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+Project Gutenberg's Scotch Loch-Fishing, by AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Scotch Loch-Fishing
+
+Author: AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
+
+Release Date: July 16, 2008 [EBook #26072]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING
+
+
+             BY
+       "BLACK PALMER"
+
+
+ WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS
+    EDINBURGH AND LONDON
+        MDCCCLXXXII
+
+   _All Rights reserved_
+
+
+
+
+                  DEDICATED
+
+                   TO THE
+
+ MEMBERS OF THE WESTERN ANGLING CLUB GLASGOW
+
+      IN REMEMBRANCE OF MANY HAPPY DAYS
+
+           SPENT IN THEIR COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The Author of this very practical treatise on Scotch Loch-Fishing
+desires chiefly that it may be of use to all who read it. He does not
+pretend to have written anything new, but to have attempted to put what
+he has to say in as readable a form as possible. Everything in the way
+of the history and habits of fish has been studiously avoided, and
+technicalities have been used as sparingly as possible. The writing of
+this book has afforded him much pleasure in his leisure moments, and
+that pleasure would be much increased if he knew that the perusal of it
+would create any bond of sympathy between himself and the angling
+community in general. This edition is interleaved with blank sheets for
+the reader's notes. The Author need hardly say that any suggestions
+addressed to the care of the publishers, will meet with consideration in
+a future edition.
+
+GLASGOW, _March 1882_.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+ CHAP.                                 PAGE
+
+    I. INTRODUCTORY,                      1
+
+   II. EQUIPMENT,                         5
+
+  III. TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES,            7
+
+   IV. FLIES AND CASTING-LINES,          13
+
+    V. TROLLING-TACKLE AND LURES,        21
+
+   VI. DUTIES OF BOATMAN,                27
+
+  VII. ETIQUETTE OF LOCH-FISHING,        33
+
+ VIII. CASTING AND STRIKING,             37
+
+   IX. TROLLING,                         42
+
+    X. CAPTURE OF FISH,                  48
+
+   XI. AFTER A DAY'S FISHING,            60
+
+  XII. REMINISCENCES,                    65
+
+ XIII. CONCLUSION,                       80
+
+
+
+
+SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+
+We do not pretend to write or enlarge upon a new subject. Much has been
+said and written--and well said and written too--on the art of fishing;
+but loch-fishing _per se_ has been rather looked upon as a second-rate
+performance, and to dispel this idea is one of the objects for which
+this present treatise has been written. Far be it from us to say
+anything against fishing, lawfully practised in any form; but many pent
+up in our large towns will bear us out when we say that, on the whole,
+a day's loch-fishing is the most convenient. One great matter is, that
+the loch-fisher is dependent on nothing but enough wind to "curl" the
+water,--and on a large loch it is very seldom that a dead calm prevails
+all day,--and can make his arrangements for a day, weeks beforehand;
+whereas the stream-fisher is dependent for a good take on the state of
+the water: and however pleasant and easy it may be for one living near
+the banks of a good trout stream or river, it is quite another matter to
+arrange for a day's river-fishing, if one is looking forward to a
+holiday at a date some weeks ahead. Providence may favour the expectant
+angler with a "good" day, and the water in order; but experience has
+taught most of us that the "good" days are in the minority, and that, as
+is the case with our rapid running streams,--such as many of our
+northern streams are,--the water is either too large or too small,
+unless, as previously remarked, you live near at hand, and can catch it
+at its best.
+
+A common belief in regard to loch-fishing is, that the tyro and the
+experienced angler have nearly the same chance in fishing,--the one from
+the stern and the other from the bow of the same boat. Of all the
+absurd beliefs as to loch-fishing, this is one of the most absurd. Try
+it. Give the tyro either end of the boat he likes; give him a cast of
+any flies he may fancy, or even a cast similar to those which a "crack"
+may be using; and if he catches one for every three the other has, he
+may consider himself very lucky. Of course there are lochs where the
+fish are not abundant, and a beginner may come across as many as an
+older fisher; but we speak of lochs where there are fish to be caught,
+and where each has a fair chance.
