hackle. Hook No. 10.
March Brown, also called the Dun Drake. Body, fur of
the hare's ear, ribbed with olive silk ; legs, partridge hackle;
wings, tail feather of the partridge ; tail, two or three strands
of the partridge hackle Hook No. 8 or 9.
Blue Dun. Body, dubbed with water-rat's fur, and rib-
bed with yellow silk ; legs, a dun hen's hackle ; wings from
the feather of the starling's v^ring ; tail, two strands of a griz-
zle cock's hackle. Hook No. 10.
Carshalton. Body, black silk, ribbed with silver twist,
legs, a dark grizzle hackle ; wings, the dark feather of the
stai'ling's wing, made spare and short. Hook No. 10.
Carshalton Cocktail. A dun fly. Body, light blue fur ;
legs, dark dun hackle ; wings, the inside feather of a teal's
wing ; tail, two fibres of a white cock's hackle. Hook No. 9
or 10.
S^fcg^
THE TROUT. 101
The Pale Yellow Dun. A very killing fly. Body, yellow
mohair, or mailin's pale yellow fur, tied with yellow silk ;
wings, the lightest part of a feather from a young starling's
wing. Hook No. 12.
The Orange Dun. Body, red squirrel's fur, ribbed with
gold thread ; legs, red hackle ; wings from the starling's
wing ; tail, two fibres of red cock's hackle. Hook No. 9.
The Coachman. Body, copper-colored peacock's herl;
legs, red hackle; wings, from landrail. Hook No. 8.
Covj-Dung Fly. Useful chiefly in dark, windy weather.
Body, dull lemon colored mohair ; legs, red hackle ^;ymig8,
from feathers of the landrail or starling's wing. Hook No. 8
or 9.
The Harems Ear Dun. Body, the fur of the hare's ear ;
wings, the feather from a stai-ling's wing; tail, two fibres of
the brown feather of a starling's wing. Hook No. 10, some-
times dressed without the wisk or tail.
Edmonson's Welsh Fly. Body, -dull orange mohair; legs,
the back feather of a partndge ; wings, the feathers from a
woodcock's wing, or the tail of a hen grouse. Hook No. 8.
The Kingdom or Kindon. Body, pale yellow silk, rib-
bed with crimson silk ; legs, black hackle ; wings, the feather
of a woodcock's wing. Hook No. 9.
Brown Shiner. This is a hackle fly. Body, peacock's
aerl, twisted spare, with a grouse hackle over it.
Gravel or Spider-fly. Body, water-rat's fur ; legs, black
hackle ; wings, the feather from the rump of a partridge.
Also made with a dark dun hackle. Hook No. 10 or 11.
The Iron Blue Body, the fur of the water-rat; legs, a
light dun hackle ; wings, the tail feather of a tom-tit, or of an
American robin.
The Great Red Spinner, may be used as an evening fly
Body, hog's wool, red
102
THE TROUT.
and brown, mixed with gold twist ; legs, bright red cock's
hackle ; wings, the light feather of the starling's wing ; tail,
three strands of a red cock's hackle. Hook No. 7.
Black Gnat. Body, black hackle, or ostrich herl, tied
with black silk ; wings, the feather from a starling's wing.
Hook No. 13.
Wren Tail. An excellent killer in small bright streams,
is always dressed as a hackle fly. Body, dark orange silk,
with wings and legs of a wi-en's tail. Although the feathers
of a wren's tail cannot be properly called hackles, they are
here used as such, and this remark will apply to other feath-
ers similarly employed. Hook No. 12.
The Bracken Clock. A kind of beetle. Body, peacock's
herl, dressed full, and tied with purple sUk ; wings, feather
of a pheasant's breast. Hook No. 9 or 10.
Red Ant, in imitation of the small red ant. Body, pea-
cock's herl, made fuU at the tail, and spare toward the head ;
legs, red or ginger cock's hackle; wings, from the light
feather of the starhng's wing. Hook No. 9 or 10. By sub-
stituting ostrich herl for peacock's herl, and a black hackle
instead of a red one, the black ant may be imitated.
The Sand Fly. Body, the fur from a hare's neck twisted
round silk of the same color ; legs, a ginger hen's hackle ;
wings, the feather from the landrail's wing. Hook No. 9.
The Stone Fly. One of the larger kind of flies used in
windy weather. Body, fur of the hare's ear, mixed with
brown and yellow mohair, and ribbed with yellow silk, the
yellow color towards the tail ; legs, a brownish red hackle ;
wings j the dark feather of the mallard's wing ; tail, two or
three fibres of the mottled feather of the partridge. Hook
No. 6.
Alder Fly. Body, peacock's herl, tied with dark brown
silk ; legs, coch-a-bonddu hackle; wings, the.brown speckled
feather of a mallard's back. Hook No. 8. Sometimes dress-
THE TROUT.
103
ed ou a No. 6 or 7 hook, and winged with the red ramp
feallier of a pheasant, when it is found excellent as a lake fly,
Oreen Drake. Body, yellow floss silk, ribbed with brown
silk, the extreme head and tail coppery peacock's herl ;
legs, a red or ginger hackle; wings, the mottled wing of th
mallard, stained olive ; tail or whisk, three hairs from a rab-
bit's whiskers. Hook No. 6. The natm-al fly appears in
May and June, in such vast numbers that the trout become
glutted with them, and grow fat upon their good living.
Sometimes preferred dressed on a No. 4 or 5 hook.
Grey Drake. Body, white floss silk, ribbed with dark
brown or mulberry colored silk; head, and top of the tail,
peacock's herl ; legs, a grizzle cock's hackle ; wings, a mal-
lard's mottled feather, made to stand upright; tail, three
whiskers of a rabbit.
The Black Palmer. This is a standard fly, and its merits
are too well known to need a description. It is a valuable
drop-fly in dark, rainy, or windy weather, and in full water.
Body, ostrich's herl, ribbed with silver twist, and a black
cock's hackle over all.
The Soldier Palmer. This fly, and its varieties, may be
considered the most general fly on the list, and many An-
irlers never fit up a fly-book without having a red hackle of
bome kind for a drop-fly. The one given as a specimen may
1)6 used with success for large trout, and a strong water ; but
for a bright stream a smaller hook must be adopted, and the
fly must be more spai'e of hackle ; and, should the water be
very clear, the gold twist had better be omitted, and a spare
hackle be tied with red twist ; another variety, is the using
a black hackle for the head of the fly, body red mohair, or
squirrel's fur, ribbed with gold twist, and red cock's hackle
over all.
The Governor. Body, coppery colored peacock's herl.
ribbed with gold twist, tipped with scarlet twist ; legs, red
104 THE TROUT.
or ginger hackle ; wings, the light part of a pheasant's wing.
Hook No. 9.
Coch-a-bonddu. This fly is a well known favorite
throughout the United Kingdom, though not always under the
same name. The cock that furnishes the peculiarly mixed
deep and red black feather, necessary to make this fly, is in
great estimation. Body, peacock's herl ; legs and wings, red
and black, or coch-a-bonddu hackle. Hook No. 8 or 9. For
clear streams it is dressed on a No. 12 hook.
The Yellow Sally. Body, pale yellow fur, or mohair,
ribbed with fawn colored silk ; legs, a ginger hackle ; wings,
a white hackle, died yellow. Hook No. 9.
Ginger Hackle. Body, short and spare, of yellow silk ;
legs and wings, a ginger hackle. Hook No. 8.
Grouse Hackle. Body, varied to the water and season,
such as peacock's herl, orange silk, &c. ; legs and wings, a
grouse hackle. Hook from No. 8 to 12.
The Dotteril Hackle. Body made of yellow silk ; legs
and wings from the feather of a dotteril. Hook from No. 6
to 12. This is an excellent fly, and in the north parts of
England considered superior even to the red hackle.
The Water Cricket. Body, orange floss silk, tied on with
black silk ; legs, are made best with peacock's topping : if
this cannot be easily procured, a black cock's hackle will
answer the purpose. Either of these must be wound all
down the body, and the fibres then snapped off.
The Blue-Bottle Fly. Body, dark blue floss silk, tied
with brown silk ; legs, a cock's black hackle ; wings, feather
of the starling's wing. Hook No. 9 to 12.*
Common House-Fly . Body, ostrich herl, rather full ; legs,
a black hackle ; wings, the feather of the starling's wing.
* The sizes of hooks used by Hofland are entirely too small for the
majority of our streams. Where a hook No. 9 or 10 is recommended.
No. 4 or 5 should be used. Those spoken of by Blaine are more suitable.
TH£ TROUT.
105
The following night, and other flies, are from Blaine :
7^e Mealy White Moth. Upper wings, the dappled light
feather of the mallard, or any very light clear colored feather;
under wings, the soft mealy feather of a white owl, or in de-
fault, any soft white feather; body, white rabbit's fur or
white ostrich herl, dressed full, and exhibiting a brown head ;
legs, a white cock's hackle, carried two or three turns only
behind the wings. Hook No. 3, 4 or 5.
The Mealy Brown Moth. Upper wings, the dappled
feather of a mallard, dyed a reddish brown; under wings,
the soft feather of a brown owl, or a soft reddish feather or
two from the landrail ; body, any soft brown fur, as of the
hare, brown hog's down, bear's fur, and the nearest the
shade is to tan the better, to be dressed moderately full and
long; legs, a brown cock's hackle, carried one turn beyond
that of the preceding fly. Hook No. 3, 4 or 5.
The Mealy Cream Moth. Upper wings, the cream color-
ed feather of the gray owl ; under wings, the soft feathers of
the same a shade lighter; body, any dubbing or fur of a cream
color; legs, a ginger hackle, wrapped three times. Hook No
4, 5, or 6.
The Evening White-Winged Harl Fly. Wings, of a
white fowl's feather; body, peacock's herl, dressed full and
short; legs, a very minute portion of red hackle. Hook
No. 5, 6, 7, or 8.
The Humble Bee. Wings, of the cock black-bird, to lie
flat; body, fore part dubbed with black glossy mohair or fur;
hinder part of a deep orange ; legs, dress two-thirds of the
body with a brown hackle. Hook No. 3 or 4.
The Large Blow, or Flesh-Fly. Wings, any transparent
looking feather, to be dressed flat ; body, dubbed with black
bear's fur, and a very small portion of glossy purple mohair
with it, tied with silk of the same. Dress the body full, and
pick out the dubbing to make it look rough ; legs, a very dark
106
THE TROUT.
brown or black hackle, dressed two turns only behind the
wings.
The Hazle Fly, or Lady Bird, crustaceous wings. A
smaU stumpy portion of the red feather of a partridge's tail
or landrail's wing, to be dressed extended; under wing,
transparent looking feather of a hen black-bird, rather longer
than the former, to be dressed thin, and rather less extended ;
body, dubbed thick and round with dark purple mohair, and
a small quantity of brown fur intermingled, which, when
picked out, form the legs. Hook No. 7 or 8.
The Orl Fly. Wings, a brown hen's or a landrail s rud-
dy feather, to be dressed long and close to the back ; body,
ribbed alternately with dark brown and orange dubbing, add-
ing antennae, or horns ; legs, a grizzle cock's hackle. Hook
No. 6 or 7.
Cinnamon Fly, or Fetid Light Brown. Wings of a ruddy
cream color, from the feather of the landrail, or any other of
a flame color, to be dressed long, large, and flat; body, seal's
fur of the natural hue; legs, a reddish brown ha,ckle. Hook
No. 6.
There are many other flies not enumerated in the fore-
going lists, which the trout will occasionally fancy. On this
subject, Blaine says :
" The number of artificial flies required for the practice
of fly-fishing, is very differently estimated by different wri-
ters. The angling patriarch Walton, gives a list of twelve
* reasonable flies,' which his friend Cotton judiciously dou-
bled. The experience of a century and a half has since
greatly increased the list, as more extended observation
proved the universaHty of appetite in fish for the insect race.
It appears, therefore, strangely extraordinary to find a writer
of such credit as Salter, contracting the required numbers
into the confined limits of Red and Black Palmers, Red and
Black Hackles, Ant-flies, the May-fly, Stone-fly, Gnats, a Red
THE TROUT. 107
Spinner, and a Moth ! A fly-book bo furnished, might secure
a medley of roach, dace, chub, and a few unhappy trout,
which had strayed out of bounds ; but the exhibition of both
bait and fish would not be very creditable to the professed
fly-fisher. We have no doubt that many of the flies which
the books of some excellent Anglers contain, are seldom
called into action ; but as they are when collected not very
cumbrous in carriage, eat and drink nothing, and may now
and then suit the ' lucky occasion,' we see no disadvantage,
but approve the judgment of those Anglers in being funushed
with them. In our own fishing practice, we have met with
numerous gratifying proofs of the benefit of an ample store ;
but infinitely more have we felt the benefit arising from our
ability to increase our stock from our own resources, when-
ever we found occasion so to do.
Many of the flies mentioned will be found useful to
the Angler in this country. They may be had at the regular
tackle stores, can be made to order, or procured from
England. Some difficulty may arise should the sportsman
wish to make his o^\^l flies, in procuring the exact feathers
and materials as described, but similar feathers can be taken
from many of our birds, or can be dyed the same colors,
which will answer every purpose.
Although flies of every description can be procured in the
principal cities, there are many in distant parts of the country
who w\]l not be able to procure them at all. Besides, the
most skilful fisher may have the misfortune to lose his best
flies at the beginning of a day s sport, and it would be well,
therefore, for eveiy brother of this branch of angling to be
always ready with his materials and his knowledge for mak-
ing the artificial fly. In fact, it is the practice of many An-
glers, always to examine the waters and shake the boughs of
the trees, to procure the latest insect that will most probably
X08 THE TROUT.
fall a prey to the voracious trout, and imitate natiu-e's handi
work on the spot.
Gay, the celebrated poet, who was a great proficient in
fly-fishing, in his " Rural Sports,'' gives the following beauti-
ful description of fly-making:
" He shakes the boughs that on the margin grow
Which o'er the stream a waving forest throw.
When, if an insect fall, (his certain guide,)
He gently takes him from the whirling tide,
Examines well his form with curious eyes.
His gaudy vest, his wings, his horns, his size :
Then round the hook the chosen fur he winds,
And on the back a speckled feather binds ;
So just the colors shine in every part.
That nature seems to live again in art."
And also —
«* To frame the little animal provide
All the gay hues that wait on female pride :
Let nature guide thee ; sometimes golden wire
The shining bellies of the fly require ;
The peacock's plumes thy tackle must nc-t fa'-l.
Nor the dear purchase of the sable's tail ;
Each gaudy bird some slender tribute brings,
And lends the glowing insect proper wings ;
Silks of all colors must their aid impart.
And every fur promote the fisher's art :
So the gay lady, with expensive care.
Borrows the pride of land, of sea, of air ;
Furs, pearls, and plumes, the glittering thing displays,
Dazzles our eyes, and easy hearts betrays."
The following different directions, by various authors,
will enable the reader to select a method suited to his own
taste, by which with a little practice and perseverance, he can
THE TROUT.
1U9
succeed in forming flies suitable for his different fishing-
grounds, with very little trouble.
Hoto to make the Artificial Winged PZy^Hofland.) —
" There are several modes adopted in making the artificial
fly ; one is to tie the wings on the hook, in the natural pesi-
tion, in the first instance ; another method is, to place the
feathers for the wings in a reverse position, in the first in-
stance, and naturally afterwards; anJ the third and last way,
is to tie the wings on the hook, afler the body is made, instead
of beginning the fly with them.
" The most expeditious way of completing a number of
flies, is to have e\ery necessary material arranged immediately
under your eye, and every article separate and distinct ; all
the hooks, gut, or hair, wings, hackle, dubbing, silk, and wax,
ready assorted and prepared for instant use. The hooks re-
quire to be sized for your different flies; the gut requires the
most careful examination and adjustment; the hackles have
to be stripped, and the dubbing to be well mixed ; the silk
assorted, and to be of the finest texture ; and the wings to be
tied the length of the hook they are to be fastened to, in or-
der that the fibres of the feather may be all brought into the
small compass of the hook. This previous trouble not only
saves time, but insures a degree of neatness that is otherwise
almost unattainable.
" The tying of the wings is thus performed : a piece of
well waxed silk is laid in a noose on the fore-finger of the left
hand, the wings or feathers are put on the under part of the
noose, and at the distance of the length of the wing required ;
the thumb is then applied closely to the feather, and with one
end of the noose in the mouth and the other in the right hand,
the noose is drawn quite tight, and the silk is then cut within
an inch of the knot, to leave a handle by which to hold the
wing. If the thumb is not closely pressed, the feathers will
be pulled away.
110
THE TROUT.
" First Method — How to make the Fly with the Wings in
the natural position in the first instance. Hold the hook by
the bend, with the point downwards, between the fore-finger
and thumb of the left hand; with your waxed silk in your
right hand, give one or two turns round the bare hook, about
midway ; lay the end of the gut along the upper side of the
hook, (if tied on the under side, the fly will not swim true,
but continually revolve,) wrap the silk firmly until you get
within a few turns of the top ; you then take the wings, lay
them along the shank with the right hand, and hold them
firmly in their place to the hook with the left hand. Next,
tie the feather tightly at the point of contact, with two or
three turns ; cut off' the superfluous ends of the feather, and
tying the head of the fly very firmly, you carry the silk around
the gut beyond the head, that the end of the hook may not
chafe, or cut away the gut ; then retrace the silk, until you
come to the tying on of the wings. Divide the wings equally,
and carry the silk through the division alternately, two or
three times, to keep the wings distinct from each other. Now
prepare the hackle, by drawing back the fibres, and by hav-
ing two or three less on the butt, on the side of the feather
that comes next the hook, that it may revolve without twist-
ing away. Tie the butt-end of the hackle close to the wings,
having its upper or dark side to the head of the fly. The
Scotch reverse this, and tie the hackle with its under side to-
the head ; and likewise strip the fibres entirely off* that side
which touches the hook. Take the dubbing between the
fore-finger and the thumb of the right hand, twist it very
thinly about your silk, and carry it around the hook as far as
you intend the hackle or legs to be carried, and hold it be-
tween the fore-finger and thumb of the left hand, or fasten it.
Then, with your plyers, carry the hackle around your hook,
close under the wings, and down to where you have brought
your silk and dubbing, then continue to finish your body, by
THE TROUT. Ill
carrying over the end of the hackle; and when you have
niude the body of sufficient length, fasten off by bringing
tlie silk twice or thrice loosely around the hook, and passing
the end through the coils, to" make all tight.
" Some finish the body of this fly thus : — when the hackle
is fastened, after it has made the legs of the fly, the bare silk
is carried to the end of the intended body ; dubbing is then
carried up to the legs and there fastened.
" Second Method. This manner of proceeding differs
from the first in fixing on of the wings. When you have
fastened the gut and hook together, to the point where the
wings are to be tied, apply the wings to the hook, with the
butt of the feather lying uppermost; when the wings are well
fastened, pull them back into their natural position ; and
when the head of the fly is finished, pass the silk alternately
through the wings ; and, having your silk well tied to the
roots of the wings, (and not over the roots,) the fly is to be
completed, as in the first method, having cut off the roots of
the feather."
How to make the Hackle or Palmer Fly. — (Kennie.) —
" Hold your hook in a horizontal position, with the shank
downwards, and the bent of it between the fore-finger and
thumb of your left hand ; and having a fine bristle, or strand
of silk-worm gut, and other materials, lying by you, take half
a yai-d of red marking silk, well waxed, and with your right
hand give it four or five turns about the shank of the hook,
inclining the turns to the right hand ; when you are near the
shank, turn it into such a loop as you are hereafter directed
to make for fastening off, and draw it tight, leaving the ends
of the silk to hang down at each end of the hook. Having
singed the end of yom- bristle, lay the same along the inside
of the shank of the hook, as low as the bent, and whip four
or five times round ; then singing the other end of the bristle
to a fit length, turn it over to the back of the shank, and,
8
in
THE TROUT.
pinching it into a proper form, whip down and fasten off as
before directed, which will bring both ends of the silk into
the bent. After you have waxed your silk again, take three
or four strands of ostrich feather, and holding them and the
bent of your hook as at first directed, the feathers to your left
hand and the roots in the bent of your hook, with that end
of the silk which you have just now waxsd, whip them three
or four times round and fasten off; then turning the feathers
to the right, and twistmg them and the silk with your fore-
finger and thumb, wind them round the shank of the hook,
still supplying the short strands with new ones, as they fail,
till you come to the end and fasten off. When you have so
done, clip off the ends of the feathers and trim the body of
the palmer small at the extremity, and full in the middle, and
wax both ends of your silk, which are now divided, and lie
at either end of the hook.
" Lay your work by you ; and taking a strong bold hackle,
with fibres about half an inch long, straighten the stem care-
fully, and holding the small end between the fore-finger and
thumb of your left hand, with those of the right stroke the
fibres the contrary way to that which they naturally lie ; and
taking the hook, and holding it as before, lay the hackle into
the bent of the hook, with the hollow (which is the palest)
side upwards, and whip it very fast to its place; in doing
whereof, be careful not to tie in many of the fibres; or if
you should chance to do so, pick them out with the point of
a very large needle.
" When the hackle is thus made fast, the utmost care and
nicety is necessary in winding it on ; for if you fail in this,
your fly is spoiled, and you must begin all again : to prevent
whi-ch, keeping the hollow or pale side to your left hand, and
as much as possible the side of the stem down on the dubbing,
wind the hackle twice round; and holding fast what you
have so wound, pick out the loose fibres which you may have
THE TROUT. 113
taken in, and make another turn; then lay hold of the hacklft
with the third and fourth fingers of your left hand, with which
you may extend it while you disengage the loose fibres as
before.
" In this manner proceed till you come within an eighth
of an inch of the end of the shank, where you will find au
end of silk hanging, and by which time you will find the
fibres at the great end of the hackle something discomposed ;
clip these off close to the stem, and with the end oPyour mid-
dle finger press the stem close to the hook, while with the
fore-finger of your right hand, you turn the silk into a loop;
which when you have twice put over the end of the shank of
the hook, loop and all, your work is safe.
" Then wax that end of the silk which you now used, and
turn it over as before, till you have taken up nearly all that
remained of the hook, observing to lay the turns neatly side
by side; and lastly clip off the ends of the silk."
On making the Palmer or Hackle-Fly, with the cock^s or
hen^s feathers, Hofland remarks, " is simply as described in
the fore-named methods, (pages 110 and 111,) by twisting on
the legs and body, taking care that the hackle has fibres as
long as, or rather longer than, the hook it is to be twisted
upon.
" But in making hackle-flies with birds' feathers, such as
those of the snipe, dotteril, &c., the feather is prepared by
stripping off the superfluous parts at the butt-end, then draw-
ing back a sufficient quantity of fibre to make the fly ; take
the feather by the root and point, with both hands, (ha\'ing
its outside uppermost,) and put the whole of the fibres into
your mouth, and wet them, that they adhere together back
to back. When the gut is fastened to the hook, you must tie
on the feather near to the head of the hook, and the feather
may be tied either at the butt-eud or point ; then twist the
feather twice or thrice round the hook, and fasten it by one
114
THE TROUT.
-r^
[^-_
-^
ra^
- ~
or more loops ; the fibres of the feather will then lie the re-
verse way, cut off the superfluous part of the feather, that
remains after tying, and twist on the body of the required
length; fasten by two loops, draw down the fibres of the
feather to the bend, and the fly is finished.
" If tinsel, or gold and silver twist be required for the
body of the fly, it must be tied on after the hackle, but car-
ried round the body before the hackle makes the legs. If
the tinsel be required only at the tail of the fly, it must be
tied on immediately after the gut and hook ai-e put together;
the hackle next, and then the body, &c.
" The choice of your fly must depend much upon the na
ture of the water you fish in, and the state of the weather ,
if the water be full, and somewhat colored, your flies may be
of the larger and darker kind ; if, on the contrary, the water
should be low and clear, and the day bright, your fly should
be dressed accordingly, i. e., it should be pale in color and
spare in the dressing."
Of the different Feathers spoken of. A very good imitar
tion of the starling's wing, which is a plain pale grey, can be
taken from the wing of a duck, and also from the wing and
tail of the black-bird. The mallard's wing, which is a light
grey feather, with black specks, can be nearly imitated by
the feather taken from the wing and shoulder of the common
drake, and also by some of the light colored feathers of the
game-hen. A similar to the landrail, which is a palish brown,
can be supplied from the woodcock or pheasant. The coch-
a-bonddu feather is neither more nor less than the black and
red feather of the cock.
V^ Of THE
unW
of
CAL'fO^
V4\&
CHAPTER VII.
OF TUK riK-E JACK, PICKEREL OR MUSCALINGA.
This, with the Trout, maybe cousidered the universal fish of
the world. It appears to inhabit the inland waters of all
uorthem countries. We read of them as far back as the
days of ancient Rome ; and they have been known in Ger-
many and Poland from time immemorial. A late writer on
Natural History in England, says that they were introduced
into that country in the year 1537, and that they were sold
for double the price of a lamb ; but the lady writer on angling,
Dame Julianna Bemers, who lived and wrote some time be-
fore the abovementioned year, (1496,) gives the following in-
structions for taking him, which rather tends to a different con-
clusion as to the period in which they were brought to that
country. " Take a codlynge hoke; and take a roche, or a
fresshe heeryng ; and a wyre with an hole in the ende, and pat
it in at the mouth and out at the taylle, down by the ridge of
the fresshe heerjTig ; and thenne put the line of your hoke in
after, and draw the hoke into the cheke of the fresshe heer
yng ; then put a plumbe of lede upon your line a yerde longe
116
THE PIKE, &C.
from your hoke, and a flote in mid way betweene ; and cast
it in a pytte where the pyke usyth ; and this is the beste and
moost surest crafte of takynge the pyke." In all probability
they are natives of England as well as other parts of Europe
He is certainly one of the oldest inhabitants of our own
country, as he was well known to the natives, and in some
parts is still called by the Indian name of Muscalinga. At all
events, he does not need such restrictions for his preservation
as were a short time since proposed in the Legislature of the
State of New-York, for the protection of carp in the Hudson
river. On a debate for the passage of a law to protect some
newly imported fish of the carp species, a Mr. Bloss said :
" that he was in favor of a term of naturalization, not over
five years, and so he would protect the fishy foreigner,
at least for that space of time." This well-timed joke caused
so much merriment and good feeling amongst the members
of the House, that the law of protection passed with but httie
opposition.
The pike is also called the Tyrant of the Waters, the Wolf-
Fish, and the Fresh Water Shark; and certainly, from his
ravenous disposition, he well deserves all these names; and
although not quite so voracious as that very peculiar bii-d,
that devoured the boards, shavings, and even the jack-planes
and hand-saws of the carpenter employed to fit up its cage,
still his masticatory apparatus must be very powerful, and
his digestive machinery equally strong, if all that is said of
him be true.
A thousand foes the finny people chase:
Nor are they safe from their own kindred race ;
The Pike, fell tyrant of the liquid plain,
With rav'nous waste devours his fellow train."
It is said that in Germany a mule, while drinking from ta
pond, was seized at the mouth by a large pike, and nearly
THE PIKE, AC. 117
drowned, but by the aid of an attendant, the mule succeeded
in getting his bead above water, and brought the pike on
shore, still clinging to his mouth. They have also been
known to devour young goslings, rats, and mice, and when
placed in ponds with other fish, have sometimes devoured
them all.
Smith relates the following story, which serves to show
the " ruling passion strong in death : " " A gentleman was
once angling for pike, and succeeded in taking a very large
one, at which time he was encountered by a shepherd t«nd
his dog. He made the man a present of his tish, and while
engaged in clearing his tackle, he saw the dog, who had for
some time been expressing his satisfaction by the most une-
quivocal signs, seat himself unsuspectingly, "with his tail at a
tempting proximity to the jaws of the pike, which suddenly
caught at it. It would be impossible to express the terror of
the dog, on finding such an appendage entailed upon him ;
he ran in every direction to free himself, but in vain, and at
last plunged into the stream as a last resource — but this was
equally fruitless. The hair had become so entangled in the
fish's teeth, that it could not release its hold ; accordingly, he
struggled over to the opposite side, now above and now be-
low the surface. Having landed, the dog made for his mas-
ter's cottage with all haste, where he was at length freed
from his unwilling persecutor; yet, notwithstanding the fa-
tigue the latter had endured, he actually seized and sunk his
teeth into a stick which was used to force open his jaws."
They are known to live to a very great age. A Russian
with an unpronounceable name,* makes mention of a pike
that lived to the age of ninety years ; and G^sner says, one
wag taken in a lake in Suabia, Germany,in 1479, haAong a
* Ab some of our readers may want our authority, and may be willing
to run the risk of breaking their jaws, we give the name, Rzacznshi.
118
THE PIKE, & C.
ring attached, stating that it had been placed there in the
year 1280, making its age 249 years. It weighed 350 pounds.
The identical ring is still preserved at Mauheim. On
drawing a pool near Newport, (Eng.) one was taken weigh
ing 170 pounds. They are said also to grow to a very large
size, and to live to a very great age in Persia.
"In 1801," says Blaine, " a hook, baited with a roach,
was set in the manor pond at Toddington, Bedfordshire ; the
next morning a large pike was caught, which with difficulty
was got out. It appeared that a pike of three eind a half
pounds weight was first caught, which was afterwards swal-
lowed by another weighing thirteen pounds and a half, and
both were taken.
"From the size of the fish which have occasionally been taken
from within them, there appears to be hardly any limit to then-
voracity. One caught in the Iris was found to contain a bar-
bel of six pounds, and a chub of more than three: these nine
pounds of food formed nearly a third of his own proper bulk,
which was 31 1-2 pounds. The circumstance of two fish of
such dimensions being within the animal at one time, is a
proof that the calls of appetite in this tribe are of a peculiar
kind ; they are most imperative but not incessant. The de-
sire to fill the stomach is such that no offal is refused ; animal
substances of every kind, living and dead, are equally well
received, and sometimes other matter ; for the clay plummet
of the Angler, the clay and bran balls for ground-baiting, when
he is in one of his gormandizing moods, are not refused, of
which many instances have occurred ; and it is at such times
that he dashes at large flies on the water, prompted to it pro-
bably by his habits of receiving there many savory morsels,
in the shape of rats, mice, and frogs, as well as the young of
ducks, geese, swans, and other aquatic birds, which he is
known to prey on as readily as fish."
They are found in oar streams, ponds, and lakes, from one
;^-]^^-
THE PIKE, AiC.
119
extremity of the Uniou to the other, and do not materially
Jifler from the same species in other countries, and, as the
Yankee would say, will live as long, eat as much, and grow
as large, as in any other place on airth. The largest within
recollection was taken in one of our western lakes, and
weighed 46 pounds.
They increase in size faster than any other fish known.
Block, a German author, says, that " in the first year they
grow from eight to ten inches, in the second from twelve to
fourteen, and in the third from eighteen to twenty."
They are observed by Walton to be " a solitary, melan-
choly, and bold fish ; melancholy because he always swims
jd or hvuig bait ; it is, however, we think,
more applicable to the former, as it requires a sufl5cient hold
ou the bait to ofler a resistance equal to the springing snap, or
the benefit is lost : such a hold is injurious to the live bait,
and soon destroys it. No bait answers so well for the placing
of the spring-snap, as either a roach, bream,t or perch, on
* These hooks should be tied near the top, in a similar position
that ou the spring snap-hook, described on plate of hooks.
t Any of the small fish that inhabit the stream with the pike, will an
■wer the purpose, and be equally acceptable.
132
THE BIKE, AC.
account of the breadth of their figures ; but to either of these,
and to the roach particularly, it can be readily and conve
niently attached. Choose a fresh dead roach, of from three
to five ounces ; insert the small hook of the spring as above
directed for the common snap, but a little deeper, so as to take
a firmer and deeper hold, than when applied to the living
one. If the apparatus, from its siae, must project beyond the
line of the fish form, let it be above ; but by no means allow
the bend of the hooks to appear under the ventral surface.
The figures Nos. 4 and 5 on Plate No. 2, exhibiting the snap
sprung and unsprung, furnish a sufficient exemplification of
its mode of action ; in seizing of the bait, the pike or jack
draw the hooks out of the detaining frame, and in conse-
quence they immediately expand and fix themselves into the
jaws of the fish which has seized it.
" Of the Hooks in Snap-Fishing. We must again say, it
is of great consequence that those to strike the pike be so
placed as to easily clear themselves ; if, therefore, it is ex-
pected of these hooks that they shall support and play the
fish, and yet be ready at a moment to disengage themselves
from this attachment, then too much is expected of them;
and when they ought to be free, to strike at once into the
mouth of the pike, they are apt to be buried deep in the body
of the bait. It was purposely to relieve this strain on the
bait that we added to the traces a small hook, which then
left the large hooks at liberty to disengage themselves : for
on the small hooks the stress of the action of playing the fish,
was then altogether placed. It is on this principle that the
snap-baits in general should be formed, and where they have
not some sustaining hooks, independent of the snap-hooks,
then they ought never to pass through the centre of the body
of the bait-fish, but superficially under the skin only, so that
when the pike strikes, the skin of the bait may readily tear
away by the united forces of the stroke of the Angler and his
THE PI KE, &C
133
prey, the conaequeuce of which is, that the hook (jr huuks
immediately disengage themselves from the bait, and peue-
tratiug the mouth of the pike they retain him.
The Bait being properly fixed, cast it lightly into the
water, with the line drawn out to two-thirds the length of the
rod, observing to make the first cast in shore, but be as
much concealed as possible from Wew. If success does not
follow this, extend the throw further into the water, and to
do that with effect, give the impulsive swing of the bait with
the same length of line as before, but have in addition a yard
or two of loose line in the left hand, which as the bait flies
forward, loosen quickly from the hand, and as it arrives at its
destination, drop the point of the rod, which will ease the
bait into the water without injury to itself, or alarm to the
pike. The attempts of the live bait to make for the weeds
or the shore, must be counteracted by drawing it back or
giving it a new direction, and as it flags in liveliness, stimulate
it by shaking the rod a little, which often stimulates the jack
also to strike the bait. In drawing up the bait to remove it
to a new situation, observe to do it gentiy, and at the same
time watch the water, for it is not at all uncommon for a jack
to follow on its attempted removal. If any thing of this kind
is perceived, by no means remove the bait, but lower it again
into the water, and begin moving it quickly at a few niches
below the surface, backwards and forwards. In all cases,
keep the float in sight, but avoid showing yourself if possible,
particulaily in the summer months, and when the weather
and water are both bright. At such a time, to increase your
small chance of sport, try to get the sun before you, and the
wind behind ; the former you might well dispense with alto-
gether, the other will prove your best friend ; but if there be
sun, you must at least take care that it do not reflect either
your own shadow or that of your rod on the water. In the
months of February, October and November, this may be of
134
THE PIKE, &C
little consequence, but it is otherwise in the spring and sura«
mer months.
" Be careful not to mistake the motions of the bait for those
which are made by the pike or jack when seizing it. With
the experienced Angler there is no danger in this, but one less
initiated might be apt to fall into the error, particularly as the
mere sight of the jack will sometimes make the bait throw
himself out of water to avoid his dreaded foe. The proficient
at such a time will do nothing more than gently move his
bait as though it were going to leave the sj)ot, which alone
will sometimes occasion the jack to seize it at once. The
seizure of the bait by the pike is marked by the float, which
is not thrown up, but on the contrary is drawn violently
down, and the water is likewise observed to undulate, unless
the bait be seized at a considerable depth. Be prepared for
this with a free line as regards the reel ; it is also a good
plan to have in the left hand a yard or two of loose line to
give out as the pike runs, which is infinitely preferable to al-
lowing it to be pulled by the fish himself from the reel;
which alone, with a pike not well on the feed, will cause him
to reject it. Whatever line, therefore, is required in the pro-
gress of the fish to his hold or haunt, veer it out by the hand,
and such hold is seldom far off, and he vnll when there, stop
to gorge the bait.
" In striking, lei not impatience tempt you: w^it until
you are certain that the pike has actually gorged the bait;
otherwise your slight hold on your bait and prey will tear
away, and you will lose both at the same effort. The pouch-
ing time is by no means definite, but is regulated by circum-
Btemces : thus, having satisfied yourself by the previous still
ness of the pike or jack, that he is gorging, and by his again
moving out from his retreat (which signal you must look for)
tliat he has actually done so, give your line a smart hand
=^:
THE PIKE, AC 135
•troke, which will fii the baibs into the maw beyoud the
power of ejection."
Trolling for Pike. This method, the last given, is per-
haps the best of the series of the different contrivances for
taking this species of game. It is generally practised in two
ways, by roving or drawing the line from the shore, or by
trolling the line gently from a small sail-boat or skiff, with an
attendant, to be guided by your directions. With a stiff rod,
reel, and other tackle, without a float, as before described,
the latter method, with a good ground and large game, is de-
cidedly at the top of pike-angling. Whether on shore or in a
boat, the manner of proceeding should be the same.
Of Bank-Trolling, Blaine, the best authority, has the fol-
lowing: *• The method oi holding the rod differs in the prac-
tice of different Anglers, some grasp it firmly in the right
hand, and depend on the strength of their arm for delivering
the bait out to its extent ; but we apprehend that much the
better method is that of resting the butt against the hip, thigh,
or stomach, or wherever convenient support can be obtained,
(we always use our hip for the purpose,) by which much ex-
ertion is saved, the bait can be cast much wider, and when
the Angler is accustomed to the habit, he may, by this means,
direct it within a few inches of the spot he aims at. The rod
placed, and the bait swinging on such a length of line as can
be managed, retain within the left hand a yard of it loose,
which as the bait is cast gradually run off the hand, directing
it rather slantingly; by such means it will shoot diagonally
forward, with a natural appearance impelled by the weight of
the lead.* When delivered, begin to move it after the man-
ner of the motion, about mid- water, observing always to avoid
removing it quickly from the water for another throw, for
• This is where the leaded gorge-hook is used, the method of baiung
lausl adopted in trolling.
136
THE PIKK, ^-
-
^V^r
-.- —
^-^-
^^-=
—
" Some Anglers prefer roving for perch, in the following
manner : Use a reel on your rod, and have bottom tackle of
three yards of gut, a hook No. 8 or 9, one or two shot-corns
to sink the bait, w^hich should be Qne or two well scoured
red worms; and you must then cast your hne across the
stream, letting it sink, and drawing it towards you- alternate-
ly, until you feel a bite, then allow a few seconds before you
sti'ike. You may also drop this bait into a deep still hole, as
in trout-fishing ; indeed a practical Angler (especially an old
trout-fisher, will prefer this mode of worm-fishing to the use
of the float."
Taylor directs : " If the Angler roves with a minnow, let
it be alive, and the hook stuck in under the back fin, or
through the upper lip ; let the minnow swim in mid-water,
or rather lower; use a cork float, of a size that he cannot sink
it under the water, with a few shot, about nine inches from
the hook, to keep him down, or when tired he will rise to
the surface. When using the frog, put the hook through the
skin of its back, and it will swim easier than if the hook was
thrust through the skin of its hind legs ; recollect to keep the
bait as far from the shore as possible, for he will constantly
be making to it ; always give Hne enough at a bite to let the
perch gorge. Where pike are suspected to haunt, the hook
should be attached to gimp, as in this way of fishing they will
take the bait as well as the perch."
For taking the perch, some Anglers affix the bait by two
hooks, one inserted at the root of the back fin, and the other
attached to either the gill, lip, or nostril. We think this by
no means a bad plan ; but on the contrary, that it mcreases
the chance of fixing the fish, when he only makes a hatching
bite, as is common with the perch when not well on the feed.
The former pages of this work having passed through the
press, the follovsdng description of the perch of Western New
V^ork, his haunts, and mode of preparing for food, by an ardent
THE PERCH. 147
and enthusiastic follower of Walton, taken from the Buffalo
Commercial Advertiser, will, though rather out of order in
this place, be fully appreciated by the perch angler.
" The Yellovo Perch. This beautiful and active fish is
almost omnipresent in the fresh waters of the Northern
States. There are probably two distinct but similar species
in om- country, blended together under this common name.
The perch of New England differs from ours principally in the
shape of the head. In the Seiratoga Lake, Owasco Lake, Cayu-
ga Outlet, the Flats of Lake Huron, and many other localities,
the perch is larger than with us, frequently weighing three
pounds. Among the perch of our * streams and river, a half
pounder is a very portly citizen — though on a few particular bars
they are sometimes taken in considerable numbers, averaging
nearly a pound each. It is almost always to be had, from
earliest Spring to the commencement of Winter ; and when
poor Piscator has had all his lobsters taken by the sheeps-
head, and utterly despairs of bass, he can, at any time, and
almost any where, in our river, bait with the minnow and
the worm, and retrieve somewhat from frowning fortune,
by catching a mess of perch.
" In the Spring, as soon as the ice has left the streams, the
perch begins running up our creeks to spawn. He is then
caught in them in great plenty. About the middle of May,
howe^'er, he seems to prefer the Niagara's clear current, and
almo.e*^ entirely deserts the Tonawanda, and other amber
waters. You then find him in the eddies, on the edge ol
swift ripples, and often in the swift waters, watching for the
minnow. As the water w^eeds increase in height, he en-
scorw^es himself among them, and, in mid-summer, comes out
to seek his prey only in the morning and towards night. Ho
seems to delight especially in a grassy bottom, and when the
bliv^k frost has cut down the tall water-weeds, and the more
delicate herbage that never attains the surface is withered, be
148
THE PERCH.
disappears until spring, — probably secluding himself in the
depths of the river.
" The back fin of the perch is large, and armed with
strong spines. He is bold and ravenous. He will not give
way to the pike or to the black bass ; and tliough he may
sometimes be eaten by them, his comrades will retaliate upon
the young of his- destroyers.
" The proper bait for the perch is the minnow. He \vill
take that all seasons. In mid-summer, however, he prefers
the worm, at which h^ generally bites freely. He is often
taken with the grub, or with small pieces of fish of any kind.
•* He is a capital fish at all times for the table. His flesh
is hard and savory. He should be fried with salt pork rather
than butter, and thoroughly done. He makes good chowder,
though inferior for that purpose to the black bass or the yel-
low pike.
" A difference of opinion exists among our most tasteful
icthyophagists, as to whether this fish should be scaled or
skinned. Let me tell you how to skin him. Take a sharp
pointed knife, and rip up the skin along the back, from th*
posterior extremity of the back fin, on one or both sides of it
along its whole length — then take the fish firmly by the head
with the left hand, and with the right take hold of the skin ot
the back near the head, first on one side and then on tht>
other, and peel it down over the tail. This being done, all
the fins are thereby removed except those of the back and
belly, which are easily drawn out by a gentle pulling towards
the head. Cut off* the head, and you have a skinless, finless
lump of pure white flesh. Some say this is the only way a
perch should be prepared for the cook's art — others say it
impairs the flavor, and should never be pursued. As for me.
I say, ' in medio tutissimus ibi$,^ — neither of the disputants
is infallible. Much, veiy much of the sweetness of the perch
and indeed almost all fishes, resides in the skin, which should
THE SUN -FISH
149
never be parted with except for some special reason, there-
fore as a general thing, I scale my perch. But, in summer,
the skin of the perch is apt to acquire a slight bitter taste, or
a smack of the mud — therefore, in summer I skin my perch."
" Of the Gastronomic Properties of the Perch" says
Blaine, " whoever has heard of the broiled perch flitches, and
leaier souchy, of Sir Bamber Gascoyne's cooking, would not
hold us blameless were we to be totally silent. This fish has
indeed stood the test of time, and has been as little subjected
to the mutations of fashion, i)erhap8 as any one of the finny
tribe : it was highly esteemed by the Romans, as we are in-
formed by Aristotle, and its praises were sung by Ausonius:
" • Nee te delicias mensarum, perca silebo
Amnigenos inter places dignande marinis ! ' "
How to cook the Perch. The pan, in proper hands, will
do justice to this fish : many epicures, however, prefer broil-
ing. Either method, according to former directions for others
of the race, will give satisfaction to the Angler, particularly if
very tired, and on the feed.
Of the Water Souchy, Hofland gives the following me-
thod: "Scale, gut, and wash your perch; put salt in your
water; when it boils, put in the fish with an onion cut in
slices, and separate it into rings; a handful of parsley, picked
and washed clean; put in as much as will turn the water
white ; when your fish are done enough, put them in a soup-
dish, and pour a little water over them, with the parsley and
the onions ; then serve them up with parsley and butter in a
boat."
Large perch may be crimped and boiled in the same
way.
THE SUN-FISH.
This is a small fish, that generally tenants the same pond
150
THE SUN-FISH.
with the perch. They vary in size, shape, and color, in dif-
ferent parts of the country, and are taken readily with perch
tackle. Their general size is from three to eight inches in
length, except a species found in the Ohio, Kentucky, and
other western rivers, where they are frequently taken twelve
inches long.
Angling for sun-fish, when found in ponds, with small
perch, is a favorite amusement of lady Anglers, who often
make the best part of pic-nic fishing parties, and, as Walton
says, " angle for men aud fish at fish, at the same time." De-
termined old bachelors should be as wary in making up such
parties, as they would be in taking a trout, or they wiU be
caught in their own net ; and when beguiled by one of the
fair sex, he might break out into a stream of rhyme like the
following, by Dr. Donne :
" Come live with me, and be my love.
And we will some new pleasures prove,
Of golden sands and chrystal brooks,
With silken lines and silver hooks.
Let coarse, bold hands, from slimy nest.
The bedded fish in banks outwrest ;
Let curious traitors sloave silk flies,
To witch poor wandering fishes' eyes :
For thee, thou ueed'st no such deceit.
For thou thyself art thine own bait ;
That fish that is not catch'd thereby,
Is wiser far, alas, than V*
CHAPTER IX.
op THE CARP OR TENCH
This beautiful fish is not a native of our own country; but
as they have been imported from England by a number of
persons in many parts of the United States, for the purpose
of stocking their ponds, and protection having been given
them by the laws of the State of New- York, they will un-
doubtedly become an object of the Angler's pleasure, it will
be well to give some information of their habits, and the
modes of taking them in other countries.
" The family of carps," says Smith, *' is distinguished by
not possessing an adipose fin ; by a small mouth, and weak
jaws, destitute of teeth. The brancial rays are few; the
body scaly ; the intestines short and without caecums. They
have a swimming bladder, divided into two sacks, somewhat
like an hour-glass, and live in fresh water, being harmless,
inoflfensive, and quiet inhabitants.
" In the United States we have not yet discovered the
true carp of Europe, which is so extensively bred in pleasure
grounds. Usually it grows to a length of 12 or 18 inches,
but in the stagnant waters of Persia, still larger. It is gene-
152
THE CARP OR TENCH.
rally supposed to have been carried to England about 1514.*
The quantity of roes exhuded by the female far exceeds the
weight of her body.
" Though denominated the wise on account of its sagacity,
•yet in the spawning season it will allow the Angler to tickle
its sides, and is thus easily captured."
In warm climates they are said to grow to a very large size,
and often weigh thirty to forty pounds, and measure in lengtn
three or four feet. They are known generally in England,
Germany, Russia, France, Italy, and Prussia, in which latter
countiy they grow to the enormous size mentioned. They
are said to live to a great age, instances being ^ound where
they have been supposed to be 1 00 years old.
There are from twenty to thirty different species of the
carp, most of which give sport to the Angler. Of the com-
mon carp of England, Blaine remarks: " Its general color is
a yellowish olive, much deeper and browner on the back,
and accompanied with a slightly gilded tinge on the sides ;
the scales are large, rounded, and veiy distinct; the head is
large, and the mouth furnished on each side with a moderate-
ly long cirrus or beard, and above the nostrils is a much
smaller and shorter pair ; the lateral line is slightly curvetl,
and marked by a row of blackish specks ; the fins are violet
brown, except the anal, which has a reddish tinge ; the dor-
sal fin is broad, or continued to some distance from the mid-
dle of the back towards the tail, which is slightly forked,
with rounded lobes."
* There is an old distich in reference to their introduction into Eng-
land in 1514, which says—
" Hops and turkies, carp and beer,
Came into England all in a year;
which is piitircly disproved by the authoress of 1486, who says he is a ■
" dpyntoHs fyashe," and gives directions for the " harnavs" or tackle for
taking him.
THE CARP OR TENCH.
153
The carp generally feeds on worms and water insects, and
are very tenacious of life, having been known to live a great
length of time out of water. As an instance of this, it is re-
lated that they have in Holland a way of fattening them, by
hanging them up in a net in a damp cellar, and feeding them
with bread and milk. They are then placed in wet moss,
and moistened twice a day ; and by which method they grow
very large, and increase in flavor.
Hofland gives the following instance of their tenacity of
life, through a Mr. Hilditch, who painted the full length por-
traits of a carp and tench. " He kept these fish in a tub for
a week, taking them out alternately in the morning at ten
o'clock, to paint fiom, and putting them into water again at
four, during six days ; and I may add, that his amiable sister
pleaded so well for the lives of these two fish, who had seen
so much land service, that Mr. Hilditch took them down from
Lud gate-Hill to Black-Friar's-B ridge, when, to use his own
words. * they swam away fresh and lively.' "
They are said to spawn several times in the course of a
year, but their time or times of spawning depends much on
the state of the weather and the temperature of the water.
The time when they are known to spawn, is in the months
of May or June.
They are found near the bottom of muddy streams and
ponds, and choose to lie under and near the weeds, plants,
and water lilies. When old, they are like the trout, shy and
crafty, and sometimes, where they are scarce, require all the
skill of the most finished Angler in taking them. In large
ponds, however, where they are found in abundance, they
are often very tame, and are known in some instances in Ger-
many, to be called to feed by the ringing of a bell.
Hofland says: " Even large carp become very tame in
ponds where they are regularly fed ; for Mr. Jesse says of
154
THE CARP OR TENCH
some carp or teuch* retained by hhn in a stew, that * they
were soon recoaciled to their situation, and ate boiled pota-
toes in considerable quantities ; and the fonner seemed to
have lost their original shyness, eating in my presence with-
out any scruple; ' and Sir John Hawkins says he was assured
by a friend of his, that he saw a carp come to the edge of a
pond, from being whistled to by a person who daily fed it ;
and I have, myself, seen carp come to the edge of the water,
to be fed with breadt by the visitors to Roche Abbey."
The time for angUng for them is from March till Septem-
ber, with worms of various kinds, caterpillars, grasshoppers,
beetles, wasps, and pastes. They are generally taken at or
near the bottom, with a worm attached to a small strong
hook, say No. 9 or 10 trout.
The time of day for taking the carp is thus given by one
of England's poets : —
" At early dawn, or rather, when the air
Glimmering with fading light, and shadowy eve
Is busiest to confer and to bereave ;
Then, pensive votary! let thy feet repair
To silent lakes, or gentle river fair."
Mr. Salter recommends a red worm on the hook, with a
gende on the point of it. They are also taken with fruit
and vegetables of different kinds. Salter says they may be
taken with marrow-fat peas. Taylor and Walton prescribe
* The tench is a species of the carp, differing considerably in appear-
ance from what is called the common carp. It is of a dark olive color,
with quite small scales and nearly even. The mode of angling for him
is the same adopted for the subject of our present chapter.
i It may not be generally known that the gold-fish and silver-fish,
which are seen about in glass globes, and small artificial ponds, and eal
bread from the hand, are a species of the golden carp. They are natives
of China, where they are bred and sold in great quantities.
THE CARP OR TENCH. 155
fruits and vegetables. In the use of peas, Taylor's plan is to
hang one on the hook, about a foot from the ground, and
throwing in a few now and then by way of a lure. In order
to insure success at any time in taking the carp, ground-bait
should be used in aU cases, and in the evening previous to
your expected sport, if possible.
Of the requisite Tackle, and Manner of Taking the
Carp, Hofland gives the following: " Notwithstanding the
instances of familiarity, it is by no means easy to make a large
carp familiar with your bait : to do this, the jjreatest nicely
and caution must be observed ; but if the young Angler, who
has beeu often foiled in his attempts, will patiently and im-
plicitly follow my instructions, he will become a match for
this cunning fish.
" Use a strong rod with running tackle, and have a bot
torn of three yards of fineish gut, and a hook No 9 or 10 ;
use a very light quill float, that will carry two small shot,
and bait with a well scoured red worm.
" Now plumb the depth with the greatest nicety, and let
your bait just touch, or all but touch the bottom ; but you are
not yet prepared ; for a forked stick must be fixed in the
bank, on which you must let your rod rest, so that your .float
shall exacdy cover the spot you have just plumbed. Now
throw in a suiBcient quantity of ground-bait, of liread and
bran, worked into a paste, and made into little balls ; or in
want of these, throw in the garbage of chickens or ducks ;
and all this is to be done the evening of the day before you
intend to fish.
" The next morning, if in summer, be at the pond side
where you have baited and plumbed your depth, by four
o'clock, at latest, and taking your rod and line, which is
already fixed to the exact depth, bait with a small, bright
red worm; then approach the water cautiously, keeping out
of sight as much as possible, and drop your bait exactly over
156
THE CARP OR TENC)
the spot you plumbed over night ; then rest part of your rod
in the forked stick, and the bottom of it on the ground.
•* You must now retu-e a few paces, keeping entirely out of
sight ; but still, near enough to observe your float ; when you
perceive a bite, give a little time ; indeed it is better to wait
till you see the float begin to move off* before you strike,
which you may then do smartly ; and as the carp is a leather-
mouthed fish, if you manage him well, there is no fear of
losing him, unless the pond is very weedy. Be careful to
have your line free, that, if a large fish, he may run out some
of your line before you attempt to turn him ; as he is a very
strong fish, and your tackle rather slight, you must give him
careful play before you land him.
** The extreme shyness of the large carp, makes all this
somewhat tedious process necessary to insure success ; but
I can safely assert that I scarcely ever took this trouble in
vain. Various baits are recommended for carp ; such as
green peas parboiled, pastry of all descriptions, gentles and
caterpillars, &c. ; but I have found the red worm the best,
and next to this, the gentle, and plain bread paste. Those
who prefer a sweet paste, may dip the bread in honey.
Pastes and gentles will- answer better in autumn than in
spring. April and May are, in my opinion, the best months
for carp fishing, and very early in the morning, or late in the
evening, is the best time for pursuing your sport."
Walton remarks : " The carp bites either at worms or
pastes ; and of worms, I think the blueish marsh or meadow-
worm is best; but possibly another worm, not too big, may
do as well, and so may a green gentle ; and as for pastes,
there are almost as many sorts as there are medicines for the
tooth-ache; but doubtless sweet pastes are best; I mean
pastes made with honey or with sugar, which that you may
the better beguile this crafty fish, should be thrown into the
pond or place in which you fish for him, some hours or
THE CARP OR TENCH. 157
longer, before you undertake your trial of skill with the an-
gle-rod; and doubtless, if it be thrown into the water a day
or two before, at several times, in small pellets, you are the
likeliest, wheu you fish for carp, to attain your desired sport,
" And if you fish for carp with gentles, then put upon
yoor hook a small piece of scarlet, the sixth of an inch square,
it being soaked in, or anointed with oil of petre, called by
some, oil of the rock; and if your gentles be put, two or
three days before, into a box anointed with honey, and so put
upon your hook as to preserve them to be living, you are as
like to kill this crafty fish this way as any other ; but still as
you are fishing, chew a little white or brown bread in your
mouth, and cast it into the pond about the place where your
float swims. Other baits there be : but these, with diligence
and patient watchfulness, will do it better than any that I
ever practised or heard of."
Blaine has the following : " When the angling commences,
if possible, keep entirely out sight of the fish ; make no
noise ; let the bait slide silently into the water ; and try
their fancy for taking it at various depths, beginning vrith the
lowest. If rain falls lightly, the angler would do well to
pursue his practise during the whole day. Sometimes, also,
success will attend him through the whole of a gloomy day
without rain, but in general cases, during the hot months, it
la not possible to fish too early or too late for carp. In a
starlight or moonlight night of Jidy, they have been taken
after the * witching time ' even.
" When the angler perceives abite, he must strike accord-
ing to the nature of his bait. If, for instance, in fishing with
a lob-worm, he were to strike the moment he felt the float
move, he would pull the worm out of the mouth of the carp,
who sucks in after the manner of a barbel. On the contrary,
if paste be employed, it is prudent to strike it on the slight-
est warning, otherwise the wary animal will suck away all
158
THE CARP OR TENCH.
the paste ; but with a small hook, and a very slignt wris
stroke, the nibbling fish may be probably struck ; or if he i
not effectually hooked, the fineness of the stroke will not
alarm him, and he wUl return to the charge. Again, when
fishing for carp in rivers, it will be found that the habit ol
meeting the insects which pass down the stream, makes the
fish more on the alert to prevent their escape ; they take the
bait quicker in rivers for this reason, and they should there-
fore be struck much quicker."
Walton prepares and dishes up this dainty fish in the fol-
lowing sufficiently luxurious style, to make the Angler or
reader smack his lips in anticipation.
" But first, I will tell you how to make this carp, that is so
curious to be caught, so curious a dish of meat as shall make
him worth all year labor and patience. And though it is not
without some trouble and charges, yet it will recompense
both. Take a carp, (ahve if possible) ; scour him, and rub him
clean with water and salt, but scale him not ; then open him,
and put him with his blood and liver, which you must save
when you open him, into a small pot, or kettle ; then take
sweet marjoram, thyme, or parsley, of each a handful ; a
sprig of rosemary, and mother-of-savory ; bind them into
two or three small bundles, and put them to your carp, with
four or five whole onions, twenty pickled oysters, and three
anchovies. Then pour upon your carp as much claret wine
as will only cover him ; and season your claret well v\nth salt,
cloves and mace, and the rind of oranges and lemons. That
done, cover your pot and set it on a quick fire, till it be suffi-
ciently boiled. Then take out the carp and lay it with the
broth into the dish, and pour upon it a quarter of a pound
)f the best fresh butter, melted and beaten with a half a
dozen spoonsful of the broth, the yolks of two or three eggs,
and some of the herbs shred ; garnish your dish with lemons,
and so serve it up, and much good do yan."
CHAPTER X.
OF THE STRIPED BASSE, OR ROCK-FISH
This noble and highly prized fish is peculiar to oar own
country, and to particular parts of it. As an object of sportj
for perfect symmetry and beauty of appearance, and as a
dish for the table, it is considered second only to the salmon.
They are found in the rivers, bays, and inlets, from the Capes
of the Delaware to Massachusetts Bay, and also in the rivers
and bays of Florida. They appear in the greatest abundance
in the Chesapeake Bay,* and in the rivers, bays, inlets and
creeks in the vicinity of New- York, and are taken in large
quantities, from the size of a common trout to the weight Ox
upwards of a hundred pounds.
In addition to the above described names, they are some-
times called Perch. The late learned and distinguished Go-
vernor De Witt Clinton, who was a member of the Philoso-
* A friend who angles in Chesapeake Bay, below Baltimore, says that
he h:i8 seen them as long as a crow-bar! This is not quite so bad as be-
ing as big as a lump of chalk, as the crow-bar was in sight at the time.
Bad measured about five feet six inches.
11
160
THE STRIPED BASSE.
phical Society of the city of New York, says that Basse is a
Dutch word, signifying perch. As there is a difference of
opinion among the few American authors, in respect to this
fish, we give their own words.
Smith of Massachusetts, defines this species as the Stri'
ped Basse, Rock Basse — Perca Labrax — (Lin. Sciaena Bloch.)
'* On the sides are parallel lines, like narrow ribbons, eight
in number, which give it the name of the striped basse:
the scales are large, of a metallic lustre ; in the opper-
culum, the middle plate is serrated ; the last portion of the
third plate the gill cover, constituted of three pieces, has two
nearly concealed spines. In the brancial membrane are
seven rays ; pectoral, sixteen ; ventral, six ; dorsal, eight in
the first, fourteen in the second ; anal fifteen, and in the cau-
dal 17 ; some of them in each fin, according to the size, it
would appear, of the individual, are stiff or spinous.
" Three or four of the stripes reach the tail, — the num-
ber not always being constant ; and the remainder gradually
disappear at different points on the abdominal walls; the
eyes are white, the head stiikes one as being long, and the
under jaw, as in the pike, juts beyond its fellow. Next to the
mackerel, this is decidedly the handsomest of native fishes.
" Striped Bass, are a sea fish, and principally subsist near
the mouths of rivers, up which they run as high as they can
conveniently go. During the approach of vdnter, instead of
striking out into the deep water of the open ocean, like most
other anadromous species, the basse finds a residence in
ponds, coves, rivers, and still arms of the sea, where undis-
turbed and comfortable, it remains till the following spring.
The principal rivers in the state of Maine, as the Penobscot.
&c., are the places where they are now* taken in the great-
est abundance, and of the finest flavor and size. In all the
rivers, too. of Massachusetts, they are also found, at the in-
1833.
THE STRIPED BASSE. 161
clemeDt season of winter, but the fishery is not so productive
as in Maine, whence the best in the Boston market are annu
ally brought.".
The following is from the Transactions of the Literary
and Philosophical Society, by Dr. Mitchill.
*' Mitehiir$ Perch, Striped Basse or Rock-Fish, (Perca
Mitchilli), with eight parallel lines from head to tail. One of
the largest and most excellent of the New York fishes : may
be found from the weight of an ounce to that of seventy
pounds and upwards. The position of the ventral fins rather
behind the pectoral, made me once incline to place him in
the abdomiuales. His second gill plate is finely serrated.
That circumstance, if he remained among the thoracic, would
rank him among the percse, and when I decided in favor of
changing his order, I was obliged to constitute a new genus for
him, which I called roccus. But having since found that there
are fishes whose ventral fins are further back on the abdo-
men than this, that are nevertheless considered as thoracic,
I have, on reconsideration, persuaded myself it will be most
correct to place him among his compeers of the perch family.''
After a similar description to that given by Smith, our
naturalist continues: " But one of the most obvious and
distinguishing features of this fish, is the striped appearance
of his body. From head to tail his back is marked by lon-
gitudinal hues. The ground color is pale, brown, whitish
and silvery. On this are delineated the aforesaid lines in
parallel rows. These rows, at some seasons, appear black,
and make a strong contrast. At other times they are more
faint, and seem to be faded into a reddish brown. When the
brown thus predominates, dark specks or spots can be traced
at regular distances along the stripes, particularly toward the
back.
•• The number of these stripes is usually eight ; and four
of them most commonly reach the tail. The rest are fre
IfiQ
THE STRIPED BASSE.
queutly shorter ; vanishing unequally in their progress. Belly
a fine rnixture of silver and white. Scales adhere firmly.
" This fish is very highly prized by the New-Yorkei's. He
is savory and excellent beyond the generality of fishes. His
common abode is the salt water ; but he migrates to the fresh
streams and recesses to breed during the spring, and for shel-
ter in winter.
" He takes the hook, especially when baited with soft crab,
Small ones are catched by the boys, from the wharves and
boats every where near the city.
" Their greatest run is late in the fall. Instead of g»jing
away on the approach of winter, the striped bass seeks refuge
in bays, ponds, and recesses where he may remain warm and
qiiiet. Here the fishermen find him, and make great hauls
during the coldest season, when very great numbers are
brought to market in a frozen state. At this time it is usual
to take some very large and heavy ones. Yet I have seen a
dozen at a time, of the weight of fifty pounds each, in Oc-
tober, while the weather was very mild.
" He is also taken in seines during the summer, and in au-
tumn. Indeed, there is no fish that stays more steadily with
us all the year round, than the rock ; and he is found of all
sizes, to suit all sorts of palates."
The basse has been believed, as stated at the commence-
ment of this article, to be a native of this country, and was
supposed first to have been noticed by Mitchill ; but the fol-
lowing from Smith, would lead to a different conclusion.
" By what authority Dr. Mitchill gave his own name to
the striped bass, ' Perca Mitchilli,^ we cannot divine : he
might with equal propriety have tacked his name to the white
shark, or to the bones of the mastodon, and the last would
have savored less of vanity, than affixing his cognomen to a
common table fiah, kiiown from time immemorial all over
Europe."
THE STRIPED BASSE
163
If the above assertion of Smith's is correct, it is very
strange that so important an angle fish has not been known
to the angling community of Europe ; for out of upwards of
an hundred books on the subject of angling, in Europe, only
one or two makes mention of any kind of basse whatever, and
they are a species of trout, differing entirely from the striped
basse of our waters. However, to us Anglers, (although we
fthonld like to see the learned Doctors agree,) it matters not
* whether we have the name so long as we have the game."
As an object of sport, they aie sought after with great
avidity, by the sportsmen of the parts of New York
and New-Jersey, bordering on the Hudson river, and
have been taken of quite a large size as far up as Albany '
and Troy. They are also made very profitable ,to market
fishermen, at some seasons being taken in great numbers, witij
very little trouble. In the early part of January of the pre-
sent year, 25,000 pounds were taken in Point Judith Ponds,
the majority of a large size, that netted the proprietors
$5,000.
They are generally angled for with a strong, pliable rod,
12 to 15 feet in length, made of ash, with a lance-wood top.
For boat fishing, a rod about 12 feet in length is considered
long enough, but for bridge or bank fishing, 14 to 18 feet have
the preference. They may be had in every variety of style
at the tackle stores in the city of New-York, where no pains
or expense is spared in adapting them to the peculiar tastes
of the Angler. Attached to the rod should be a reel, suffi-
ciently large to contain from 300 to 600 feet of flax, grass, or
silk line ; to your line a swivel sinker, and float, according to
the current of your fishing ground, and a leader, from three to
six feet in length, doffble for fall fishing, and single for the
spring run. Some of the best Anglers, however, prefer using
* In the spring of 1844, one was taken with a rod and reel, in Sau-
gerties creek, weighing fifteen and a half pounds.
164
THE STRIP£D BASSE.
single gut throughout the season, and if it can be procured of
a large size, round and even throughout, in experienced
hands it will be apt to take the most and largest fish. To
your leader should be a Limerick or Kiiby hook, from No.
to 3, according to the season and size of the game.
In no species of angling is it so necessary to have superior
quality of tackle, as in the one under consideration. The
beginner should therefore provide himself with such descrip-
tions as will meet any emergency ; for in salt water, in the
bays and large rivers, the fisher will often be crossed by
fishes of great magnitude, and by taking the proper precaution
to have every thing strong and durable, he will often prevent
loss of tackle and loss of patience, two very important items
of a successful Angler's stock.
An experienced Angler and mechanic, who has made
many a rod, gives the following description of a proper one
for basse fishing. " Your rod should be about 12 or 13 feet
in length, not too stiff nor yet too limber, for by being too
stiff you are apt to break your tackle, or lose your fish by
being struck too hard, and by being too light you are apt to
break it, and thus spoil your sport. Besides, a rod of medium
size is lighter, more convenient to handle, and much more
likely to give you satisfaction after a tedious day's angling, if
any such should be your lot, than if it were stilT — a fault
which many new beginners are apt to acquire. For general
basse angling, the one I should prefer (and it is the one most
in use with good sportsmen) would be about seven-eighths
of an inch in diameter at the butt ferrule, and a true taper to
the point, which should not exceed three-sixteenths of an inch
in diameter, making your butt sufficiently large for the grasp
of your hand, say an inch and a quarter in diameter, which is
about as large as will well fill your hand ; larger is inconve-
nient — smaller will be likely to cramp your fingers.
" Your hooks should be about No. 2 of Kirby, or No. 1 of
THE STRIPED BASSE.
165
Limerick, firmly lashed to one or two strands of gut, accord-
ing to the run of your fish. If you fish with one strand of
extra strong gut next your hook, you will be safe enough, and
be as likely to take as good fish as with stronger tackle ; but
be sure that your leader, where your sinker is put on, and
where the heaviest strain generally comes, be stronger than
your hook length, and of two strands of strong gut, or three
strands of medium size ; for by that means, if you should be
so unfortunate as to get folded on the bottom, you will es-
cape with the loss of your hook only, whereas if your tackle
be of an uniform strength, you will most likely lose the whole,
line, sinker, hooks, and all, which may probably make you
gipear ; and this, according to Walton, is a bad practice ; for
as the old adage goes, * He who swears takes no fish.'
" You ai-e to remember that in boat fishing, if you do not
fish with a float, or with a running or sliding sinker on the
bottom, your sinker should be light enough to float ofi" with
the tide, and be able to feel the bottom at all times, so that if
your sinker be 20 feet off", you can still feel ii strike the bot-
tom, and lift it up, when you can let out more line. I prefer
this mode of fishing, both for basse and weak-fish, to any
other; and you will be likely to get better fish, and more of
them.
" You are to consider, also, the times of tide, the baits in
season, the quietness of the spot selected for your fishing, (for
the basse, like the trout, will avoid all places where there is
an unusual noise,) and the full or neant tides, which latter are
allowed by all salt water Anglers to be the best time for
taking fish, and which I know to be the fact from experience.
This time of tide, when it happens early in the morning, or
towards sun-down, with the wind ofi" shore, and a gentle rip-
f»le on the water, is the time when basse are most upon the
feed, and the sportsman's efibrts are generally crowned with
166
THE STRIP£D BASSE.
" You are to fish as near bottom as possible, either with
float or without ; if the tide be too strong, the float should be
dispensed with; but a little experience will give proper
judgment as to the time of using either, or both."
The following, from an old and experienced amateur,
who has angled for many years in the vicinity of New-York,
will be found excellent information for those who think that
** No angling can surpass
The taking of tiie basse."
* The Striped Basse is one of the finest fish of our waters.
By sportsmen it is considered a game fish of the salt water
tribe, afifording capital amusement to the angler, by his great
strciigth and activity. There ai-e many places in the vicinity
of New-York city, where these fish are frequently found in
great ^ldier crab, or fiddler, (ocypoaa.) will fre-
180
THE BLACK-FISH
quently tempt him when he refuses to taste the other. And
he snaps very readily at the large finny worm of the salt
water beaches, (nereis,) when used on a hook for him,
" Some persons, who live contiguous to the shores w^here
are situated the rocks frequented by tautog, invite the fish
there by baiting. By this is meant the throwing overboaid
broken clams or crabs, to induce the black-fish to renew
their visits, and fine sport is procured.
" Rocky shores and bottoms are the haunts of black-fish.
Long experience is required to find all these places of resort
Nice observations on the land-marks, in different directions,
are requisite to enable a fishing party to anchor on the proper
spot. When, for example, a certain rock and tree range one
way, with a barn window appearing over a headland the
other way, the boat being at the point where two such lines
intersect each other, is exactly over some famous rendezvous.
To insure success on such expectation, it is proper to have
a pilot along, well versed in all the local and minute know-
ledge. According to the number and distance of the rocks
and reefs \asited, will be the time consumed, from the dura-
tion of a few hours to a long summer's day. An opinion pre-
vails, that the black-fish can hear very well; and, for fear of
scaring them away, the greatest stillness is observed. He is
a sti'ong fish, and pulls well for one of his weight and size.
"At some places black-fish bite best upon the flood: in
others, they are voracious during the ebb. Thunder accom-
panying a shower, is an indication that no more of them can
be caught. The appearance of a porpoise infallibly puts an
end to sport. Curious stories are told of fish in the wells
and ponds, floating in their native element, having been
found dead, after sharp and repeated flashes of lightning.
Dull weather, with an easterly wind, is generally the omen
of ill luck. The exploits performed in fishing for tautog, are
recounted occasionally, with remarkable glee, and they afford
THt BLA CK-FIS H . 181
a never-failing theme of entertainment to those who ai-e en-
gaged in this sort of adventure. Though the hand hue is
generally used, the rod is sometimes employed to great ad-
vantage. The black-fish is remarkable for retaining life a
long time after he is taken out of water. He sometimes
swims over even ground, and is caught in seines."
An obser\'ant New-York amateur, who delights in black-
Bah angling, gives us the folio vN-ing:
" The black-fish, or, as he is called in the eastern states,
the tautog, is a very fine fish for the table, well known to all
epicures, and affords fine amusement to the angler. He is
taken on reefs or around detached rocks, where the food in
which he delights is found. The usual baits employed in
taking black-fish are the hard and soft shelled clam, the rock
crab and soldier crab or fiddler, shrimp and shedder lobster
or crab : these two last are decidedly the best that can be
used, though in many situations the shrimp and the two smaQ
kinds of crab above named are sometimes to be preferred.
As a general bait for these fish, the shedder lobster is my
favorite, and I have long been a successful angler for these
fish. There is a very great difierence observable in the
black-fish, even those feeding together at the same rock.
Those taken close to the rock, especially if it has shelving
sides, are shorter, much darker colored, and thicker than
those which are found playing in the edge of the tide as
it sweeps past the rock — these are the long fish, with larger
heads than the others, and of much Ughter color, especially
about the head and snout, the latter frequently beuig neaily
white, whence they are called white-noses and tide-runners.
They seem to delight in the eddies at the very edge of the
swift water, where they watch for the shrimp, or small crabs,
which are borne along by the tide! By casting the line
little above the rock, and letting the bait float writh the cm--
rent past it, holding the rod with an even and ready hand
THE BLACK-FISH,
you present the bait to his expecting eye in the most natural
way — and this should always be the study of the angler who
wishes to succeed. His bite is much more powerful than
that of the rock-fish, though both are bold biting fish, and to
the experienced angler, with good tackle, rarely missed.
" The rock-fish lie under the overhanging rock-weed, on
the watch for live bait, shrimp, or crabs, dart out and seize
their prey, and retire to their harbor, drawing the line from
the perpendicular to a slanting position, and that without the
angler feeling him ; and I have taken many a dark-sided fel-
low, merely from watching the slant of the line. Both kinds
are very powerful, and although they rarely run far from the
rock when hooked, their extraordmary vigor, and stubborn
resistance, make them a capital subject for the rod. The
largest I have ever taken with the rod, weighed five and a
half pounds. This was at Oyster-Pond Point, at the Sound
end of Long Island. This is one of the best places which I
know, of easy access from New-York, for taking these fine
fish. An excellent temperance hotel is kept by Mr. Latham,
and good boats and guides are to be had.
'• The best mode of arranging rod tackle for black-fish is
this : Attach two plaited gut snells, one of twelve inches and
one of eight, to a small brass ring, the size of those used on
the second joint of the rod from the hand ; put a slide sinker
on the line, and tie to the ring, and all is ready. The slide
sinker is by far the best, as it is frequently desirable to throw
from your boat to a sunken rock, and as the sinker lies on
the bottom, the smallest action of the fish at the bait is readily
felt.
** For hand-line fishing I prefer the same mode of arranging
the hooks to any other : the usual way is to have a loop at
the end of the line ; attach the loop to the eye of the sinker,
and fasten the snells on the line just above the latter, so that
they will hang about twelve and eight inches below."
THE BLACK-FIS H.
183
The rod proper for taking black-fish, should be similar to
that described for trolling, say about twelve feet long, and
quite stiff; the line stout, and of strong flax or hemp; and
although not absolutely necessary for black-fish alone, should
be attached to a good running reel; by this arrangement, the
sportsman will be prepared, which is often the case, to meet
a drum or large basae, which are sometimes found on the same
groimds. The hook in use for black-fish, varies in size, with
many anglers, some preferring quite a small size for
taking the largest size fish, say about No. 10; and others,
ranging from No. 3 to No. 5, the most proper sizes for
general fishing. These hooks, it will be noticed, by
referring to plate 2. of hooks, are made of much stronger
wire, and are known amongst anglers and dealers in tackle,
as the black-fish hook. The hook should be attached to a
strong piece of flax line about ten to fifteen inches in length ;
and if you angle with two hooks, they should be from four to
six inches apart; your sinker should vary according to the
tide, and be fixed above your hooks about twelve or
fifteen inches. Some anglers prefer twisted gut lengths*
to their hooks instead of flax; but as the tautog lies chiefly
on rocky ground and on sharp stony bottoms, and are not
very shy, it is hardly necessary to run the risk of losing gut
tackle when plain line will answer.
The black fish being a bottom fish altogether, does not
admit of such variety of modes of capture as others of the
briny element. The most common mode of taking him is
* Others use short lengths of gimp. An old and experienced angler,
who is very fond of taking the tautog, says that to fish pleasantly and
with expedition, he always attaches his hooks to twisted snells com-
posed of three strands of strong gut. In this manner he avoids the delay
and perplexity occasioned by the frequent entangling of the ordinary
flax line snells, and can take more fish than by any other metho«l
184 THEBLACK-KISH.
with a commou drop line made of flax, and from ten to thirty
yards in length, according to the depth of water.
When the black fish favors you with a bite, give particu-
lar attention and pull quickly, for he has a hard, tough mouth,
and if your hook and tackle are strong, you need not be fear-
ful of any damage to your tools, and with proper precaution,
you can call him in.
Give him no quarter, when using the hand-line, (until you
quarter him for dinner ;) keep your line tight, and draw him
straight up until he suuff the pure air of heaven, much to his
chagrin, and greatly to your satisfaction: and remember,
should you be unwatchful, and he take you unawares and go
to the bottom, your chance is veiy small; for although he
may roam occasionally, in search of his favorite food, still he
loves his rocky home, and down he will go vvnth your bottom
tackle, unless you are on the alert. Remember, then, that
"Eternal vigilance is the price of" — a black fish.
How to Cook the Black-Fish — Not seemingly by a pro-
fessor of the rod and line, yet certainly by one who well
understands how to bring out the gastronomic properties
of the subject under discussion, the following, from the
pages of the Knickerbocker magazine, although containing
much that is extraneous, will, we think, suit the taste of our
reader:
"And now, fair ruler of the destinies of dinner! (for if
thou beest a man, I have no sympathies toward thee,) smoke-
compelling Betty, or Mary, or whatever else may be the
happy appelative in which not only thou but all of us rejoice,
thou hast lying extended before thee one of the most deli-
cately absorbent substances in nature, imbibing flavor from
everything w^hich surrounds it, whether of adverse or of pro-
pitious tendency; subject, as Warren Hastings said of the
tenure of the British possessions in India, alike 'to the touch
of chance, or the breath of oj)inioii.'
THE BLACK-FISU. 185
"Thou hast it, my choice Mary! The small, deep stew-
pan — with its thin cullender or strainer, on which the fish is
to be lowered to the bottom, that it may, when stewed into
soft delight, be gently raised again, without injuring its integ-
rity of form — glows with brightness in front of thee ! Thy
vigorous arm of mottled red, thy round wrist, and small
compact fingers grasp the sharp pointed knife with which to
satisfy thyself that not one scale remains around the head, the
fins, the taiL
" Now tail and fins are nicely shortened in their termina-
tion, not hacked off. A httle salt is thrown over the fish,
merely to harden and not salt it, and it lies two hours for
this purpose. It is then scored, that it may not break when
it swells, and browned well upon the gridiron : from which
it IS carefully taken up, and laid to repose upon a bed of
nicely peeled and very fresh mushrooms, daintly spread over
the strainer.
" While the fish was hardening, Mary has had a commu-
nication from up stairs. An extra bottle of the Chateau of
twenty-five had been unavailingly opened the day before, to
tempt a total temperance friend who had arrived from the
country. Good part of it remains, and at this moment it is
decanted into the stew-pan ; the freighted strainer descends
into the wine ; and the fish, entirely immersed in the ame-
thystine element, regrets no more its loss of life, of liberty,
and youth. A white onion or two is sliced into rings, that
fall as decorations over him ; a few berries of pepper thrown
in ; six cloves ; two blades of mace ; an echalot, if you think
proper ; and cayenne or not, according to your taste. The
stew-pan is then covered, and a careful, slow, epicurean sim-
mer completes the work."
CHAPTER XIV.
OP THE DRUM
This is a large, uncouth, ugly-looking fish, not often sought
after as an object of sport, but sometimes, and when least
expected, the subject of the angler's toil. If, however,
he should be hghtly rigged, and not on the alert, this ele-
phant looking animal often has the pleasure of chewing the
bottom tackle at his leisure, and the astonished sportsmaxj
unfortunately has to rig himself anew, (after twisting his
segar in his mouth, or rolling his quid on t'other side, if he
has either,) or chew the cud of discontent at not having sup-
plied himself with extra tackle, or not being more strongly
accoutred.
Mitchill has the following remarks on this, fish:
" Black Dritm— (Sciaena fusca)— Length when full grown,
thirty-eight or forty inches; depth, fourteen or sixteen.
Spreads from the back wedgewise towards the belly, which
is rather flattish and broad, rendering it easy to turn the
dead fish upon the belly for examination.
"The black drum often equals fifteen, twenty, and even
thirty pounds. The individual now before me comes to
thirty-four. I once weighed a drum that was as heavy as
^V^ O*^ THE _ \
or
THE DRUM. 187
eighty pounds. I have been credibly informed of one that
weighed a hundred and one pounds. He is taken abundantly
during the summer, both with line and net.
" Color of the drum, a dull silvery, like the dross of melted
lead, with a faint, brassy tinge of ruddy, though between
the scales the skin is inclined to blackish on the back and
sides, and thereby gives its denomination to the fish. Scales
of the body exceedingly large, stiif, homy, and marked by
radiated and concentric lines. Their form receding some-
■wrhat from square, and approaching the figure of the letter D.
They are so planted in the skin, that it is diflBcult to remove
them. Lateral line, broad, rather indistinct, and running
scaly to the end of the tail. Under the scales the silvery hue
is most considerable. A black patch on the other side of the
older individuals, behind the pectoral fin. All the fins in-
clined to reddish, more espedally the caudal, pectoral, and
dorsaL Sometimes the space covered or shaded by the
pectoral fin is pale or white. Tail even, eyes silvery yellow.
" His name of drum has been given on account of the
drumming noise he makes, immediately after being out of
water.
" He swims in numerous shoals in the shallow bays on
the south side of Long Island, where fishermen, during the
warm season, can find them, almost like a flock of sheep. Is
a duU fish."
In addition to his whereabouts, stated by Mitchill, he is
found in large company in the Kills and off Communipaw,
where he is often taken by the weak-fish and basse angler.
He sometimes takes a stroll up the stream, solus, and has been
taken in Harlem river; and although a dull fish, it would
seem, by the following extract from the New-York Herald,
sometimes requires skill, experience, and activity, in taking
him:
" A great Haul. — A gentleman of this city, who delight
188
THE DRUM
in the rare sport uf augHug, and has spent a good part of the
summer at Shantz's Hotel, Macomb's Dam, fishing with va-
ried success for basse and blue-fish, day before yesterday,*
(Thursday,) struck one of the monsters of the deep that
sometimes visit that vicinity. On the first pull he thought
that he had struck bottom, but his reel soon began to whiz,
and his line to run wdth great rapidity. Finding nearly all
his line, 300 feet, run out, he took up his anchor-stone, and
away went the boat down the river about a mile; he theu
managed so as to make a tack, and up the river they went
again, and down and up again for two hours and a half, until
finally his majesty was got into shallow water, and a seizure
made under the gills, but he slipped grasp and made a sud-
den lurch, taking rod and line, and floored himself on the
grass about twenty yards from the boat. The gentleman,
who is a muscular man, succeeded with some difficulty in
getting him into the boat, when he proved to be a drum of
the largest size, and on weighing at the hotel weighed a little
over seventy pounds. This is believed to be the largest fish
ever taken with, rod and reel. The hooks were ordinary
basse hooks, with a yard leader on double silk-woi-m gut.
purchased at Brown's, a few days since, in Fulton street, near
our oflSce. A fish of the same kind was taken last summer
in the Kills, by Mr. Michaels, weighing over forty pounds,
and one by Mr. Keese, a few years ago, weighing over fifty
pounds; but this caps the climax, and Mr. R. deserves a
great deal of credit for his perseverance in this extraordinary-
feat."
* August, 1844.
CHAPTER XV.
OF THE BLACK, OR OSWEGO BASSE.
This is the favorite game fish of the northern and western
parts of our country, and is found in abundance in most of
the northern lakes and western rivers. To our piscatorial
friends in New-York, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky, they
afford unceasing dehght, and no fish receives more enco-
miums as to the pleasure derived, either from the rod or fork.
His usual size is about twelve to fifteen inches in length
by two inches in thickness and five inches broad. The color
is deep black along the back and sides, growing lighter to-
wards the belly, and becoming yellowish, in the female. It
has a thick oval head ; large mouth, with rows of small teeth ;
a wide dorsal fin near the centre of the body ; another to-
wards the tail, with corresponding pectoral and anal fins.
The body is quite thick near the head, and tapers regularly,
terminating in a swallow tail. It feeds principally on smal
fish, which betray its proximity by rising to the surface to
elude pursuit. It is best taken with minnows and other
kinds of small fish, but bites fi-eely at lobsters and muscles.
The Buffalo correspondent appears to think that the black
190
THE BLACK BASSE.
are of different species. Hear
him:
" The Oswego and Black Basse. — The Oswego basse and
black basse bear so strong a resemblance to each other that
not one fisherman in ten knows them as distinct entities. In
form, color, weight, and habits, the two are almost perfectly
identical; and yet their differences, though minute, are strik-
ing and essential. An Oswego basse, when placed by a
black basse of the same size, is readily distinguished by his
more forked tail, his greater thickness of shoulder, his coarser
scales, and, above all, by his mouth, which, when open, is
nearly twice as large as that of the black basse. In Lake
Ontario the Oswego basse is abundant, and the black basse
comparatively rare. In Lake Erie, the black basse greatly
predominates, and it may be doubted whether the Oswego-
nian — Hke certain citizens of the Ontario shore — is not an
interloper in our waters, who has found his way to us from
below through some canal. However this may be, he is
certainly right welcome .'
" The black basse is our chief object of pursuit — his cap-
ture is our dearest triumph — his captive form our proudest
trophy. When word first comes, in June, that the black
basse bites in our river, what a stir there is among our anglers!
— what questioning as to the when, and the where, and by
whom, and with what bait, and the number, and size ! — what
an anxious inquiry after big minnows ! — what a raking and
scraping of pond-holes for soft lobsters ! — what a watching
of the skies .' — and, if there be no wind, or a zephyr from the
south or west, what bright and hopeful faces ! — but if the
storm rage, or an easterly wind, however gentle, fan our
sleeping bay, what rueful countenances ! — what half-sup-
pressed repinings ! — what a woful, spiritless attempting to be
busy about our ordinary avocations ! And why this commo-
•jon ? Because this is the very prince of our game-fishes.
THE BLACK BASSE. 191
His capture is a less easy task, and involves, or is supposed
to involve, more science, and to be a truer proof of merit as
an angler, than any other tenant of our crystal waters. But
(let me whisper it in thy ear, my friend !) there is much of
fancy in all this. He is a noble fish, and struggles vigorously
and most pertinaciously for liberty; but no art nor skill, unat-
tainable by thee, or any one, is requisite to hook or draw
him from his element.