+
+Again, it is said that the boatman has as much to do with catching trout
+in a loch as the angler. Well, we don't deny that. In an untried loch it
+is necessary to have the guidance of a good boatman; but the same
+argument holds good as to stream-fishing. There are "pools and pools,"
+and the experienced loch-fisher can "spot" a bay or promontory, where
+trout are likely to be lying, with as much certainty as his brother
+angler can calculate on the lie of fish in a stream. Then there are
+objections to loch-fishing on the score of expense. These we are not
+prepared to refute; for there is no doubt whatever that loch-fishing
+means money. But what has made it so? The same reason that makes all
+other things of more or less value--the common law of supply and demand.
+Time was, and that not so long ago, when a boatman who used to get 3s.,
+or at most 4s. a-day, now gets his 5s. or 6s., and even at the latter
+figure does not think himself too well paid. In the extreme north,
+however, it is still possible to get a good man for 3s. a-day; and we
+know of nothing more enjoyable than a fortnight's loch-fishing amidst
+magnificent scenery in some of our northern counties. The expense of
+getting there will always be a serious matter; but once there, the
+fishing in itself is not dear. The boat is usually got for nothing; the
+right of fishing, so far at least as trout are concerned, is free; and
+the man's wage and lunch are decidedly cheap. But for a single day on
+some of our nearer lochs,--such as Loch Leven, Loch Ard, or Loch
+Lomond,--the expenses _are_ heavy, and the angler must always be the
+best judge as to the likelihood of the "game being worth the candle."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+EQUIPMENT.
+
+
+This will be a short chapter, as tastes differ so very much, that many
+things we might say would most probably be disregarded. But as to some
+matters, there can only be one opinion. Do not fish in _light-coloured_
+clothes; and, should the weather be wet, do not wear a white macintosh
+coat. We believe that the eyesight of a fish is the keenest sense which
+it possesses; and, more especially should the day be clear and fine,
+there is no doubt that an unusual white object within range of its
+vision will make a fish, which might otherwise have taken the fly, turn
+tail and flee. A good deal of what we hear spoken of as fish "rising
+short," proceeds from this cause. No doubt they rise short sometimes on
+seeing the angler himself, but he is much less likely to attract notice
+if clad in dark-hued clothing. We know of nothing better for a fishing
+rig-out than a suit made from dark Harris tweed--it will almost last a
+lifetime, and is a warm and comfortable wear. Thus you will need a dark
+macintosh and leggings; and a common sou'wester is, when needed, a very
+useful head-gear. A pair of cloth-lined india-rubber gloves will be
+found desirable in early spring, when it is quite possible that the
+temperature may be low enough for snow. A pair of stout lacing boots,
+made with uppers reaching well up the leg, will be found best, as they
+protect the feet from getting damp when going into or leaving a boat,
+even though one should need to step into the water; and if your
+waterproof coat is long, as it should be, the necessity of wearing
+leggings on a wet day is obviated. Lastly, _by all means keep the body
+warm_, and remember that the more careful you are of yourself, even at
+the risk of being thought "old wifish," you will, humanly speaking, be
+enabled to enjoy the sport to a greater age than you might otherwise
+do.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES.
+
+
+As this is likely to be one of the most important chapters in the book,
+the reader must forgive us if we are particular--even to a fault--in
+describing some of the necessaries towards the full enjoyment of the
+pleasures of loch-fishing. So much depends on our being comfortable in
+our enjoyments, that we have, perhaps, erred on the side of luxuriance;
+but to those anglers who think so, there is nothing easier than their
+leaving out what they think superfluous.
+
+_Creel, or Fishing-Bag._--The creel for loch-fishing should be of the
+largest size made, so as to serve for all kinds of fish; and as the
+angler is always in a boat, the difference of room occupied is of very
+little moment. Besides, it accommodates his tackle and lunch, and even
+waterproofs, though the latter are better to be strapped on outside.
+These creels are neatest when made in French basket-work; and even the
+lightest of them, with ordinary care, will last many years, more
+especially if the edges and bottom are leather-bound. Almost any
+tackle-shop will supply them plain, or bound with leather, as desired.
+Brass hinges and hasp will also be found great improvements. The
+fishing-bag is of somewhat recent development, and is very convenient;
+but the objection to it is that, unless the waterproof cloth with which
+it is lined be carefully washed after each day's fishing, a nasty smell
+is apt to be contracted and retained. Though we use the bag often
+ourselves, we incline for many reasons to the old-fashioned creel. Many
+loch-fishers carry along with them a square basket about 16 in. × 8
+broad × 10 deep, which they use for carrying their tackle and lunch,
+thus leaving the creel or fishing-bag free for fish alone. This is a
+capital plan, the only objection being that it makes another article to
+carry. As to its usefulness there can be no doubt, as nothing is more
+undesirable than having tackle and fish in one basket or bag, even
+though you should have something between. Some anglers go the length of
+a luncheon-basket, but this savours so much of the picnic that we don't
+approve of it.