" This fish beds in our streams and rivers, and probably,
too, on the bars and shoals of our bay. Numbers run up the
larger streams in May, and bite freely at the worm, in the
middle and latter part of that month, in the Tonawanda. His
appearance is too familiar to need description. His color
varies, though it generally approaches black. I think only
the smaller basse run up the creeks. Those taken in Tona
wanda seldom overweigh two or two and a half pounds, and
have a greenish hue. In the river they attain a weight of
four and four and a half, and even five pounds ; and occasion-
ally heavier ones have been taken, weighing even eight
pounds. The river fish, when fresh from the water, is fre-
quently banded, like the perch, with broad bars of a darker
hue, which disappear, however, and fade into the general
color of the fish as he becomes dry. He seldom takes the
hook, in the Niagara, until June. He is always fine eating,
but is fattest and best in autumn."
He is angled for in the usual way, and with the same ar-
rangement of tackle as the striped basse or salmon; and with
some enthusiastic western sportsmen, is thought to give more
amusement than either. But the most active and exciting
mode of pursuit is with the trolling rod and boat. We are
indebted to a friend who has frequented Lake George, for the
follownng interesting communication :
" This is a game fish, affording the angler the very highest
enjoyment. These fish are taken in various ways. When
IS
192
THE BLACK BASSE.
collected on their feeding grounds, in August and the subse-
quent fall months, they are sometimes taken in considerable
numbers. The usual mode of angling for them at this time,
is either with or without a float, and with live bait — a small
fish taken for the purpose, along the lake shores or in brooks.
They are exceedingly strong and active — qualities which
delight the angler. When first hooked, they run very wild,
tmd almost invariably rise to the surface, and leap one, two,
and even three feet in the air, shaking the head violently,
evidently with a view to dislodge the fatal hook. Frequently,
while making their runs, they will suddenly turn and come
with all their power directly towards their enemy, and by
thus slacking the line, will succeed in shaking the hook loose :
this often happens with unexperienced fishermen, but more
rarely with the tmgler who holds a good reel and winds
rapidly. The most beautiful mode of angling for them
known, is trolUng either with live bait or an artificial fly of
large size and gay appearance. The writer has succeeded
remarkably well with a fly made on a large-sized Limerick
hook, such as are used for striped basse when fishing with
crab bait. The fly is made as follows: — Body of a peacock
feather, wings of bright scarlet kerseymere and white pigeon
feathers; or, the feather stripped from a white goose-quill,
and wound round like the hackle, and sunnounted with thin
strips of scarlet forwings. For trolling pleasantly and com-
fortably, the angler should provide a moveable seat, which
he can place across the gunwale of his boat, in order that he
may sit with his back to the oarsman, and facing the stern.
Thus he will have full command of his rod and line, and not
be sitting in the cramping attitude which the lowness of the
seats would cause. He should reel off" fifty to sixty, or even
one hundred or more feet of line, and on going orer shallow
reefs of seven or eight feet depth, two hundred feet, as the
fish feeding on the reefs usually dart aside as the boat passes,
THE BLACK BASSE.
193
and do not returu immediately to their harboring spot, which
is one reason why those who do not use the reel are not as
successful as those who employ it. After a few moments
they glide back to their favorite spot, and as the fly comes
along, dart at and seize it. A strong tug is felt by the angler,
who has only to draw gently, and his prey is fastened. The
oarsman rests on his oars, to give the angler full command
of his line. The noble fish, after one or two runs to right and
left, suddenly rises and makes his splendid leap, and plung-
ing, again seeks the bottom, again rises, and then tries his
last experiment of dashing right towards the boat. He strug-
gles long and \-igorou8ly, but his strength is at last exhausted,
and you trail your unresisting captive to the landing net. I
have taken them of various weights, the largest weighing five
pounds nine ounces: this was done last summer (1844) in Lake
George. I believe they are sometimes taken much larger
in the St. Lawrence river, and upper lakes, but my acquaint-
ance with them is limited to the beautiful lake just mentioned.
" At Sherrill's capital hotel at Caldwell, every facility for
enjoying this delightful sport can be had, though the best
fishing grounds are down the lake.
" An excellent house is kept by Mr. Garfield, tweiity-two
miles down the lake, where the best fishing stations for the
salmon trout are situated. There is a great deal of fine
ground for the basse in the neighborhood.
" Aboat ten miles from Caldwell, there is a place called
the Narrows, where there are numerous small islands with
shelving rocky shores, and fine trolling ground.
" Anglers will find good plain accommodation at a house
kept by Mr. Lyman, who is very kind and attentive to his
guests, and furnishes baits, guides, &c.
" In trolling for the black ba«»<5e in Lake George, you will
frequently strike those of one-half to three-fourths pound
weight, even with the very large fly which I have described.
19}
THE BLACK BASSE.
There is so great a difference, both in shape and color, be-
tween the fish of this size and those of two or more pound
weight, that a stranger would never take them to be of the
same species. These small fish are very similar in shape to
the blue-fish of the salt water, while those of the larger size
spread in width as they increase in size, so that a fish of two
and a half to three pounds, is of a shape between a black-fish,
or tautog, and the famous sheepshead. In color they differ
also greatly : the small basse being of a light dull greenish
color, while the larger grow darker as they increase in size,
the largest being nearly black on the back, and of a very dark
brownish green on the sides. The younger gentry, above
described, are not to be despised on account of their size
for when taken with a light trout rod, they will be found to
be a tine vigorous fish, and when in their temerity they seize
the large fly, on feeling the hook, they will, true to theii-
nature, make the leap, in imitation of their sires, thus show-
ing tnemselves to be game fish. I have known them to leap
three times while reeling in the long trolling line, whereas
the larger gentry rarely leap more than once."
.>^ Of THE
OF
CHAPTER XVI.
OF THE SHEEPSHEAD.
This is another fish taken by the black-fish and basse sports-
men in the vicinity of New-York. He affords considerable
excitement in capture, and much pleasure as a table fish.*
Of late yeai-8 he has been considered very scarce, and does
not seem willing, as usual, to tickle the palates of the mhabit-
ants of Manhattan Island.
Sheep's Head — (spams ovis. — Mitchill.) — '• With smutty
face, banded sides, pale complexion, prominent eyebrows,
and grooved dorsal fin. The form of the mouth, and a cer-
tain smuttiness of face, have a distant resemblance to the
physiognomy of the sheep. Thence comes the name by
which he is usually distinguished.
" Grows big enough to weigh 14 or 15 pounds. One that
weighed four pounds and a half, measured twenty inches in
length, eight in depth, and three in thickness. Sheepshead
is the most esteemed of New-Yoik fishes, and fetches a higher
* It 18 said that the old adage, that " two heads are better than ooe
if one is z. sheep's head," will uot apply to this fish.
196
THE SHEEPSHEAD.
price than any, excepting, perhaps, fresh salmon and trout.
The price varies from a dollar to one hundred and fifty cents,
for a fish of middle size; that is, from four to seven pounds.
Nothing, in the opinion of a New^-Yorker, can exceed boiled
sheepshead, served up at a sumptuous dinner.
*• General color of the sheepshead a white or obscure sil-
very, with a smutty daubing over the face and chin, and a
greenish tinge above the brow, and six or seven dark bands
or zones of an inch or more in breadth, regularly slanting
from back to belly : the latter a dull white, approaching, in
some places and individuals, to cream color. Scales large,
homy, distinguished by radiated and concentric lines, and
somewhat like a square rounded at the comers. They are
deeply inserted into the skin; adhere with remarkable firm-
ness ; and when they are separated, there is discoverable, on
the edges of the skin that enclosed them, a sort of tarnished
argentine or brightish leaden hue. Rays of all the fins coarse.
" This noble fish visits the neighborhood of Long Island
annually. Emerging from the depths of the ocean, he finds
in the recesses and inlets there, a plenty of the crabs, muscles,
and clams, on which he loves to feed. He confines himself
strictly to the salt water, never having been seen in the fresh
rivers. His term of continuance is only during the warmest
season ; that is, from the beginning of June to the middle of
September. He then departs to the unknown depths of the
Atlantic, and is seen no more until the ensuing summer. I
have, however, known him to stay later ; for one of the most
numerous collections of sheepshead I ever saw in New-York
market, was on the 4th of October, 1814. I have seen him
as late as the 17th.
" The sheepshead swims in shoals, and is sometimes sur-
roimded in great numbers by the seine. Several hundred
have often been taken at a single haul, with the long sweej)-
ing nets in use near Raynortown, Babylon, and Fire Island.
THE SHEEPSHiAD.
197
They even tell of thousands being brought to land at a
draught
'* He also bites at the hook, and is not unfrequently
caught in succession. The outfitting of a sheepsheading
party, is.always an occasion of considerable parade and high
expectation, as I have often experienced. Whenever a
sheepshead is brought on board the boat, more joy is mani-
fested than by the possession of any other kind of fish. The
sportsmen view the exercise so much above common fishing,
that the capture of the sheepshead is the most desirable com-
bination of luck with skill ; and the feats of hooking and pull-
ing him in, furnish materials for the most hyperbolical stories
The sheepshead is a very stout fish, and the hooks and lines
are strong in proportion. Yet he frequently breaks them,
and makes his escape. Sheepshead have been caught with
such fish tackle fastened to their jaws. When the line and
hook gives way, the accident makes a serious impression on
the company. As the possession of the sheepshead is a grand
prize, so his escape is felt a distressing loss. I knew an an-
cient fisherman, who used to record in a book the time,
place, and circumstance, of every sheepshead he had caught."
" This fish is sometimes speared, by torch-light, in the
wide and shallow bays of Queens and Suffolk counties, Long
Island.
" The places where he is found in the greatest abundance,
are about 40 miles from the city. He soon dies after being
removed from his element, and in such sultry weather soon
spoils after death."
The proper tackle for taking this fish is precisely the same
as that used for the largest black-fish, to wit : a stout drop-
line, of hemp or cotton, from fifty to one hundred and fifty
feet in length, and about one-fourth of an inch in thickness,
and heaN^r sinker, according to tide and depth of water, and
a stout black-fish hot)k of the largest size, each of which
198
THE SH££PSH£AD.
ahoulcl be thoroughly tried before they are cast mto the water
With such an outfit, the accidents spoken of by Mitchill may
be avoided.
An amateur friend, who has had great success in taking
this fish, furnisiies the following:
" This noble fish has become quite scarce in our harbor.
The writer has taken them repeatedly on a small reef near
Governor's Island, opposite the Battery, but this was in days
long since gone by. They are taken still occasionally at
Caving Point, and opposite the signal poles at the Narrows ;
also at Pelham Bridge, and in Little Hellgate,
** Strong tackle is essential for taking them, as they are a
very vigorous and powerful fish. They are usually found on
reefs or in the neighborhood of large rocks, whither they re-
sort for their favorite food, which is the small rock crab and
the soft-shell clam — a very common bait is the latter. The
clam is put on the hook whole, by inserting the point of the
hook through the stem, and buiymg the whole of the curve
in the body of the clam. This fish is furnished with a fine
set of front teeth, vei-y nearly resembling the teeth of the
sheep — whence the name ; the roof of the mouth is literally
paved with round teeth, placed closely together, like the
paving stones in the carriage track of our city, enabling them
to crack the shell of the clams with perfect ease. Some
anglers, after placing the clam on the hook, slightly crack
the shell on one side ; but this sometimes causes the flesh
of the clam to be exposed to those enemies of the angler for
sheepshead — the bergalls. The sheepshead will take the
whole clam when he finds it, and crack it in his paved mouth,
without the previous aid of the fisherman. Where the small
fish are not plenty — which is the case on the feeding grounds
m the south bays — I much prefer a bait of the opened soft
or hard clara of large size — as large at least as a pullet's egg —
and have been far nrjre successful with it than with iho
THE SHEEPSHEAD
199
whole claxn. The shedJer crab is also a very fine, attractive
bait for them, on grounds where small fish are not numerous.
" Great erne and skill are requisite in playing a sheeps-
head. His runs are very vigorous, and his struggles to get
rid of the hook very powerful. He will dash head-foremost
against a rock, or the bottom of the boat, in the most violent
manner, evidently striving to rid himself of the fatal hook,
and has often been known to succeed in breaking the hook
and escaping. I once saw a very fine one, which a compan-
i ju was playing, dash violently against the large rock, (one
of the famous stepping stones in Long Island Sound,) and in
his next run, rushing against the bottom of the boat, with a
loud thump; and when finally subdued and taken, the shank
of the hook was found to be broken, and he was only held by
the strong guaging of the line. The experienced fishennen
along the Long Island shore of the Sound, often succeed in
taking sheepshead, by selecting a rock not usually visited by
fishermen, and baiting it by throwing in daily, for a week or
two, in the proper season, a half-peck of soft clams, whole,
depositing them on the eddy side of the rock, caused by the
flood-tide They are thus taken, sometimes, in very shallow
w^ater. These cunning fellows carefully conceal the opera-
tion of baiting, and when questioned by their competitors,
often give evasive answers. I knew one, a fine old fellow,
of Great Neck, who, when asked — ' Uncle Jim, where did
you catch your sheepshead?' very gravely repUed — *In the
mouth.'
" The general mode of fishing for them is with the hand
line, and as before observed, with strong tackle ; but they
are also taken, by amateur fishermen, with the rod, and
lighter tackle, affording great amusement by their powerful
endeavors to escape. When angling for them with the rod,
a large landing net should always be at hand. A friend of
mine, now deceased, was playing a sheepshead witii his rod
200 THE8HEEPSHEAD.
in Flatlands bay, some years since, and when he had fairly
exhausted his strength by long and careful skill, and was
reeling him towards the boat, on the surface of the water,
lost his noble prize by the rapacity of a villanous shark, who
seized the fish, and broke away with part of the line. In the
evening of the same day, some net fishermen were hauling
the seine on a neighboring beach, and captured the piratical
monster; and on opening him, the sheepshead was found in
his stomach, partly digested, with my friend's hook in his
jaw."
The Buffalo correspondent remarks, of the fresh and salt
water sheepshead —
" This is a villain in general estimation — the pest of the
fisher for basse — a fish that putteth the cook, who would ren-
der him acceptable at table, in a quandary — from which, I
am sorry to say, I cannot relieve her, though she be at her
wit's end.
" He is generally brown, gray or reddish above, and of a
dead, impure white below. His head is large, and his body
is flattened latterly, though the frying-pan rejecteth him.
His ordinary weight is two or three pounds, though he some-
times weighs five, and even six. His food, his haunts, his
habits, are similar to those of the black basse, whom he ever
accompanieth — as though he were intended by nature as a
foil to set off the merits of that jewel of the flood. He is
despised, yea detested by the choleric angler — who pulls
him out, and then dasheth him upon the stones.
" The sheepshead of the sea is a lusty, crafty fish, bepraised
alike by the fisherman and the epicure. At the turn of the
tide, he takes the whole soft clam on your hook at a mouth-
ful, and chews it shell and all, and pulls like a salmon as you
draw him in; and his radiant, deep, and broad-barred sides,
as he flaps al>out on the sand of that low islet in the Great
South bay of Long Island, to which ycu hn^e just hauled
THE SHEEPSHEAD 201
him — how brilliantly they show, and make you think of the
dying dolphin, and of old Arion ! and when he reposes at the
head of the table — fit place for him — beautiful, though boiled,
how heartfelt is the homage he receives from all around !
Truly, it is libel on him, to call by the same name this Paria
of the lakes.
'* And yet our fish is vigorous, and not altogether destitute
of beauty, to the eye at least of those who know him not. Is
it not chronicled, that at Black-Rock, a strange angler once
bartered away two noble basse for two large sheepsheads,
which, for the nonce, were called white basse ? * The
treckled toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious
jewel in his head ' — and our fish, in his clumsy cranium
wears two small loose bones, serrate, and white and polished,
which must have some use to him, some w^ondrous adapta-
tion to his mode of life, which, when unfolded, will prove
that he is not unregarded by Him who made the great whales
and the fishes of the sea.
" His mouth is paved with large, flat, rough bones, or
teeth, like those of the sea fishes that root up and devour the
hardest testaceae : and, I have little doubt but that the natu-
ralist who watches him narrowly, will one of these days de-
tect him crushing and consuming the Uni and Anadontas —
the fresh clams of our muddy flats and sandy bars.
" He bites at the worm, the minnow, the chub, the lob-
ster, and makes good play with the line, though he gives in
more quickly than the basse. An experienced angler can
generally distinguish his bite and his resistance — but the
most knowing ones are sometimes taken in, and think him
basse until he is fairly brought to Anew.
" When you have caught him, let any one who will accept
him. have him ; and take to thyself no merit for the gift. His
inPHt is more like leather than fish or flesh. It is a common
Kiyiijg. tljrit the more you cook him the tougher he becomes;
202
THE SHEE P3H EAD.
and I am not aware that he is ever eaten raw. But, some
people do eat him, and profess to like him: they mujst have
stupendous powers of mastication and digestion. I have
been told, that, roasted whole in the ashes, just as he comes
from the water, he is savory and tender — sed credat Judest known and most resorted to for blue-fishing, are Baby
Ion, Islip. and Quogue, L. I. The two former have the great
South Bay, with Fire Island Inlet, for its ground ; the latter
the East Bay, and Pine Neck Inlet. Babylon and Islip are
nigh at hand, and easy of access ; Quogue lies some ninety
miles east of New- York, but has become comparatively near
by means of the Long Island railway, which places it within
five hours of the city.
" In visiting the latter spot, the disciple of the rod and
gun will find a good house, and a kind, hospitable, obliging
man in its proprietor. Shrewsberry Inlet is another resort,
near which, at Port Washington, a fine house has bees
opened."
CHAPTER XX.
OF THE SEA-BASSE, PORGEE, &C
These are both sea fish, and abound in immense quantities
in the ocean outside of Sandy Hook, New-York, on what are
called the Sea-Basse and Porgee Banks. In the summer
months, to the pent-up citizen who is obliged to stay in the
city during the sweltering heat of July and August — the
stranger who would view the beauties of one of the finest
harbors in the world — and to the more scientific angler, who,
after a season's fishing at the gently gliding stream, or the
romantic mountain lake, would like to try the more bracing
atmosphere of the ocean — this mode of angling will often
afford a day of amusement and gratification.
During the above-mentioned months, steamboats are pre-
pared and fitted up for this species of fishing, and make their
trips sometimes daily, returning, often, with well-satisfied
amateur ocean anglers, each with their string of fish.* In
order to enliven the scene on these occasions, a band of music
* In the summer of 1843, immense quantities were taken — ^the steam-
boat often returning with from six to teu thousand porgees, and a por-
poise weighing five or six hundred pounds.
V^ Q. THE
UNIVERSITY
OF
CAL'FO
THE SKA-BASSE, AC.
215
is taken, and cotillion parlies are made up on the upper deck.
A skilful harpooner sometimes makes one of the party, and
gives excitement to the scene by striking and taking a por-
poise. The boat touches at Coney Island, giving the passen-
gers an opportumty of a sea bathe and a clam bake; and also
at Fort Hamilton, allowing an opportunity to view the fortifi-
cations of the harbor.
In addition to this mode, schooners and sloops are char-
tered by private pleasure parties, who spend two or three
days on an excursion down the bay and sound, affording op-
portunity for ocean and inland fishing, and often return with
an assortment of the finny tiibe, consisting of perch, trout,
rock, tautog, blue-fish, flounders, cod-fish, sea-basse, and por-
gees, enough to stock a small-sized fish market.
The proprietors of the steamboats endeavor to accommo-
date the passengers with bait and tackle, and sometimes suc-
ceed; but to insure success and satisfaction, the seeker
of this description of sport should procure his own. The line
should be of stout flax or hemp, from ten to twenty fathoms
in length, (generally for sale, ready furnished, at the fishing
tackle stores,) with two or three hooks attached, about a fool
apart : those for porgees should be the round bent black-
fish No. 3, described on plate 2. For sea-basse, the hook
should be a stout Kirby No. I. The assortment should al-
ways consist of both kinds, and plenty of them, as they are
sometimes taken off by shark and blue-fish, or are broken
against the side of the boat in hauling up. The sinker should
be of common lead, and weigh from one-half to one pound
(the latter size, if only one is taken, is the best.) Clam bait
is the only kind used, and necessary : these can be purchased
at the markets, ready opened. To render them tough and
hard, add a little salt, which will make them cling to the
hook much better. When luck favors these excursions, two,
tliree, and even four fish are taken at a haul. It is necessary
216
THE SEA-BASSE, &C.
to be on the alert, and jerk strongly at each bite, or your bait
will be taken off. The fish average from one to four pounds
which, together with your pound sinker, makes a consider-
able weight to take in, in from ten to fifteen fathoms water.
The finger and hand will often become chafed and blistered,
where much luck is experienced; to prevent which, the
Icnowing ones provide themselves with a pair of old gloves.
With this additional equipment, you can fully enjoy a hardy
imd active day's sport, tempered with the benefits arising
from the bracing ocean air, and the contemplation of the
works of the Creator on the great deep, so beautifully de-
scribed by the poet Dana, in the folio vdng beautifullines!
Type of the Infinite ! I look away
Over the billows, and I cannot stay
My thoughts upon a resting-place, or make
A shore beyond my vision, where they break ;
But on my spirit stretches, till it 's pain
To think; then rests, and then puts forth again.
Thou holdfet me by a spell ; and on thy beach
I feel all soul ; and thoughts unmeasured reach
Far back beyond all date. ♦**•**
CHAPTER XXI.
OK SOME OP THE OTHER INHABITANTS >jP THE
WATERS.
In the foregoing articles on the different fishes, it has been
the object, as far as possible, to give necessary information
of all angle fishes, and the modes of taking them. In fiir-
therance of this design, many more pages have been occupied
than was originally intended ; but such a variety of fishes is
offered by the nature and extent of our country, that it has
seemed almost impossible, without wading thus far, to do
justice to our subject. For the further benefit of the reader.
we will venture briefly to refer to some others of tlie finny
tribe.
THE EEL.
This serpentine looking animal has its friends and foes,
and is found in almost all fresh and salt water streams that
circumvent the globe. In ancient times, it was highly valued ;
and at the present, although looked upon as belonging to the
snake tribe, is considered, by the majority of fish eaters, as
forming a very savory dish. Those that inhabit the salt
water, are sometimes taken of a very large size. The largest
218
TU£ CHUB.
taken, on lecord, was caught iii one of the bays in Luug Isl-
and, and weighed sixttjeu and a lialf pounds. They also, in
some instances, grow very large in fresh water streams, and
have been taken from seven to ten pounds weight. They
are not game, but occasion the angler much trouble wherever
he drops his line, by sucking off his bait or insisting upon
being hooked; when, with all care, the most experienced
sportsman seldom escapes without great derangement of
tackle. When sought after, he is taken (we say taken, be-
cause no diflSculty is ever experienced where he is) with any
kind of tackle and any bait. The most common mode, how-
ever, with those who make a practice of taking him, is with
a common drop-line, and a small black-fish or eel hook. No.
8 or 9.
A singular and beautiful description of the eel. if any
beauty can be attached to the tribe, is found in some of our
fresh water streams, called the lamprey or seven-eyed eel.
OF THE CHUB.
This beautiful fish is found, according to Smith, in some
of the western sections of Massachusetts. *' It is taken with
a hook baited with an angle-worm. In winter it may be
caught through the ice by baiting with cheese and Venice
turpentine.
'* The head is large, the back of a dusky green, the sides
silvery, the abdomen white, the pectoral fins yellowish, and
the ventral and anal fins tinged with red. I'his fish seems
to be very timid, and the angler therefore, in fixing himself
in a good position, over some deep hole, where the chub
conceals himself under projecting long roots of trees, is ob-
liged to move very cautiously, or he will frighten it away."
He is also taken in the Passaic river, N. J., Otsego lake,
Fishkill creek, and many other pai'ts of New-York and Peun-
THE PERCH
THE CHUB
THE EEL
^ »F THE
UNIVERSITY
OF
CALtF05S^
THK nULL-HEAD, SUCKER, AC. 219
sylvania. Their length is not usually over ten inches, and the
common size about six. In England and Germany they are
sometimes taken weighing eight pounds. They may be taken
with the same degree of caution, and with the same kind of
tools as those used for trout. They are attracted also by
similar bait : in the spring they will take the worm, and later
in the season, the grasshopper, and the natural and artiBcial
fly, of every description. In the fall they are again taken at
the bottom, in the deep holes, with the worm, cheese, or
bread-paste, salmon roe, &c. They yield considerable sport,
and are worth the angler's toil, often being taken and placed
as an edible on the table — they are not bad to take with the
knife and fork.
OF THE BULL-HEAD AND SUCKER.
These are fish usually found in the same ponds and streams
with perch and pickerel. They are sought after more as an
object of sport, among the boys, than as forming an article
of food, although they are sometimes cooked for the table.
The sucker is also speared in large quantities by torch light.
OF THE BREAM, ROACH, DACE, BLEAK, AND
GUDGEON.
These are all described by Smith as natives of the waters
of the Eastern States. They are quite small in size, are all
good and nutritious food. They are taken, vnth ordinary
caution, with trout and perch tackle ; but from their size,
do not afford much sport. They grow much larger in Eng-
land and Scotand, and find favor as a game fish, in English
works and among English anglers.
OF THE HERRING.
A species of fish called herring, is taken by the angler, in
220
THE HERRING, WHITE-FISH, &C.
r\
some of the fresh water streams of New-Jersey and Delaware
In the latter state, they are very shy, take the fly, and require
long rods and fine tackle, similar to that used for trout. In
the vicinity of Baltimore they flsh fine and far ofi", and with
rods from 20 to 25 feet long, the sportsman experiencing as
much pleasure in the capture, as in the taking basse, trout or
salmon. In this vicinity they are called fall-fish.
A fish similar in appearance to the herrmg, and called by
the same name, is taken in the bay of New- York, oft" Fort
Lafayette. They jump readily at a white, red, or fancy-
colored fly, and afford capital sport.
OF THE WHITE-FISH.
This denomination of the finny tribe is taken generally m
nets, and sometimes by the basse and salmon angler, in many
of the lakes in the western part of the state of New-York, and
affords good sport. As a table fish, it has the highest enco-
miums from all sorts of people : it is spoken of as the church-
steeple fop of perfection, superior to the salmon or trout, or
any other fish that breathes and swims. Those who have en-'
joyed a dish of white-fish, will allow him to be second to none.
OF THE CAT-FISH.
This is the common fish of the western waters, and is
taken by western sportsmen, by squid and fly trolling, and
affords capital amusement. They take their name from
the noise they make, similar to the purring of a cat, very fa-
miliar to those who have frequented the west. They are
also angled for with a stout drop-line, and tackle similar to
that described for the sheepshead. They are fine table fish.
We might go on ad infinitum in our list of the fishes of
America, but we trust that we have described those which
generally give most delight to the angler, and must here
fasten our line.
CHAPTER XXII.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Wk cannot omit inserting the following elegant and appro-
priate defence of our art, from the aspersions cast upon it by
a great man, by a mild and enthusiastic amateur, who occa-
donaUy seeks enjoyment, from the cares and vexations of
business, in more pleasant pursuits.
" The great and learned Dr. Johnson sadricaUy described
angling thus : * A stick and a string, with a worm at one end
and a fool at the other.' Dr. Johnson never sat in a boat,
surrounded by a beautiful landscape, playing a basse of three,
four, or five pounds ; nor stood on the green bank, contend-
ing with a trout of like weight ; nor struck an Oswego basse,
one hundred feet astern of his trolling boat, in Lake George,
or he would never have penned such a severe though stupid
satire. There is no recreation so admirably adapted to re-
cruit the body and mind of the toiUng citizen, as angling.
Breaking away from his confining and exhausting toil in the
coontiug-house, oflBce, or workshop, leaving all care behind.
222
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
the angler sallies forth to the river, the bay, or some more
distant water; and there, amid the most beautiful scenery
of nature, plies his art. The absence from the scene of toil
and care, for a short season; the breathing the fresh and
healthful air of the country ; the transit to and from the place
of amusement, and the exciting and delightful exercise of the
art ; all combine to give this recreation a high place in my
estimation — and as a christian, I certainly say, that in some
of my solitary rambles, or boat excursions, with my rod, I
have been favored with most devout and grateful emotions
of the heart, in contemplating the beauties of creation; and
looking up from the works of my Maker around me, to Him
who made them all, my meditations on the Divine goodness
and grace have been most sweet. In these sentiments I fully
accord with the pious old angler, Isaac Walton, who expresses
them also in his ancient and noble work on angling."
Finally, and to conclude, although our art has been lightly
spoken of by a few learned and well meaning men, who cer-
tainly never could have experienced any of its pleasures, it
has the sanction of the great and learned of all ages and of all
countries, where the mild and effulgent rays of the sun ad-
rait of the growth to perfection and beauty, of the inhabitants
of the chrystal waters ; and although we respecf the learning
and talent of those who we know never had the least idea of
the science necessary to some of the modes adopted; yet when
we examine the Book of Books, and find in the Book of Job,
and in parts of the New Testament, references directly made
to drawing out fish with a hook ;* when we look at it as in-
ducing to the contemplation of the works of the Creator, and
leading man from nature up to nature's God ; when we see,
and hear, and read of the minister of religion, the philosopher,
*" Canst thou draw out the Leviathan with a hook, or his tongue with
a cord which thou letteat down '. Canst thou put a hook into his nose!"
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 223
the statesman, and the poet, however officially engaged, de
lighting in a few hours' daily recreation in the art, and speak
ing and writing enthusiastically in its favor, finding
•* TongTJcs in trees, books in the mnning brooka.
Sermons in stones ;
we think the objectors might as well have tried to hold a
whale with the thread of a spider's web as to have caused any
human being to abandon a recreation at once so delightful,
amusing, and beneficial, by their aspersions ; and where the
light and airy nothingness of ridicule has caused a doubt in
the mind of one of its followers, the silken line of praise has
caused thousands to pursue and defend it.
Let all, then, who belong to the fraternity, having the
great, the learned and the good for their example, follow in*
the footsteps of their illustrious predecessors ; and that they
may enjoy many a day of delightful pleasure and happiness,
coupled with holy and contemplative feeling, binding them
by the cord of friendship to their fellow men ; and that
"Their line$ may always ftU in lucky places,"
is the sincere wish of an ardent admirer of the art.
As the peruser of the foregoing pages might possibly be-
come too ardent in his admiration of the science of angling,
we close by inserting one more effusion of the objectors to
angling, which, from the dangers seemingly attending the
practice, will no doubt deter him from pursuing the sport
TO A FISH OF THE BROOKE.
Why flyest thou away with fear?
Trust me, there's nought of daneor noar
I have no wicked hooke,
15
224
CONCLUDING R £ M A U K 5 .
All covered with a smarting baite,
Alas! to tempt thee to thy fate,
And dragge thee from the brooke.
harmless tenant of the flood,
1 do not wish to spill thy blood ;
For Nature unto thee
Perchance has given a tender wife,
And children dear, to charme thy life.
As she hath done to me.
Enjoy thy streame, O harmless fish,
And when an Angler, for his dish,
Through Gluttouey's vile sin
Attempts — a wretch — to pull thee out,
God give thee strength, O gentle Trout,
To pull the rascall in ! Dk. Wolcott
t
%'
OF THE ^
UNIVERSITY
OF
FORNihs
CONTENTS OF PART II
PAOK
PREFACE 227
FISH AND FISHINQ OF THE UNITED STATES 229
OF THE RED FISH OR SPOTTED BASSE 235
TROLLING FOR STRIPED BASSE 237
THE MACKINAW TROUT 240
BASSE FISHING ON THE SHORES OF LONO ISLAND . . . 245
THE SMELT 247
SPOON BAIT 250
BERGALL, CHOCKSETT, NIBBLER, BLUE PERCH, OR GUNNER 252,
BLACK FISH ANGLING IN SUFFOLK COUNTY, L. I. . . . 254
THE WHITE LAKE BASSE 257
SILKWORM GUT, KNOTS, LOOPS, &C . 358
GRISWOLD SPRING SNAP HOOKS 262
FISH PONDS AND TRANSPORTATION OF FISH 264
GUTTA PERCHA AND INDIA RUBBER FLOATS 270
WEAK FISH OR BARB ANGLING IN LONG ISLAND SOUND . 272
THE EEL 274
THE HAKE 281
WHITE PERCH AND CAT FISH ANGLING IN THE TICINITY
OF NEW YORK 284
OCEAN ANGLING • . . . . 288
INHABITANTS OF THE OREGON AND CALIFORNIA WATERS . 292
226 CONTENTS OF PART 11.
FAOC
OF THE WHITE PERCH 294
THE YELLOW PIKE PERCH 296
BLACK BASSE ANGLINa IN MICHIGAN 298
THE MUSKELLUNGE, OR LAKE PIKE 303
THE CAT FISH 306
THE BLACK TROUT 309
MACKEREL 311
THE BUFFALO 313
FLUKE, PLAICE, TURBOT, &C 315
THE SUCKER 319
TYING HOOKS, REPAIRING RODS, «&C 324
INTERESTING ITEMS OF INFORMATION 326
PREFACE TO THE SECOND PART.
The same want of complete and precise information in
regard to a perfect knowledge of the Sshes of the United
Staves that existed at the time of the issue of *he first edition,
exists, with hardly an exception, at the present moment. The
completion of the " Natural History of the State of New
YorK" has added one link to the chain of information on the
subject of natural science, which will one day extend around
and Dind together a mass of useful information, of vast import-
ance to future generations. Professor Holbrook, of Charleston,
is now engaged on a work on the Ichthyology of South
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, which promises to be one of
the most complete and beautiful works of the kind ever issued.
Woula liiat other states, or scientific individuals, might follow
m the lootsteps ol their illustrious predecessors ! and that the
tenants of the waters, as well as those of the air, had their
Wilson or Audubon.
The remarks ol tne celebrated and learned Dewitt Clinton
are as applicable to the subject now as at the time they were
written : " The energies of the country have been more
directed to the accumulation of wealth than to the acquisition of
knowledge. But let us fervently hope, that after this passion,
so energetic, is satiated in its present pursuit, it may seek more
sublime sources of gratification."
" To either India see the merchant fly.
Scared at the spectre of pale poverty!
See him, with pains of body, pangs of soul,
Bum through the tropic, freeze beneath the pole I
Wilt thou do nothing for a noble end,
Nothing to make philosophy thy friend T
PREFACE TO THE SECOND FAKT.
But the temple of fame is yet open, and the name of the
first ichthyologist of America is yet to be inscribed.* As
was to be expected of a first attempt, the former editions
contained many errors, but none of particular importance
to the angler. It has been the object of the present edi-
tion to revise and correct, and also to add such further
information as would be found useful, instructive, and interest-
ing. The author returns his sincere thanks to his numerous
friends who, with the true liberality of gentlemen and sports-
men, have kindly aided him in this undertaking. The writer
considers that his situation, in the midst of the piscatorial
world, is one that affords the best possible opportunity for
collecting practical intelligence of interest to the angling
sportsman ; and since he has become known to some ex-
tent among his Waltonian fiiends throughout the country,
concludes to subscribe his name, and solicit from those inte-
rested, such information as will be of value " to all true men
who love quiet, and go an angling."
In conclusion. Gratefully appreciating the proof of appro-
bation given him by the success attending the first two editions
of this work, and asking lurther indulgence for imperfections
and omissions (for to authorship he makes no pretensions),
this volume is respectfully submitted to the anglers of the
United States, by their fellow angler,
JOHN J. BROWN.
AV10 York, 1849.
* Professor Agassiz, a celebrated German naturalist, is now engaged
in this country on the subject.
THE FISH AND FISHING
UNITED STATES
CHAPTER I.
** I love the babbling brook, the placid lake.
Where spotted treat and pike their pastime take ;
I love tho rocky shore, the rushing stream,
Where lordly salmon leap, in sunlight gleam ;
The stately river, the expansive l>ay.
Where striped basse and silver squeteague play ;
The ocean's distant roar, the bounding wave,
Where monsters daily bask and dolphins lave ;
These ! these ! I love, and oft away from home
Truant I stray, tempted by them to roam ;
These ! these ! I love, and never can forsake.
For all the gold that trade or toil can make."
Anglers of the western world, you, as the lamented Powei
would have said, are " bom to good luck." Your lot is cast
in a land of many waters and many fishes. Loud should be
your paeans of praise, profound your gratitude to the giver of all
good, when you consider the many advantages you enjoy as
anglers of the United States. Were you to traverse the circle
of the globe for pleasure with the rod, you would return with
an anxious step and a loving heart to the
'* Land of the free and the home of the brave,"
satisfied that no country you had visited possessed half the
230
THE FISH AND FISHING
sporting advantages of your own ; for it would occupy an
ordinary lifetime, were a man, with angling implements,
merely to explore the waters and make acquaintance with
every variety of fish that has " a local habitation and a name"
within its extended boundaries.
As the state of natural science in regard to the history and
habits of our fishes is in its infancy, so also are the contrivances
and arts employed in taking them, yet rude and undeveloped.
But we are rapidly increasing our knowledge and refining our
methods ; as we must do when pleasure, and not profit, is the
object of our pursuit, and the fish, constantly sought, become
wary, and yield only to the utmost address of the angler.
Much certainly might here be said of the ordinary and ex-
traordinary game fish inhabiting the waters of both hemi-
spheres, which have long furnished themes to cultivated anglers
and practical studies of the art. But much especially deserves
to be said of the finny inhabitants of our own bright streams,
which are unhappily unknown to our brotherhood in the old
world. Who that ever took a striped basse or squeteague
of five or ten pounds' weight can ever forget the pleasur-
able excitement and ecstasy of the moment ; or what man,
worthy tlie name, whose fortune has been cast among the
northern lakes, can fail, even in his dreams, to remember the
intense enjoyment that thrilled his soul and senses as he trium-
phantly drew from its pellucid waters, after a long skirmish
and a doubtful struggle, a three foot trout or a large black
basse 1 Who, too, that has made one of a party in the briny
bay, and captured a mess of lively barb, or the noble sheeps-
head, after a vigorous contest and a beautiful play with rod
and reel, wonders at the enthusiasm of the American angler,
surrounded by such opportunities of enjoyment ? The salmon,
the trout, and the pike are almost the only game fish of Europe.
It is true.
OF THE CNITED STATES. 931
♦• Their plenteoas streams a varioas race supply :
The bright eyed perch, with fias of Tyrian dye.
The silver eel, in shining volumes rolled.
The yellow carp, in scales bedropped with gold,
■ Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains,
And pikes, the tyrants of the watery plains,"
but we have, in addition, almost innumerable objects of sport.
For the lover of the breezy ocean there is the invigorating
pastime of trolling for blue fish, or of drawing from its
populous depths the valued sea basse, porgie, and tautog. In
our larger rivers and lakes abound the mighty muskellunge,
or ponderous cat-fish, and buflalo ; and last, though not least,
is the never-to-be-forgotten red-fish, which tenants the bays
and mouths of our southern rivers. Happy and grateful then
should our angler be that his lot is cast in such a land !
Surrounded by such abundance and variety of " finny
attractions," is it wonderful that the angler falls into ecstasies,
expatiating on his favorite subject 1 But we would moderate
any pride of superiority we indulge in over our transatlantic
brethren in respect to the quantity and quality of our game, by
reasoning with ourselves and inquiring. Are our advantages to
last, can they always be? You who have trod the mossy
bank in pursuit of trout, and warred against the swift current
when the striped basse was the object of your sport, will
answer emphatically tw. You are painfully assured that the
well known haunts wherein in happy boyhood you took many
a " silver side," are deserted, and the overarching banks of your
favorite streams conceal your spotted friends no longer. You
know that at your basse grounds you take few and still fewer
fish, and that some of yom: former places are now never
visited by the sought for game. It is the conunonest complaint
of the old anglers that fishing nowadays is imcertain ; that
It is much more difficult to take a mess of fish ; there are too
A*
THE FISH AJ!^D FISHING
- — ..
r.iIX=
many after them ; in short, that " times are not as they used to
be," and so also says the gunner of his favorite sort of game.
Now, what are the causes of this scarcity and disappearance ;
what the preventives and the remedy therefor ]
The causes are easily seen, and almost as easily remedied, if
those interested in the preservation of our game would unite
their efforts to do so. The haunts of our favorite fish are
netted by mercenary fishermen, who, in season or out of
season, take large and small (for all is fish that comes to their
net) to the nearest city, where they get extravagant prices for
their unhallowed spoil. And this resurrectionism, for it is
little better, is practised nightly* in our midst. Another reason
is the indiscriminate taking of fish at spawning time by boys
and (what is worse) ignorant men, and also by market fisher-
men, who take them in great numbers from their icy retreat
and spawning grounds in tide waters. Add to this the wanton
waste of fish by many who call themselves anglers, who
(angling not for the pleasure of fishing, but to see how many
they can take) leave them to gasp and die by the stream side,
and you have reasons enough for the depopulation of all the
waters in creation. Trout has almost become extinct in those
parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and many
of the eastern states, that are adjacent to the principal cities
and towns, and are abundant only in the less populated and
accessible portions, and even there are fast decreasing, owing
to the same causes.
Now what are the remedies 1 The rod sportsman has
several advantages over the gunner. Birds fly high, are as
free as air, and so are those that pursue them ; " they can be
Every boy in the country that has arrived at the age
• Very few streams where anglers mach frequent are cared for in the
day time by the netters ; night is the time to cover their dark deeds.
OF THE UNITED STATES. 233
of twelve years is a good shot, and can bag his game, in
season or out, by getting out of hear-shot distance ; and no
obstacles can be interposed to this general and indiscriminate
slaughter, except the enforcement of rigid laws, and the severe
discountenance of public opinion.
But the lover of the finny race can protect his game with more
certainty. Although the inhabitant of the crystal water can
often be seen, there is no certainty of taking him, except it be
with net or spear, and this can be prevented. A gentleman
who had a fine pond, stocked with golden carp, was asked by
a dealer in fish for the privilege of taking some fish from his
pond. The gentleman, having been in a former instance im-
posed upon by the inquirer, answered, that he might come and
take as many as he pleased ; but immediately he set his
men to work, and planted stakes throughout the pond. Much
time was spent in the purchase and preparation of nets, at
considerable expense ; the netters went, but returned with torn
nets and no fish, and a flea in their ear. A word to the wise
is sufficient.
Were a few anglers in the vicinity of water netted by
poachers to club together to protect it, and see that the ground
was properly staked, the ponds and streams could in a measure
be preserved from the depredations of such barbarians. Draw-
nets and seines are the most injurious ; gill-nets and fykes
cannot be used with much effect without being visible, and
can be watched by the vigilant angler.
In regard, then, to the protection of game, we have the same
interest with the fowler ; and as there are many who pursue
fish and fowl, and many epicures also
Who love a dish
Of birds or fish,
concert ot action among them could not fail to be effectual.
234
THE FISH AND FISHING OF THE UNITED STATES.
Strong laws against taking or vending game out of season,
strictly enforced by the rigorous prosecution of all offenders,
would check, if not stop the growing evil.
To this end sporting clubs should be formed in the different
cities, towns, and districts of country, which might be bene-
fited by such laws ; and vigilance committees formed to cor-
respond with and visit the sporting grounds, and see that every
violation of the statutes is thoroughly dealt with. By such a
course of procedure our game grounds could be preserved,
our pleasures greatly increased, and a stock of nature's " best
gift, our ever new delight," preserved to future generations.
We can do more. Where ponds and streams have ceased to be
tenanted by the favorite trout, transportation and propagation
can be carried on privately, at little expense, and the fish left
to remain many years with safety and success. Then the
streams we once loved may be made lively and joyous as in
the days of our youth. There appears to be only one descrip-
tion of fish that we are destined to lose, and that is the king of
the tribe, the salmon. The majority of our rivers being large
enough to admit of all kinds of navigation, including that
enemy of fish and fishing, the steamboat, we shall eventually
have to bid farewell to this royal visitor. He cannot be do-
mesticated, but roams as his instinct leads him. Other descrip-
tions of game are ours, and in our keeping ; and it behoves us,
as true men and faithful anglers, to propagate and preserve
them.
CHAPTER II.
&SD FISH, 0& SPOTTED BASSE.
Corvima ecMata^-DtKAT.
Tms fish is an inhabitant of our more southern waters, being
found in great abundance on the Atlantic coast, in most of the
bays that set in souin of Cape Hatteras, although he occasion-
ally, in limited numbers, roves as far north as New York.
He is, however, more of an object of sport in the southern
bays, and is taken in the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico,
in Lake Borgne, at Pascagoula, Pass Christian, Bay of Biloxi,
Mobile, Pensacola, and Apalachicola bays. At the south he
is called the Red Fish {Poisson Rouge), and further north, at
Charleston, the Basse, or Spotted Basse. He varies in size
from one to four feet. When first taken from the water he is
of a beautiful silver color, but after a little exposure becomes
dark and clouded along the back, like many others of his
species. In death he changes his color to rainbow hues.
Beyond the caudal fin and near the tail he has a very singular
and peculiar black or brown spot, bordered with white. A
single spot looks, at first sight, rather unnatural, and one
would be apt to suppose it the work of art or accident. The
late Dr. Mitchell says, « it resembles the mark left by a heated
iron, which has given rise to the name of branded drum."
They are often taken having two, three, or even four of these
strange looking spots clustered together in the same situation.
In the vicinity of Charleston he commences taking the hook
m the early part of March, and is caught all through the
season, until mid winter, at which time he is taken of larger
size than at his early coming. Along the more southern coast,
236
OF THE RED FISH, OR SPOTTED BASSE.
at New Orleans and Mobile, he seems to be always on hand,
and fiirnishes food for the table all the year round. He runs in
shallow water, similar to the striped basse, and is taken mostly
with the hand line with a small sized cod hook, baited with
shrimps or pieces of mullet. He is a strong, powerful, and bold
biting fish, and, with the rod and reel, affords as much plea-
sure in his capture as any of the tribe.
A friend relates that whilst fishing near the South Pass, Mis-
sissippi River, being tired and inclined to snooze, he wound his
line around his wrist, and resigned himself to the arms of Mor-
pheus ; but before his nap was half out was suddenly awakened
by a tug at his line, and before he could recover himself was
pulled overboard by the extreme strength and vigor of this game
fish.
He is held m high estimation as an article of food, and is
well worth the angler's toil and patience. The rod and reel
angler may fish for him in the same manner as directed for
striped basse or weak fish, using always, to insure success,
twisted gut leaders, and No. 00 Limerick, or Kirby hooks.
CHAPTER III.
TROLLING FOR STRIPED BASS
Those who prefer the more active and invigorating practice
of our much admired art, will find trolling for this beautiful game
fish as exciting a recreation as any that comes within the angler's
reach. It has two advantages over the ordinary bridge and boat
fishing (always allowing that the angler knows his ground
well) ; one is, that, as in the scientific pursuit of trout, his scene
is more changefid and varied, being relieved fi-om the sometimes
tedious and monotonous stillness ; and the other is, that the
game is more likely to be attracted by his bait, fi-om the more
continual change of position, than it could be by the usual
mode of casting and drawing fi-om the boat's side, bridge's
height, or projecting bank.
At Harlem river and Hurlgate,* near New York, they are taken
• Perhaps it were better to give this place its original and more appro
piiate appellation of Heligate. No angler should attempt to fish there
aniess with an experienced hand who knows the groand ; for unruffled
and inviting as this favorite spot appears at slack water, less than an hout
may change it from the gentleness of the lamb to the raging of the lion,
and before he be aware of it he may be hurled into the Pot, among the
Hen and Chickens, on the Hog's Back, Frying-pan. or Gridiron. Wash
ington Irving, in his celebrated History of New York, says : —
"This is a narrow strait in the Sound, at the distance of six miles
above New York. It is dangerous to shipping, unless under the care of
skilful pilots, by reason of numerous rocks, shelves, and whirlpools.
These have received sundry appellations, such as the Gridiron, Fr^-Jng-
pan. Hog's Back, Pot, &c. Certain mealy-mouthed men, of squeamif^h
consciences, who are loath lo give the devil his due, have softened the
above characteristic name into Hurlgate, forsooth ! Let those take care
how they venture into the Gate, or they may be hurled into the Pot
before they are aware of it."
16
S38 TROLLING FOR STRIPED BASSE.
of from three to fifty pounds' weight, with a natural squid or
eel for bait. The line most proper to be used is a stout flax or
cotton line, twenty-eight fathoms long and about one-eighth
of an inch thick, the size of an ordinary cod line. The angler,
to troll properly, should have a portable seat (which should be
placed across the stem of the boat), and sit with his back to the
person propelling him along. The boat should be rowed gently,
and with the least possible noise, with muffled row-locks.
The size of the hook is about the same as that used in taking
the ordinary cod. But how to put on the squid — by the way,
brother angler, did you ever see a squid ? If you have not, you
will find a pretty good portrait of him at the bottom of page
239 ; but should you see him in his living person, you will
never forget him. He is the most singular, odd-looking cus-
tomer that has its residence beneath tide water. His aze varies
from four to ten inches in length.
" Gndgeons in rivers, dragonet in weeds,
Sqaid 'midst tlie rocks, in open water feeds."
He is not known to bite at anything, but is as good a morsel
for a hungry basse as a roast turkey for us of the fraternity at a
Thanksgiving dinner ; and is as hard to be passed by the nimble
basse as would be a gin palace by a regular toper.
To attach him to the hook, procure a stout needle and a good
length of linen thread. This tie to the end of your hook's
length, which indispensable to your success, should have been
fastened with a strong winding of waxed thread to a piece ol
cord of the same thickness as your line, and twelve inches in
length. Take oflf that calico spotted uniform that he wears,
and leave him pure and white as the mountain snow. Divest
him of that singular-looking transparent article called his back
bone ; now take your needle, with thread and hook attached,
enter the needle at the opening of the neck from which yon
TROIXWe FOa STRIPED BASSS.
•239
took his pellucid spine ; draw the hook so far through, that tlie
point of the hook will pass through near his eye ; enter it
there, cut off your thread, and commence at the tail by sewing
him firmly around the projecting part of the hook, and con-
tinue to stitch him nicely and firmly ail the way down to his
neck, where you may, after a few turns firmly secured, clip off
your thread and consider him fixed for his fate.
There are very few persons that attempt this mode of fishing
Lewis Rogers and John Hilliker, who keep public -houses near
the places mentioned, have taken some very large fish of late
years, weighing in some instances as high as sixty pounds. The
best time for taking them is in the months of October and
November.
Another method of trolling practised is, with the usual basse
tackle, with rod and reel, and with spearing, killy, or minnow
for bait. The latter method is adopted in trolling in the various
creeks that run into the Hudson River. In these places they
are taken from one to ten pounds weight both in the spring and
aiif limn ; but the best time is in the month of October.
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1 J
CHAPTER IV.
THE MACKINAW TROUT, OR MACKINAW SALMON
Salmo ^methystus.—MiTcaihh.
This appears to be a different species from that known as
the common Lake Trout, Salmo Confinis, Dekay. It is
described in the New York Fauna as follows :
" Color. — Dark or dusky grey above ; chin, throat, and belly
light ash grey or cream color; the back and sides sprinkled
with numerous irregular lighter grey or brown, or soiled white
spots, which do not, however, as in the preceding species (Lake
Trout), rise upon the fins ; ventrals and pectorals slightly yel-
lowish ; irides yellow ; the teeth, gums, and roof of the mouth
with a bright purple tinge ; length, two to five feet."
" This magnificent trout, which is the largest hitherto known
of Salmonidae, exists in all the great lakes lying between the
United States and the Arctic Ocean, is exceedingly voracious,
feeding upon every fish within its reach, and, according to Dr.
Mitchill, is sometimes of the weight of 120 pounds. It is a
favorite article of food with the Canadian voyageurs, who fre-
quently eat it raw. Its flesh is reddish. Like the Salmo Con-
finis, it resorts habitually to the deepest parts of the lake, and
only comes near the shores in October to spawn, when the
natives spear it by torchlight. Lake Huron appears to be it?
most southerly range in any considerable number, although a
few are taken occasionally in Lake Erie, along the shores of
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York." This kind is much supe-
rior to the common lake trout (with which it is often con-
founded), as an article of food ; and by good judges of good
things is considered equal in flavor to any fish that swims
^AR^
V OP
TVAt
o«Se^'^
CAL
of
THE MACKINAW TROUT, OR MACKINAW SALMOlf. 241
They are mostly taken with gill nets and set lines in deep water.
The lines used are as large as the largest sized cod lines, and the
hooks, which are generally made by the blacksmiths in the
vicinity of the lakes, are equal in size to the biggest cod hooks.
The bait is, pieces of the lake herring, or of the white fish.
When the lines are taken up, if the fish are large, they are lifted
into the boat with a large strong gaff. The most pleasant and
exciting mode of capture for the angler is that of trolling
with stout line and hooks, as before described,* and a piece of
pork attached, or the spoon bait, or brass revolving hook. The
best places for this kind of sport are in Lakes Huron, Superior,
and the Straits of Mackinaw. He affords amusement and
exciting exercise to the inhabitants near the lakes, and bites
equally as sharp at the baited hook as Jack Frost does at the
exposed features of the fisherman.
A friend at Detroit says : —
" During the winter, trout are taken in great numbers through
the ice, in Green Bay ; and the markets of Chicago, Galena,
and many of the interior towns of Wisconsin are thus supplied.
The bait (herring) are caught with small gill nets sunk through
the ice, A hole is then cut over twenty-five or thirty fathom
water, and the line, which is kept in motion, prevents the hole
from freezing. When a fisherman has a bite, and strikes the
fish, he throws the line over his shoulder and runs off, drawing
the fish rapidly up to the hole and out upon the ice, where it is
left to freeze. -In this manner trout are tJiken in large quanti-
ties, and transported in a firozen state to the towns above named.
Hundreds of barrels of them are salted and sold in the spring."
At Peseco Lake, Lake Louis, and Lake Pleasant, in
Hamilton County, N. Y., and other northern lakes, much sport
is had by boat trolling with the rod and reel, and parties are
• See Lake Trout, page 64.
242
THE MACKINAW TROUT,
made up from the cities of New York, Albany, Troy, Roches-
ter, and places in the vicinity of the lakes, for a two-weeks*
tour in that beautiful wilderness of exuberant nature. A visit
to that lonely sporting region will richly repay the money and
time spent * in sweet communion with nature' by a store of
health and contentment exchanged for the worn frame and hag-
gard coimtenance caused by excessive city confinement.
The rod proper for this description of trolling is the same
as that used for striped basse, only it should have a hollow butt
ind extra top, so that should you be so unfortunate as to break
a top, you can easily replace it with another. Some use two
rods at one time ; but it requires a skilful and experienced troller
to manage two, as the lines are apt to become entangled. To
succeed well, you must have an experienced oarsman, who has
been in the habit of trolling, and can row you gently and quietly
about the lake. They have a mode of rigging hooks to the
shiner or minnow a little different from the usual Waltonian
method, and that recommended by Hofland, at page 87 ; it is
called a train of hooks. These trains of hooks are made on a
stout strand of single gut in the following manner. Take the
largest and roundest piece of gut that you can procure ; tie two
No. 5 Limerick salmon (or No. 1 trout, or smaller, according to
the size of the bait you expect to use) hooks to the end of it
for tail hooks ; about an inch further up place two others of
the same size for back fin hooks ; and about one and a half
inches further up one more, for a lip hook ; apply these hooks
to your shiner in their regular order, fastening them through the
toughest part of your bait, and attach them to your leader, and you
are ready for your game. The lip hook can be attached with
a small loop so as to slide and accommodate itself to various
sized baits. Some prefer more hooks to their train, and put
three at the tail and two at the mouth, making seven hooks in
ill ; others prefer to use one large Limerick hook, say No. 1 or
OR MACKINAW SALMON.
243
0, salmon, after the Waltonian method, described on page Sri ;
this latter method is more simple in construction, but not con-
sidered as sure as the train of hooks. Your leader should be
of the best double or twisted gut, from three to four feet in
length, and should you wish to use the fly (which is often done),
it should be from two to three yards in length. For fly fishing
use one or two large gaudy salmon flies, made on No. 3 or
4 salmon hooks, at a sufficient distance apart, to prevent their
interfering with each other or the shiner. With your minnow
and fly train you may take a speckled brook trout and a lake trout
at the same time, of such proportions as will require your utmost
skill in bringing them to your boat. A necessary article on such
an excursion is a good sized gaff for securing your lake trout ;
your brook trout may be handled more carefully. When you
feel a bite, lower the point of your rod so as to give your fish
a chance to take the bait further in his mouth, and to place
yourself and rod in such a position as to give your game play
in case he needs it. Should the fish you seek run in deep
water, place a light swivel sinker on your line before your
leader. In all cases of trolling, use one or two swivels to
allow free spinning of your minnow and prevent your tackle
from entangling.
A curious way of taking lake trout, practised by the inhabit-
ants living near the lakes, is to sink in some part of the lake
a large piece of bark attached to a pole, some twenty-five or
thirty feet in length, to which heavy weights are fastened ; this
is called an anchor, and is regularly baited two or three times
a week, with small fish. A number of anchors may be set in
this manner in different parts of the lake. These are kept baited
for several weeks, until it is thought that the trout have fairly
got into the habit of resorting to them. A fisherman will then
tie his skiff to the end of the pole, and commence fishing with
a common drop line, using a very large, straight, and pointed
244
THE MACKIJ^AW TROUT, OR MACKINAW SALMON.
hook, called the lake hook. This method is called fishing at
anchor.
New Yorkers who would visit the sporting lakes of Hamil-
ton County, will reach them most speedily and economically
by leaving the city by the Monday night's boat for Albany, and
taking the cars for the west at 7 o'clock next morning. At
about 10 you reach Amsterdam, where you take the stage for
NorthviJle. Here stay till morning, when the regular mail
conveyance, which leaves but once a week, carries you to Lake
Pleasant, the first of the series.
Salmon trout are there taken as the ice breaks up, and even
in winter through the ice. But if you value comfort, and have
no fancy for the keen air of those elevated regions (where the
season is two months later than on Long Island), the four
weeks from and after the middle of May are infinitely prefer-
able, even if you regard the quantity and quality of the fish.
The speckled brook trout do not bite until the end of May.
CHAPTER V.
BASSE FISHING ON THE SHORES OF LONG ISLAND.
Kindly furnished for this edition by T. D. Lowther, Esq.
Off the south-east shore of Long Island, during the fall
months, Basse are taken in considerable numbers. About the
middle of August, fish of from four to ten pounds begin to make
along the coast between Montauk Point and Fire Island, and
enter the Inlets, where they are generally taken upon the bar,
or just beyond the surf, either by trolling, or by " heaving and
bawling" fi-om the shore. The latter is a favorite mode of
fishing, but rather laborious, requiring both physical strength
and practical skill. The squid for this purpose should be of
block tin, fiill six ounces weight, with large hook (no kirb),
size, number one Cod. This attached to a cotton line, full
twenty fathoms long, light and close twisted, is made to gyrate
around the head until it acquires sufficient velocity and momen-
tum, when it is cast, with the full swing of the arm, into the
breakers, carrying after it the line that is held loosely coiled in
the left hand. The moment the squid strikes the water, it is
hauled swiftly to shore that it may not sink, but play on the
surface, and imitate the motion of the natural fish. At Mon-
tauk, they wind around a long squid-lead a strip of fi-esh skin
from the belly of the basse, or draw and tie up over the lead the
tail-skin of an eel. But hungry fish will snap at any moving
thing. I have seen taken a basse of twenty-five pounds that bit
at a rag.
As you will need a number of squids (for some will get
broken and lost in the rocks), take various kinds if you please:
— Fishermen have their fancies and so perhaps have fish ; but
246
BASSE FISHING ON THE SHORES OF LONG ISLAND.
your success will depend much more on the reach of your cast,
than on the sort of squid you employ.
In the like manner and place, but earlier in the season. Blue
fish are sometimes taken in large numbers, and afford to the
" lucky ones," for a few brief minutes, an exciting sport of the
tallest kind. The capture of " Mackerel"* from the shore
presents to even the most passive observer, a most animating
spectacle. When Blue fish are announced as in sight, all who
can, hurry to the beach and take stands upon some elevation
of rock or platform, with coats off and lines ready, eager to
receive them. Hovering over the approaching school career
clouds of Gulls, screaming, diving, and eddying around the
wounded Menhaden and fragments of fish that escape from the
jaws of their pursuers. Nearer they come, their green backs
darkening the broken water, and the still water within begins
to ripple and sparkle and foam, till the sea is alive with fish,
crowding upon the shore. A leap, a splash — again another —
and a hundred silver sides are glancing in the sun. A dozen
lines whiz glistening through the air, cleaving the waters in the
midst of the school, and a dozen fish are instantly struck, and
drawn hand over hand, swiftly and steadily to shore. Vigor-
ously the fishers ply their lines with various chances of fortune,
and so the battle rages until the mackerel, in diminished num-
bers, retire beyond the reach of their cunning enemies.
* The name for the Blue fish in Suffolk County.
y/
CHAPTER VI.
THE SMELT.
Otmeru* Virideaceju.
This beautiful, almost transparent, and prolific little fish, as
an angle fish may be said to belong almost exclusively to
the Bostonians, in whose vicinity it is found and caught in
large quantities. It is supposed to derive its name from its
peculiar smell when taken out of the water, being similar in
scent to the cucumber. It is called the dainty of Boston, is
taken in large quantities by hook and net, and makes quite a
desirable article for the palate by the addition of a fiying-pan
operation.
" Color. — Pale olive green above the lateral line ; opercles
and sides silvery ; obscure traces just below the lateral line, of
a broad satin-like band, extending the whole length of the
body ; the place of the ribs indicates unusually lustrous stripes,
which disappear shortly after death ; upper part of the opercles,
near the nape, dark green ; caudal dark at the base, and with
an obscure marginal band ; dorsal caudal fins light green ; pec-
torals, ventrals, and anal light colored, tinged taintly with
bluish ; irides silvery ; bones of the head sub-diaphanous." —
DeKay.
In habits they are similar to the salmon, and are classed by
naturalists among that species. Their average size is from six
to nine inches in length, and are occasionally taken as long as
twelve or thirteen inches.* They run up fi-om the sea into
* Narborough, a celebrated voyager, says.— "The smelts at Monle
Video are fear and-twenty inches in length ; they are semi-transparent,
and are most delicious eating ; they are very abundant, and may be
caught with the hook. They are also to be taken in the Straits of
MaceUan, twenty-niae inches in len^h and eight in circumference.*'
248
THE SMELT.
fresh water to spawn, in the months of March and April, and
return home in the month of May. They pay their return visit
for the benefit of the angler and epicure, and bite about the
same time with Jack Frost, in the month of October or Novem-
ber. In the vicmity of Boston they are caught all through tho
winter in immense quantities, and sent to the markets. As
many as one hxmdred dozen of them are known to have been
taken by one man with two lines in one day.
The usual mode of fishing for them through the ice, is with
a fixing consisting of a piece of brass wire, of ten or fifteen
inches in length, passed through a small piece of lead which
answers for a sinker ; to each end of this is attached a Lime-
rick trout hook, about No. 2 or 3, tied to the ordinaiy length
of gut, baited with shrimps, or small pieces of minnow or frog.
This is attached to a sufficient length of cotton or flax line, and
finally fastened to a short stick of live oak, ash, or some other
elastic wood, which is stuck into the ice through a hole about
eighteen to twenty-four inches in diameter. An expert hand at
this business can attend to two or three lines of this description,
amuse himself by skating, and take home a sufficient quantity
of smelts to satisfy a craving appetite sharpened by exercise,
excitement, and a pure, healthy atmosphere.
At other places, and in other seasons, they are taken with
the usual trout tackle, with the exception of the sinker, which
should vary in size according to the strength of the tide.
This fish is very tenacious of life, has been known to exist a
long time after being taken out of water, and is for this reason
admirably adapted for transportation. They have been trans-
ferred successfully into fresh-water ponds, both in this country
and England. Yarrell, in his " British Fishes," says :
" Smelts were kept for four years in a fresh- water pond, hav-
ing no communication with the sea ; they continued to thrive,
and propagated abundantly. They were not affected by freez-
THE SMELT.
249
ing ; as the whole pond, which covered about three acres, was
so frozen over as to admit of skating. When the pond was
drawn, the fishermen considered they had never seen so fine a
iot of smelts."
Several years since the same experiment was tried with
almost equal success at Jamaica Pond, on Long Island, with
this exception, that although equal in flavor and quantity, they
do not grow so large in size.
They are taken in considerable quantities in the rivers and
bays that run up from the eastern coast, and also in the Passaic,
Hackensack, and other small rivers of New Jersey, from which
latter place the New York market is supplied during winter.
CHAPTER Vn.
SPOON BAIT
1 \
Dear brother of the rod, unless thou wast bom, brought up,
or been fishing in the northern part of the State of New York,
you must certainly wonder at the above caption as a name for
an article to bait fish withal. Shade of departed Walton !
could you but imagine a silver plated table-spoon attached to
a hook to lure the finny tribe with ! thou wouldst shrink with
utter dismay from the sight. But there were no Yankees in
Walton's days, and the telegraph and spoon bait were alike
unknown. This, dear reader, is a good trolling bait for Black
Basse, Lake Trout, Pike, and Muskellunge.
It was first invented and used by a gentleman in the vicinity
of Saratoga Lake for Black Basse. The idea occurred to him
that the. Lake basse would bite at anything bright if kept in
motion ; he procured the bowl of an old silver plated spoon,
scraped off" the silver from one side, cut off" the point, flatted the
shape, soldered two good sized hooks in the small end, and
attached a swivel to the other. It worked like a charm, and he
took more fish in the same space of time than was ever done
before by any individual in the neighborhood. It has since
been made up in various styles, with one, two, and three hooks,
and is made with silver plate or brass on the convex side, and
painted red (decidedly the best color) on the concave. They
are for sale at the fishing tackle shops in the city of New York,
and can generally be had in the vicinity of the lakes. It is
used in the ordinary manner of boat trolling, or can be em-
ployed in hand trolling from the bank.
It would be well to try it for other descriptions of either
fipesh or salt water fish. If made small it would answer very
SPOON BAIT.
251
well for the usual size pickerel,* and perch, and, much larger
and stronger, it would answer remarkably well for blue fish,
or any of the more ravenous of the finny tribe.
It is difficult to tell what m earth, aur, or water the spoon
bait with its hooks and swivel looks like to the angler, much
less what the deluded and ravenous animal thinks of it, when
making after it with such extreme impetuosity. It would seem
in its gyrations through the water to resemble the shape
and motions of the frog more than anything else it could be
likened to, and certainly goes to prove that a moving bait is
mure likely to take fish than a still one. The practise of boat
trolling is by far the most pleasant mode of lake fishing,
and the spoon bait has added much to the convenience and
economy of this branch of the angler's delight.
This form would no doubt have equally as " taking a wajr"
(if made larger and stronger) for the Blue Fish, Bonita, or the
other inhabitants of the ocean's depths. It should be tried.
* A gentleman informs me that he hAs succeeded in taking a number
of Pickerel with it from a pond in the northern part of the State of New
YorJi
CHAPTER VIII.
BERSALL, CHOCESETT, NIBBLER, BLUE FERC]
OR GUNNER.
Ctenolabrus CertUeua.
This fish, although usually a pest to the Black fish angler, is
by some of the fraternity at Boston and New York considered
a worthy object of sport. It is usually so small and of such
little capability of mouth, as to be a continual vexation when
fishing for black fish with a hook of the usual size. Its weight
averages from 4 to 16 ounces ; but a 3-4 lb. Bergall is con-
sidered a large fish. Its flavor by epicures, and those who
angle for the pleasures of the table, is considered inferior to no
fish that swims ; and there are a few, who really love angling in
its perfection, that will occasionally, in anticipation of a rich
repast, spend a day in the capture of these little fish with as
much zest as they would when bagging as many woodcock,
snipe, or quail. Its range is from the Delaware to the banks
of Newfoundland. Of its color, De Kay says : There is scarcely
any fish whose colors are so variable as this species. In the
smaller individuals, the general color is blue, more or less mixed
with brown ; and faint, dusky, transverse bars may be frequently
In the larger specimens, as in the one now before me,
which is twelve inches long, the colors are bright and showy,
a light orange colored tint pervading the whole body. In these
also, the head and opercles are of a beautiful chocolate, mixed
with bright blue ; the fins of a blue more or less brilliant."
Smith in his history of the fishes of Massachusetts says : " To
all appearance, the Perch, or Gunner, is the Tautog in minia-
ture, and if it were black, it would be supposed the young of
that fish." But anglers who have often taken both descriptions
8ER0ALL, CBOCESETT, KIBBLER, BLI7E PERCH, OR CXTimER. 353
ol the same size and weight, could not be deceived in this re-
spect.
For a Taatog*8 a black fish the aniverse round.
And a Conner's a canner though he weigh a full pound.
No difference of any consequence can be seen between a
small black fish and a large one, but a wide diflerence between
a Bergall and a black fish ; and to us of the fraternity, why the
two should be classed as relations of the same family is rather
mysterious.
The most successful mode of taking this fish is with the usual
black fish or hand line tackle, with the exception of the hook,
which should be a Limerick trout, of either number 2 or 3,
attached to single gut. The eye and hand of the angler should
be active. A moderate but steady jerk is necessary to get him
out of his element. Those who know how he tastes after being
well cooked, recommend the following method.
Take this despised little animal and handle him as though he
were a friend ; take out from his interior the parts not designed
for food, and cut off his head, tail, and fins ; then (Eel skinning
fashion), with a sharp pointed knife conunence at the head and
strip his skin entirely off: sprinkle a little salt over to harden,
not salt his flesh, and let him lie a suflicient time for that pur-
pose. You may then broil him on the gridiron and dish him ;
season him slightly with a little Cayenne pepper, and pour some
spiced claret or. port wine over him ; or put him in the pan and
" do him brown" with butter and flour, adding the seasoning
and wine. A little celery well dressed with the dish adds to
the perfection of the meal. Some prefer him stewed ; but ii
properly cooked either way, one trial of the palate will give
him his proper rank with the most finished epicurean.
17
CHAPTER IX.
BLACK PISH ANGLING IN SUFFOLK CO. L.
By T. D. L.
Either shore of the Sound affords fine fishing, but the reefs
and boulders of the north side of Long Island, especially, are
favorite feeding grounds of the Black Fish. Off Montauk on
a calm day, after the clearing up of a southwest storm, may
be seen a hundred to a hundred and fifty sail of smacks, busily
employed fishing, and they generally succeed in filling their
wells in a tide or two, at most. But the beautiful and pic-
turesque north shore, anywhere between Port Jefferson and
Oyster Pond Point, affords the true angler the best sport, be-
cause thereabouts fish are neither too provokingly scarce nor
disgustingly abundant.
Greenport, the eastern terminus of the L. I. Railroad, is most
deservedly a favorite resort of anglers in pursuit of health and
asure. Having the Peconic Bay on one side, and the Sound
within two miles on the other, it is a convenient point of de-
parture for bay or sea fishing, as you incline, or wind and
weather may determine. The Sound is the preferable fishing
ground, for it always affords sport, though very unequal. A
party in a boat, with hand lines, and bait of soft clams, or
" Fiddler" (as the soldier crab is called), will always take fish
at any time, because able to follow them unto water too deep
or too swift for successful rod fishing. But there pleasure ends
and labor begins. One skilful angler, who, with rod and reel,
fishes from a good rock, between half tide and high water,
where it never exceeds three fathoms, will not only have more
sport, but get larger and better game than ' any ordinary party
BLACK FISH A*'GLtNG IN SUFFOLK CO., L. I.
who, unrefined and unbelieving, fish in the common inglorioua
way. For taking Black Fish, as, perhaps, for all others, the
morning, irrespective of tide, is generally best. But in fine
weather, when high water happens just after svmdown,
of a warm summer afternoon, the last hour of flood
is worth all the rest of the day. Then the large " tide run-
ners" leave the cool deep water, and come in shore to feed on
barnacles that grow against the rocks ; and then often may be
seen, around some insulated point of rock, the " flukes" of large
Black Fish feeding.
The average size of the fish in good localities may be from
twenty ounces to two pounds. Five pounds is large, and such
are not numerous, though I have caught several the same day.
V^ery rarely one of ten, even twelve honest pounds, is taken.
A steel-yard, which I always carry, is a wonderful corrector
of the judgment ; it is a weighty sinker to the buoyant fancy,
and often ungraciously translates the poetic quantities of the
enthusiast into flat and scaly prose.
As in these waters the angler may chance to strike a huge
Dog Fish, Fluke, or other ugly " varmint," he should be pro
vided against accidents with an extra basse rod — the best kind
lor this fishing, and a dozen hollow sinkers. Hooks* from Nos.
5 to 8 (much smaller than those usually sold with hand lines),
should be strongly bound with a well-waxed arming to a flax
line, double and twisted ; for stifihess, as well as strength, is most
desirable in a snell, to avoid entanglement. For clear, warm
days, when the fish are shy, and " off* their feed," twisted gut
is preferable. Then noiselessly approach a rock, gently drop
your line, and let it slowly float into the eddy, drawing it
along the leeward side, a foot above the bottom weeds ; and
if in five minutes a fish does not bite, or quietly draw the bait
aito his hole, be sure there is no fish there. You can often
change your ground with advantage. The white-nosed variety
m
256
BLACK FISH ANGLING IN SUFFOLK CO., L. 1.
feeds everywhere, comes and goes with the tide. But the com-
mon Black Fish — the true darkies — seem to have " local habi-
tations." The rock that is "fished out," though sometimes
visited, will not soon have other finny tenants, unless you in-
vite them by throwing overboard your spare bait, which often
secures you next day an hour's good fishing.
In baiting with " Fiddler," pass the hook through the belly,
and out at the back (careful not to divide the shell), and take
off" the large claw. If Bergalls (or " Gunners," as they are
called) trouble you, leave the claw on, and the crab, in self-
defence, will nip their noses. Whenever Bergalls suddenly
stop biting, be sure a Black fish or sea basse is near. They re-
spect their superiors, and keep their distance.
* A small, flat, stout, sharp hook, with short shank, and flat head,
fastened by a double hitch to a flax line, armed for two inches above
the hook, by the loose end being twisted around it and knotted— smack
man's fashion — makes so superior a snell that none other should be
used or sold for hand fishing. At the Angler's Depot, N. Y., they can be
had, from one who is an old salt in these matters. Verbum sap. Hooks
made of light wire are worthless. The Bottle, or Swell Fish, literally
chew them up. A landing net, file, knife, and thin cotton gloves, are
indispensable.
CHAPTER X.
TH£ WHITE LAKE BASSE
Labrax Albidua.
This is another species of the universal perch family, and is
found in many of the lakes in the northern part of the State of
New York. At Buffalo they are called the white basse. They
do not partake of all the vigorous qualities of the blaclc basse,
neither do they attain to so great a size, but are, nevertheless, a
very active game fish, and well worth the angler's patience and
perseverance. A northern friend says:
" The white basse of the western lakes is a very fine fish,
and gives good sport in the taking. They resemble in shape
the white perch of the Hudson River, but are much larger,
weighing from one to three and a half pounds. In color they
are a blackish white on the back, and white on the sides and
belly, with a few dark, parallel, narrow streaks along the sides.
The live minnow is an excellent bait for them, but should be
of smaller size than for their black brethren, as they are not so
well provided for, in the way of gape. They are a shy fish,
and very lively on the hook. Their season corresponds with
that for taking the black basse. They run in schools, and you
may sometimes take a dozen in half an hour."
'«^^'
CHAPTER XL
SILKWORM GUT, KNOTS, LOOPS, &C
We now ojme to a knotty question in our line of discourse.
Those who are blest for the first time in their lives with an
opportunity of viewing and handling the beautiful article called
silkwomj gut (and there be many, even anglers, who to this
day have never seen it), are struck with perfect astonishment
when they are told that this beautiful semi-transparent sub-
stance is the product of- the silkworm.* It is not actually the
gut of the worm, but what he would spin out into silk were he
allowed to take the due course of nature. A few days before
he begins to spin, the worm is immersed in a weak acid and
left to soak about twelve or eighteen hours, after which he is
opened and two pieces of the substance taken from him.
These are drawn out with great care and stretched to their full
length to dry. They are at first opake, but after becoming
dry they assume their transparent appearance. They are put
together in bunches of 100 strands, and the useless ends
wrapped around with red twine, and exported to all parts of
the world.
Those who first form an acquaintance with it for the purpose
of making their own tackle, are apt to use it in its hard dry
state, and condemn It at once as brittle and useless. But to
work well and handsomely, it should be soaked in moderate-
ly warm water for about half an hour, or in cold water
about two hours before using. It can then be tied or twistet^
into any shape to suit the capricious angler's will.
There are many kinds of knots used by the fraternity in
* See Part I., p. 31.
SILKWORM GUT, KNOTS, LOOPS, &C.
259
tyiug and looping, all of which have their advocates and
contemners, but it will be well to remember that in all modes
of' tying, the simplest in construction, and freest from angles
and abrupt turns, is the best ; all turns should be made round and
not short and quick so that one strand cuts the other. This
doctrine holds good not only in regard to our subject matter,
but also to the tjring or putting together of any stiff substance.
The best knots in use amongst anglers are sailors' knots, which
afford the simplest and surest modes of rigging any line.
One of the simplest, and most secure is the double knot,
made by passing the ends around each other after the manner
of the common knot, but twice instead of once. For leaders
or loops gut can be tied together at the ends, as in the draw-
ings. The ends need not be whipped down, but can be cut
close off, as they are perfectly secure, and not liable to break.
^
The double and single water knots for tying lengths of gut to-
gether are approved by some, and are made after the following
manner:
the single is found to be sufficiently secure, and being smaller
and simpler, is more xi^d than the double.
260
SILKWORM GUT, KA'OTS, LOOPS, &,C
The loop knot is a very easy way of tying a line or piece of
gut to a loop, and is made thus.
A facile mode of fastening gut together, is the loop hitch, but
observe that the ends must be whipped down with silk. The
gut in this case is not knotted, and when close together and
properly fastened, it forms one of the smallest and most simple
ties ever invented. The celebrated Theophilus South in his
fly-fisher's text book, recommends it above all others.
Leaders or Bottom Lengths. — These useful articles of tackle
need a more precise explanation than that given in former
pages. They are made of lengths of silkworm gut, tied to-
gether as before described in lengths single, double, or twisted,
of from one to four yards. When employed for trout they are
invariably used singly ; their position on the tackle is after
your svidvel or sinker, or if in fly-fishing, tied immediately to
your line. The usual way of making them is with a loop at
each end.
To fasten your leader to your other tackle pass the loop of
your leader through the loop of your line, sinker, or swivel,
whichever you be using, so that it will draw down as in the
last mentioned cut above, and it will be firmly secured. When
through your sport back out your leader and separate it from
your line, and dispose of it in your tackle book. When fishing
for salmon, basse, or other large fish, use your leader long or
short according to your depth of water, single, double, or
sujcwoRji oKrr, k^ots, loops, &.c.
261
twisted, accordlDg to the shyness, strength, or vigor of your
game. The most experienced basse anglers fish with only
one hook ; but where the game is small, many fish with two ;
this is done by attaching two leaders, one of one yard in
length, and the other of two, so that one hook will hang about
one yard fi-om the other ; or use one leader of one or two yards
in length, doubling it at about one third the length, and passing it
through the sinker in the form of a loop, drawing it down as
before described. Your leaders being rigged, pass the looped
end of your hook through your leader and draw your hook
through. Put your bait on your hook, and you are rigged for
a bite.
Should the foregoing be not found sufficiently explicit for
the tyro, he will find at the fishing tackle store these articles all
ready arranged, which will give him more practical ideas than
he can possibly get on paper, by which to arrange his taclcle
as he chooses.
CHAPTER XII.
SPRING SNAP HOOKS.
•* A WEAK invention of the enemy." Why the humble and
gentle piscator should be called the enemy of the finny race, or
why anglers, in speaking of their exploits, should call their
finny friends their enemies, is a mystery yet to be explained.
Such cannot certainly pursue their sport with a true Waltonian
spirit ; for the father of anglers never used the word enemy, and
always spoke in the most mild and pleasant manner of the finny
race. " Handle him as though you loved him," says he, when
speaking of preparing a line bait for the hook. The piscato-
rial world was for generations without any invention for taking
their game other than the ordinary kerbed steel until about fifty
years ago, when the spring snap hook was invented. This was
in general use until a few years since, when a boy by the name
of Griswold, about sixteen years of age, living in the vicinity
of Schroon Lake, conceived the idea of inventing a spring snap
that would hold the fish after he was hooked. He succeeded
in making the nook which is called the Griswold — see plate 1.
It is arranged with a spring, lever, and striking hook. The
striking hook is so adjusted that when set it lies alongside of
the main hook, and is retained by a slide at the top ; when the
fish nibbles the striking hook descends and takes him on the
outside of the head — see plate 2. By an improvement patented
by Mr. Ellis, of Naugatuck, Conn., the striking hook is relieved
from the lever instead of the upper part of the hook.
It was much approved of at the time, and considered an aid to
the angler. Immediately the mechanical genius of the country
was put in motion, and, presto! at least a dozen inventions of
striking hooks of various descriptions were made to facilitate
sniNa SNAP nooEs.
263
the taking of our scaly friends. They all havv; their raerils or
demerits, a diversity of opinion existing among the fraternity.
Some consider them " a weak invention of the enemy," very
cruel, and those unworthy of a sportsman's name who use
them ; others highly approve of them. They are not well
adapted for salt-water fishing where there is a strong tide, as
they are apt to spring before the fish bites. They are better,
suited to lake fishing for pike, black basse, and lake trout.
They are preferred and recommended by some for that purpose,
and for fish, such as often slip the hook, will always be used to
a certain extent. Many improvements and suggestions have
been made, but none to alter materially the character of the
dovjce.
CHAPTER XIII.
FISH POND AND TRANSPORTATION OF FISH.
^
f—
-13
iM
^-
— -
This is a subject of great importance, not only to the angler,
but 10 those who own farms or property in the country. In
Germany and France, the renting of fish ponds is a source of
large income to the owners of land, and an acre of water is
considered of equal value to an acre of soil. In our own coun-
try, a small sheet of water is considered of no particular advan-
tage, except it be to keep a few geese or ducks, to amuse the
children, to arouse the family in the morning by their incessant
quack, or perhaps remind them of those in the city whose per-
formance is the same, only one quacks through his natural in-
strument, and the other through the public press. Few lovers
of the beautiful in nature ever think of improving, enlarging, or
adorning a natural water spot, and making it joyous and lively
with the finny brood. Fewer still may think of damming a natu-
ral spring, widening a valley, making an outlet, and modifying
nature sufficient to allow depth of water capable of sustaining
and nourishing an animal that will conduce not only to their
pleasure and pastime, but also to their bodily comfort. Every
piece of ground of a springy or marshy description is imme-
diately drained, to make room for a crop of corn or potatoes, as
though it were intended that " man should live by bread alone."
Many reasons might be urged in favor of artificial fish ponds,
but as those who love the rod are largely on the increase
throughout the land, the necessity of these additions to comfort,
economy, and picturesque beauty as well as recreation, will
soon be seen. The rearing and breeding of various kinds
of cattle and feathered creatures for food, is an object of in-
terest and study with the farmer, but the propagation, naturah-
FISH POXD AND TRANSPORTATION OF FISH. 265
zation, or transportation of the scaly tribe, seems to be with
most tenants or owners of land beneath or bevond their
notice.
As an article of food, the fish is given to us, without doubt,
to gratify our varied tastes ; and in some seasons, particularly in
the early spring and summer, when other meats are out of
season and without relish, is more tasteful, healthful, and desi-
rable than any other palate delicacy. Include then the pleasure,
excitement, and vigor embraced in his piscatorial capture, and
we have a means of happiness which should be improved by all
who study the pleasures of mind and body.
Most of the varieties of our subject can be transported or
propagated with very little trouble, and some are so tenacious
of Hie that they require no care whatever.
Perch, Carp, and Pike can be transported a long distance,
say fifty or sixty miles, with ordinary carriage conveyance, and
by the present railroad and steamboat conveyance, hundreds
of miles. Capt. Henry Robinson, of Newburgh, N. Y., in the
year 1832, brought some six or seven dozen Carp from France,
and put them into a pond, supplied by springs of clear and pure
water, on his farm, where they increased to a surprising degree.
He has supplied many friends with them, who have distributed
them about in various parts of the country. This public -spirited
gentleman has also for a number of years put a few dozens in
the Hudson river. They grow much larger in the river, and
have increased so much that they are often taken by the fisher-
men in their nets.
The Black Basse can be made to change his residence by
one or two changes of water for the same distance. This latter
fish is growing in favor for large ponds, and will in the course
of a few years become very generally distributed throughout the
country. He is well worth the trouble of removing, and where
«i few gentlemen, or those of the craft join together in the ex-
^
26b
FISH POND AND TRANSPORTATION OF FISH.
pense, the amount would be small in comparison with the bene-
fits which would accrue.
The Trout is the most delicate and difficult fish to convey
any considerable distance, and should be narrowly watched
during the progress, and the water kept clear and as cool as
Salt-water fish can be easily transported by sea in cars, or
the well-holes of fishing-smacks adapted for keeping them
alive. The tautog, many years since unknown in the harbor
of Boston, is now found there in great abundance, having been
taken in cars from Newport, R. I. There are many fish that
swim the southern waters that would thrive equally well in
more northern latitudes, and vice versa.
Several years since, Mr. Pell, of Pelham, N. Y., had some
shad in pairs conveyed from the Hudson river to a pond on his
farm. A few years after he was much surprised to find, con-
trary to his expectation, that they had bred, and had grown to
the size of six inches. There is hardly a doubt that our ele-
gant striped basse of the salt water which goes up into the fresh-
water streams to spawn, could be domesticated, and made a
tenant of fresh- water ponds that are supplied with fresh- water
springs. There are many other descriptions worthy a trial.
The celebrated Dr. McCulloch, of Edinburgh, succeeded in
naturalizing eight different kinds of fish from salt water into
I'resh, with an improvement in their flavor ; and the philosopher
Bacon says, " that fish used to the salt water do nevertheless
delight much more in the fresh." Speaking of the salmon and
smelt, he says, " I doubt there hath been sufficient experiment
made of putting sea-fish into fresh-water ponds and pools ; it is
a thing of great use, for so you have them new at a great dis-
tance ; besides, fish will eat the pleasanter, and may fall to
breed."
** Mr. Arnold, of Guernsey," says Pickering, m his " Remi-
FISH POND AND TRANSPORTATION OF FISH.
267
oiscences," " has in his lake, of about ten acres, chiefly supplied
with fresh water, many sea-fish ; all have improved in quality
and propagated. The lake, which before was worthless, pro-
ducing a few eels, now yields a large rent. The bottom of the
lake is various — ^muddy, rocky, and gravelly, and since the
introduction of sea-fish, the eels have multiplied a thoiisand-
fold." A mode of culture of carp, spoken of by Daniel, in his
" Rural Sports," may be found useful to those wishing to breed
that description of fish.