+
+_Landing-Net and Gaff._--These may be got at any tackle shop, the only
+care to be exercised being in the selection of a good long handle, and
+in seeing that the net be made of twine which resists the catching of
+hooks, and that it be of a size capable of landing a large fish, as the
+gaff leaves an ugly mark, and should only be used when actually
+necessary. The screw of the net-hoop and of the gaff will suit the same
+handle.
+
+_Fishing-Rods._--For loch-fishing, it is desirable to use a rod not less
+than 14 feet in length, if fishing for ordinary yellow trout; but if for
+sea trout, and the chance of "a fish" _par excellence_, then the rod
+should be a couple of feet longer. The angler will find that it is
+better to have both rods with him--the spare one being handy in case of
+calamity--as the extra trouble of carrying is very slight: rods and
+landing-net handle can be easily tied up together with small leather
+straps. Do not have a rod that bends too freely--rather err on the
+other side; because in loch-fishing you have generally wind enough to
+carry your flies out, and if you do get a 3 or 4 pounder, the advantage
+of a fairly stiff rod is apparent. We prefer rods in three pieces--no
+hollow-butts--and made of greenheart throughout. The first cost is more
+than for rods whose various parts are made of different woods, but the
+greenheart is the cheapest rod in the end. With the minimum of care, a
+greenheart never gets out of order; and a good rod of this description
+will be as straight at the end of a season as at the beginning. Avoid
+all fancy rods, and do not be beguiled into buying them.
+
+_Reels and Lines._--Always carry a couple of reels with you, the smaller
+with 60 yards of fine line, and the larger with not less than 100 yards
+of grilse line. Silk-and-hair lines are not very expensive, and with a
+little care will last a long time. They will be found the most
+satisfactory for all kinds of fly-work. The reels which we consider best
+are made of bronzed metal and vulcanite: they are light, and stand a lot
+of wear. When buying your rods, get the reels fitted to them, and see
+that the fit is sufficiently tight, as nothing is more annoying than to
+find the ferrules loosening their hold of the reel, and that, perhaps,
+at a most critical moment. Should the reels referred to not be heavy
+enough to balance the rods properly--and this is a matter of great
+importance--it may be as well to take reels made entirely of bronzed
+metal.
+
+_Fly-Book._--We are not much in favour of fly-books. They are a great
+temptation to keeping a large stock of flies; and in the following
+chapter we will show that the fewer flies one possesses the better. A
+serious objection to a fly-book is, that the flies get crushed in it,
+and we consider a box a better receptacle; but if the angler will have a
+fly-book, one of moderate size--rather to the big size if anything--made
+of pig-skin leather, and well provided with pouches for holding
+casting-lines, as well as the usual receptacles for flies, will be found
+best. These books are to be had in great variety at any wholesale tackle
+warehouse; and taste goes a long way in non-essentials.
+
+Beyond the articles mentioned, the angler should always have at hand the
+following:--
+
+ Spring balance, weighing up to 20 lb.
+ Small screw-driver.
+ Small gimlet.
+ Small bottle clockmaker's oil.
+ Bottle varnish.
+ Carriage-lamp, and candles to fit, for travelling.
+ Two packs playing-cards.
+ Good-sized flask.
+ Flat glass or horn drinking-cup.
+ Pocket-scissors. The kind that shut up will be found very useful.
+ Corkscrew.
+ Hank of medium gut for emergencies.
+ Fine silk thread and resin.
+ Some common thin twine for tying joints of rod together.
+ Also articles named in Chapter V., p. 21, under "Trolling-Tackle and
+   Lures."
+
+Many of these things may be considered quite _de trop_; but the longer
+one fishes, the more one finds out that the little luxuries give a vast
+amount of enjoyment for the small amount of foresight required to have
+them at hand when wanted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+FLIES AND CASTING-LINES.