" It is supposed that ninety brace of full-sized carp, and forty
of tench, are a good stock for an acre of water. In some
parts of Germany, where the domestication of fish is practised,
a suite of ponds are so constructed, that they can empty the
water and fish of one pond into another. The empty one is
then ploughed, and sown with barley. When the*grain is in
the ear, the water and its inhabitants are again admitted ; and
by feeding on the com are more expeditiously fatted than by
any other management."
All ponds should have a brook or rivulet running through
them, or fresh springs. It increases the feed and comfort of the
fish during the heat of summer, and counteracts the effects of
frost during the winter. All kinds of refuse grain, as beans,
peas, &.C., thrown into carp ponds, or sown in the mud along
the edges when the water is low, will serve to fatten and improve
the fish very much.
The following method of making artificial fish-ponds, from
Best's " Art of Angling," will be found useful.
" It is agreed that those grounds are best that are full of
springs, and apt to be moorish : the one breeds them well, and
the other preserves them from being stolen.
" The situation of the pond is also to be considered, and the
nature of the currents that fall into it ; bkewise that it be
refreshed with a little brook, or with rain-water that falls irom
268
FISH POND AND TRANSPORTATION OF FISH.
the adjacent hilly ground. And that those ponds which receive
the stale and dung of horses, breed the largest and fattest fishes.
" In making the pond, observe that the head be at the lowest
part of the ground, and the trench of the flood-gate, or sluice,
has a good swift fall, that it may not be long in emptying.
" If the pond carries six feet of water it is enough ; but it
must be eight feet deep, to receive the freshes and rains that
should fall into it.
'♦ It would be also advantageous to have shoals on the sides,
for the fishes to sun themselves in, and lay their spawn on ;
besides in other places certain holes, hollow banks, shelves,
roots of trees, islands, &,c., to serve as their retiring places.
" Reserve some great waters for the head-quarters of the fishes,
whence you may take, or wherein you may put, any quantity
thereof. And be sure to have stews and other auxiliary waters,
so as you may convey any part of the stock from one to the
other, so to lose no time in the growth of the fishes, but employ
your water as you do your land, to the best advantage. View
the grounds, and find out some fall between the hills, as near a
flat as may be, so as to leave a proper current for the water. If
there be any difficulty of judging of such, take an opportunity,
after some sudden rain, or breaking up of a great snow in win-
ter, and you will plainly see which way the ground casts, for
the water will take the true fall, and run accordingly.
" The condition of the place must determine the quantity of
the ground to be coven d with water. For example, I may
propose in all fifteen acrtjs in three ponds, or eight acres m two,
and not less ; and these ponds should be placed one above
another, so as the point cf the lower may almost reach the
head or bank of the uppei which contrivance is no less beau-
tiful than advantageous.
" The head, or bank, which, by stopping the current, is to
raise the water, and so make a pond, must be built with the clay
FISH POND AND TRANSPORTATION OF FISH.
269
or earth taken out of the pan or hollow dug in the lowest
ground above the bank ; the shape of the pan to be a half oval,
whereof the flat to come to the bank, and the longer diameter
to run square from it.
" For two large ponds, of three or four acres apiece, it is
advisable to have four stews, each two rods wide and three long.
The stews are usually in gardens, or near the house, to be more
handy and better looked to. The method of making them, is
to carry the bottom in a continual decline from one end, with
a mouth to favor the drawing them with a net.
" It is proper to cast in bavins in some places not far from
the sides, in the most sandy spots, for the fishes to spawn upon,
and to defend the young fry, especially the spawn of Carp and
Tench."
18
CHAPTER XIV.
FLOATS.
This buoyant article of our fancy has been of late much
improved. Patience and perseverance, it is said, will work
miracles ; but the two invaluable substances, Gutta Percha and
India rubber, having been successfully used in the manufacture
of floats, will prove to be of great importance and utility to the
angler, and will work wonders, as to the durability and con-
venience of this essential article of his equipment.
The great objection to the cork float was, that much diffi-
culty was experienced in keeping it in order, either the quill or
the stem becoming, with very little wear, loose and unfit for
use.
The turned hollow float, almost as light as air, being glued
or cemented together in the centre, by the constant action of
the sun and water, was apt to part in the centre, or by its ex-
treme thinness, liable to be broken almost as soon as a soft
boiled egg, particularly if the gentle Piscator, in his boat move-
ments, happened to tread too hard upon it.
In the manufacture of the new descriptions, all these difficulties
are obviated, and the angler can now be furnished with an ar-
ticle almost as light as air, and durable as time.
Gutta Percha is admirably adapted for the formation of this
implement of tackle, being, from its nature, very tenacious,
and easily worked into the desired shape. Those made of
this substance are lighter than wood, and cannot come apart
in the centre, nor break at the ends, except by extreme hard
usage and carelessness ; and even where this happens, they can
be repaired by the angler himself, with but little trouble. The
caoutchouc float is made in the usual form of the sheet rubber,
271
with a screw valve at the top, and can be put in the vest pocket,
or even the pocket-book, and inflated for use at the pleasure of
the possessor. The float has been considered the most incon-
venient article for use on a long tour, and is often left behind
on occasions of distant excursions. But all difficulties of this
kind vanish in the convenience of the rubber float. Those of
the fraternity who find it difficult to keep their temper, when
not in the usual luck, will therefore please blow up their floats
instead of the fish, the weather, or some less harmless object of
their displeasure.
CHAPTER XV.
WEAK FISH OR BARB ANGLIN& 0NX.0NO ISLAND
SOUND.
By T. D. L.
Into the Peconic Bay — that most noble and beautiful har-
bor — flow a number of small streams, brooks deep at the
mouth, but short, shoaling into a grassy bottom, fiill of crabs
and other food for fish. Up into these, for food or shelter, run
at night, tide permitting. Weak Fish (or Cheecout), and Barb or
King Fish ( Tom Cod they are there called) . Across these creeks
nets are sometimes set, which yield in a tide perhaps a hundred
weight of •* yellow fins," from two to five pounds each.
The south shore of the Great Peconic is famous ground, and
parties often take boat at James Port or Canoe Place, for a
day's fishing there. Let the angler anchor off any of the
larger mlets to the Shinnecock Hills, and amuse himself, if he
please, catching pound Porgies, until the tide is well up. Then
draw in towards the mouth of the creek, and he will probably
have liyely sport for an hour, catching King or Weak Fish,
enough to astonish the natives, as your thorough-bred angler
generally contrives to do. When the Toad Fish begins to at-
tack you, the game is up, and the fish gone. For Barb use a
Kirb hook, about No. 5 Salmon, short in the shank. More
good fish of all kinds have been lost by using a long shanked
hook (which has become the fashion), than by any want of
skill in the angler. The wire outside the mouth. often acts as
a lever, and enables the fish to throw himself off in the strug-
gle. For Weak Fish crab is undoubtedly the best bait, but I
hiive caught moie Barb with shrimp — so despised in those parts
— than with any other bait. King Fish average over a pound,
^^»n
WBAK FISH OR BARB ANGTLING.
273
fight hard, and die nobly — '' die like demi-gods." No one who
takes the Weak Fish of these crystal waters and clean gravelly
shores, can fail to see the propriety of its nome d'honneur, " the
salt water Trout." The brilliant tints that spot its silver sides
render it indescribably beautifid.
CHAPTER XVI.
TnE EEL.
Anguilla Vulgaris.
' Saw you that snake, sir T'
' No : 'twas an eel."
This crooked subject of our discourse is a pest to the regular
angler. As an object of sport he is far beneath the contempt
of a regular game fisherman, and is only " taken" when ne
cannot be " shaken" from. the hook by all the arts of his unfor-
tunate possessor. They are not particular as to their meal.
The finest worm thrown for a trout will often bring his snake-
ship out. The best shrimp or crab bait in salt water is good
enough for him, and he seizes it with avidity as a creature of
taste. The truly patient Waltonian angler dispatches him
without complaint ; and if he happen to be of a goodly size, is
invited to partake of the hospitalities of his table. There are
seven or eight different descriptions, some of which grow to
quite a large size. (See page 217.) The eel belongs to no
particular place or clime. He is a cosmopolite, and is always
where water flows and mud grows. He is a warm-blooded
animal, and has been known to climb up trees and poles, but
not to get very near the north pole, the only exception to their
general distribution being in the more intensely cold latitudes.
Says Yarrell, one of the best English writers on the subject,
" Eels are in reality a valuable description of fish ; their flesh is
excellent for food ; the various species are hardy, tenacious of
life, and very easily preserved. They are in great esteem for
the table, and the consumption in our large cities is very consi-
derable. The London market is principally supplied from
Holland, by Dutch fishermen There are two companies in
275
Holland having five vessels each ; these vessels are buili with a
capacious well, in which large quantities of eels are preserved
alive until wanted. One or more of these vessels may be con-
stantly seen lying off Billingsgate ; the others go to Holland
fur fresh supplies, each bringing a cargo of 15,000 to 20,000
pounds' weight of live eels, for which the Dutch merchant pays
a duty of jC13 per cargo for permission to sell."
Their serpentine form has rendered them objects of dislike in
this country among some people. The fair sex, in particular,
have a great aversion to them from their resemblance to the
snake. But all objections are removed when they are brought
upon the table as an article of food. The New York market
is abundantly supplied by the fishermen from Long Island and
adjacent places. Being easily taken, and found in great abun-
dance, they furnish a cheap and healthy food for the poorer
class of people. In some parts of the country where they are
taken in fresh water, they are held in high estimation, and are
made the object of sport by the young fishermen, by night and
day, with bobs, eel pots, and spears.
A singular practice was in vogue at Catherine Market, foot
of Catherine Street, New York, some years ago. The fish
markets, as usual in large cities, were open on Sunday morning,
in the summer season, for a few hours after sunrise. At the
above-mentioned market the negroes used to gather from all
parts of the city to the skinning, immense quantities being
brought in for that purpose. After the operation was performed
and the fish were tied into bundles, certain lota were purchased
by the lovers of fun, to be danced for by the negroes. The
ceremony of dancing for eels was performed with great skill
and dexterity by the sons of Afric's soil upon an ordinary
shingle, brought by each competitor for that purpose. The
spectacle was witnessed by hundreds of lookers-on, composed
of all cla.sses of people, who expressed their satisfaction and
E
276
approbation or dissent Dy cheers, claps, or groans. There were
certain rules for the regulation of the dance, one of which was
that the individual who shuffled off the shingle lost the prize,
and was considered beaten. On some occasions, to produce more
excitement and stimulate them to greater effort, larger bunches
were put up for the dance. The grotesque appearance of the
crowd, with the negro in the centre, attired in a white or check
shirt, little the worse for absence from the wash-tub, an old
straw hat, and pantaloons rolled up to the knees,
" Intense emotion glitter'd in their eyes,
Each eager watching for the slimy prize,"
surrounded by the fishermen with their red shirts and tarpaulin
hats, the various dark-skinned polished face and white-teeth
competitors with shingle in hand, watching anxiously their turn,
surrounding the inside of the nng, and the motley laughing,
joking, and betting crowd without, furnished a scene which we
believe has been undeservedly neglected by the artist, and
belongs to the history of New York as it was.
The discussions of naturalists respecting Eels, have been as
crooked as their line of locomotion. Ichthyologists are gene-
rally of opinion that Eels make two migrations in each year,
one in the autumn to the sea, and one, returning up the rivers
in the spring. Yarrell says, " I am, however, of opinion that
the passage of adult Eels to the sea, or rather to the brackish
water of the estuary, is an exercise of choice, and not a matter
of necessity ; and that the parent Eels return up the river as
well as the fry."
There are several different kinds of these fish found in both
tiresh and salt water ; a singular description, called the Syren
Mud Pup, or Rain Eel, is taken in one of the rivers near
Charleston, S. C. Their shape is similar to the ordinary Eel,
THE EEL.
27-;
with the exception of two paws similar to a dog's, that they
carry in front, to scratch their way in the mud, to avoid their
enemies.
A friend who lives in the northern part of the state of New
York, says he has observed two descriptions of fresh water
Eels. " One having a small sharp head, tapering out very nar-
row towards the mouth, being larger according to their weight,
and thicker through the middle than the common Eel. They
generally inhabit clearer water, and are more frequently found
above waterfalls. Their flesh is a lighter color, having more
the appearance of fat pork. They are also much better, and
when boiled or fried are a great relish." The other description
has a larger head, wider mouth, the lower jaw projecting beyond
the upper ; they are largest through the gills, and taper to the
tail ; their flesh of a bluish color, and not as palatable as the
former description. " All Eels are spawned in the ocean ; the
young ones commence running up rivers and smaller streams the
latter part of April or beginning of May. They are then about
the size of large needles ; they go up along the shores and the
edges of streams, and also up wet rocks near waterfalls, and
over mill-dams, by exhaustmg the atmosphere under their
bodies, then by raising their flat tail over, with or above their
head, exhaust the atmosphere under that, and raise their head
again ; in this way they ascend the swifter streams, and reach
the remotest lakes, except those above Niagara Falls, which
they are never known to ascend. They select deep still water
with soft bottom, and hibernate where old deep channels are
filling up ; at this time they are taken through the ice, or in
boats with spears. They are in much better condition at this
lime than in simiraer, and oflTer more inducement to the angler
with the spear, than when taken in that season with pot or line.
They never spawn in lakes or rivers. Take them there as
278
large as you will, and you cannot find the least appearance ol
spawn ; on the contrary, take a sea Eel in the latter part of
winter, and you will find it full of spawn.*
Since, then, they are an object of sport, and the truly scienti-
fic angler, when in want of excitement, is sometimes seen by
torch light, with spear in hand, striking for him in the depth.j
below, it will b© well to remark on some of the methods pur-
sued in his capture.
In England they have a mode of taking the eel called snig-
gling, which, says Blaine, is a practice so ingenious and full of
artifice, that it might reconcile the sportsman to Eel fishing.
For the benefit of country friends, who are fond of Eel fishing,
the following description of the tackle, and mode of operating
is here given. A stick two yards long, with a cleft at each
end, a strong needle whipped to a small whip-cord line, from
the eye to the middle, which, with a lob-worm stuck on the
needle, leaving the point to be inserted in the cleft of the stick,
constitutes the simple apparatus. The art consists in putting
the worm, needle, and line softly into the mouth of the Eel
holes, which are suffered to remain until taken by the Eel,
when the line and hook are again reclaimed, but accompanied
by the Eel also. The most common modes of angling for
them in this country are with the hook, bob, pot, and spear.
For hook fishing, take an ordinary line, such as used for
pickerel, in fresh water, or black fish in salt water, attach by a
short length of line, gunp, or twisted gut, a size Black fish or
Eel hook, suited to the size of fish expected, and a sinker ac-
* Dr. Mitchlll says the roes or ovaria of Eels may be seen by those
who will look for them in the proper season, like other fishes. Yarrell
also remarks, Eels that have lived in brackish water all the winter,
under the constant influence of the high temperature of that locality,
probably deposit their spawn earlier in the soring, than those who have
passed the winter in places from which there existed no probable egress
279
cording to the tide or current ; see that all your tackle be
strong, and you are rigged. II' in fresh water, bait with worms,
pieces of fish, frogs, entrails of chicken ; for salt water, pieces
of clams, fish, shrimp, or anything else you think they will
fancy. The largest and oldest of the family snake along the
muddy bottom at night, and perhaps accommodating you with
a bite, will alloyr you to draw them up, of a size such as may
trouble your dreams. Some salt water anglers take them with
shedder crab and shad roe, after the following manner ; they
procure some white horse hairs, and work them into the shape
of a b;ig, and within place their bait, or wind them thoroughly
around a good size bait. They attach this to a hand line, with
a sinker of sufficient weight to sink it to the bottom. The Eel
takes hold, and soon entangles his teeth in the mesh of the bag,
and is brought up without difficulty.
The bob is made by stringing on to a strong piece of worsted
yam or linen thread, a large number of worms, wound up into
a ball, and by attaching your line, and letting it down with an
appropriate sinker, to the bottom ; when you feel any bites,
give a little time, that they may gel well hold ; pull up mode-
rately until at the top of the water, then give a jerk, sudden but
steady, and you will, il* successful, have several that will clear
themselves without your help.
Pot fishing is still more of the wholesale kind, and is much
practised in the country streams. The pot is made much after
the fashion of an Irish potatoe hamper, but of the commonest
basket materials, and the end like the entrance to a mouse
trap, forming an inverted cone, with an elastic hole, large
enough for the animals to squeeze their way through. These
end? are constructed so that they can be taken off to bait, or
to remove the fish. They are usually from 3 to 4 feet in
length, and 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The bait, con-
eisting of pieces of meat, fish, or garbage of any description.
is placed in the inside, with a weight to sink it. To the.
centre is attached a strong cord or rope. When ready, it is
let down to the bottom of the stream, ami it is hauled up at
turn of tide, or when its weight indicates a sufficient quantity of
the desired fish.
Last, though not least, and probably the best mode, is spear-
ing. . This is done with a steel spear, made with five or six flat
or square prongs, attached by a socket to a strong ash handle.
They can be had at the fishing tackle stores, or made to order
by the nearest blacksmith. These are forced into the mud from
a boat, or used in wading, accompanied by an assistant, with a
basket, to receive the result of the operator's skill.
They make a capital dish for eating, by either stewing, fry-
ing, pyeing, or better, according to Walton, as follows : " First,
wash him in water and salt ; then pull oflThis skin below his newt
or navel, and not much further ; having done that, take out his
guts, as clean as you can, but wash him not ; then give hirn
three or four scotches with a knife, and then put into his belly
and those scotches sweet herbs, an anchovy, and a little nut-
meg, grated or cut very small ; and your herbs and anchovios
must also be cut very small, and mixed with good batter and
salt ; having done this, then pull his skin over him all but his
head, which you are to cut off, to the end that you may tie
his skin about that part where the head grew ; and it must bo
so tied as to keep all moisture ^vithin his skin, and having
done this, tie him with tape or packthread, to a spit, and roast
him leisurely, and baste him with water and salt until his skin
breaks, and then with butter, and having roasted him enough,
let what was put into his belly, and what ha diips, ho his
sauce." Tims endoth the chaptei on Eels.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE BAKE.
Merhieius albidus. — Dekat.
This fish is similar in appearance to the Tom-Cod, for which
It is often mistaken by those who have never examined the two
together. They, however, belong to the cod family, and are
classed among ichthyologists as being related, although some-
what distant, to that species.
They are found in great abundance in England and France,
where they are caught and sold in immense quantities. They are
also caught of very large size, measuring three to five feet in
length. Mr. Yarrell says, that they are " so abundant in the
Bay of Galway that it was formerly called the Bay of Hakes.
On that part of the Nymph off the coast of Waterford, the Hake
is also so plentiful, that one thousand have been taken by six
men with lines in one night. It is a voracious fish, as its
systematic name of Merlucius, sea-pike, implies. They feed
upon a description of fish called Pilchards, on which they glut
themselves to their heart's desire. I have seen seventeen
Pilchards taken from the stomach of a* Hake of ordinary size.
Their digestion, however, is quick, so that they speedily get rid
of their load, and fishermen observe that upon being hooked,
the Hake presently evacuates the contents of his stomach *''
facilitate its escape ; so that when hundreds are taken with a
line, in the midst of prey, not one will have anything in its
Etomach. When near the surface, however, this rejection does
not take place until after they are dragged on board."
They do not appear to be so generally distributed in this
country, as they are in others, neither do they grow to so large
a size, and although not a game fish they are easily taken with
8o3 THE HAKE.
the hook, and are considered very palatable. They are exceed-
ingly common, says Dr. J. V. C. Smith, though not taken in any
quantity in Massachusetts. The largest caught here seldom
exceeds two feet. They are denominated Poor Johns. The
best hake are taken off Cape Cod and sold under the name of
stockfish.
When very hungry, the hake exhibits considerable voracity,
and does not hesitate to seize a crab, which, in self-defence,
sometimes fixes its shears in the retractile lips of the enemy,
who whirls it through the water with surprising velocity, till it
is finally obliged to let go its hold.
DESCRIPTION . — Dekay.
Characteristics. — Reddish brown above ; long, acute, pala-
tine teeth ; lower jaw largest ; length one to two feet.
Color. — Reddish brown, with golden tints towards the
shoulders ; sides of the opercle silvery, with a pinkish lustre ;
summits of the head dark brown ; lower part of the body
soiled white ; lateral hue brownish black ; tongue, surface of
the bronchial arches, fauces, and interior of the opercles, deep
bluish black ; irides golden, mottled with brown ; dorsals light
brown, the rays lighter ; caudal dark brown ; remaining fin?
whitish, minutely punctate with brown.
They were formerly little known at New York, but of late
years have become quite abundant, where they are taken at the
docks generally at night by boys, and those of the craft that
cannot spare time during the day. The Hake, like the Tom-
Cod, is a bottom fish, and is taken generally with hand line-,
and the usual black fish tackle. Being of the voracious order,
he seems to love the eddies and currents, and is better taken
when the tide is running strong, where he delights to feed upon
what is forced in its way. On such grounds the line should be
283
rigged with a heavy sinker, and a hollow one if it can be
procured, as the bite is much easier felt. Some prefer instead
of a black fish hook a Limerick, about No. 4 salmon. He is
fond of shrimps, crabs, and clams. Economical anglers
universally use the latter bait, considering it good enough to
take him or any of his family.
CHAPTER XVIII.
HITK PERCH AND CAT-FISH ANOLING IN THE
VICINITY OF NEW YORK.
By T. D. L.
Lake fishing lacks one element of interest possessed by the
salt water, namely, the condition of hopeful uncertainty respect-
ing the sort and size of your game. Between the humble
Flounder and the noble Sheepshead are many kinds of game
fish, and greater disparities of weight and value than exist
between the fish of fresh ponds, which are less various and more
equal. Moreover, the salt water tribe come and go with sea-
sons and tides, and cannot, like their inland brethren, always be
followed and found. There is therefore an excitement in the
doubtful chances of sea-fishing wanting in that of the lakes
which presents greater uniformity of character and certai nty ol
success.
But though still water fishing, as compared with the flowina
salt, is inferior in interest, perhaps it has superiority in the gene-
ral satisfaction it affords. In the numerous lakelets of New
York, fish, of some sort, can at any time be taken. Not, how-
ever, always with equal ease. When the water is warm and
the fish well fed, the angler will find occasion for all his art ; —
in the successful exercise of which, and not in the magnitude of
his fishing, lies, after all, the chief satisfaction. Perch, large
and lively, both yellow and white : Sunfish, sometimes of con-
siderable size ; Pickerel, which are shy, and employ all your
cunning and skill ; Cat-fish, whether you would or no ; are
taken in our hundred little lakes ; and the angler, with light rod
and fine tackle (which are indispensable to enjoyment), will
find fishing in them anything but a dull and tame affair.
WHITE PERCH AND OAT-JISH ANGUKO. 285
The baks used are various: live bait, as worm or fish, is
generally best. But whatever you take
" To bait fish withal,"
if it will feed notliing else, 'twill feed Cat-fish, which are omni-
vorous. They are the fresh water Toad-fish, and, like others
of the family, seem to subserve the purpose of purification, by
the reconversion into life of corruptible organic matter. Though
esteemed delicate eating* when well cooked, they are not
pleasant to take raw ; — their ugly mouths, slimy skins, and
dangerous horns, causing the dainty angler to avoid their
neighborhood. This he can do only by fishing some feet above
bottom. But drop below that discreet distance, and he will
surely damage his tackle in the jaws of some bull-headed Man-
dann, to be disengaged only with infinite difficulty and disgust.
Fishing for them, wnen rightly prepared, is, like fishing for Eels,
well enough and quite another thing. You will then use gimp,
and a kirb about No. 3 Salmon, upon bottom. The best time
is sundown, and after. Then they bite boldly, and are a sure
fish. Gloye your left hand and seize them fearlessly but firmly
behind the horns when you disgorge the hook. Boys with
stick and string, a rusty hook and piece of pork, take " Bull-
heads" (as the small Cat-fish are called) in almost every pond
and fresh stream in the Northern States.
But angling for the White or Silver Perch — the gracefiil
oright-eyed Perch — with pliant rod and gossamer thread of gut
— this is no boy's play, but a true exhilarating sport. A nimble,
strong, clean fish, that springs voraciously at the bait, struggles
hard, and dies game, is a respectable adversary, and occasions
vou to
" Know the fierce joy that anglers feel,
In fishes worthy of their steel."
♦ From Philadelphia, pleasure parties very commonly visit the fall? of
ihe Schuvlkiil, to despatch them with knife and fork.
19
286
WHITE PERCH AND CAT-FISH ANGLING.
Seen at daybreak or sundown, playing in sparkling schools on
the sunny side of some lakelet, he is an object of attractive
beauty to the poetic angler. Perch bite best in early morning
and evening about the shallows near shore ; but at mid-day,
when they retire to bars that mn out into deeper water, they
become dainty, yet may, however, be there taken. Worm, upon
a Limerick hook (1 to 3 trout), is a common bait. But the
" killy," and small brook shiner, or gold fish, are better. Pre-
pared with these, I generally contrive to drift with the wind, if
there be any, outside the shadow of the woods and beyond the
weeds, trailing a light float, with swivel just weighty enough to
dip it and balance the live bait swimming at half depth. This
is the ground and mode of fishing, good alike for Perch and Pick-
erel. Be therefore prepared for the latter, and if one bite give
him no quarter, but brmg him in steadily, and quickly, if you
would save your tackle. His bite may be distinguished from
that of the Perch. His is a long pull, holding the float under ;
whereas the Perch bite is comparatively quick and short.
Slowly drifting, then, fishing between the boat and shore, and
drawing or casting my line into every likely nook, I generally
strike upon a school of Perch, when I quietly drop anchor.
When they cease biting I row above, float down again, and
commonly take more in the same place, or if not, continue to
drift as before. Large fish, as Perch over half a pound may be
called, are more solitary in their habits ; the smaller the more
gregarious, as though instinctively associating for mutual pro-
tection. I choose the sunny side, because I think the Silver
Perch (other circumstances equal) prefer the strong lights to the
dark waters of the pond ; and this may be one reason why they
swim nearer the surface in the twilight of morning and evening.
If then the fish don't bite freely, examine the crop of one, and
«uit your bait to its apparent food.
The White Perch, though less common than the Yellow, is
WHITE PERCH AND CAT FISH ANGLING.
281
yet widely distributed in our waters. 7t is found in the Hud-
son and tnbutary streams. The Passaic river abounds with a
small size. Very fine fish are taken in most of the lakes of
Putnam county (accessible by the Harlem railroad), and in
maay ponds of that paradise of sportsmen. Long Island, es-
pecially in Suffolk County. There, a short ride through the
pines from almost any point, will bring you to some quiet spot,
where you can find fair sport angling, " under the shade of
overhanging boughs," yet within sound of the ocoan surf. The
pine woods, interlaced with their bright sandy avenues,* have a
peculiar beauty, and to fish in their still depths, of a serene day,
in a light skiff, gently gliding over some mirrored lake,
" Fair as the bosom of the swan,*
IS a luxury they can best appreciate who are ennuiedhy fashion,
or distempered by the wear and tear of an intense business life.
To minds of any sensibility, the mere repose of these suburban
solitudes is " a feeling" of beauty, and awakens the conscious-
ness of an infinite presence, replete with religious emotions.
s^bIar^
OF
THE
UNIVERSITY
OF
CALiFOPg^
CHAPTER XIX.
OCEAN ANOLINa
Likeness of Heaven !
Agenl of Power !
Man is thy victim.
Shipwreck's thy dower
Spices and jewels
From valley and sea,
Armies and banners
Are buried in thee !
The art we love being admirably adapted to recruit the
broken-down or enervated constitution; and the pure breath
of heaven, as it comes from off the dark blue sea and the
white capped wave, being a more potent medicine than
that prescribed by the physician, or compounded by the
apothecary, no excuse need here be offered for a few
remarks on a subject of interest to those who may cast
their first line from the side of a ship. Those who have
never been to sea are apt to think that such a large pond
was only made for the leviathan whale, the ponderous shark,
or the Nahant Sea Serpent, but a little reflection would
convince the most sceptical that they labor under a delu-
sion.
The depths of the trackless ocean, wherein the mon-
sters bask in broad noon-day, as well as the reefs and shal-
lows nearer land, are teeming with shoals of the living
brood of smaller size, which are designed not only to feed
and fatten the larger majesties of their own species, but to
minister to the appetite, comfort, amusement, and support
of the man in whose powerthey are placed. The poorsailor,
who is obliged to make a voyage of many months, is ever
on the alert for a change of diet, and the sight of a school
OCEAN ANOLnro. 289
of fish is a subject of gratification to the whole of a ship's
company, and more particularly to those who have never be-
fore tempted their precious souls and bodies on the ocean
wave.
''And now approaching near the loAy stern,
A shoal of sportive dolphins they discern.
From burnish'd scales they beam refulgent rays,
Till all the glowing ocean seems to blaze
Soon to the sport of death the crew repair.
Dart the long lance, or spread the baited snare."
The ocean is supposed to have as many tenants as the
earth or the air. But few of the descriptions are much
known by any particular names, and very few described by
naturalists. The Dolphin, whose fame has been said and
sung by poet and philosopher, is worth a sea voyage
for the pleasure of his capture, and the satisfaction of " be-
ing in at his death." Their usual size is from 2 to 5 ft. in
length. The variableness and beauty of his rainbow
colorings, as he shuffles off his mortal coil, is a sub-
ject indescribable by pen or pencil. He is not a hand-
some fish as he is lifted up and exposed to the view of those
who make his acquaintance for the first time ; on the con-
trary, his proportions and appearance as to beauty are ra-
ther ordinary, and not until a change comes o'er the spirit of
his dream, and he flaps his tail upon the white deck of the
vessel, and, gasping, dies, is his beauty acknowledged.
" What radiant changes strike the astonish'd sight !
What glowing haes of mingled shade and light !
Not equal beauty gilds the glowing west.
With parting beams all o'er profusely drest ;
Nor lovelier colors paint the vernal dawn,
When orient dews impearl th' enamell'd lawn,
Than from his sides in bright suffusion flow.
That now with gold imperial seem to glow ;
890
OCEAN ANGLINS.
Now in pellucid sapphires meet the view,
And imitate the soft, celestial hoe ;
Now beam a flaming crimson on the eye.
And now assume the purple's deeper dye.
But here description clouds each shining ray ;
What terms of art can nature's power display ?"
He that would prepare himself for the pleasure and excite-
ment of his capture, should provide himself with a stout
hawser-laid cotton or hemp line of 28 or 30 fathoms length,
and in thickness about one-eighth of an inch ; to this
should be attached one of the largest size Cod hooks, seized
on to the line with the stoutest kind of white, black, or
Colored No. 12 thread, or small fish line, well waxed with
shoemaker's wax ; for bait, use a large piece of salt pork,
about six inches in length by 2 or 3 wide, made well fast.
Fasten your line, cast your baited hook overboard,. and
troll till you get a bite ; pull him in with a steady line,
stout heart, and strong nerve, and he will soon repay
the trouble of his capture, both by the excitement of
the occasion, and the table exercise with the instruments
of appetite You will not find his meat as pleasant to
the taste as some others of the tribe, but rather
preferable to the salt pork upon which he expected
to dine himself. The sailors take him with a large piece
of bone, tin, or lead attached to a good sized hook ;
but you will find a much better article called an artificial
squid, of handsome shape, from 4 to S inches in length, and
composed of tin, after a similar manner, at the general
fishing tackle stores. This article is used without bait in
its simple form, being made something in the shape of a
fish.
There are other fish captured in the same way,
on sea voyages ; among them the Bonita, Barracouta, and
Skip Jack, Smaller squids are employed, similar to those
OCEAN ASaUSM.
291
in trolling; for blue fish, say from 3 to 5 inches in length, of
tin or bone, the former to be used in rough water, and the
Utter in smooth ; those who contemplate going to sea, to be
sure of success, should take both kinds. The Bonita and
Skip Jack vary in size from 1 to 2 feet, and can be taken with
lighter tackle ; but to be on the safe side, and insure success,
employ your Dolphin line ; and should you use beef or pork
instead of the artificial squid, attach to your line stout
Kirby sea hooks, the size of 1-0 or 2-0 Limerick. In pur-
chasing and rigging your sea tackle, see that it is well made,
und perfectly strong. Let not parsimony deter you from
preparing it of the best quality, and you will never regiet
your angling enjoyments on the ocean.
CHAPTER XX.
INHABITANTS OF THE OREGON AND CALIFORNIA
WATERS.
The waters of California are alive with a great variety
of the finny race, equal in value to the angler as are its
golden sands* to the adventurer. In the bay and harbor of
San Francisco are found the Haddock, the Black Fish or
Tautog, the Flounder, the Mackerel, the Weak Fish or salt
waier Trout of the south, the Mallet, and the Red Fish, or
Spotted Basse. These different descriptions,which are taken
with rod or hand-tackle in the usual manner, are of untisually
large size and of very fine flavor. The Red Fish is said by
those who have tried it with the knife and fork to be
superior in gastronomic qualities to the celebrated fish of
the same name at New Orleans and Charleston, being also
much finer in outward appearance, having more delicate skin,
smaller scales, and its superficial surface more beautiful.
They bite at the hook baited with pieces of mullet, beef,
or pork, very freely, are very vigorous, and give goo(J
play with the rod and reel. The beautiful Mullet is also
found here in all its glory, and grows to quite a large size,
being taken from 6 or 8 inches to 2 or 4 feet in length
in seines or nets. A singular description of fish is also
taken in the bay called the Trigger Fish. This member
of the family has a singular projection on the back, similar
in appearance to the trigger of a gun, from which much
amusement is had by the inhabitants by its singular motions,
* In the time of Cortes gold was reported to be so plenty in Mexico,
that the fishermen used gold weights to their nets. Our Salmon anglers
of the Sacramento will of course use golden Rods and Reels,
UTBABITANTS OF OREOON AND CALIFORNIA WATERS. 293
when pulled by the knowing ones. The fresh water fish
swarm thp streams and lakes in abundance. The Salmon
here lord their way through the Sacramento and Columbia
rivers, and their branches, in such large numbers, that they
can be seen in immense shoals when entering the rivers in
the month of April, and are speared, or captured by the
Indians with a wicker basket, with much ease. The
natives, also, set fences across the streams where they go
up, and confine and secure them in large quantities. They
take the fly finely, and aflTord good sport with the rod and
reel.
The lakes and inland rivers, also, teem with an abun-
dance of Catfish, and Salmon Trout of the finest quality and
flavor. Capt. Fremont, in his narrative of his exploring
e.xpedition to California, says, in speaking of those of the
Salmon Trout River : " Their flavor is excellent — superior,
in fact, to any fish that I have ever known." In the moun-
tain streams, the Spotted Trout is found in large quantities,
as are the Yellow Perch and many other smaller descrip-
tions of fish. The River Gila, which empties into the
northern extremity of the Gulf of California, contains fish
similar in shape, general appearance, and color to the Trout.
" At a little distance," says Lieut. Emory, " they seem
covered with scales, but a closer examination detects
n
beautiful and distinct species."
This fellow may not live altogether by suction, as he is known
to contain worms. A hook baited with worm would then be
a sufficient inducement to make him bite. Should you wish
to take him, use a Limerick salmon hook. No. 5, attached
to stout trout tackle, or spear him or noose, which you
will.
A description called the Black Sucker, length about 13 inches,
is taken in Lake Erie, and at Walpole, Mass., where, says
Dekay, it is frequently called by the whimsical name of Shoe-
maker, probably in allusion to its being something of the color
of shoemaker's pitch. In the western rivers also, there is a
variety of the Sucker family, some of which bite readily at the
hook, and are also of superior quality for the table.
The Kentucky sucker, Catostomus Fluxuosus, is a fine fish,
varying in size from 6 to 12 inches in length, and bites readily
at the worm baited hook.
The Pittsburgh sucker, Catostomus Duquesni, grows much
larger, and is found in the Ohio river near Pittsburgh ; length
from fifteen to twenty-four inches.
A very pretty fish called the red tail sucker, Catostomus Ery-
tarus, is taken in some of the western rivers. In some place?
he is called the Red horse. He is a lively fish, takes the hook
freely, and is by some sportsmen considered game. Length
about 12 inches.
There are two other descriptions of this family taken in the
Ohio River. The Long Sucker, Catostomus Elongatus, a fine
fish, of from fifteen to twenty inches in length, and the Ohio
Carp sucker, length from one to three feet. The Carp sucker
bites freely at the baited hook, and affords some sport. In the
shallow, clear parts of the streams, at certain seasons, he i.s
THE SUCKER.
323
taken in large quantities by spearing. They are both Iiighly
prized for the table, when properly boiled or fried.
In the Delaware river is found a kind known by the name of
the Large Scaled Sucker. He is similar in appearance to
others of the species, except that he has larger scales. Some
of the members of this large family are highly esteemed as food,
and others might be, if properly cooked. They are undoubt-
edly placed in the fresh water streams, where the monsters rove
not, for the use and benefit of man, and not made, as some
others of the tribe are, to fatten on their own species. The
most sport is had by spearing them, both in lakes, ponds, and
rivers.
CHAPTER XXXI.
TTINO HOOES, REPAIRING RODS, &C.
" A little learning is a dangerous thing"
•But what is here set down, although it may not seem of
much importance to those unaccustomed to rig their own tackle,
may at some future time, and when they least expect it, be
made available. *• Accidents will happen in the best regulated
families," and so will they to the angler, be he ever so careful.
When the tackle maker is not near by to assist, how to help
oneself may be a secret worth knowing.
To tie or whip a hook to Gut or Line. — Prepare, by waxing
with shoemaker's wax, a piece of strong silk or thread : take
your hook in your lelt hand between your thumb and forefinger,
about as high up as the point of the barb or a little higher, as
you may fancy ; place the end of your silk under your thumb,
take three or four random but Jirm turns around the shank of
the hook until you reach the end (for the purpose of prevent-
ing the gut being cut by the hook, and moreover that your gut
may stick firmly without the possibility of coming off) ; now
lay your gut or line (the inside of the hook, up) on to this
winding, holding it with the end of the thumb, and commence
whipping it around firmly and closely, occasionally pressing the
turns to keep them even ; continue this operation until you get
within three or four turns of the finishing point ; in order to
fasten firmly — give three loose turns, then insert the end of
your silk under them, and drawing it through, you have a
secure fastening, called the hidden knot. Another method of
finishing when you have arrived at the fastening point, is to
make two or three half hitch knots : this is done by passing
TT1N(» HOOKS, KEFAIRllfO RODS, ETC. 335
the end under one turn of the silk, making a loop, and drawing
it down. The hidden knot is the better and most secure mode.
To repair a broken joint. — Should you be so unfortunate as
to break a top or joint, which misfortune, brother angler, has
happened to many a more careful and scientific sportsman be-
fore you — ^proceed in this manner. Take your two broken
parts, and with your knife, or a plane if you can get one,
smooth down each part in an oblique direction, fitting them
closely together, and rubbing some shoemaker's wax on to the
parts to make them stick ; now take a long length of waxed
thread or silk and wind it around, similar to the commencement
of hook-tying, merely to keep the parts together, continuing it
a little beyond the extreme end of the fracture ; then carefully
and firmly whip it evenly around until you pass the other end of
the fracture : here halt, and wind the three last turns on the fore-
finger of the left hand, extended for that purpose ; now pass the
end of the eilk or thread under the windings, carefully drawing
out your finger, and pull it through, and you have the hidden or
inverted knot, as before described. Be careful in finishing, see
that your thread does not get loose, and your whippings are
firm and even. In all cases of winding, see that your silk is
well waxed. Some take a small piece of wax and rub it evenly
over their hook or rod windings, which adds somewhat to its
security.
To splice a rod properly at home, when you can have every-
thing you desire, the parts should be sawed with a fine saw, and
afterwards tiled down evenly with a fine file; they should
then be well glued, and left to dry before winding ; to finish
neatly after winding, take a round, smooth piece of wood or
bone and rub down the surface of the thread ; then give it a coat
or two of thin varnish.
CHAPTER XXXII.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF SOME INTEREST TO
THE ANGLER.
The fin of a trout or other small fish is successfully used in
some parts of Pennsylvania, for taking the trout. It is used b>
casting and drawing, similar to roving with a minnow, or in
the manner of throwing the fly.
The fleshy part of the shell-fish called the Horsefoot is much
used in some parts of Long Island, and considered an excellent
bait for Black fish.
Night fly-fishing is much practised in the northern part of the
state of New York. The fly used is of light color if the night
be dark, but if moonlight, any of the ordinary colors answers the
purpose. Those who follow this method say that they bring
out the older and larger members of the family, who are not so
imprudent as to venture out when anglers with rods are seen
walking about.
The Horse Mackerel, or small blue fish, is for all salt-wate
fish a most excellent bait. In swift water use the tail, leaving
the fin on.
A simple but ingenious way of taking pickerel, when the)
won't bite, as practised in some parts of the country, is with a
running noose of fine brass wire. This, fastened to the end of
a stick, is sUly slipped under and around the body of the fish,
when, with a jerk, he is snared and secured, and brought strug-
gling to land, fairly lassoed. This may not be called taking
them with a hook, but is certainly an ingenious mode of hook-
ing fish.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
327
Frogs, as bait for Pike, are much used in some parts of the
country. They are generally employed as live bait, by passing
the hook through the skin of the back or belly. Some use the
double Limerick Pickerel hook, attached to brass wire, making
a hole through the skin of the back or belly with a baiting
needle, and fastening it with thread to prevent its getting out o£
place ; others pass the hook through the lip of the frog, and
some again through the back muscle of the hind legs, and then
tie up the limbs to conceal the hooks. They are mostly used
on the top of the water (still-fishing, or trolling). When em-
•ployed in mid water, or near bottom with a float, it will be
necessary to use a good size sinker, or a few large shot, to keep
them down. In all cases, in live bait angling, they should be
allowed to come to the top occasionally for air ; but not quite
as long as the Virginia abstractionist, as related in the N. Y.
Spirit of the Times, who, using an insufficient weight, or giving
his line too much freedom, found, after fishing all the morning
without a bite (whilst taking a bite at his 12 o'clock lunch),
his veritable bait sitting on a stump opposite, looking at him.
Frogs are very tenacious of life, the piercing of the skin in baiting
doing them very little injury. The hind legs are very success-
fully used in trolling, and make a bait, when skinned and placed
on the double or singie hook, perhaps the most taking in the
whole list of pike baits.
The gentler sex in this country as well as in the Old World
are becoming captivated with, and enthusiastic on the subject
of angling. In some parts of our trouting districts there are
many ladies that can throw the fly with as much dexterity and
grace as those that are made of sterner stuflL
An artificial bait called the Kill-devil, which has been in use
a number of years in England, has proved very successful vidth
some of our sportsmen, in trolling for trout or pike. In appear-
328
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
ance it is similar to a caterpillar ; the body is composed of
coarse thread windings, finished over with the most gaudy silk
colors, and wound with silver tinsel ; the hooks, numbering
seven, are arranged according to the usual minnow rigging ; the
tail is composed of tin or bright metal, split up or bent at an
angle, to insure swift spinning. They are made strong and
durable, and their cost is trifling : they are worth a trial.
An odd looking hook, and to make a ^ome-ly expression,
odd as the angler's notion, is used at Baltimore, Md., and
vicinity, called by some the Capt. Jack Thomas hook, but more
generally known as the Chestertown pattern. The artist has
endeavored to give a proper representation, see page 308, which,
by a careful examination, may, to an experienced eye, appear
sufficiently explicit. It is considered a very sure hook, the
advantages being its singular shape, narrow bend, and low
point. It is highly approved of by some of the fraternity at
New York for black fish angling.
Care of Rods.— "When the fishing season is over, this essen-
tial implement of equipment should not be thrown carelessly by,
but be cleaned, nicely oiled, and put away in a cool place,
in readiness for the next campaign. The best of wood that a
rod can be composed of, even though it be kiln-dried, if expos-
ed a length of time in a dry atmosphere will shrink some, caus-
ing the ferules and guides to become loose. A moist atmo-
sphere is preferable to a dry one. When rods that have not the
ends covered where the joints are put together, become by a
day's service swelled and difficult to separate, hold the ferule
over a candle or lighted paper until it become sufficiently hot
to dry out the moisture, and the parts can be easily separated.
To prevent this annoyance, occasionally oil the wooden part
that is let in to the socket.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEBIS. 329
Preservation and care of Lines. — Many adepts in the art
are careless and neglectful of their lines, often leaving them
(when soaked with water) on their reels, in which wet state, if
they long continue, they are apt to mildew and rot. Every line,
immediately after being used, should be run off from the reel
and laid out freely, or stretched on pegs to dry. Should they
have been lying by for any length of lime, they should be
thoroughly examined and tried in every part before used. Lines
will chafe and fray out by constant wear, and many large fish
are often lost by carelessness in these small but important
matters.
The scientific and graceful art of throwing the artificial fly is
a beautifiil accomplishment, but not so difficult as is generally
imagined. In the months of May and June, the raft and lum-
bermen from the Delaware and rivers of Pennsylvania, are seen
in the fishing-tackle stores of New York, selecting with the eyes
of professors and connoisseurs the red, black, and grey hackle
flies, which they use with astonishing dexterity on the wooded
streams of their mountain homes. Those, therefore, who have
never tried this method of fishing, with such untutored examples
before them, should make a little effort towards the successful
practice of this branch of the art.
A feeling Angler. — A New Hampshire fisherman occasion-
ally when in need of amusement for an evening, and in want
of fresh fish for breakfast, takes a blazing torch of twisted birch
bark in his left hand, and goes down to the bank of the stream
at the time when the fishes dream, and cautiously takes out his
quantity of Trout and Perch, with his right hand, assisted in his
feeling propensities by his lighted torch, and retires to his home
with his stolen property.
330
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
A Mr. Oliver, an experienced fly-fisher of England, con-
trary to the opinion of many of his brethren, does no' believe in
examining the stomach oi a Trout to find the successi«i fly : he
says — " I have often known a red hackle or a dun fly take trout
when they would not look at either the artificial or natural
May-fly, though hundreds of the latter were at the time skim-
ming the surface of the water. No directions for fly-fishing are
better than the following rhyme : —
" A brown red fly at morning grey,
A darker dun in clearer day ;
When summer rains have swelled the flood
The hackle red and worm are good ;
At eve when twilight shades prevail,
Try the hackle white and snail ;
Be mindful aye your fly to throw,
Light as fails the flaky snow."
In some parts of Pennsylvania, a fly called the Professor is used
with good success. It is made on a number 4 Trout hook, and
is dressed with a bright yellow worsted or silk body, and a
light grey mottled wing.
\
\
On Long Island and in the northern part of the state of New
York, a bright red fly is often in favor. Red body, red wing,
and red tail. A fly called the grey drake, with grey wings, and
a transparent body similar to the appearance of a worm, is also
used at the above mentioned places.
Trout are certainly very capricious in their tastes, and there
is no accounting for their desires or fancies, any more than for
the changeable notions of the angler who pursues them. The
best way is to be well prepared, and ii' plain bread (red Hackle)
won't suit them, try them with plum pudding, a fly composed
of a variety of bright colors.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 331
In the St. John's rivor, Florida, a fine game fish called the
Trout, but belonging to the Perch family, is taken by trolling,
or hearing and hauling, with a piece of deer's tail. Like the
common trout of the south they give great play, and afford the
highest perfection of sport with the rod and reel. The striped
Basse or Rock fish are also found along the coast, and in most
of the streams running up therefrom. They are taken of large
size, and are as active when hooked as those of the more
northern latitudes.
The most daring and exciting sport in the world that is called
fishing, is the capture of the inhabitants of the " deep, deep sea."
Of this description are Shark and Devil fishing. Parties are
made up in the hot summer months from the cities of the Atlan-
tic coast, to take a shark or catch the devil. For shark fishing
the nearest ship-chandler's store furnishes the linet which should
be a rope large and strong enough to fiold Mm, and the nearest
blacksmith's shop will get ready to order a large hook and chain
with swivel attached, sufficient sometimes to hold him. The
hook is baited with a large piece of beef or pork, and thrown over-
board from a good sized row boat. The line is fastened to the
stem of the boat, which is propelled rapidly along by good
oarsmen, until you get a bite. Any lover of ocean sport may
imagine that when such an event happens, if the monster
be well hooked, how many knots he will go an hour, what
will be the course pursued, and what the amount of excitement.
Catching the devil is practised by the sturdy, athletic sons of
the south along the sea coast, but principally in Port Royal
Sound, near Beaufort, S. C. Great preparations are made
when the devil fish, or " Vampire of the Ocean," begins to school
around the sound: large parties of strong men, in large and
strong boats, with fi-om four to eight oars, big ropes of great
length, long and strong harpoons, hatchets, muskets, rifles, &c..
332
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
make up the party, and its equipments. These monsters of the
deep are captured of immense size, measuring often from sixteen
to thirty feet across the back. They will tow a party about for
many miles, and often succeed in breaking away, after two or
three hours' play.
Our line of discourse on the different modes of taking the
variety of the finny inhabitants might be extended ad infinitum,
but the length already exceeds the design ; we shall, therefore,
brother anglers, make a half-hitch here, to be extended per-
haps more profitably and pleasantly on some other occasion.
THE PLEASUEE8 OF ANGLING.
'■ Tia sweet to view the limpid waters dance.
As o'er their pebbly bed ibey eager rush ;
Or in the suo'e effulgence brightly glance.
As through the mead meandering they gush ;
Now ringing forth rich music, now all hush,
While song-birds chant the ever varied lay,
From out the willow aud o'erhanging bush :
O, sweet it is to thread the blithsome way,
Clad in an angling guise, to spend a happy day
** O, ever healthfUl is the mountain air,
And ever pleasant is the verdant glade ;
Tis sweet to wander through the greenwood, wheio
The sparkling current hath its passage made.
I love, at times, the cooling stream to wade.
Where brushwood dense a way will not allow;
I love the arcning bowers, and sylvan shade,
And blossoms sweet that wave from many a bougb-
As cautiously adown the rippling path I sro.
" How meagre seems the world of business strife,
Compared with pleasures which the angler knows;
A scene of toil •vitJi disappointment rife,
And scarce an hour of calm and sweet repose,
This lovely world is made a world of woes.
To him whose soul is wrapped in selfish gains :
From manhood's prime, till life at length may close,
His feelings all are bound in Mammon's chains,
And wealth at most he hoards for all his pains. "
22
OF THE "^
UNIVERSITY
OF
1F0RU\K
J
• WITH OTHSB ICATTEB OF o
o •
o KUCH INTEREST •
THE ANGLES.
I
^"c-y
CONTENTS OF PAET lU.
CBAFTZK
PAOB
I. In Memoriam ....
. 339
II. Southern Fishes
343
The Sea-Trout, or Spotted Squeteague
. 344
The Red Snapper
344
The Black Snapper .
. 345
TheKmgfish .
345
The Grouper
. 346
TheCavallo
347
The Pompano
. 348
The Mullet
349
The Silver Mullet
. 349
The Black Mullet
350
• The Golden Mullet .
. 350
The Crocus
351
The Chub, or Trout
. 351
The Lafayette, or Spot .
351
The Growler
. 353
The Blue Cat .
353
The Virginia Hog-Fish
. 354
The Common Hog-Fish .
355
The Robin ....
. 355
The White Perch
356
The Bream ....
. 356
The Jew.
357
2^^^
'•~«=^:^:.S^
mSffm
838
CONTENTS OF PART III.
CHAPTEE
PA6E
III. The White-Fish . . .
. 858
The Cisco of Geneva Lake .
361
The Siscowet ....
. 364
The Cisco of Lake Ontario .
864
The Herring ....
. 365
The Rock Basse of the Lakes
366
IV. The Michigan Grayling .
. 368
Crawfish and Prawns
374
V. The Spanish Mackerel .
. 376
The Sting-Ray
378
VI. The Menhaden ....
. 382
How to keep Shrimp
384
VII. The Bonito, or Bonetta
. 385
Spawning-Time of Fishes .
386
VIII. The Sturgeon ....
. 388
How to keep, stain, and preserve Gut, et
2. . 391
IX. Amusement for the Ladies
. 394
X. Ichthyology for the Angler .
396
XL Pisciculture ....
. 400
XII. A Fish-Chowder .
407
American Method of cooking Eels
. 408
Recipe for dressing Salad .
409
XTTT. Where are they ? . ' .
. 410
CHAPTER I.
IN MKMORIAM.
Bright visioDB flUed with fiw^s of old ftrienda
Long since departed to the silent land/'
AXY years have elapsed since the first issue of
the •' Guide." Many of its early friends, and
those who took pleasure in contributing to its
pages, and counselled with the writer,
** Have croBsed the shining river."
Among them none was more revered, respected, or beloved
as a divine, a Christian, a gentleman, a scholar, or follower
of the art we love, than the American editor of " Walton's
Complete Angler," the Rev. George W. Bethune, D. D., of
whomj;his personal friend, the Rev. Dr. Willets, says : " How
many rare and royal qualities united in that single man I
The learned scholar, the eloquent reader, the impassioued
orator, the graceful poet, the polished wit, the charming con-
versationalist, the humble and devout Christian, and the able
and eloquent preacher of the gospel — he was in each of
these qualities eminent, and with all combined one of the
choicest and rarest of men."
How beautifully he speaks, and how reverentially, of the
time he spent in the pursuit of the " gentle art " in his " Wal-
340
IN MEMORIAM.
tonian Notes : " " The stream-side is ever dear to me, and I
love to think of the times when I have trudged merrily along
it, finding again in the fresh air and moderate exercise, and
devout looks of Nature, the strength of nerve, the buoyancy
of heart and health of mind, which I had lost in my pent li-
brary and town duties ; I trust that I have drunk enough of
the old angler's spirit^ not to let such pastime break in upon
better things ; but, on the other hand, I have worked the
harder from thankfulness to Him who taught the brook to
wind with musical gurglings as it rolls on to the great sea."
And, again, who does not remember the kind, amiable,
modest, and retired business-man and Christian angler, John
D. Keese, Esq., who enjoyed the pastime at Lake George, and
who described in these pages the noble black basse.' He it
was that penned the first lines ever written on taking that
delicious fish with a red-and-white fly ; and of the crafty salt-
water sheepshead,^ and of the active and elegant king-fish,*
One cannot but admire his rebuke to the learned Dr. John-
son,^ with which he concludes : " And as a Christian I cer-
tainly say that, in some of my solitary rambles, or boat-excur-
sions, with my rod, I have been favored with the most devout
and grateful emotions of the heart in contemplating the
beauties of creation ; and, looking up from the works of my
Maker around me to Him who made them all, my medita-
tions on the divine goodness have been most sweet."
Gone, also, is Henry Inman, the renowned landscape-
painter, and one of the most graceful and accomplished fly-
fishers of this century ; again, from the higher walks of legis-
lation have departed the Hon. Daniel Webster and ex-Presi.
a Pa?e 175.
IN UEMORIAM. 341
dent Martin Van Buren, whom we have noticed in former
pages as enjoying themselves with the rod along our moun-
tain-streams, or within the boundary of our beautiful lakes.
Many other companions of our enticing pleasures have
gone — not " out into the night, but have been translated
from the beautiful rivers of earth to the golden rivers of
heaven." Let us emulate their good deeds and follow their
good examples, that we also may be worthy of a place in the
abodes of the blest.
Our first love in the domain of magazine literature was
for the Knickerbocker Magazine ; we were delighted with the
easy and pleasant flowing style of Lewis and Willis Gaylord
Clarke ; the Editor's Table and the many gems of prose and
poetry that its ever-welcome pages contained — of Lake
George, of the Thousand Islands, the Adirondacks, etc.
Among the contributors was the refined, calm, contempla-
tive, and eloquent divine, the Rev. Gurdon Huntington,
brother of the celebrated artist, Daniel Huntington. The
New York Evening Post, speaking of his life and death,
which occurred November 29, ISYS, says: "His various
fugitive pieces contain passages of rare beauty, show a pas-
sion for Nature, and breathe a contemplative spirit. He was
a disciple of Izaak Walton, and in the spring and summer
often sauntered, with angling-rod in hand, by the sparkling
brooks which abound among the wooded hills of Delaware
County."
The following lines, a portion of a little poem contributed
to the Knickerbocker 3fagazine of October, 1862, by Mr.
Huntington, had a charm for us at that day that we have not
forgotten, nor will they ever be by any contemplative angler
who reads them :
« •
842
IN MEMORIAM.
"THE WHITE LAKE CREEK;
A SKETCH, BY REV. G. HUNTINGTON.
How lone and beautiful this place ! Here flow
The White Lake's waters, forcing 'midst the rocks
Their foamy pathway. High overhead the trees
Of this wild forest-track branch wide around.
Forming vast, vaulted chambers, wrapped in shade
Cool and delicious. Down the varying stream
Tempting the trout from his cold haunts.
We pass ; but not with eye unmindful now,
Nature,^^ of thy wild beauty, we renew
Our wanderings along this lonely creek.
The laurels tangled on the banks forbid
The sportsman's steps upon the shore ; nor, now
That June's rejoicing sun is reigning high.
Need he regret his steps must be along
The pebbly channels of the cooling stream.
Or if we rest upon some open bank.
Still cooling visions shall delight us ; rocks
Dripping with foam, and beautiful with moss ;
The shadowy haunt, above, of orioles,
The glassy cove of yon old trout, who scorns
Our fly and squirming bait, but darts like thought
At every luckless miller fluttering by.
With startling and exciting splash—
These shall our thoughts beguile."
CHAPTER II
SOUTHERN FISHES.
WAY down South in Old Virginia, at Charleston,
along the coast of Florida, around and through
the Gulf of Mexico, and in all the ponds, lakes,
and beautiful rivers, in addition to the spotted
basse and black trout, before mentioned, are
found a large variety of fishes, most of them entirely distinct
from those of the North ; and many of them, with the excep-
tion of the salmon, giving quite as much sport and pleasure
to the angler, Florida and many parts of the Southern
coast having become a winter resort for many of our North-
ern invalids —
Who, having fished for trout and basse,
Now angle near the Christian Pass —
is visited by hundreds and thousands who fly to a more con-
genial clime during the cold season, a description of the
inhabitants of the waters of the "balmy South," together
with their mode of capture, has become a necessity in a
work on the Fish and Fishing of the United States.
Among the coast-fishes that are found North and South,
and that vary but little, if any, are the sheepshead, the red
drum, the bonita, and the Lafayette-fish, or spot. The
344
THE SEA-TROUT AND RED SNAPPER.
cavallo, one of the finest of Southern fishes, has occasionally
made his appearance as far north as the New Jersey coast,
and has been sold in the markets of New York City, but hia
acclimation North seems to be a matter of uncertainty. In
many of the lakes are found the black basse of the North ;
in the brooks running from the mountains of Georgia, the
speckled trout ; and in the ponds, a species of white perch,
nearly allied ti the same description of fish at the North.
:-^=^
^^^
—
— --
THE SEA-TROUT— SPOTTED SQUETEAGUE—
Lah. Sq. maculatis
Is taken all along the coast, from Delaware Bay to
Florida, and occasionally as far north as New York Bay (see
p. 2Y2). They are caught also along the Southern coast in
much larger quantities than the weak-fish or squeteague of
the North, and by many are considered a better table-fish.
Although the fish of the North is one of the most beautiful
of salt-water game-fishes, his neighbor of the South must be
.awarded the championship on account of its beautiful black
spots and bright, silver-white sides, from which metallic splen-
dor it has the additional name of " Spotted Silver-Sides."
They grow to a much larger size in Southern waters, vary-
ing from one to fifteen pounds, and are taken with the usual
basse or weak-fish tackle. The usual bait is crab, clam, or
shrimp. Ordinary basse-tackle is used in their capture.
THE RED SNAPPER,
Lutjanus Aya^
Called red from its color, and the latter appellation from
its habit of snapping at the bait, is an exclusively Southern
THE BLACK SKAPPEB AND KINGTISH. 845
aquatic inhabitant. The form of the fish and the disposition
of the fins are very similar to those of the black trout. In
color they are unlike any Northern fish, being a beautiful
bright red on the back, blending into a lighter or softer color
on the belly ; color of the eye red, with a dark orb. Their
feeding-grounds are in the Gulf of Mexico and along the
coast of Florida, in the channels of the islands in the vicinity,
and as far south as Cuba. They are taken with the rod and
stout bottom tackle of twisted gut or gimp, by still-fishing,
with mullet, crab, or prawn for bait Hand-line trolling with
a light metal, bone, or pearl squid, is sometimes practised
with success. They are an active fish and give much sport,
seldom weighing less than ten pounds, and often turning the
scales at forty and fifty pounds. The meat of this fish is
quite white, hard, and moist, and of fine flavor. It is highly
relished as a table-fish.
THE BLACK SNAPPER
Resembles the red in many respects, the color being black
on the back, graduating to white on the belly. It inhabits
the inlets and rivers, bites at mullet, crabs, shrimp, and clams,
and weighs from three to fifteen poxmds. It is quite as good
on the platter as its aforementioned namesake.
THE KINGFISH
Is an exclusively Southern sea-fish, seldom frequenting the
rivers, but appearing on the coasts and bays ; obtaining often
to a great size, but generally weighing from ten to thirty
pounds. In habit they are similar to the bluefish, bonito,
and Spanish mackerel. In color they are of a deep blue on
the back, moderating to nearly white on the belly. In shape
346
THE GROUPER.
they resemble the above-mentioned fishes, the tail being large
and of the half-moon shape.
The usual mode of capturing them is with heavy bone or
tin squids, although they will often jump at a red or white
rag. Enthusiastic anglers have been known to take them
with the rod and reel and gimp snells, but they are much too
powerful a fish, often jumping five or six feet out of the wa-
ter, and should not be trusted with any but the strongest
of tackle. They are an excellent table-fish.
THE GROUPER
Is another exclusive sea-fish, and is caught in the Gulf of
Mexico, on the Florida reefs, at the Bahama Islands, and on
the South American coast, mostly for the market, by deep-
water fishermen, with clams, mullet, and crab for bait, al-
though they are sought after and often taken by the angler
by trolling deep with heavy metal squids armed with large-
size cod-hooks. In form they resemble an immense sheeps-
head. In color they are a dark gray on the back, blending
into nearly a white on the belly. By the Southern people
they are ranked quite equal in flavor to many of their most
esteemed fishes. They are certainly a rich-meated and much-
favored fish ; weight from ten to upward of one hundred
pounds.
•' All hail to the grouper, the pride of our coast,
To boil or to bake, to fry or to roast,
'Tis the prince, 'tis the king', yea, even the boss,
Served with butter, with shrimp, or pure lobster sauce 1 '*
THE CATALLO, CAVALLEY. 347
THE CAVALLO, CAVALLEY,
Carangtis.
The cavallo is known from Charleston to the Florida
coast, and is one of the most esteemed of Southern table-fish,
although of late years he has been caught as far north aa
Delaware Bay, and even on the Jersey shore, and is occasion-
ally to be had in the New York market at as high a price as
the Kennebec salmon.
Like the drum, sheepshead, and bonito, it is of a migra-
tory character, and often changes its place of abode, or ex-
tends its range of travel. They are very abundant in the
Southern rivers that run directly into the sea, and are espe-
cially taken in large quantities in the rivers of Florida.
The cavallo in shape and disposition of fins is similar to
his friend the pompano, although he grows to a much larger
size. The dorsal and ventral fins extend nearly to the tail, a
barb or spike preceding the commencement of the anal fin in
the cavallo, and three preceding the dorsal in the pompano.
The cavallo averages from three to fifteen pounds in
weight, and differs from most fishes by being defended by a
small line of spikes or bones extending from the pectoral fin
to the tail, which is forked similar to that of the mackerel ;
but the color of the cavallo is almost transcendent in beauty,
vying with the rainbow in its beautiful tints. The upper
part of the head is quite dark, verging on to a black, the back
a dark blue blending into a beautiful mixed brilliant light
blue and rose color, and thence to a bright silver-white on
the belly. Fins dorsal — a tinted red ; pectoral, ventral, and
anal, light gray.
A magnificent fish and a friend of the troller ; takes the
artificial squid adorned with red cloth or worsted with hand-
848
THE POMPANO.
tackle, or rod and reel ; is an active fish and affords good
sport. "When angled for with rod and reel the rigging should
be as strong as in heavy basse-fishing.
THE POMPANO,
Trachynotus
Is the crSme de la creme of Southern delicate-meated fishes,
a regular palate-tickler.
" Away in the night I away from the shore I
They net him and eat him and still cry encore /
No stream in the world, not the Rhine nor the Po,
Prodnces a lish like the famed pompano."
Small and beautiful, of rainbow hue, weighing from half
a pound to a pound, and sometimes a pound and a half; oc-
casionally visits the Northern coast in small numbers ; is sold
in New York at almost fabulous prices. The Forest and
Stream, a reliable New York sporting paper, of June 4, 1874,
says : " Only one was caught off the capes of the Chesapeake
last week, and was sold in market for three dollars. What
did it weigh ? Why, only three-quarters- of a pound."
They are taken at night in set nets, and occasionally with
perch or trout rod and tackle. Tliis pearl of the Southern
waters is considered superior in flavor to the salmon or
trout ; is broader in proportion than the cavallo, and has
three barbs or spikes in front of the dorsal fin. The scales
are quite small and delicate, and the beautiful colors shading
into a pure white, when first brought from the pellucid
waters into the bright sunlight, give a brilliancy exceeding
that of any other fish. A remarkably proUfic inhabitant of
the sea, and worthy the attention of pisciculturists. Is
THE MULLET AND SILVER MULLET. 349
generally broiled or fried in butter, although when large is
stutfed and baked, and occasionally boiled.
THE MULLET,
MuUus.
The reputation of the mullet as a table-fish dates back
to the time of the Romans, at which era a fish of four
pounds' weight was said to have been sold for five thousand
sesterces, and presented to the Emperor Tiberius— a sum
equal to two hundred dollars in American gold ; and one was
afterward sold for eight thousand sesterces, being three
hundred and twenty dollars of our money. Juvenal re-
marks on this enormous outlay for these delicacies :
" Six scanty pounds the mullet weighed.
Six thousand sesterces the wise men paid."
At the South are found three descriptions of the mullet
family, called by the names of the gray or silver mullet, the
black mullet, and the golden mullet.
THE SILVER MULLET
Is well named, for nothing, not even the polished metal
itself, can exceed the brilliant white of the sides of this dainty
little fish, that is taken along the coast of the Carolinas,
Virginia, and Maryland.
There is but one dorsal fin, situated in the centre of the
back, of this beautiful little gem of the salt-water, and di-
rectly opposite on the belly are the ventral fins. The head
is nearly black, and the tail forked. The back is dark as far
as the lateral line, and shades down to the most beautiful
white, and the delicate little scales shine with a brilliancy
23
350 . TOE BLACK AND GOLDEN MULLETS.
hardly approached by any other fish. Weighs from half a
pound to a pound and a half, and sometimes two pounds.
It is a most delicious pan-fi?h, and is taken with small
pieces of crab or clam on a trout-hook with basse-rod, and
sometimes with lighter implements.
THE BLACK MULLET
Frequents the same waters as the gray mullet, and is
considered a fine-flavored fish by those who take him with
the hook or net. Color of a grayish-silver hue, becoming
white on the abdomen, darker on the upper part of the head
and back, with two dorsal fins, between which and near the
centre of the body is a large black spot, giving it a singular
appearance. Tail rather convex at the end, and mouth large.
Taken with lighter tackle than the previous description,
usually small trout-hooks with small pieces of fish, clam,
crab, or shrimp. Caught in large quantities in nets for
market ; weighs from one-quarter to three-quarters of a
pound.
THE GOLDEN MULLET
Ih a pretty little fish, active and voracious as a biter, and
weighs from one-quarter of a pound to a pound. In shape
and disposition of fins is similar to the spotted squeteague.
Has several small black spots near the tail. The coldr is
nearly black, on the back shading into a brown, and from
that into a golden yellow, blending into a white on the belly.
Tail nearly straight, scales quite small. Bites quick and
rapidly at shrimp and clam cut up in pieces. Has a small
mouth. Use a basse-rod with light bottom-tackle and small
hooks as described for his black namesake.
They swim the coast from Delaware Bay to Florida ; are
THE CROCUS, CHUB, AND LA>ATETTE-FISH.
361
quite a delicacy at the table, possessing a rich, fat, and moist
flesh, and are fine eating from the pan or gridiron.
THE CROCUS
Is a delicate little fish running in Southern waters, and like
the smelt of the North is the dainty of the South, seldom
weighing as much as a half-pound, and generally measuring
from four to six inches. They are taken with the usual perch-
tackle with shrimp or pieces of clam for bait, and are caught
from the capes of the Delaware, all along the coast, and in
the salt-water streams as far south as Florida.
THE CHUB, OR TROUT,
As it is sometimes called, is similar in shape to the en-
graving of the chub on page 218, but otherwise finned like
the perch, and is not classified by ichthyologists. He ha«,
however, more of the characteristics of the perch family
than the chub. Grows quite large, and sometimes attains to
the weight of eight or ten pounds. Is reckoned among the
finest fishes of the Southern waters. Is a free biter, and will
jump readily at the red-and-white fly, the minnow or grass-
hopper; is active when hooked, and gives good sport with
basse-tackle. They are taken in many of the Southern rivers,
ponds, and lakes. Color is dark-blue on the back, fading
into a clear white on the belly. Head dark, tail slightly
forked. Has two dorsal fins, giving it somewhat the appear-
ance of a perch, to which family it undoubtedly belongs.
THE LAFAYETTE-FISH,
Leostotnus Obliqtctts,
Called at the south "The Spot," runs the coast from New
York to Florida, but in greater abundance in the neigh-
352
THE LAFAYETTE-FISH.
/
borhood of Virginia and the Carolinas. Was first taken in
New York harbor in 1824 during Lafayette's visit to Amer-
ica, hence its name. The Southern people call him " The
Spot," from a singular round, black mark near the point of
the gill-covers below the lateral line and above the pectoral-
fin. They grow much larger at the South, attaining to the
weight of one and a half pounds, while in the more northern
latitude of Xew York their maximum weight is less tlian a
half-pound.
They bite readily at shrimp, clam, or crab bait, from the
latter part of May until November.
In shape they somewhat resemble the sheepshead. Their
color is dark on the back, softening to a white on the belly,
the fins varying in color from a subdued black to a yellow
and white. The Lafayette is highly esteemed and considered
an exquisite little pan-fish at the North ; while at the South
he is often, when of good size, baked or broiled. There is
a richness and delicacy of flavor of the juicy white meat of
this fish that anglers and epicures do not often forget.
At tlie North the best fidhing-ground for the Lafayette is
in Newark Bay. Basse rigging is necessary in taking this
fish North and South ; of equal importance North on account
of the larger and more nimble fish that are apt to take the
bait. Some anglers rig with a small blackfish or a Lim-
erick trout hook on the end of a yard leader, and a basse-
hook about two feet farther up, and sometimes are success-
ful in taking both descriptions of fish, or, failing in one, they
succeed in the other.
When a school of these little delicacies can be found and
they bite freely, it is best to use small blackfish or trout
hooks baited with pieces of clam.
THE GROWLER, BLUE CAT, 4C. 853
THE GROWLER, OR WHITE SALMON OF VIRGINIA,
Grysies salmoides^
Is similar in appearance to a large fresh-water basse.
The color is lighter than the basse, beginning with a dark
'jrray on the back and blending into a grayish white on the
abdomen. Fins similar to the perch ; tail dark and sHghtly
forked, similar to the salmon, with a dark bar across the
centre, and a similas one near the caudal. They are found
in some of the rivers of Virginia, and in the Mequary River
in NfW Holland, and no other place on the globe. The
growler is a fine-flavored fish, and takes the hook baited
with small fish, clams, or shrimp ; weighs from a few pounds
to fifteen pounds.
THE BLUE CAT, LADY CAT, OR CHANNEL CAT.
. A friend, who has caught these fishes near the mouth of
the Mississippi, says, "They are a very lively fish, and the
beauty of the catfish tribe." They are taken in large quan-
tities in the vicinity of New Orleans, where they are some-
times called the " croaker," and run up into many of the
tributaries of the Father of Waters.
It is certainly a beautiful fish, and, were it not for the
horns or feelers depending from its head, would be called by
any other name than a catfish.
They are delicate and slender in form ; head pointed and
mouth small ; tail forked ; anal fin long, and running near-
ly down to the caudal. Color, dark-blue or grayish-blue on
the back, and dissolving into a pure white below the lateral
line, giving it a beautiful appearance, and making it worthy
of the compliment of " Lady Cat." Foimd mostly in swift-
354
THE HOG-FISH.
running and bold rivers ; runs as far up as the Upper Mis-
souri River; makes a croaking noise similar to the sque-
teague, heace its additional name of " Croaker." Length,
from one to four feet ; weight, from one pound up to fifteen
or twenty pounds, and sometimes njore.
Is an excellent table-fish when baked or broiled, and
takes the hook freely when baited with a live minnow or
fresh-water lobster, or crawfish. The regular basse-rod and
strong tackle should be used in the capture of this descrip-
tion of the cat species, as they often, when in good condi-
tion, give as lively play as a basse or salmon, and, when of
large size, give nearly as much sport. The meat of all cat-
fish is of fine flavor, but the blue cat exceeds all, and when
roasted or stuffed and baked, they make a splendid dinner-
dish. A Missouri correspondent says they take them by
attaching a line to a large jug, baited with a bit of raw meat,
similar to the float or bladder fishing, and often take fish
ten or fifteen pounds in weight. We have no objection, pro-
vided the jugs are empty.
THE HOG-FISH.
Why called so we know not. Is an exclusively Southern
fish. There are two entirely distinct fishes called by this
name, and look about as unlike each other as a shad and a
flounder.
The Virginia hog-fish is found only in the salt-water
rivers of that State, and weighs from half a pound to a pound
and a half, is of quite dark color, being nearly black on the
back, blending into a light gray on the abdomen, with occa-
sional slanting and short, straight yellow lines on its sides.
Fins on the back spinated and dark ; tail, same color ; lower
fins dark yellow. Is a good table-fish, and is not to be de-
THE COMMON HOG-FISH AXD ROBIN. 85C
spist'd for rod-exercise. They bite at claui, crab, and pieces
of mullet.
THE COMMON HOG-FISH
Of the coast ranges from Maryland to the West India Isl-
ands ; is a large fish, weighing from a few pounds up to ten
or fifteen pounds, and is very unlike his namesake in appear-
ance. He has a large head, and a capacious mouth with
which he demolishes crabs, mullet, and other small fibh. In
form it somewhat resembles a black basse. The color is dark
on the back, fading into a pure white on the belly, with band-
ed cross-bars of a reddish-brown color, similar to a perch.
The scales are as large as those of a shad, and as difficult
to remove as those of a blackfish. Is considered a fine table-
fish at the South, when stuffed and baked or broiled. In
good condition is quite fat and needs but little butter in its
cooking. He is generally angled for with hand-lines and
8tout tackle. Use heavy Virginia or large blackfish hooks,
with crab or clam for bait.
THE ROBIN, OR CHUB ROBIN
Is a fish taken at the South, nearly a duplicate of the same
fish of the North. The belly below the lateral line is quite
red and of a similar shade to the robin red breast, from which
feathered songster it is supposed its name originated. The
back is dark, fading into yellow, as in the sunfish, and the
fins are of a reddish tint.
The robin flourishes in many of the Southern ponds, lakef,
and small rivers, and is taken from a pound to two pounds in
weight, and growing much larger in the lakes. Makes fine
sport for ladies and children, and is not neglected by the
356
THE WHITE PERCH AND BREAM.
regular angler. Bites freely at the minnow or worm, and
will sometimes take the fly. A trout rod and tackle should
be used for this pretty little robin. He is good for the table,
fried or broiled.
THE WHITE PERCH,
Bodiamis pallidns of the Southern waters.
A fine fish, caught in the Southern fresh water rivers and
spring-supplied ponds and lakes. At a first glance it would
be taken even by a scientific angler as the white perch of the
North; the general resemblance, with the dusky banded
sides, being the same, but a closer examination detects a dif-
ference in the form and size of the fins. The two dorsals are
united, the anal is longer and extends nearly down to the
caudal. Tail slightly forked, similar to the common perch,
and the belly is nearly white, making it an attractive fish. A
good table-fish, and weighs from one to five pounds. Caught
during the summer, but is in better condition in tlie fall
months after spawning. Angle for him with trout or perch
rod and light tackle ; bait with minnows or any kind of small
fish.
THE BREAM
Is taken of small size in many of our Western streams and
as far north as Wisconsin, but they breed and mature much
faster in Southern waters, and are taken of quite a good size
in the inland waters of South Carolina. In England they are
said to attain to the weight of ten pounds. They are quite
as prolific in the ponds of the " sunny South " as in Europe,
and have turned the scales at five and six pounds in weight.
Being possessed of a large amount of caution they require
all the skill and patience of the angler, and the finest do-
TOE JFW,
357
scription of tackle. A trout-bait rod witli a fine line, and
every article attenuated down to a good-sized trout-hook,
baited with a grub, red angle-worm, cricket, or grasshopper,
if cautiously u.-ed, will generally tempt him from his element,
and when caught he is in appearance much like a carp in
form, and feature, and disposition of fins. Color, dark-grayish
on the back, the back changing to a white on the belly. Dor-
sal and ventral tins directly opposite. Head and mouth
small, latter lined with very fine teeth; scales quite large.
Is good on the platter.
"A capriciouB little fish,
That swims in pond and stream,
And a dainty on the dish.
Is the cautions, conning bream."
THE JEW
Is caught in the Gulf cf Mexico from the coast of Florida
to Texas ; weighs from twenty pounds up among the hun-
dreds. One taken near Galveston, in the summer of 1874,
weighed over four hundred pounds. The French at New Or-
leans call him " Un Grand Poissony He is caught in deep
water with extra strong lines and heavy hooks, and comes
out of the water without resistance, as if terra firma was a
matter of indifference to him ; but when brought to land
shows his dissatisfaction by groaning and flapping his tail.
When of large size he is cut up into steaks after the manner
of the halibut of the North. The Jew is an excellent chow-
der-fish, and whether boiled, baked, or fried, is considered
second to none, not even the boasted pompano.
CHAPTER III.
WESTERN FISHES.
THE WHITE-FISH,
Coregonus albus ( Poisson Blanc, Ad-dik-keein-maig,* or
Ticamegf ).
" Of venison Goldsmith may wittily sing,
A very fine haunch is a very fine thing;
And Burns, in his tuneful and exquisite way.
The charms of a smoking Scotch haggis display;
But 'tis often much harder to eat than descant,
And a poet may praise what a poet may want ,
Less doubt there shall be 'twixt my Muse and my dish,
While lier power I invoke in praise of Whitb-Fi3H.
"All friends to good living, by tureen or by dish,
Concur in exalting this prince of a fish ;
So fine in a platter, so tempting to fry.
So rich oil a gridiron, so sweet in a pie,
That even before it the salmon must fail,
And that mighty bonne-bouche of the land— beaver's tail.
********
" There are, in gastronomy, sages who think
'Tis not only the prime of good victuals but drink;
That all sauces spoil it— the richer the quicker—
And make it in:*ipid, except its own liquor;
* Indian name.
t French orthography for the Indian name.
THE VTHITE-nSH. 359
These roll in a mUd, epigastric mirage,
Preferrinir the dish a la mode de sauvage ;
By which it quells hunger and thirstiuess both-
First eating the flsh, and then drinking the broth;
We leave this unsettled for palates or pens,
Who glean out of hundreds their critical tens,
While drawn to the board, where full many a dish
Is slighted, to taste this American fish."
H R. Schoolcraft.
CHOOLCRAFT, who had an early acquaintance with
this beautiful and palatable fish, praised him in
rhyme ; and any one who has ever tasted or written
of this wonderful tenant of the lakes, including
the Chippewa Indian, who is known to have lived on his
flesh for six months at a time, and called him Ad-dik-keem-
maig, or deer of the lakes ; or the French-Canadian —
" Who sings, as he paddles his birchen canoe.
And thinks all the hardships that fall to his lot
Are richly made up at platter and pot ;
To him there's a claim, neither feeble nor vague,
In the mighty repast of the grand Ticameg ; "
or the erreat and learned De Witt Clinton, who, as early as the
year 1815, said, "The white-fish may be placed at the head
of the Western fishes, and is universally admitted to be the
most delicious ;" all, down to the humblest fisherman who
hauls him by the thousand from his clear bed of the lake,
apeak in his praise. A more intimate acquaintance of the
writer with this most excellent and esculent fish has not
changed his opinion, and no discount is made from the
former opinion given on page 220. He is really "at the
top,'' and the king of the inland seas.
• The length of the white-fish is from twelve to forty-eight
860
THE WHITE-FISH.
l=-_
^
^7E-i-
^i=;=^
=x^
— -
inches ; body rather round than flat ; weight, one and a half
to ten pounds ; color, entirely white, with the exception of a
slight grayish tinge along the back ; caudal, ventral, dorsal,
anal, and pectoral fins, of a blended grayish and white ; tail
somewhat forked ; scales large, and of a beautiful metallic
lustre. On the whole, a superb-looking fish, with pure, white,
and juicy flesh, and of a taste similar in sweetness and deli-
cacy to the Connecticut River shad.
Taken in nearly all the Western lakes, but more abundant
in Lakes Michigan and Superior. Of late years the amount
drawn from Lake Michigan has been so great, that tlioy have
become comparatively scarce, and the fishermen have been
obliged to reduce the size of mesh of their nets and haul in
deeper water, in order to supply the demand ; but, thanks to
the science or art of pisciculture, the race of this n:ost im-
portant commercial fish is to be perpetuated. The commis-
sioners of the States bordering on the lake are making prepa-
rations at this date (the spring of 18*76) to restock with
immense quantities of fry. At the Detroit hatching-house
eight million spawn are being hatched, and Wisconsin is
making efforts to do its share toward repopulating Lake
Michigan.
It is proposed to put the same amount of white-fi^h fry in
Lake Erie. The acquaintance of this fish with the "barbed
steel" is quite slight. He is sometimes taken with the
trolling-spoon, and red-and-white fly. When he shall be
placed in the smaller lakes and less extensive feeding-
grounds, he may be more readily enticed by the allurements
of the angler.
THE CISCO OF GENEVA LAKE.
361
THE CISCO OF GENEVA LAKE, WISCONSIN.
"A thing of beauty
Is a joy forever."
A specialty for ten d^ya only !
In a beautiful sheet of water, called Geneva Lake, situ-
ated on the Northwestern Railway, seventy miles from Chi-
cago and forty-five miles from Milwaukee, swims this charm-
ing little game-fish — a specialty for ten days only ! Appear-
ing in June, when the May-fly first begins to glide o'er the
surface of the lake, and disappearing like a shadow at the
exodus of the fly, it is sought after for ten days with great
pleasure and much excitement, and is gone.
When it is known that the cisco has come, every man,
woman, and child that can swing a line in the neighborhood,
besides sportsmen from Chicago, Milwaukee, and towns in
the vicinity that can spare the time, hastens to the pure and
placid sheet of water, prepared for its capture. This won-
derful silver-sided dainty of the lake is a" member of the uni-
versal herring family, averages about eight inches in length,
and seldom weighs over three-quarters of a pound. When
scaled for the pan, its flesh is quite transparent. Its meat
is clear white, and said to be of a flavor unequalled by any
other fish.
" Beantifu] fish of Geneva Lake,
Strange Cisco by name, what pleasure we take
In thy capture by fly, or even with bail,
Chirming, indeed, when lured to thy fate I
Bright gem of the deep, where'er thou art known,
Thou shineet in resplendent beauty alone;
Pearl of the water, so rich and so rare.
No fish in the world can with thee compare."
862
THE CISCO OF GENEVA LAKE.
A friend writes as follows : " The length of our lake is
nine miles, average width three-quarters of a mile. There
are no rocks, neither high banks, however, sufficiently elevated
to prevent mai-shy grounds ; the water, which is said to be
the clearest in the State, is supplied wholly by springs, one
of which, located at the head of the lake, furnishes water-
power for a flouring-mill. We have, in addition to the cisco,
pickerel, rock basse, black basi^e, and perch. The cisco
averages about eight inches in length ; in breadth, one and
a quarter inch, and weighs from one-quarter to three-quarters
of a pound. Its color, as near as I can describe it, is of a
bluish tinge on the back and sides ; the belly is silver-white ;
the scales are very small.
" The time for cisco-fishing is from about the 1st to the
20th of June, varying with the season. They ure seldom or
never caught more than ten rods from the shore ; however, it
has been the case in fishing through the ice that occasionally
some have been caught ; this being a very rare exception.
" Parties angling for the cisco station themselves on the
shore in line, as the fish go in schools, and, starting from a
point, usually follow the shore. The best time of day for
taking them is about four or five o'clock in the morning,
or at about sundown. They are caught on all parts of the
lake, and, when hooked, extreme caution must be used, as
their jaws are very tender. The fly, which is called the
'cisco-fly,' is first seen about the time the cisco begins to
run, which indicates the time in which to prepare for fishing.
The fly is not the only bait used; they will often bite. at a
red string attached to a hook."
After their term for fly-feeding is over they return to the
deep parts of the lake, and are seen no more until the next
year. Thij; fish is entirely di.>^tinct from the cisco of Lak«?
THE CISCO OF GEXETA LAKE. 863
Superior,* and from extensive inquiry, it is not known to
exist anywhere else but in Geneva Lake, Wisconsin. N. P.
Fairbanks, Esq., of Chicaj2;o, a gentleman of wealth, who
ha^ a summer residence on this beautiful lake, has erected a
hatching-house for the purpose of perpetuating this and
other fish : 500,000 salmon-trout, white fish, brook-trout,
black and Oswego baspe, and California salmon, have lately
been placed in the lake, and 2,000,000 more are being pre-
pared for another season, making this the greatest fishing-
* After boing informed on good authority that the Cisco of Lake
Superior was entirely distinct from tboee of Geneva Lake, 1 find
in an article in Scribner's Monthly for April, 1876, from the pen of
Martin A. Howell, the following paragraph tending to identify th-?
two descriptions as one and the same species :
" It Is a fact, well known to many who have visited Northen;
Wisconsin, that there are lakes near St] peri or whose waters rise
and fall with those of Superior. At Lake Geneva, Wisccmsin, it is
well known that a fish known as the 'cisco' comes and departs
at regular periods every year. It remains a few days and is gone.
These same fif»h are foimd in Lake Superior only, and it is believed
by many that there is a subterranean passage by which they come
and return."