+
+
+Flies.--Here we shall no doubt come into conflict with many opinions,
+and most probably meet with the most criticism. However, as all we have
+written, and mean to write, is the result of actual experience, we may
+be pardoned for being somewhat dogmatic on the subject in hand. In the
+first place, don't keep a large stock of flies. If going for a day's
+fishing, buy as many as you think you'll need, and _no more_. Buy them
+of different sizes; and if you get a few each time you go for an outing,
+you will be astonished how soon a spare stock accumulates. Ascertain
+carefully beforehand the _size_ suitable to the loch--the _kinds_ are
+not of so much importance--and once you have made up a cast, in which
+operation there is no harm in taking your boatman's suggestions, _do not
+change_, unless it be to put on a smaller or larger size according to
+the wind, or unless it is conclusively proved that other flies are
+raising trout when yours cannot. Of course, if you are going for a
+fortnight's fishing, you will require to lay in a fair stock; but even
+then get as few as you think you can possibly do with. Do not run any
+risk of running short, and do not place yourself in the position of
+needing to use old casts: that is poor economy in the long-run. The
+following is, we think, a fair list for a fortnight's sport in an
+out-of-the-way place:--
+
+ Half-dozen harelugs.
+     "      red and teal.
+     "      orange and mallard.
+     "      green and woodcock.
+     "      black spiders with red tips, commonly called "Zulus."
+     "      red spiders, hackle taken well down the hook.
+     "      March Browns, which, though supposed to come out in March,
+              are really capital flies at any time.
+     "      yellow body with cinnamon wings and golden-pheasant tip.
+     "      dark harelug body, mallard wing and red tip. This is a
+              splendid spring fly.
+
+These we would get dressed on Loch Leven size--any fly-dresser knows
+what that means; but perhaps the better way would be to get a quarter
+dozen of each dressed on that size, and a quarter dozen of each on a
+hook two sizes larger. The patterns in a tackle-maker's book are
+endless, but for the most part are modifications or combinations of the
+flies we have named; and the angler will soon discover for himself that
+flies and old half-used casts, and often casts made up in the humour of
+the moment, and never used at all, accumulate upon him so rapidly that
+he is glad to find some enthusiastic boatman to bestow them upon. It is
+needless to add, that a gift of this kind is usually very much
+appreciated by the recipient. Tinsel is a very useful adjunct to a fly,
+and should always be employed in those used in loch-fishing. If variety
+is wanted in colouring, the least tip of Berlin or pig's wool of the
+desired shade will be found very effective. Get your flies dressed on
+Limerick-bend hooks, as the iron, should it chance not to be the best
+tempered in the world, is not so liable to snap as the round bend. The
+wings of the fly should be dressed so as to be distinctly apart both in
+the water and out of it, thus--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It gives the fly a much more life-like appearance, and makes it swim
+better in the water. When you give orders for flies, see that they are
+dressed up to your instructions, as it is quite certain you will fish
+with much more confidence when you have faith in what you are using. Do
+not have them dressed on too fine gut, as they are apt to get twisted
+round the casting-line (usually called "riding the line"), and put you
+to the trouble of straightening them out every few minutes. These
+remarks may seem trifling; but trifles are very irritating in most
+pursuits, and the gentle art is no exception. Flies suitable for salmon
+and sea-trout fishing on almost any loch will be supplied at any shop in
+the trade on asking for Loch Lomond patterns. These patterns are
+well-known, and are without exception as fine flies as one could wish
+for. They are usually made very full in the body, and dressed with
+heron's hackle. The varieties are red and teal, green and teal, orange
+and mallard, or turkey, and a few variations of these,--sometimes a
+yellow tip to the red and green bodies, or a red tip to the yellow; but
+a cast composed of red or green and teal with orange and mallard is
+unsurpassable. For this class of fishing, the flies should be dressed
+with loops, and the bob should be fixed to the casting-line by means of
+a small strand of gut. Two flies on a cast are quite sufficient when big
+fish are expected. We can hardly advise the angler to try fly-dressing
+on his own account. It is hardly worth his while, as flies are to be had
+very reasonably from any respectable tackle-maker; and they are much
+better dressed in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred than any amateur
+performance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Casting-Lines._--Provide yourself with half a dozen each, of different
+thickness--that is, fine, medium, and stout, the latter for salmon and
+sea-trout fishing. That quantity should suffice for a fortnight's
+outing, even making allowance for breakage, and leave you some over for
+another time: but in this matter it is better to run no risk of being
+short. The gut should be stained a light tea colour, or the faintest
+blue: it can be bought so. There is no occasion for them being more
+than three yards long, as we cannot advocate fishing with more than
+three flies at a time. If three flies are properly placed on a line, and
+the line be properly handled in the casting, they will cover as much
+water as any number of flies. Besides, there is far less chance of a
+"fankle," to use a most expressive Scotch word, than when four or more
+flies are used. In this, however, _chacun à son goût_,--we are only
+giving an opinion after trying both ways.