A writer in the Milwaukee Sentinel, of March 20th, commenting
on the above, has the following: "In July, 1873, cisco were ob-
served in the Troy Lakes, Walworth County, Wipcon^in, and when
the dam at the foot of the lakes broke away in March, 1874, great
quantities of cisco were carried out of the smaller lake into the
stream btlow. A small dark culvert was thrown over the stream
at the foot of the lake, and under this the Cisco crowded in sncli
numbers that the boys of the neighborhood scooped them out by
the bushel. As almost every one in the neighborhood had been to
Geneva Lake in the cisco-season, there can be no doubt that these
lish were the 'true, cisco.' The fact that they were found here in
March, coupled with the fact that they crowded under the culvort,
into darkness, convinced me that the fish lived in deep water
most of tho ye^r. ani came (o th" surf ice in 'cisco-timo.'"
864
THE SISCOWET.
place in the world. All this will be done through the energy
and enterprise of Mr. Fairbanks. If every lake had a Fair-
banks, there would be no scarcity offish. •
Those who use the imitation-fly in taking the cisco com-
plain that after the fly gets wet, the fish ceases to rise at it.
This is perfectly natural, the fly loses its form, and is very
unlike the natural fly. It is very easily obviated by var
Dishing the fly with a coat or two of pure white gum-arabic,
and keeping a number on hand for the occasion. The lake
was originally called Big Foot Lake from its form being
something like a boot.
THE SISCOWET,
Salmosiscowet [Agassiz).
A commercial fish of the Salmo order. Inhabits Lakes
Michigan and Superior. At Milwaukee they are considered
a great delicacy as a broiler, and by some superior in rich-
ness of flavor to the renowned white-fish.
Their flesh is white and juicy and more adipose than the
former, in which respect he more approaches the peculiar
flavor of the shad of the salt-water.
It is said that this noble fish takes the fly and spoon.
This is probably the case when roaming far from their accus-
tomed depths into shallow water, or at the mouths of rivers
in search of feed, as is sometimes the case with the Coregonus
alhus. Could these two fish be made to inhabit other than
the deep water, they would afford fine sport for the angler.
THE CISCO,
Argyrosmus Cisco of Lake Ontario.
An esculent gtidiron fish that is said to take the fly and
spoon, but on which subject there is a variety of opinion, as
THE HERRING. 365
there is also in regard to his class, some writers classing
hira with the salmon, and others with the herring family.
Mr. John C. Hooper, of Winneconne, Wisconsin, says of
the cisco and siscowet, which are often confounded to-
gether : " As to the ' cisco,' they are very distinct from the
siscowet The word is spelled *" cisco.'' In Northern New
Fork vast numbers of them are and have been taken for the
last fifty years around the shores of Lake Ontario, especially
at the lower end of Chaumont Bay, and around the mouth
of the St. Lawrence. They are herring. I never knew of
the Cisco of the East taking the hook." Many people think
that the ciscoes and siscowet are hybrids or crosses between
the salmon, salmon-trout, and herring, a subject that fish-
culturists, ichthyologists, and naturalists, with the new sys-
tem of water-farming, will have an opportunity to scientifi-
cally investigate.
The art of pisciculture, when thoroughly understood, may
lead to the cross-breeding of many species, and the variety
of the finny family may be greatly increased as to objects of
sport and food.
THE HERRING,
Clupea marengiii.
This fine little commercial fish, so much respected abroad,
and so little thought of in its American home, is about re-
ceiving the attention it deserves, not only as an object of
food, but also of sport.
They are found in great abundance in both fresh and salt
water, in rivers as well as lakes, and with the uninitiated are
called by a variety of names (see page 219). At certain
seasons of the year, generally during the summer months,
thcv appear in large schools, and are taken with a small
24
366
ROCK BASSE OF THE LAKE.
minnow, or fly of red and white feathers, or any bright,
attractive colors, and afford capital sport. A stout fly-rod,
with a bright fly on a number one trout-hook, will be found
sufficient for his capture.
The Commissioners of Fisheries of Wisconsin are having
them hatched for stocking some of the ponds and lakes of
that State. In their report for the year 1875 the commis-
sioners say: "Mr. John Palmer, who has had charge of
taking the spawn, in addition to the white-fish spawn, has
taken 200,000 of the lake herring-spawn. This fish is
known in Madison as" white-fish, and Fourth Lake is very
full of them, a fe'.v of them having been put in there by
ex-Governor Farwell, who, no doubt, thought them to be
white-fish, as many still do. While in flesh and size they are
not quite the equal of the white-fish, they are better for
lakes, where netting is not allowed, as they will take the
hook (and being very prolific, a large one having about
20,000 eggs), and being superior to the fish native to our
interior lakes, we think them well worth introducing." The
report says that 850,000 white-fish spawn and 200,000 her-
ring-spawn were taken in good condition. The hatching-
house is situated at Pensankee, on Green Bay, and is under
charge of the Fish Commissioners of the State.
THE ROCK BASSE OF THE LAKE,
Amplohites cenu&
Found in most of the Western lakes. At Lake George,
many years ago, it was familiarly known as the Democrat.
They resemble, in some respects, the sunfish. although not so
wide and chubby, and attain to about the same weight,
and are found on the same grounds with the black basse,
THE ROCK BASSE OF THE LAKE.
367
sometimes insisting upon being hooked, to the great inconven-
ience of the basse-fisher, on his best scarlet-ibis fly. Color
dark on the back, softening into a yellow on the belly, with
dark, clouded spots on the sides ; jumps at the fly or any
kind of fresh-water bait When angled for alone, ordinary
perch or trout tackle is used.
THE CISCO-FLY OF GESETA LAKE.
CHAPTER IV.
WESTERN FISHES.
THE GRAYLING,
Thymallus vtdgaris [Cuvier), ThymaUus vexillifer (Agassiz),
'JTiymallus tricolor of Michigan.
•' A bright particular star."
Hail! lively, spotted, silver-sided stranger I
For many years wast thou a ranger
O'er pebbly beds in Michigan's bright streams,
A subject only of the patient angler's dreams ;
But now he fits his rod and casts his fly.
And among the brush and grass you lie,
A victim caught by treacherous steel,
Fit trophy for the sportman's creel.
NOTHER star has been discovered in the angler's
firmament. By firmament is meant the angler's
heaven on earth. His paradise while in the
jsh, apart from his Christian duties, is by the
stream-side, the lake, amid the mountain's cliffs,
or on the placid sea.
No event in our piscatorial world, except the
discovery of artificial fish-breeding, has produced such ex-
citement as the discovery of this beautiful little fish in the
THE GRAYLING. 369
wilds of Michio;i\n. Spav^rning in the month of April, and
being in good condition from July to November, when the
streams in our country shall have been made populous with
this active tenant of the brook, the fly-rod will be in use
from the beginning to the clpaing of the Northern fishing-
seajjOiL
In the early history of this fish its limit in America was not
designated any lower than the arctic regions, " where," says
Richardson, " a splendid specimen was found, requiring as
much dexterity to land as a trout six times its size." Its habitat
in a lower region than the Mackenzie River is still denied by
some, but, thanks to the ardent and enterprising fish-cultur-
ist, Frederick Mather, Esq., the ubiquitous Seth Green, and
the persevering editor of Forest and Stream^ the matter is
set at rest in the minds of all reasonable men.
Although an old inhabitant, and often taken in Michigan
and Montana, this fish has not been identified until the past
two years as the true grayling.
Some years since it was found in the Au Sable River, in
Michigan, and the attention of Frederick Mather, Esq., the
well-known pisciculturist, was called to it, and he has since
been breeding them at his hatching-house, at Honeoye Falls,
New York.
Seth Green, who is an accomplished fly-fisher as well as
an experienced fish-ciilturist, visited the Au Sable region in
the spring of 18Y4, took eighty of these fishes and transport-
ed them to the Caledonian Trout-Ponds, New York. He as-
certained that they existed also in the Muskegon, Manistere,
Boardraan, Sheboygan, Au Gris, Rifle, and Marqtiette Rivers.
They have been since discoveied in the Jordan and Bowen,
and are said to exist in all the rivers of the Grand Traverse
region. As they have been found in Montana, they will no
370 THE GRAYLING.
doubt be ascertained to exist in Northern Wisconsin and the
range through to the Pacific.
The first engraving of this fish ever made was published
in that excellent sporting journal, Forest and Stream, of July
.9, 18V4, from a fish donated by Mr. Mather. On comparison
with engravings from English works, of which I have many,
it is, no doubt, identical with the fish of the same name of
European waters. The engraving in Yarrell's " British Fishes "
gives that wavy appearance of the dorsal fin, and tlie form is
similar, with the exception of the American fish being slim-
mer toward the tail and a less disposition to fork of the cau-
dal fin. In some of the older and coarser engravings the
black spots commencing near the gill-covers, and extending
as far back as the dorsal fin, are not visible, probably the
fault of the engraver. The same defect exists in an engrav-
ing in a work on fishing lately issued in this country.
The sportsman will never get a better, more accurate, nor
livelier description than the following by Mr. Mather, taken
from the columns of Forest and Stream^ describing him in
his own liquid element :
"The grayling has all the fins of a trout; his pectorals
are olive-brown, with a bluish cast at the end (I am describ-
ing him in the water as I saw him in my ponds an hour ago) ;
the ventrals are large and beautifully striped with alternate
streaks of brown and pink, the anal is plain brown, the cau-
dal is very forked and plain, while the crowning glory is its
immense dorsal ; this fin rises forward of the middle of its
back, and in a fish a foot long it will be nearly three inches
in length by two high, having a graceful curved outline, and
from eighteen to twenty rays dotted with large red or bluish-
purple spots, which in life are brilliant, and are surrounded
with a splendid emerald green, which fades after death ; it
THE ORATLING. ^71
does not seem as if this green could be represented by the
painter's art ; it is that changeable shade seen in the tail
of the peacock.
" In shape the fish is like a trout, a trifle slimmer, perhaps,
and not so thick near the tail, but the fin on the back of a
trout looks so small and square, so deficient in outline and
color, after beholding the graceful curve of a grayling's dor-
sal! The scale is large, silvery, with sometimes a copper
tinge ; near the shoulders there are black s-pots, sometimes
triangular, and at others V-shaped ; in some fish these ex-
tend nearly to the tail near the back ; they are in lines,
which gradually shorten toward the belly ; the mouth is
small (nearly square when opened), and the teeth are merely
a slight roughness on the lips, none on the tongue. But you
want to see him come in on a line, with his fins all standing,
and your eye will then give you a better idea than all the
cold-blooded descriptions could eyer do." And, again, he
says : " I wish to add a little to the description given in my
former article, as a little longer acquaintance has developed
new beauties.
" The eye of the grayling is large and full, with a beautiful
yellow iris, and when I wrote * the tail is forked and plain,' I
had not observed its pinkish edge, nor the changeable metallic
green lustre that it shows in some lights, which is more like
that seen in silk. A glint of the same is also observable on
the second dorsal. Many letters have asked the question, * Is
this fish aa handsome as the trout? ' And in answer I will
say, to some eyes, while to others it may not be. Seen from
above it does not appear so, as the pink and white of the
trout-fins are more showy. The form of the grayling is more
graceful than the trout's, and tlie head is beautiful, while the
side of the trout and its lower tins are more gorgeous thau
872
THE GRAYLING.
the grayling's. The trout has not a handsome head to my
eye ; the lines are hard, and there is an expression of savage-
ness in the jaws." The sides of the grayling are of a grayish
steel color, the lines on the back and edge of the belly being
darker and nearly a brown color.
Prof. Milner thus writes of him) "There is no specfes
sought for by anglers that surpasses the grayling in beauty.
They are more elegantly formed than the trout, and their
great dorsal fin is a superb mark of beauty. When the well-
lids were lifted, and the sun-rays admitted, lighting up the
delicate olive-brown tints of the back and sides, the bluish-
white of the abdomen, and the mingling tints of rose, pale
blue, and purplish-pink on the fins, it displayed a combina-
tion of living colors that is equalled by no fish outside of the
tropics."
My old and respected friend Dr. Rufus Brown, of Detroit,
Michigan, who contributed the article on " Black Basse Fish-
ing in Michigan," on page 288, writes, in February 18, 1876,
of the grayling :
" A beautiful specimen is now swimming in the tank of the
fountain of the Michigan Exchange Hotel, in this city. It is
about twelve inches in length, gray on the back, whitish
sides, large very dark eyes, and a large and peculiarly flexible
dorsal fin, the lower and broad end of which is ornamented
with sky-blue brilliant spots on a blackish ground, not unlike
the end of a peacock's feather. This fin expands in swimming.
The ventral fins are of a peculiar shape and variegated."
" The term thymallus,''^ says Yarrell, " is said to have been
bestowed upon this fish on account of the peculiar odor it
emits when fresh from the water, which ii said to resemble
that of thyme ; and from its agreeable color as well as smell.
St. Ambrose is recorded to have called it the flower of fishes,
THE GRATLISa.
373
The name grayling is supposed to be a modification of the
words gray lines, in reference to the dusky longitudinal bars
along the body.
" The grayling thrives best in rivers with rocky or gravelly
bottoms, and seems to require an alternation of stream and
pool ft has been considfired that the large dorsal fin oj the
grayling enabled it to rise and sink rapidly in deep pools ; but
this power would rather seem to be afforded by the large size
of the swimming-bladder. The very large dorsal fin, com-
pared to the small size of all the other fins, renders it unable
to stem rapid currents ; they are much more prone to go
down stream than up, and are never seen leaping a fall like a
trout." The largest grayling is recorded to have been caught
near Shrewsbury, in England, and weighed five pounds.
Hofland says : " The same flies recommended for trout
may be used for the grayling, with the difference that for the
latter fish they must be smaller ; and all that I have previ-
ously said of fishing fine for trout will most especially apply
to the grayling — for, if you do not use a single hair, your gut
bottom luust be as fine as hair and the color of the water you
wish to fish."
Satter says, " This fish is generally called a grayling until
full grown, then it is entitled to the name of umbra." The
appellation of umbra is derived from the swift motion of this
fish, it often darting like a shadow —
"The umbra swift escapes the eye.
'* If a worm is used which they are very fond of in the
spring or the early part of a summer morning, if the water is
somewhat colored, then angle within a foot of the bottom, and
use a Xo. 9 hook to your line."
Seth Green says of their gastronomic qualities : " They arc
r the angler. He seems to have been created
as food for other members of the aquatic family,
or as a fertilizer of the barren sands of Long
Island. No figures have ever been made large
enough to estimate their immense numbers. This bony in-
habitant of the sea is not counted, but measured, by the load or
by the acre. Seines, miles in length, hauled by machinery, are
used in his capture, and many tons of them are taken in eai-h
net that is hauled on old "Long Island's sea-girt shore." Dr.
Mitchill, in his work on fishes, says : '* I have seen acres of
them ; and the whalemen say that the great bone-whale
{Balcena mysticetus) has been seen with his great mouth open
gulping down some hogsheads of them at a single gulp !
uhat a gulp ! probably a trifling appetizer before dining on
some of the larger species that sport in his little pond ! ''''
The New York Evening Post some years since, in speak-
ing of a haul of this fish, says: "This is no fish-story; we
have seen an acre or two of these fish, a foot or two in length,
and a constant procession of eaits taking thrm ba k ii.to the
M£XHAJ)EN, BONY-riSH. 888
country to enrich the sand-hills where the oak of Jerusalem
will hanlly vegetate."
The menhaden, in appearance, form, and feature, resembles
the shad, and is in size between the herring and the latter
dainty esculent, although they sometimes attain to the size
of a small shad. Cut up into small pieces, they are used to
bait the ground where basse and other sporting-fish congre-
gate. On the shores of Long Island the small fish of this
species are used for bait by cutting them in two in the mid
die, and again through the sides and fleshy part of the ex-
tremity of the fish to the tail, which is cut off and thrown
away, or chopped up and used with the remaining part of
the fish on the baiting-ground. The hook, which is generally
a flatted end. Limerick or Kirby, in size about one or two 0,
is passed through and brought out, so as to be nearly or
quite concealed between the divided parts. A strong piece
of linen thread or twine is then wound around the shank, ter-
minating with a few half-hitches to prevent the bait from pull-
ing off. A good method is to have about a dozen large hooks
with loops of strong line whipped on, and prepared ready-
baited for the occasion to attach to your troll ing-line, and
use as described on page 245. When the rod is used in this
description of sport, the excitement is much greater than
heaving or hauling or cafiting, and the 'best and strongest
implements are necessary. If you have a rod with separate
tops, the shortest one should be used, leaving the full length
not over eight or nine feet. The tip and guides should be
large enough to let the largest-sized reel-line pass through
freely, and all should be thoroughly jewelled with cornelian.
The reel also should be furnished, if possible, with the same
kind of gearing.
Reels, holding from two htuidred to four hundred yards of
384
HOW TO KEEP SHRIMP.
heavy linen line, are now manufactured, and also rods spe-
cially adapted for this hardy and nerve-bracing style of an-
gling. Let every article used be of the best and strongest
description, that no regrets disturb your slumbers after your
day's sport is over.
" Spare not on rod, reel, hook, or line.
Let perfection, strenj^th, and unity combine.
Then shall your joy be full ; nor sorrow
For misfortune attend you on the morrow."
HOW TO KEEP SHRIMP.
Many plans and devices are in operation for keeping this
delicate little bait. Some pack in sea-weed, some in saw-
dust, and others in sand : but more or less of them die within
twenty-four hours. The best method is to put them clear
and clean en masse in a basket, and place them on ice.
They will keep in this way a week. Take suflficient ice
with you, to keep them of the same temperature until you
get to your fishing-ground. Then put them in your per-
forated shrimp-box and place them in the water, and you
will hardly lose a bait. This has been demonstrated. All
fish will live in extreme cold water. They will even freeze
solid, and thaw out and swim away. Try the cold method,
if you want clean, hard bait.
CHAPTER YII.
MISCELLANEOUS FISHES.
BONETTA, OR BONITO,
Scomber sarda {Mitchill).
This beautiful fish having of late years become more
abundant along our coast, and an active and lively biter at
the artificial squid, a place is given him among our game-
fishes. He frequents the same waters as the bluefish and
Spanish mackerel, and, if eaten broiled soon after taken, is a
fine table-fish, and weighs from three to fifteen pounds. " The
figure of this fish is cylindrically round, tapering toward the
head and tail ; the belly is nearly white ; back blue, similar
to the common mackerel. From the sides six or seven dark-
er lines slope upward toward the back, and about ten or a
dozen bands of a fainter line diversify the sides transver.-^ely
from head to tail; the teeth are sharp and distinct. The
skin generally smooth and silky, but patches of minute scale?
are found between the nape of the neck and the rear of the
pectoral fins, and sometimes at the pectoral and caudal.
There are eight spurious fins on the upper side toward the
tail and seven below. There are two dorsal fins, the fore-
most of which has twenty rays and the hindmost fourteen.
The eyes are large, and the irides yellowish ; nostrils double,
and the openings a quarter of an inch apart. The lateral
ii^s::^
886
BONETTA, OR BONITO.
line waves prettily along its course, pectoral fin rather
short, and contains twenty-four rays ; the ventral smaller,
and has six, the anal fourteen ; caudal twenty-four, with
Eome imperfect ones. Tail forked and almost lunated ; three
longitudinal excrescences on each side."
Caught all along the coast from New York to Florida, and
in the Gulf of Mexico ; afford good sport with the troUing-
line and metal squid, and are sometimes taken with the rod
and reel and heavy implements, as in casting for the striped
basse. Is a good broiler, and very highly esteemed at the
South, where they sing his praises in rhyme in the following
lines :
'• Bright bonetta 1 or bonito !
It matters not to me
Wliat they call thee,
Thou Adonis of the sea !
Oh, what rapture
lu thy capture,
Or, when served
Upon the platter.
For breakfast or for tea,
It matters not to me,
None is richer, none is fatter.
Than the Adonis of the pea I "
FRESH-WATER FISHES.
TIME OF SPAWNING.
Salmon
Brook Trout . . .
Grayling
Pike, Pickerel .
Perch . . . .
Pike, Perch, or Glaes-Eye
Sunfl?h
Carp
November to March.
October to February inclusive.
March and April.
February to April.
March and April.
February and April.
May to September.
BOXETTA, OR BONITO.
387
Chub .
Black BtL»se
White-flsU or the lakes
Catfish .
Redflsh or Spotted Basse
Bream
Eels .
SontherD Trout
Bed Snapper
May to September.
April and May.
September to November inclusive.
July to October.
February to March.
May.
April.
July to September.
March and April.
SALT-WATER FISHES.
TIME or SPAWNING.
Bonito or Bonetta .
Blueflsh .
Drum
Striped Basse or Rock Fish
Squeteague or Weak-flsh .
Kin^sU or Barb
Blackfish
Sheepshead
Cod aud Tom Cod .
Flounder .
Sea Basse
Porgy .
Smelt ....
May and June.
January and February.
March to July and Oct. and Nov.
March to May.
March and April.
April and May.
May and June.
March and April.
The time stated in the above tables varies according to cli-
mate. The spawn or ova commence making in many fish
months before, and do not fully develop until the times state ;,
when they are ready for hatching. Southern fishes vary
much from the temperate, to their ext:eme limit or range,
toward the torrid zone.
CHAPTER VIII.
MISCELLANEOUS FISHES.
THE STURGEON,
Acipemer (Mitchill).
VERY boy living along the banks of our Western
rivers that is old enough to handle a pole cut from
the woods knows more about the sturgeon than he
does of the State that he lives in. Of this leaping
and diving fish there are several kinds that take the hook,
and are an object of sport. The round-nose sturgeon, Aci-
pciuer sturio, is found in the Hudson River, and is taken as
far up as Albany, often being seen leaping his whole length
from the water. " He has a roundish and elongated snout,
with four eirrhi. There are five rows of scales, making the
body a sort of pentagon. Body elongated, mailed above by
scaly tubercles. Two lateral fins. Dorsal fin behind the
scales near the tail composed of thirty-eijrht rays. Anal fin
nearer the tail than the dorsal. Cauda!, anal, and lateral
and pectoral fins often reddish. Tail unequally forked, and
the larger division slanting upward. Mouth beneath the
head ovate, toothless, retractile."
Sharp-nosed Sturgeon (Acipenser ozyrhynchus). — " Having a
pentagonal form, with scabrous asperities between the scales
and a sharp snout. Has the same general form, but in many
respects different. The scales themselves are bony, rough,
THK STURGEON, 389
and s^errated behind, and very distinct in their configuration.
The number of scales in the sharp-nosed sturgeon are not so
great as in the bUint-nose." The boys remark that the gristle
taken from the sharp-nose is much less elastic than that from
the blunt-nose.
The last-described fish, commonly called rock-sturgeon, in-
habit most of the Western rivers, and, with the round-nose
species, are very common in the Mississippi and its tributa-
ries. They are taken in the Wisconsin River of from two
to six feet in length, by the spear or the ordinary red-horse
tackle, with a ringed Limerick hook attached to a stout flax
or hemp line, with worms or small pieces of fish for bait.
The Winnebago Indians spear them in large quantities and
dry and smoke them for food, using their entrails when taken
as a choice morsel for their delicate appetiies. Their flesh is
coarse and of a reddish color, but as a food-fish they are not
held in high estimation, although sold in most of the markets
ill the cities. The taste of the meat when cut into steaks
and fried is not unlike that of coarse beef, whence it has
been called Albany beef. In the towns on many of the West-
ern rivers they are chiefly the sport of the boys, and often
Young America is seen hauling a sturgeon through the streete
that will measure a foot or two more than the length of his
body.
Much of the meat of this fish is salted and packed for the
'vinter season by the economical and working millions.
My friend John C. Hooper, who fi*hes in Winnebago Lake,
Wis., says : " Sturgeon pass up by here in May. They are
caught with a four-tined hook attached to a long pole, long
enough for hooks to rest on the bottom of the river. The
popular notion here is that they are inclined to ' rub ' against
any object on the water, like logs, stakes, etc. When the
390 THK STURGEON.
fisher feels something touch his pole he hauls up quickly, and
the sharp-b'arded prongs are fastened into the fish, and if a
large one the struggle to land him is a severe one. The sport
is exciting, for our inhabitants will leave their work when
the sturgeon comes ! The merchant leaves his counting-
room, and the mechanic his tools. There have been over one
hundred caught thus in one day. A large quantity of eggs
are saved for the manufacture of caviar."
The hooks are made by the blacksmith of three-eighths
inch wire, steel-tipped and bearded, and as sharp as a needle,
" We have both the rock and the round-nose sturgeon, the
same that are on the Hudson and the great lakes."
In the olden time the sturgeon was regarded as a royal
fish, the property of the crown. R. B. Roosevelt, Esq., Presi-
dent of the Fish Culturists' Association, at the fifth annual
meeting of the society, in New York, in February, 1876, said
of this fish : " Sturgeon was so abunda;nt in old times that it
was sold as low as one cent per pound, but its indiscriminate
destruction promised to run up the price to one dollar per
pound, like that of trout. Sturgeon is a most excellent and
nutritious fish ; so is the fresh herring, much valued in the
old country, but here both are treated with contempt."
Mr. Seth Green has been directed to restock the Hudson
with this fish, and in a few years they will exist in as great
plenty as when the renowned Hendrick first sailed up this
most grand and beautiful river, and isinglass and caviar, the
great production of the Sturgeon, will be as cheap and abun-
dant as in the olden time.
TO PRESERVE LINES AND REELS.
891
HOW TO KEEP, STAIN, AND PRESERVE SILKWORM
GUT, GIMP, AND LINES, AND THE CARE OF
REELS, ETC.
It has become fashionable in this country to stain silkwoiin-
gut ; the father of anglers, old Izaak, and his follower Salter,
gave directions for '* dyeing hairs." The idea is prevalent
with most anglers that sllkworm-gut should be stained. It
is possible that there may be some Instances in the extreme
t«hyness of the fish, and clearness of the water, that it may be
necessary ; but they are rare, and this beautiful and valuable
adjunct to the anglei's art should be kept in its natural state,
or as nearly so as possible. Being nearly transparent, and
barely perceptible in the water, it makes hardly as much
show aa the many fine roots and weeds and floating matter
to which the fish's ever-watchful eyes are accustomed.*
Theophilus South gives a number of receipts, in which cop-
peras is a principal ingredient, and which with certain other
substances gives a variety of shades, but the use of copperas,
unless in a very mild state, is injurious to strands of gut, and
should not be employed. When necessary to stain gut, prepare
a portion of tea or coflfee, as your taste for color inclines, and
after boiling to get the full strength of your dye, then having
previously trimmed your lengths, place them in your liquid
while quite hot, not boiling hot, and allow them to remain a
sufficient time to get the needed color, after which take out
and rinse in moderately warm water, and when dry rub, by
holding each strand separately between the teeth, with a clean
piece of India-rubber kept for the purpose. The outer skin
♦ A late writer on flehes says : " The brain is very small, and the
organs of sense calculated to receive only the simplest impressions
of eight. Bmell, hearing, taste, and touch."
892
TO PRESERVE LINKS AND REELS.
of a red, or Shaker, or Wethersfield ouion gives different
shades, and the bark of the walnut or butternut gives another
color. The leaves of the tomato, when they can be had fresh,
give a beautiful gieen, and a different shade from green tea.
To preserve Gut. — Always keep your stock on hand, or
when not in use for a length of time or during the winter sea-
son, in stout parchment-paper, or parchment if you can get
it, slightly saturated with pure olive-oil. Do not coil your
gut, but let the strands be at full length. After placing your
lengths in position, roll up your paper, tie up, and envelop
with an outside wrapper. An old angler of thirty years' ex-
perience gave this as his method some years ago, and Rev.
Dr. Bethune, in his " Waltonian Notes," approves of it. It
can be relied upon as the best method.
Gimp is a thicker substance, and much more easily seen by
the fish when fresh and bright. To discolor, rub over with a
light coat of beeswax slightly softened.
To preserve Lines. — Always, after using your line, be you
at your home or abroad, run your line off on the floor or dry
boards, where exposed to the sun, or, if in the house, in a dry
room, until the moisture is entirely evaporated. A reel, such as
is used by the ladies for winding off yarn, worsted, or thread, is
conveuient, and should be a part of the angler's outfit. There
are some that are made with narrow slats, and can be screwed
to a table, and being designed so that they can be opened and
closed like an umbrella, they are easily carried with the
other fixtures of the sportsman. Some anglers use oil, sper-
maceti, or India-rubber preparations on their lines for their
preservation, but, as a general rule, they are better for your
boots or shoes than your line. When rubber is used, white
is preferred, unless your line be dark : one part of rubber to
two parts of turpentine, heated until the rubber dissolves ; to
TO PRESERVE LINES AND REELS.
393
prevent burning, place the pan containing your preparation in
a vessel of water. Boiled linseed-oil and tallow are recom-
mended; if considered necessary, rub on to the line with a
piece of soft cotton cloth or canton flannel, and use as little
as possible — the lighter your line the better and the easier
dried. The amount expended on lines is small in comparison
to other articles of the angler's outfit, and they should be re-
plenished often. After much use of your line, or even of
short duration in severe contests with your fish, test them
and throw them away rather than run the risk with a large
fish.
Your reel also needs attention, and should be as often and
as carefully examined as the watch you carry in your pocket.
Procure from your watchmaker a vial of watch-oil, and use it
as occasion requires.
Your hooks also, whether blued or japanned, should receive
equally as much care. Keep them always in paper slightly
moistened with olive or watch oil — small items are these, but
immensely important to the truly scientific sportsman. "An
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Never let it be Bald to your shame,
That, by neglect of your tools, you lost your game.
CHAPTER IX.
AMUSEMENT FOR THE LADIES.
BALLOON OR FLOAT FISHING.
RE AT sport is had by the ladies at the summer
resort lakes and ponds, and many other waters
of a similar description, by a species of amuse-
ment called float-fishing. This is performed as
follows : A number of bladders, rubber balloons, or floats of
wood, or cork, are procured, to which is attached to a stick
passing through the float, or to the bladder or balloon, a line
from six to eight feet long, on which is whipped a suitable
hook baited with a minnow, as described in former page?, so
that the bait will not be injured, but can swim near the sur-
face of the water ; a few split-shot or a small sinker, to keep it
a little below the surface, being necessary.
These implements of the art, say from six to twelve, are
then placed on the lake or pond where the fish are usually
found. The ladies take their position on the veranda of the
hotel, if near the fishing-ground, or otherwise in their boats
in readiness to push oflF from shore. When the fish begin to
bite, away go the floats, and away go the ladies with their
boats after them. The resistance of the float generally
hooks the fish, and a large one will sometimes cause the in-
strument of his capture to disappear for a time beneath the
BALLOON OR FLOAT FISHING. S95
water, but, as the victim tires, it again rises to the top. The
party with all possible dispatch row to their respective floats,
seize their lines, haul in their fish, then bait, and repeat the
process. This description of sport is practised at all times
of day for perch, pickerel, and basse, but, in the warm sum-
mer months, from about five o'clock in the afternoon until
sundown.
When pieces of wood (square blocks of wood two or
three inches thick are better) are used, a hole is bored
through and a stick inserted, projecting through three or
four inches at the bottom, and about six inches at the top,
to which can be attached various colored flags to distinguish
the ownership of each.
Although this description of sport is mentioned as amusing
to the ladies, it does not exclusively belong to them. Gen-
tlemen often unite with them and assist them in taking their
fish, and also are fond of hooking the finny family in this
way themselves when more scientific modes of angling can-
not be engaged in.
The simplest method of baiting with the minnow is to put
the hook through the mouth, bring it out at the gills, and
again through the hard fleshy part of the back, the shank of
the hook being long enough to come nearly or quite out of
the mouth.
When minnows cannot be had, small sunfish or frogs are
substituted, the sunfish being hooked through the centre of
the back, and the frog with a double hook through the belly,
by an incision made with a small knife or baiting-needle.
When the float of wood or cork is used, it should be firmly
tied to the bottom projection of the stick, and, if the game be
pike, a reasonable time should be allowed the fish to gorge
the bait.
CHAPTER X
ICHTHYOLOGY FOR THE ANGLER.
NGLERS should have a sufficient knowledge of
the science of Ichthyology to be able to de-
scribe the various members of the finny family ;
and, as many of our scientific sportsmen in-
conversation by the stream-side, or at the fish-
ing clubs, are well posted in the science, a few remarks on
this subject will not be considered out of place.
Those who have studied and written upon this subject,
have different methods of classifying the large variety of
fishes.
Dr. Mitchill described them, by the situation or arrange-
ment of their fins, into five divisions. Agassiz classed them
in four divisions, based on the character of their scales ; but
Baron Cuvier, a French naturalist, described them in three
simple divisions, that are much easier understood than any
of his predecessors. Says a late writer * on this subject :
'' The disposition to make new genera is carried to a puzzling
extreme. In getting rid of the too great condensation of
Linnaeus, naturalists have fallen into the worse extreme of
too extensive subdivision."
* Professor Kneeland, in Appletons' "American Cyclopseclia."
ICHTHYOLOGY FOR THE ANGLER. 397
Simple enough for our purpose, then, is the classification
of Cuvier, which is as follows :
1. Spine-rayed bony fishes.
2. Soft-rayed bony fishes.
8. Cartilaginous fishes.
The fins are described as follows : First and second dor-
sal fins, where there are two fins on the back ; the pec-
toral or breast fins, of which there are two, one on each
side, near the gill-coverings ; two abdominal or belly fins ; two
anal fins, and the caudal fin or tail. Spine-rayed are those
that have sharp bony divisions in their fins. Soft-rayed are
those that are destitute of the spinal feature ; and the carti-
laginous are those that have gristle or cartilage in their whole
skeleton, instead of bone. The fins of the latter class, how-
ever, may be spinated or soft.
In the first class, spine-rayed bony fishes, are comprised
fully three-quarters of the inhabitants of the fish kingdom,
among which may be enumerated all of the perch and basse
family, the blackfish, porgy, sheepshead, weak-fish, drum,
kingfish or barb, chub, mackerel, bluefish, bonito, dolphin,
Spanish mackerel, etc.
The second class, soft-rayed bony fishes, have soft and
flexible rays. The rays in this class of fishes are formed of
pieces of bone united by cartilage, rendering them more
flexible than those composed with spines ; comprised in this
class are the salmon-trout, grayling, carp, sucker, herring,
catfish, white-fish, shad, menhaden, cod, flounder, etc.
The third and last class, cartilaginous fishes, are those
having gristle in place of bone in their whole framework.
In this division are some of the largest and most powerful
of the inhabitants of the great deep. Behold among them
26
398
ICHTHYOLOGY FOR THP ANGLER.
the ravenous shark, the dogfish, the sawfish, the sturgeon,
the sting-ray, the sea-devil or ocean-vampire, etc.
In the last-named description of fish, and most of the ray-
family, the fins consist of broad and thinner extensions that
project like wings from the body, and by which they adhere
to the bottom, and with which they swim with great rapidity.
The ventrals of some of the sucker family are also used in
the same manner, they being able at times to secure them-
selves in a position in a swift current of water, giving them
an opportunity to feed on the small prey that are driven by
the force of the tide or current.
The three divisions are divided into subdivisions as
follows :
Soft-rayed bony fishes with abdominal ventral fins, such
as the salmon, trout, herring, shad, etc.
Soft-rayed bony fishes, with the ventral fins beneath the
pectorals as in the cod, hake, flounder, etc. ; and the
Soft-rayed bony fishes without ventral fins, called apodals,
including the different species of the eel family.
A singular fish called the Fiji eel, caught in the waters sur-
rounding the islands of that name in the South Pacific Ocean,
are said to fight their captors. They are of a brownish
mottled color, and will snap at the hands, feet, or legs, after
being taken out of the water. One of these eels of four
pounds' weight, after being pounded on the plank of a dock,
and the hook released from his mouth, sprang at the unlucky
angler's wrist, and made two frightful gashes, nearly severing
some small arteries, and just missing the main one of the
pulse.
In addition to the fins, their character and position, the
size, form, and shape of the eyes, teeth, tongue, and gill-
coverings, are means that will assist the angler in his de-
ICHTHYOLOGY FOR THE ANGLER.
899
scription. Some fish have no teeth, or a mere semblanco (.f
them, as in the grayling; and others, like the sheepshead, have
them in the back part of the mouth. Some have a soft
lining around the mouth, which tears almost like paper, and
are called tender-mouthed, while others have tough, bony,
or grisly linings that give them the name of leather-mouthed.
By carefully noting the points enumerated, and a thorough
examination of the subjects of his day's sport, the most inex-
perienced angler will soon learn to class the different species,
talk ichthyologically, and discuss scientifically of the form,
nature, and habits, of the objects of his pleasure by the
brook-side, the tenants of the lake, or of the ocean's depths.
CHAPTER XI,
PISCICULTURE.
" And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the mov-
ing creature that bath life " (Gen. i. 20).
fll
^OMMEXCING back at the earliest period of re-
corded time, we find the All-wise Creator of the
Universe commanding the waters to bring forth
" abundantly of the moving creature that hath
life," and they did. The early history of every
country on the face of the globe reveals the fact of a once
superabundance of the inhabitants of the waters. In Eng-
land, many years ago, that " royal fish " the salmon was
so plenty that they were fed to the hogs ; and in Scot-
land they were so abundant that the farmer's servants stip-
ulated to have them but twice a week for food ! On the
northwest coast of America they were found in such great
numbers that they could be killed with an axe, and in the
early history of Connecticut these numbers were so great
that the fishermen would not dispose of their shad unless the
purchaser would take a certain portion of salmon.
A few years ago nearly every stream within a reasonable
distance from the great marts of civilization was more or
less depopulated. Hundreds of miles had the angler to
travel even for a moiety of his favorite game, while at the
PISCICULTURE. 401
market-Stands the troutj salmon, and other fish, once so
abundant, commanded an exorbitant rate.
" The ox, the sheep, the swine, each feathered creature,
Were reproduced of every kind, and form and feature ;
The finny race were nearly from the waters gone.
The flocks had ne'er supplied the meat alone ;
When science, art, and labor, well combined.
Re-peopled streams and depths with millions of each kind/'
Indiscrimmate fishing by net, spear, and even by hook, in
spawning-time and out, and through the ice in breeding-
time, were the causes of the rapid depreciation in numbers
of the subject of the angler's toil, and of the poor man's
food.
The Xevo York Sunday Times of March 19, 1854, in com-
menting upon the wholesale and wanton destruction of fish,
says of parts of Connecticut : " The unchecked lust for shil-
lings has not left a fish or a bird in whole counties. So,
too, on the south side of Long Island, once esteemed among
the best trouting localities in this State, where mischievous
boys and vulgar men have been allowed to destroy them
until now, a trout can scarcely be found. Nor are these
.worse than some of our city 'sportsmen!' whose highest
* idea of sport is wanton destruction.' We heard one boast
last summer of having killed twelve hundred trout in two
days at Catskill ! Of course, they were all young fish, prob-
ably three inches long. A very few brought home (putrid
when they arrived), and the remainder left to perish on the
bank of the stream. . . The man ought to be prohibited from
all 'sport' but catching bull-frogs forever after."
But thanks to the energy and perseverance of two poor
and humble fishermen, by the names of Remy and Gehin, of
the rivers flowing from the mountains of the Vosges in
^IJg-
402
PISCICULTURE.
France, who seeing their occupation nearly gone by the
rapid decrease of fish in their favorite streams, turned their
attention^ in the year 1841, to the close observation of the
habits of their favorite fish, the trout. Closely attending to
and watching the nature of the fish night and day during a
full moon in November of the year mentioned, after many
experiments they succeeded in devising a plan for the artifi-
cial fecundation of fish-spawn, which has made them famous
from one end of the civilized world to the other. Although
a work was written upon the subject and published by one
Jacobi, a soldier in the Hanoverian army nearly a hundred
years previous, the system was not put in practice for the
benefit of mankind until re-discovered by the French fisher-
men. The discoverers were presented with a medal by the
French Society of Emulation of the Vosges, but it was not
until 1848 that the Academy of Sciences, through the report
of M. Milne-Edwards, and on the proposition of M. Coste, a
model establishment was founded near Huningen, under the
auspices of the government ; now the most noted hatching-
establishment in the world. The poor fishermen were invited
to Paris and loaded with the highest honors. The report of
their success set the scientific world in motion, and all the
governments of the Old World and the New have slowly and
gradually put the system into practice. In England and
Scotland many salmon-rivers were restocked, and immense
excitement produced among the fraternity of anglers and
the lovers of fish throughout the United Kingdom.
In the United States, the translation of the treatise of M
Coste, on "Artificial Fish-Breeding," by W. H. Fry, Esq.,
and its publication by Appleton & Co., in 1854, had an equal
effect on those interested in this country, and private hatch-
ing-houses were erected on rivers adapted to the purpose-
PISCICULTURE.
40S
In 1853, Dr. Garlick, and Prof. Ackley, of Cleveland, Ohio,
are mentioned as the first who successfully hatched the eggs
of the brook-trout ; they were followed in 1869 by Stephen H.
Ainsworth, of West Bloomfield, New York, and afterward
by Seth Green, of Muraford, Xew York, and Livingston
Stone, of Charlestown, New Hampshire, and subsequently by
many others in all parts of the country.
*' Soon the bright streams
That once were scant of fish,
Will swarm with myriads
For the poor man's dish."
Under the superintendence of Mr. Green, a large hatching-
house was erected near Mumford, New York, by the author-
ity of the State govemmeTit, which is now producing im-
mense amounts of the eggs and fry of nearly all descriptions
of game and food fishes. In the year 1871 Congress estab-
lished a Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, whose duty it
was to investigate the matter ; and Prof. Baird, of the Smith-
sonian Institution, was appointed commissioner. His exer-
tions were crowned with success, and the United States, in
proportion to the time occupied, is not behind other nations
in the great work.
Commissioners have been appointed by most of the State*
in the Union, and the breeding of fish has become almost
as common as the raising of stock for food. Mr. Green,
who, with Mr. Ainsworth, is the pioneer of fish - culture,
says that " an acre of water can be made to produce a>
much as two acres of land ; " and R. B. Roosevelt, Fish Com-
missioner of New York, asserts that 500,000,000 shad ought
to be hatched in the Connecticut River every year. Already
millions of the last-named fish have been deposited in the
Hudson, Connecticut, and other rivers, and shad have been
404
PISCICULTURE.
transported from the Hudson to the Sacramento in California.
The ova and fry of different varieties of fish are forwarded
from this country to Europe; and England has successfully
transplanted the ova of salmon into the rivers of Aus-
tralia.
Thaddeus Norris, of Philadelphia, the accomplished writei-
and angler, has interested himself in the aft of water-farm-
ing, and has published a work on American fish-culture, as
has also Seth Green, and the knowledge of pisciculture is
increasing in every civilized country on the face of the
globe.
For thousands of years have the people of heathen China
propagated fish from naturally, fecundated spawn, and fed
their starving millions. The liquid containing the ova.is sold
in China-jars or vases, and the fry that are taken by divers,
who gather them in nets froni the bottom of the rivers, who
preserve them in copper vessels, feeding them on the pul-
verized yolks of hard-boiled eggs, changing the water often
until placed in the needed streams or ponds of the "Flowery
Kingdom," thus increasing the food for that over-populated
nation.
It is impossible at this early period in the cultivation of
the art in this country to estimate the immense advantages
that will accrue to the unborn millions of this Western Hemi-
sphere. The nineteenth century has not developed an in-
vention of as great magnitude, neither do ancient or modern
times record a discovery of so great importance to the hu-
man race.
A subject that has engaged the time, the talents, and the
ingenuity of the philanthropists of all ages, "the providing of
food for the poor and toiling masses," has been solved by
t'A'o humble fisliermen of La Bresse, in France, and their
PI8CICULTITBS. 405
names will go down to posterity as the greatest benefactors
of humanity since the creation.
And thus has the great problem of ages been solved. Why
the riots and disturbances in this country and Europe?
Why so many strikes among the mechanics and laboring-
men ? Why so many revolts against existing governments?
Trace them to their source, and you will find in most cases
the first and prime cause is an insufficiency of food for the
support of life in large and growing families. " Hunger
knows no law." Residents of crowded cities, who are im-
portuned from early dawn to almost midnight for aid in the
shape of money or food, realize the vast amount of suffering
from the need of the necessaries of life. Many will remem-
ber the sacking of a flour-store in the city of New York
some years ago, caused by the high price of that ingredient
of the " staff of life ; '' and even during this, the mildest win- ^
ter (1876) known in years, have destitution and famine stalked y^ y?*
abroad. ^^^LfW
A Montreal paper says : "A very serious state of destitu- « yw,
tion at present prevails among the lower classes at Montreal. o^ww^'
On Friday last about 1,000 persons assembled at the City *^^^ P^
Hall determined to have bread or blood ! " \^«^>i
" Let the work, then, go bravely on," brother philanthro- ^S^^^
pists, fish-culturists, and anglers ; " let the waters bring forth '^^^^ff
abundantly," as designed by the All-wise Creator. Place NflBSj^^
fish-food within the reach of the toiling and destitute mill- ^^MMwB^
ions, and misery and crime will decrease in proportion. €9S.^S^^K
In former pages we have advocated the making of fish- fi^^^Bw^
ponds and the transportation of fish. How simple the ^(^""wJ \
method, and how certain is the success of water-farming as '^yBw*
at present conducted ! See to it, brother anglers — see to it, ^^Ss^^k
brain-workers of the nineteenth century — ^use every endeavor ^^B^H
406
PISCICULTURE.
to have every water-course, pond, and lake stocked to it?
utmost capacity with the finny race, and your angling pleas-
ures shall never fail.
" In mountain-stream, by pebbly shore,
He takes his game as heretofore—
Not by the few, but by the score,
As oft he did in days of yore."
CHAPTER XII.
A FISH-CHOWDER
A FISH-CHOWDER is a simple thing to make. For
/^ a family or party of twelve or fifteeen persons, all
/*^4 you have to do is this : In the first place catch
"^^ your fish, as Mrs. Glass would say ; a codfish of
ten or twelve pounds, or the same quantity of any firm-meated
fish. Clean it well and cut it into slices of an inch and a
half in thickness, preserving the head, wjiich is the best part
for a chowder. Take a pound and a half of clear or fat salt
pork and cut it into thin slices ; do the same with ten or
twelve middling-sized potatoes, then make your chowder thus :
Take the largest pot you have in the house if it be not as " large
as all out-doors ; " try out the pork first, and then take it out
of the pot. leaving in the drippings. Put three pints of water
with the drippings, then a layer of fish so as to cover as
408
AMERICAN METHOD OF COOKING EELS.
much of the surface of the pot as possible ; next a layer of
potatoes, then put in two tablespoonfuls of salt and a teaspoon-
ful of black pepper, then a layer of fish and potatoes alter-
nately until all are used ; then put in a suflBcient quantity of
water to cover the whole. Put the pot over a good fire and
let the chowder boil twenty-five minutes. When this is done,
put in a quart of sweet milk and a dozen of hard crackers
split. Let the whole boil five minutes longer and your
chowder is then ready for the table, and an excellent one it
will be. Let these directions be strictly followed, and every
Inan and woman can make their own chowders. Long ex-
perience enables me to say this without pretending to be a
cook's oracle. A few onions sliced up and added to this
chowder much improve it to the taste of those who are fond
of that vegetable ; and a few dozen oysters, when they can be
had, make it still better.
—
-V-
r
AMERICAN METHOD OF COOKING EELS.
The eel is a much-abused and despised fish by some, and
by others considered a great delicacy, and as sweet as any
fish that swims, if cooked after the following method : They
should always be parboiled. First cut up your fish and put
them into a pan of scalding hot water and let them remain
at least five minutes to take away the rank and disagreeable
taste common to the tribe, then pour off the water and let
them remain at least twenty minutes. Have your frying-pan
ready with a sufficient quantity of boiling hot lard, and hav-
ing rolled your fish in flour, cast them in and let them cook
until done brown. Prepared by parboiling in the same way
they make with a little butter an excellent pie, or a delicious
chowder.
RECIPE FOB DRESSING SALAD. 409
RECIPE FOR DRESSING SALAD.
" Two large potatoes, passed through kitchen sieve,
Smoothness and j8oflne!»g to the salad give ;
Of mordant mustard add a single spoon,
Distrust the condiment that bites too soon ;
But deem it not, O man of herbs, a fault
To add a double quantity of salt ;
Four times the spoon with oil of Lucca crown,
And twice with vinegar procured from town ;
True flavor needs it, and your poet beys
The pounded yellow of two boiled eggs ;
Let onion-atoms lurk within the bowl.
And scarce suspected animate the whole ;
And lastly, in the favored compound toss
A magic spoonful of anchovy * sauce ;
Oh, great and glorious I oh, herbaceous treat I
'Twonld tempt the anchorite to eat ;
Back to the world he'd turn his weary soul.
And plunge his fingers in the salad-bowl,"
Stdnet Shitb.
* Smelts and shrimps or prawns are often used as a substitute
for the anchovy.
CHAPTER XIII
WHERE ARE THEY ?
ESPECTIXG the whereabouts of the finny family,
we had almost said they are evei-y where ; but we
recall to mind the fact that water-farming is not
universally practised. When the raising of fish
shall have become as common as the propagation
of other stock, the above reply may be made, and the wild
and mountainous regions with their black flies, oils, camphor,
ammonia, veils, tobacco, and smudge-smoke, will be unknown
except to the daring tourist or enthusiastic artist. That is
contemplating the time which is not far distant, when the
rivers and brooks that dash and foam nearer to civilization
shall again teem with the spotted beauties and the silver-
sided salmon.
Without the intention of guiding the angler to all the
places of resort, a few of the most prominent will be given,
leaving the particulars to books adapted to the purpose, such
as the *' Tourist's Guide," * which should be altered from time
to time as the routes, rates of fare, guides, and proprietors of
places of resort change. To begin, then :
JACKSONVILLE, ST. AUGUSTINE, AND TALLAHASSEE,
are the principal Southern points, while the whole range of
towns and cities situated on the Gulf of Mexico, including
Hallock'8 Fiehing Tourist,"
WHKBE ARE THEY? 411
New Orleans and the coast of Texas, afford fine sport for
the angler in the taking of the redfish or spotted basse,
the sheepshead, the bonito, Spanish mackerel, etc.
Charleston, and most of the cities on the Atlantic, from
Delaware Bay along the entire extent of the coast, and the
beautiful rivers that flow to the sea, aflford an equal variety
of game for the angler, while the inland lakes and fresh-water
rivers are populated with the perch and the black basse. . In
Virginia and in the mountain-streams of Georgia, the speckled
trout are found in abundance. From
NEW YORK CITY
excursions are made to that paradise of trout-anglers, Long
Island, which, with its numerous brooks and ponds, furnish
the best fly-fishing in the world ; and along the coasts, and
in the inlets on both sides of this beautiful island, are found
the striped basse, bluefish, bonito, Spanish mackerel, and •
other salt-water inhabitants in great abundance. The coast
and beaches of
CONNECTICUT,
Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, throng with a multitude of
the same description of fishes, including the " sly and .treach-
erous tautog ; " while the tributaries of the Connecticut River,
extending away up into the northern parts of Vermont, New
Hampshire, and Maine, together with the beautiful lakes,
amid the most wild and enchanting scenery, swarm with
trout. Moosehead, Schoodic, Profile, Echo, and other lakes,
the Belgrade Ponds, the Pemigewasset River, and the nu-
merous liquid courses that run down from the Franconia and
other mountains, where the almost virgin streams produce
412
WHERE ARE THEY ?
brook-trout that will turn the scales at eight and nine
pounds. In
NEW YORK BAY
and Hudson River, the favorite ground of the vigorous and
enticing striped basse, that ranges from Chesapeake Bay far
up the Eastern coast, entering the Potomac, the Delaware,
the Passaic, the Hackensack, the Raritan, Xewark, and other
bays and rivers, frequenting Harlem River, and furnishing
sport at Hell Gate, Pelham, and King's Bridge ; also the beau-
tiful squeteague, the highly-prized sheepshead, the tautog,
and others of the finny family. In the wild and elevated re-
gions of
PENNSYLVANIA,
the tributaries of the Delaware, Susquehanna, and brooks
that run into the main river, furnish " speckled beauties " in
sufficient numbers to satisfy the most ardent sportsman.
Passing into
STATE OF NEW YORK,
we find the well-known White Lake, where trout have been
taken of seven and three-quarters pounds' weight ; and the
wild, romantic White Lake Creek, the resort of the late Rev.
Gurdon Huntington, who thus apostrophizes on the beauties
of this charming brook :
" O lonely, wild, romantic stream I with thee
And with the regions where thy waters gleam,
There are blithe memories woven— of fair youths,
Sunny and glad and winning— as with rocks
And lonely cliflfs upon the ocean shore,
Majestic and rude, on Memory's glass
Are blent the images of lovely vines,
And soft, young blossoms of the tinted moss."
WHKRK ARK TH«Y ? 413
They also are found in the Beaver Kill, the Mongaup, the
Willewemock, and many other kindred streams. Toward the
northwest we strike the lesser lakes, where the black basse,
pickerel, and perch are found in abundance. Then turning
again to the northeast, we find the summer resorts of Sara-
toga and other lakes celebrated for the delicious quality and
activity on the hook of the same description of the finny
race ; and next is that attractive and world-renowned spot —
LAKE GEORGE.
" Holy depths of stainless crystal,
Sown with islands out of dream-land."
" Divinest of waters ! fairest of lakes ! And thou art beau-
tiful, greatly beautiful, in thy length and breadth, in thine
islands and meadow-shores and mountains, and in the calm-
ness and isolation of thy dwelling. Fairest of lakes ! " I
said ; " Clarens is not so fair, nor Constance, nor Grassmere,
nor Lomond. Not so fair in water, in islands, in shores, in
skies, or in mountains. It is, in modest speech, the most de-
lightful summer resort for those who love the beauty in Na-
ture, or the sports of hunting and fishing, in this or any other
country ! "
A correspondent says that 60,000 salmon-trout have lately
been put into the lake, and many new hotels have been erect-
ed at Bolton and other parts of this charming sheet of water.
To the west and north, in Hamilton, Essex, and Franklin
Counties, are Schroon Lake, Paradox, Raquette, Peseco,
Saranac, Tupper and Osgood, Ausable Ponds, and rivers
Saranac, Chateaugay, Raquette, and other ponds, lakes, and
tributaries too numerous to mention in the Adirondack re-
gion, made noted by the Rev. W. H. H. Murray and other
27
414
WHERE ARE THEY ?
ardent and persevering followers of the "gentle craft ; " and
again —
THE THOUSAND ISLANDS
of the river St. Lawrence, that enchanted spot that the lover
of the beautiful revels in as in a dream —
" Sailed through all its bends and windings,
Sailed through all its deeps and shallowB,"
'* This is the region that the angler of the present day con-
templates with unmixed satisfaction. * " * * Our skiff is
continually threading its way among these land aquatics^ af-
fording the most agreeable employment for the hands, en-
gagement for the mind, and variety for the eye. Now we
are stemming the rapid current of some narrow * gut,' with a
black basse on every fly, and now quietly gliding back into
a deep and tranquil basin to relieve our rod of the life that
bends it almost to breaking ; now we push out into a wider
expanse of water, where the tempting ' shoals ' successively
appear swarming with myriads of the finny tribe, and inviting
employment for all our equipment and skill, fortunate if both
fail not in reciprocating as they ought the multiplying and
affectionate attentions of this gamesome fish."
The black basse of the St. Lawrence equal, if they do not
surpass, those of any other water, often giving several of
their beautiful leaps before reaching the boat, when taken
with the rod and reel. The troUer will take basse, pickerel, and
perch at the same time, if rigged for the purpose. We once
took over seventy basse, pickerel, and perch at the end of a
two hundred feet line, to which was attached a two-yard
gut-leader with an artificial minnow at the end, and a red-and-
white fly at intervals of three feet, in a few hours' trolling
WHERE ABB THET ♦ 415
aroand the islands, occasionally taking an assorted two or
three at a time.
Passing westward to Lakes Huron, Erie, Ontario, and the
Niagara, Tonawanda, and Detroit Rivers, we meet the same
species, together with the white basse, catfish, and other
varieties that are subjects of the sportsman's pastimes ;
thence northward, to the Grand Traverse region, and we
encounter the speckled trout and the beautiful and newly-
discovered " grayling " in the same stream, a district that
will receive a large share of the angler's attention ; and again
westward into Wisconsin, at Green Bay and Winnebago Lake,
the Wolfe River, where the black and white basse, pickerel,
glass-eyed pike, perch, catfish, sturgeon, and muskeUonge,
ore objects of sport " The white basse," sajrs my correspond-
ent, Mr. J. C. Hooper, " come up the river in great quanti-
ties in June ; they swim near the surface ; they take the fly
readily, and furnish as much sport as any fish of twice the
size t'lat I know of. The average weight b one and a half
pound. They will also take the spoon freely, but it must be
a small one. I think they are the handsomest fish in our
waters."
The black basse average four and a half to five pounds,
and have been taken as large as eight pounds. In regard to
the quantity of fish in the lake and river, he says : " I have
been a practical fisherman for thirty-five years, and am con-
vinced that there are as many fish in these waters as can
find food to live on. It is impossible to sensibly diminish
the quantity of fish in the waters in question. Their won-
derful powers of fecundity are such that, should one in five
thousand, more or less, come to maturity, the stock will be
kept good."
Still farther west, in Marquette County, on the northern
"^^
416
WHERE ARE THEY
division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St, Paul Railway, is the
celebrated summer resort called
■■r-
/^
-^
-=
^fe
-_X5^
—^
GREEX LAKE,
a beautiful sheet of water of great depth and clearness, peo-
pled with black and other descriptions of basse, pickerel, etc.r
and visited by people from New York, St. Louis, Chicago,
and Milwaukee. A friend, who writes me of the game in
this lake, says : " It is noted for its JBne fishing and still
finer fish. The boss game-fish, however, are the black basse,
the yellow or white basse, and what is called here the
' green basse ' — all celebrated for their fine qualities at the
table and gameness in the water. The black basse, taken in
the lake, average four and a half to five pounds in weight,
and run as high as eight pounds each. Ten thousand Cali-
fornia salmon, now six inches long (winter of 1876), are in
the lake, and several thousand land-locked salmon from
Maine are to be added, making it a lively place to fish. The
lake contains, besides, pickerel, perch, rock basse, and white-
fish,"
GENEVA LAKE,
forty-five miles from Milwaukee, the home of the celebrated
little " Cisco," is an attractive and much-admired place of
pleasure for visitors from Chicago, Milwaukee, and the South-
em States, In addition to the usual stock of pickerel, perch^
and basse, a half-million of black and Oswego basse, salmon-
trout, and California salmon, have been put in the lake, to
which assortment two millions more are to be added from a
hatching-house on the banks of the lake.
Ji^^-'-^ieSil.
ARE THEY? 417
MADISON,
the capital of the State, is beautifully located, and is also a
great place of resort for pleasure-seekers, tourists, artists,
and sportsmen. It is surrounded by four beautiful lakes, in
which swim nearly all the varieties that we have named, in-
cluding the fresh-water herring, which has lately been put
into one of the bodies of water called " Fourth Lake," afford-
ing additional sport to the angler. The Oconomoicoc Times
says of Madison : " Its surroundings, while entrancing in
beauty, are perfectly captivating in their nature ; and the
custom of falling in love with Madison is common to all who
journey there. The place is vastly popular and greatly fre-
quented."
OCONOMOWOC,
thirty miles from Milwaukee, on the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul Railway, is another noted summer resort, called
by some the " Saratoga of the West." " It aflFords the most
delightful scenery, and is noted for its numerous lakes and
streams, and superb fishing-grounds and magnificent drives.
Taking this as a centre, we have, within a radius of eight miles,
twenty-four lakes whose waters are literally alive with fish."
ELKHART LAKE,
on the Wisconsin Central Railway, fifty-seven miles from
Milwaukee, is another popular resort for anglers and pleas-
ure-people. A large amount of salmon-fry and other de-
scriptions of fish have lately been placed in this lake, and
also
■\i^_ -
418
WHERE ARE THEY ?
DEVIL'S LAKE,
politely termed ** Spirit Lake," a charming and romantic lit-
tle gem of water, composed of pure crystal springs, having
no visible inlet or outlet, nestled in among the Baraboo
Bluffs, in Sauk County, one hundred and seventy miles fiom
Chicago, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, where the
delighted pleasure-seekers and friends of the finny family can
drop a line to a variety of the species.
THE "DELLS OF THE WISCONSIN,"
at Kilbourn City, in Columbia County, is another wild, roman-
tic, and enchanting place of resort frequented by people from
all parts of the country. A late writer says : " It is only
after repeated visits that one can say he has seen the ^Dells ;'
indeed, after passing through them again and again, the
tourist is charmed at some new revelation. The following
members of the family that are the objects of sport inhabit
this beautiful river: black basse, pickerel, pike-perch, or
glass-eyed pike, sheepshead, herring; the whole family of
suckers, including the red horse and buffalo; the catfish,
sturgeon, the gar or bill-fish, and the broad-bill or shovel-
nose sturgeon, called by the Indians the hopossun-chunker.
The glass-eyed perch have been taken weighing fifty-two
pounds, and the pickerel of seventeen pounds' weight,"
About eight miles from this place, at Big Springs, is the
trout-hatching house of Freeman Richardson, and fourteen
miles northeast is the Jordan Lake, well known in that
region for the pleasurable trolling for black basse, pickerel,
and pike-perch. In the Baraboo River, trout are again
found, and westward and northward in all the minor streams
as far as the Mississippi. From
WHERE ARK THEY? 419
SPARTA,
a watering-place celebrated for its mineral well-waters, from
Artesian Wells northward, the angler for " speckled beau-
ties " finds abundant reward and a full pannier from the
pebbly brooks that are tributary to the bolder streams that
run from the more elevated northern regions. Southern
people have taken a great fancy to this healthy point, and
populate the hotels and enjoy the angling. From
HUDSON CITY,
in nearly all directions, are numerous trout-streams that are
literally alive with fish. Wilson's, BoUe's, and Sand Creeks
are favorite resorts, while the Kinnikinick and its branches,
extending twenty-five miles north, furnish trout from a quar-
ter of a pound to four pounds' weight. The branches of the
Eau Claire, Chippewa, St. Croix, and Black Rivers, teem
with equally large and fine game. Willow River, near Hud.
son, abounds in pickerel, basse, and muskellonge, as well as
many others to the north, even imto Lake Superior, where, it
is said, trout are found that will turn the scales at from five
to eight pounds. This comparatively unknown region un-
doubtedly equals the celebrated tract of Northern Maine and
the Adirondacks, in regard to its wildness and beauty, and
its quantity and quality of game, both for the rod and gun ;
and still farther west, in
MINNESOTA,
from about the forty-third parallel northward to St. Paul,
St. Anthony, and westward, the rivers and lakes abound in
multitudes of trout and others of the finny race.
420
WHEBE ARE THEY?
MONTANA AND COLORADO
also produce from their nearly ice-cold streams magnificent
trout and beautiful grayling, that will keep in the dry and
pure atmosphere of Colorado for many days without taint ;
and thence to the Idaho, Washington, and Oregon regions on
the Pacific —
" Where rod and gun but seldom fails,
And dry, pure air each lung inhales."
We have attempted to describe a few of the principal
places of resort as proposed at the commencement of this
article. To describe all in the limits of an ordinary book
would be simply impossible. It is supposed that about one-
half of the almost innumerable points have been mentioned,
and for further information we refer the reader to guide-
books that more particularly describe places of resort and
the way to reach them.
Then there was heard a most ceJestlall eoimd
Of dainty masicke, which did next ensue
Before, Tfiat was Arion crowned :
Who, playing on his harp, onto him drew
The eares and hearts of all the goodly crew ;
ITiat even yet the dolphin, which him bore
Through the ^gean seas from pirates' view,
Stood still by him astonished at his lore ;
And ail the raging seas for joy forgot to roar."
F 1 IM I S
GENERAL INDEX.
Advertisement to 5th edition, 3.
A feeling angler, 3*29.
Agreat hanl. 187,188.
A "perch eats its own eye, 144.
Aberdeen hooks, 28.
Abundance of trout, 66.
Abstinence of the pike, 120.
Abundance of salmon in Scotland and
America, 52.
Adonis of the sea, 311,386.
American flies, 62, 99 ; hooks, 29 ; how to
make them, 109-114; reels, 24, 85;
rods, 22, 2.3.
Angling and temperance. 14.
Anglers' dress, 50; health. 51; souvenir,
playing the salmon, 59, 60.
Aneling like mathemfltics, 46.
Ancient instructions for taking pike, 115.
Angling for sunfish. 150.
Anecdote on angling, 49; of the redfish,
336 ; where to catch sheepshead, 199.
Appeal to anglers, 229-234.
Apostles, fishermen, 18.
Artificial flies for trout, 47,99-106, 330;
for salmon, 61 ; for minnows, 88.
Aristotle and Ausonius on the perch, 149.
A briiiht particular star, 368.
Abundance of fish, 403. 415.
Accomplished angler. 369.
Advantages of flsh-cultnre, 404.
A fish with a tail I 378, 380.
A new idea about the cisco, 303, note.
A fish-chowder, 407.
Aff"rie:hted sportsmen, 380.
A srreat acquisition, 374.
Albany beef, .389.
Ainsworth, W. H., on fish-culture, 403.
A grreat problem solved, 404.
American method of cookincr eels, 408.
Amusement for the ladies, 394, 395.
Appetizer for a whale, 382.
Bacon and Byron's objections, 47.
Bait-net, 3.3.
Baits uged in angling, 34, .35.
Bait, salmon-roe, 40 ; spoon, 250.
Baits made with pastes. 41.
Bait for trout, 73, 90, 231; lake-trout,
6.'5 ; pickerel, 122 ; striped basse, 167-
169, 2.38: salmon, 57, 58, 61; sea
basse. 215; black basse, 190, 192;
bhiefish. 211; blackflsh, 179, 180;
Buffalo, 314 : squeteagoe, 172 : perch,
145. 147, 148; sunfish, 150; kingfish.
176, 272; carp, 156: sheepshead, 198,
211 : cod and tom-cod. 204, 205 : floun
ders, 208: chub, 219; eels, 278, 218
carfish, 285, .307, 308: redfish, 2;36
dolphin, 290; smelt, 248; bergali, etc.
215; hake, 282: pike-perch, 297; mack
erel, 312; Mackinaw salmon, 241
black trout, 309 ; suckers, 320, 321
I porgy, 215; muskellonge, 304.
Bank-troUine for pike. 135.
! Barker, metfiods of cooking trout, 96, 97 ;
poetical description of trout-flies,
fe 99.
i Bemers's, Juliana, first book on angline,
13 ; how to take pike, 115.
Best silkworm gut, 31, 258.
' Basse, striped, trolling, 237.
Best time for angling, 48, 49.
Basse, black, 190-194 ; sea, 214 ; striped,
159.245; green, 298.
Blackfish or tautog, 176.
Black-basse angling in the Niagara, 190;
in Michigan, 298-^2 ; in Lake George,
193.
Black gnat, a good fly, 102.
Basse, a Dutch word, 160.
Blackflsh angling in Suffolk County, 254,
255,256.
Beware of his jaws, 1.37.
Black trout, 309.
Beauty of the trout, 73: of the salmon, 56.
Bash-fishing for trout, 81.
Baiting with the minnow, 87.
Bottom or worm-fishing, 89.
Bottling flies, 90.
Beware of poor hooks, 26.
Blue dun-fly. 101.
Best dish of stewed fish, 96.
Bait for pike, 122.
Beautiful colors of the pike, 12a
Bottom tackle for pike. 126.
\ Bluefish, tackle for. 211.
Blackfish. where to find him, 181.
I Brown basse, 69.
Bob-fishing for eels, 279.
I Brookes on angling, 19.
I Blaine on worms, 34 : on caution, 93 ; on
the pike, 123-126; on snap-angling,
! 129 ; on taking carp, 152.
i Black Tom for kingfish, 175.
Blaine's night-flies, 105, 106.
Bull-head. 219.
Bream-roach, etc., 219.
; Black sucker, 322.
424
GENERAL INDEX.
Buffalo, 313. 314.
Black trout, 309, 310.
Brown catfish, 306.
Brown, Dr. Rufus, on the black basse,
289.
Balloon or float fishing, 394.
Beauty of the cavallo, 347 ; sea trout, 344;
pompano, 346.
Benefactors of the human race, 405.
Best fishing-ground for Lafayette, 352.
Bethune, Rev. Dr.. 339, 392.
Black basse of the St. Lawrence, 414.
Black snapper, 345.
Hreaui, Southern, 356.
Bread or blood, 405.
Bonetta, or bonito, 385.
Brains of fishes, 391.
Brown, Dr. Rufus, on the grayling, 372.
Catching the devil, 331.
Caution in angling, 49.
Calcutta rods. 22.
Casting for pike, 133.
Common trout of Massachusetts, 67.
Common mode of cooking trout, 97.
Common perch, 140.
Carp, tenacious of life, 153.
Carp, the, 151 ; 100 years old. 152 ; im-
ported from England, 151; where
found, 153.
Care of rods, 328.
Catfish, 285, 306.
Codfish, 203; codfish-balls, 205.
Contents of Part L, 9, 10 ; of Part II.,
225, 226.
Cotton, rod for trout, 76 ; on dibbing, 80,
81; on angling with hair snells, 77;
on casting th« fly, 77 ; on the chub,
218; where taken, 219.
Cow-dung fly for trout, 101 ; where taken,
219.
Cleopatra fond of angling, 13.
Clearing ring, 33, 202.
Clinton. Hon. Geo. W., on the black and
Oswego basse, 190 ; on the sheeps-
head, 195.
Clam for blackfish. 35.
Clear-weather fishing, 92.
Cheese and cotton for bait, 314.
Crab bait for basse, 35, 167.
Curved Limerick hooks, 27.
Curious mode of taking lake-trout, 243.
Care of reels and lines, 391, 392.
Catfish, the blue, 353.
Cavallo, 347.
Chub, the Southern. .351.
Chub-robin, the. 355.
Cisco, the, of Geneva Lake, Wisconsin,
361-364; color of. 362; fly for, 362; of
Lake Ontario, 364; scooped up by the
bushel, 363, note.
Classes of fishes, 396. 398.
Coast fishes, North and South, 343.
Contents of Part III., 334, 335.
Crawfish, the, 374.
Croaking of the blue cat, 3.54.
Crocus, the, of the South, 3."1.
Dana, poetry on the ocean, 214.
Davy, Sir Humphrey, on angling and
health, 16 ; on cooking salmon, 68.
Davies, Joe, poetry on angling. 14, 15.
Dewey. Rev. Dr., on bail effects of inces-
sant toil. 18.
Dancing for eels, 275, 276.
Dewiti Clinton on the striped basse, 159.
Dekay on the raackinaw trout, 240.
Decreased voracity of the pike, 120.
Dibbing or dabbing for trout, 81, 82.
Description of a basse rod and tackle,
164, 165.
Directions for making a snap-bait, 131.
Difference of opinion on cookery, 148 ;
on the trout, 96.
Description of the kingfish, 174. 175.
Detroit angling, 299, 322.
Deer's tail for trolling, 331.
Double swivel trace, 126.
Dr. Johnson rebuked, 223.
Dolphin fishing, 289.
Dr. Donne's love-song, 15.
Dress of the angler, 50.
Doctors disagree, 163.
Drayton on the somersault of the salmon,
53.
Drumminfr of the squeteague, 172 ; of the
drum-fish, 187.
Drum-fish, 186.
Dun-flies for trout, 100, 101.
Duck swallowed by a pike-perch, 297.
Dutch fishermen in the eel business. 275.
De Witt Clinton on the white-fish, 359.
Delicate appetites, 389.
Delicacy of the white-fish, 360.
Description of the white-fish, 360; gray-
ling, by Mather, 370, 371; Spanish
mackerel, 376; sturgeon, 388.
Dr. Scott on the sheepshead, 379.
Dorsal fin of the grayling, 370, 373.
Eel, the, 217, 274; variety of, 276, 277; a
savory dish, 217 ; bobbing for, 279: a
cosmopolite, 274; sniggiins: for, 278;
the lamprey, 218; in Holliicd, 275;
rain or mud pup, 276; dancing for,
275.
English fishing parties in the United
States, 47.
Extraordinary length of time to gorge a
bait, 136.
Exploded ideas on fly-fishing, 98.
Experienced angler on striped basse, 166.
Excitement in bluefishing, 211.
Exciting Connecticut fishing, 294, 295.
Bkiening Post on the menhaden, 382 ; eu-
logy on Rev. G. Huntington, 341.
Feathers for flies, 114; fish hooks, 26.
Fecundity of the cod, 204 ; filing hooks,
29.
Float, description of, 29, 270, 271; for
basse, pickerel, salmon, etc., 31 ; for
trout, 30.
Fishing out of season, 51.
Flies, artificial, 100-106; how to make
them, 109-114.
Fly-fishing for trout, 73, 74 ; for salmon,
60, 61 : for lake-trout, 243 : for black
trout, 210 ; for mackerel, 312.
Fishing at Hell Gate. 163.
Fiddlers for tauto^. 254, 256.
Flounder, the, 207, 208.
qi:n£Ral index.
425
Fish-ponds and transportation of fish, 264
-269.
Fish and fishing of the United States, 229
-234.
Fluke, plaice, tnrbot. etc., 315-818.
Frogs for bait .35. 327.
Franlis, playinij trout, 93, 94.
Fresh-water eheepshead, 200.
Flv. ereen-dralie, for June, 103.
Fairbanks, N. P., of Chicago, 363.
Farwell. Governor of Wisconsin, 366;
Fecundity offish, 415.
Fighting eels. 398.
Figure of the bonito, 385.
Fish bv the load and acre, 382.
Fish-Commissioners of Wisconsin, 366.
Fish-culturist association, 390.
First engraving of the grayling, 370.
Fishing at Charleston, etc., 411 ; in Flori-
da. 410; Connecticut, 411; the Adi-
rondacks. 413; Eastern States, 411;
Elkhart Lake, 417; dells of the Wis-
consin, 418 ; Devil's Lake, Wisconsin,
417; Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, 116;
Green Bay. etc., 415; Michigan, 415;
Madison. ' Wisconsin, 417 ; Lake
George, 413 ; Minnesota, 419 ; Monta-
na and Colorado, 420; Oconomowoc.
417 ; Oregon, 420 ; New York Bay,
412 ; New York City, etc., 411 ; Hud-
son City, Wisconsin, 419 ; Sparta,
Wisconsin, 419; the Thonsand Isles,
414; the State of New York, 412;
Wisconsin, 416, 418 ; White Lake
Creek, 412.
Flavor of the cisco, 361 ; siscowet, .364.
Flies for the grayling, 373 ; Seth Green's,
374.
Fins of the erayling, 370. 372.
Forest and Stream on the pompano, 348 ;
on the erayling, 370.
Form of the erayling, 372; of the sting-
ray, 378-380.
French Canadians on the white-fish, 359.
French, the, on the jew-fish, .357.
Fry, W. H., on fish-culture, 402.
Gastronomic properties of the perch, 149.
Gaff and hooks, 33.
Gamy fish. 174.
Gav's poetry on the trout, 95 ; poetry on
■ fly-making, 108.
German mule and the pike, 116.
Glass-eved pike a perch, 297 ; swallows a
ducit, 297.
Gold weights for nets, 292.
Gold and silver fish. 154.
Golden mullet. .321.
Gorging the bait. 1.36.
Great kiuErfishing. 177.
Great age of the pike. 117,118.
Grub, method of baiting with, 39 ; worm,
34,35.
Great caution necessary, 81.
Gra*shoppor- for bait. .35, 100.
Greeo-drake flv, 100, 103.
Gray drake, .320.
Gut of the silkworm, 31 ; for salmon and
trout, 32 ; leaders or bottom lengths,
.32.
Gastronomic qualities of the grayling, 378.
Geneva Lake. Wisconsin, 361. 363, 416.
Grayling coming in on a line, S71 ; the, of
Michigan, 368; Montana, 369; at De-
troit, .372 : Prof. Milner on, 372 ; Dr.
Rufus Brown on, 372: largest, 373; of
Richardson, 369; where found, 369.
Great sport for the ladies, 394.
Grouper, the, 346.
Growler, the, 353.
Habits of the trout, 71 ; of the English
pike, 120 : of the American pike, 122 ;
of the striped basse, 166. 167.
Hand-line fishing for tantog, 254.
Hake, the, 281-283; contained seventeen
pilchards. 281 ; fond of crabs, 282; vo-
racity of, 282.
i Herring, the, 219 ; at Baltimore, 220.
Health of the angler, 51.
Hearing of fishes. 49.
Hiding-places of the trout. 84.
High estimation of angling, 17.
His first and last catfish. 308.
Hooks, importance of. 25 ; Aberdeen, 28;
flattened end, 26; 0'Shaughnessy,27 ;
Limerick, 27 ; American, 29 ; Sir Hum-
phrey Davy's opinion of, 27 ; spring
snap, 28 ; the kinsey, 45 ; sproat bend,
45.
Hofland's rod for troot fly-flshins, 75,76;
on angling with the minnow, 87;
method of making flies.' 109, 110; on
baiting for the pike, 127, 128.
How to angle for pike, 122; by Juliana
Berners, 115.
How to cook a salmon, 62, 63 ; a trout, 96,
97; a blackfish, 184; the carp, 1.53;
a perch, 148 ; a bergall, 253 ; eels,
280 ; a catfish, 308.
How to bait and catch sheepshead. 197 ; to
bait the squid, 2.38, 239; to catch the
codfish, 205 ; to fish after a rain, 48 : to
skin a perch, 148 : to unhook a pike,
137 ; to find the proper fly, 107.
Habit of the sting-ray, 379.
Habitat of the grayline. 369.
Hatching-house at Bis: Spring, Wisconsin,
418 ; Geneva Late, Wisconsin, 363 ;
Honeoye Falls, New York, 369 ; Mum-
ford, New York, 403 ; Pensaukee,
Wisconsin, 366.
Heathen Chinee as fish-culturists, 404.
Herring, the. 365 ; of Fourth Lake, Madi-
son, Wisconsin, 366; flies for, 366.
Hibfids or cross-breeds, .3C5.
Hog-fish, common, 355; the Virginia, 354,
Hofland on the grayling, 373.
Hogsheads of menhaden at a gulp ! 382.
Hooper, John C, on the cisco, 365; on the
sturgeon, 389 ; on the white basse. 415.
How to keep shrimp, 384 ; to stain gut,
gimp, etc., 391-393; to take the Span-
ish mackerel, 377.
Huntington, Bev. Gordon, 341 ; poetry by,
342, 412.
Huningen hatching-establishment, 402.
Increase in the size of pike. 119.
Improvement in angling implements, 44,
45.
Importance of health, 51.
426
GENERAL INDEX.
Immense amount of eels sold in London,
217.
Introduction, 9-12.
Introductory remarks on angling, lS-19.
Introduction of pike into England, 115.
Instructions in taking the pike, 134,
Ichthyologists on eels, 276.
Inhabitants of the Oregon and California
waters, 292, 293.
Inman, Henry, 17, 334.
Isinglass from squeteague, 172.
Ichthyology for the angler, 396-399.
Immense amount of fish in Geneva Lake,
Wisconsin, 363 j in Green Bay, 415.
Indiscriminate fishing, 401.
Indians spearinj; sturgeon, 389.
In memoria'm, .339-342.
Invalids angling at the South, 343.
Jewsharp and violin, 123.
Jewels on his head, 201.
Joy on the" capture of the sheepshead,
97.
Jew-fish of the South, 357.
Jug-fishing, 354.
Kendal], Capt., kills salmon with an axe,
53.
Keras, experiment on the increase of sal-
mon, 55.
Killyflsh, bait -for striped basse, 168.
Kingfish, 174; best bait for him, 176;
large amount caught, 177 ; finest table-
fish, 175.
Kirby hooks, origin of, 26.
Knots, loops, etc., 260.
Keese, John D., 340 ; on the black basse,
191 ; sheepshead, 195 ; kingfish, 175.
Kingfish of the South. 345.
Knickerbocker Magazine^ 341.
Lake-trout, 64, 65.
Landing-nets, 32, 51.
Leaders of gut, etc., 32.
Lady-anglers, 150, 327.
Leaders or bottom lengths, 260, 261.
Leaping of the salmon, 53. 1
Large perch, 144. i
Length of the striped basse, 245.
Lar^e haul of striped basse, 163.
Legislation for protection of carp, 151.
Lively description of black basse, 190,
191.
Lines, description of, 25 ; for trout, pick-
erel, sal'uon, and basse, 25.
Large quantities of mackerel, 317.
Limerick hooks for trout, salmon, basse,
etc., 28.
List of illustrations. Part L, 7; Part II.,
8.
Licnsts, bait for squeteague, 35.
Lawther on trolling for striped basse, 245 ;
blackflsh, 2.55 ; weak-fish, 272; white
perch, 284.
L\dy-cat, 353.
Lafayette-fish, 351.
Lake Ontario cisco, 364 ; Lake Geneva
Cisco, 361-363 ; Miichigan and Supe-
rior siscowet, 364.
Lettuce-salad with prawns, 409.
Low price of sturgeon, 890.
Mackerel, 311, 312.
Mackinaw trout, 311, 312 ; trolling for, 241.
Materials used in angling, 20, 21.
Method of procuring worms, 34; of bait-
ing with the minnow, 85; of trolling
for striped basse, 238.
Mode of baiting worms, 38 ; of baiting
grubs, 39 ; of fishing for perch, 145 ;
of angling for the flounder, 209.
Montevideo and Magellan smelts, 247.
Monsters of the deep, a31, 332.
Minnows for bait, 35 ; imitated, 88 ; fish-
ing for perch, 146, 295.
Miscellaneous items of interest to the
angler, 326-332.
Mitchel's description of the trout, 67 ;
white perch, 142 ; on the striped basse,
161, 162; blackfieh, 179, 180; sque-
teague, 170,172.
Muskellonge, 303-305 ; bait for, 305.
Mud-pup, 276.
Mather, Fred., on the grayling, 369,370.
Menhaden or mossbunker, the, 382; for
bait, 382; method of baiting with,
383.
Method of taking the sturgeon, 390.
Milwaukiau's opinion of the siscowet,
364.
Natural squid, 238, 239.
Naturalization of carp. 116.
Nelson, Lord, passion for angling, 16.
Necessity of knowing how to make flies,
107 ; superior tackle for striped basse,
164.
Netting game-fish for market, 232.
Nets, bait, and landing, 32, 51.
Night flies for trout, 105, 106.
Night fly-fishing. 326.
No quarter for the biackfish, 134.
Nobbs'e mode of cooking pike, 1.39.
North country angler on salmon, 54 ; on
trout, 71 ; on baiting with the min-
now, 85.
Nowell, Dr., an angler, 16.
No danger from the stings of the ray,
379. 380.
Northern and Southern coast fishes, 343.
Norris, Thaddeus, angler and fish-cultur-
ist, 404.
Obeying instruction, anecdote, 145.
Observations on angling, 46.
Ocean angling, 268-291.
Of the hooks in snap-fishing, 132.
Oliver on fly-fishing, 330.
O'Shaughnessy hooks, 27, 251.
Oswego basse, 190.
Odor of the grayling, .372.
Paley. Dr.. a fly-flsher, 16.
Palmer flies for trout, 99 ; how to make
them. 111.
Painters and poets, anglers, 17.
Patience necessary, 33 ; in pike fishing,
134.
Pastes for bait, 40, 41.
Perch, the yellow, white, and black, 141,
142 ; a good table fish, 143 : white,
angling tor, 284, 285; in Niagara
River and New York lakes, 147.
^GENERAL D7DEX.
427
Pike, the, 115-139; a universal fish,
115 ; sold for the price of two lambs,
115 ; eatiug pike, 118 ; trolling for,
135; time for pouching the bait. 136;
of the Miasi?9ippi River, 138 : Essex
Vittatus. 138 ; how to cook, 139.
Piccaijan. 138.
Pleasure parties' excursion for cod, 204,
205.
Poor Johns, 282 ; poor rich men, 18.
Poissou Rouge, 235, 236.
Poetry, love of angling, 229 ; on the
trout, 66, 94. 108; on the salmon, 53 ;
on the dolphin, 289; ou angling, 14,
15 ; on the fly. 330 ; on the angler, 19 ;
Dr. Wolcott's, 223 ; on the bonito,
386; on the Cisco. 361; on the gray-
ling, 368 ; on the grouper. 346 ; on the
potupano. 348 ; on the Spanish mack-
erel, 378; on the white fish, 358, 359;
ou the White Lake Creek, »42, 412.
Porgy-fishing, 214, 215.
Porpoise harpooned, 214.
Place? for taking squeteagne, 172.
Physicians' prescriptions, 51.
Prolific perch, 143.
Proper rod for tau tog-fishing, 183.
Protection of the finny race.
Preface to Part I.. 11 ; to Part 11., 227.
Preservation of linei?. 329.
Professor, the. a good fly, 330.
Palate-tickler, 377, 378.
Palmer. John, on flsh-culture, 366.
Pearl of the Southern waters, 348.
Perpetuation of the Cisco, 363.
Pisciculture, 400-406.
Playing the sting-ray, 379, 380.
Pompano, the, 348.
Prawns of the South. 374.
Price of the mullet, 349 ; of the pom-
pano. 349.
Prof. Milner on the grayling, 372.
Quality of rods. 22; lines, 25; hooks, 29. 27.
Quantitv of smelts taken in one day, 248 ;
of mackerel, 311 ; of basse. 163.
Rapacity of the pike. 118.
Rapid growth of the pike. 119.
Reels, described. 24 ; the click, for trout
and perch. 75 ; basse, salmon, pike,
etc, 57, 171 : improvement in, 44.
Redfish or spotted basse, 235 ; anecdote
of. 236.
Red-fly for trout, 330.
Red-horse. 322.
Eenme's method of making the Palmer
fly. 111.
Requisite tackle for taking the carp. 155.
Ring, the clearing, 33, 202.
Roe. salmon, for bait, 40.
Ronconkama pond, 141.
Rods, variety of. 21 ; for pike, basse, sal-
mon. 22"; for trout, 23; general, 23 ;
for fly-fiphing. 75; for pike, 124;
for striped basse. 164 ; for salmon, 57.
Rusty Dab. the. 330.
Ray. the stins, 378 : the family. 398.
Range of the'striped basse, 412,
Kemy and G6hin. the fish-culturists, 401.
Recipe for dressing a salad, 409.
I Restocking rivers in England and Scot-
land, 402.
Red snapper, the, 344.
Re-populating Lakes Erie and Michigan,
360.
Richardson's grayling, 369.
Robin, the, 355.
Rock- basse of the lakes, 366.
Rod for surf-fishing for basse, 383.
Roosevelt, R. b., on hatching ebad, 403 ;
on the sturgeon, 390.
! Salmon, the, 52-63 ; bait-flshin
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