+
+In making up a cast of flies, _have no loops_ of any kind, excepting the
+one by which the cast is attached to your silk-and-hair line. The
+water-knot is so simple and neat, that it is the best for the purpose of
+fixing on the tail-fly, which, by the way, should be the heaviest of
+those you are about to use, if there is any difference between them. In
+case our readers don't know the water-knot, we give an illustration
+which explains itself--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The loops are pulled tight, and then the fly and the line are drawn in
+opposite directions, the result being that the knots formed by the
+loops meet and make a firm, and at the same time an almost
+imperceptible, joining. You then clip off any ends that may remain. So
+much for the tail fly. The putting on of the other two is simplicity
+itself. You take the strand of gut on which the next fly you purpose
+affixing is dressed, and laying it along the main line, _taking care to
+have the hook lying in the reverse direction from the tail fly_, you tie
+it into the line a yard from the fly already attached. In tying it in,
+leave the hook hanging about two and a half inches from the line. The
+third, or "bob" fly, is attached in like manner, and thus your cast of
+flies is completed. The only objection to this method of making up a
+cast is, that once the middle and bob flies are tied in, they cannot be
+used again. This is quite true; but the keen angler will submit to the
+little extra expense on this score for the gratification which the sight
+of a really neat cast will afford him. The system of suspending hooks by
+loops, especially when using fine tackle, is almost entirely exploded.
+We should have said that previous to use, all gut should be soaked, and
+the longer the better. It is a good plan to let it soak over night, and
+make up your cast in the morning. When gut is thus thoroughly wet, it is
+wonderful how easy it is of manipulation. On the other hand, dry gut is
+very brittle, and will break on the slightest provocation. Fix the cast
+and silk-and-hair line together, having previously made a single knot on
+the end of the latter, as illustrated below--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It is prudent to have a second cast ready in case of breakage, as
+nothing is more annoying than losing time making up one in the boat, and
+that most probably when the trout are rising. Experience is a great
+teacher; and it is wonderful how soon the angler learns the value of
+every moment, and seeks beforehand, so far as human foresight can go, to
+provide for all contingencies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+TROLLING-TACKLE AND LURES.
+
+
+Do not troll at all if you can get fishing with the fly; and under no
+circumstances troll for trout in the very early part of the season, when
+they are more or less in a "kelty" state, and take an artificial or
+other minnow very keenly. True, you may catch fish, but it is a most
+unsportsmanlike proceeding to take fish not in fair condition; and if
+you, sir, who read this book, are not a sportsman, you had better stop
+here, for it was compiled by a sportsman for sportsmen. There are some
+miserable "pot-hunters" who want to kill anything that swims--be it
+clean or unclean; but with them we have nothing whatever to do. But fair
+trolling is quite legitimate, and in many cases it is absolutely
+imperative to troll if a basket is to be made at all. Some days the fly
+is of no use--either owing to a calm, or to a bright sky; and a
+well-managed trolling-line or two is then the only resort, unless one
+stops fishing altogether. And if big trout and _ferox_ are wanted,
+nothing succeeds--indeed nothing _will_ succeed, except very
+occasionally--but trolling, either with artificial or natural bait. So
+to be complete you must have the requisite tackle, and we will tell you
+what is necessary, both for small and large fish, in as few words as we
+possibly can. A ROD specially adapted for trolling is almost a
+necessity, as it is a great strain upon an ordinary fly-rod to have the
+weight of 30 or 40 yards of line upon it: even a good rod is apt to get
+an ugly bend from such treatment. The rod for trolling need not be
+long--12 to 14 feet is quite sufficient--but it must be stiff; and we
+consider that the rings through which the line is led ought to be large
+and fixed--that is, standing out permanently from the wood, called by
+the trade upright rings. A spare top will be supplied along with it. The
+REEL should be of the largest description, and may be got as strong as
+possible, lightness being no recommendation to one used exclusively for
+trolling. The LINE ought to be at least 100 yards long--120 for
+choice--and this suffices for any kind of fish. The material best
+adapted for trolling is oiled silk-and-hair. There is a kind of line,
+made in America, we believe, which is admirably adapted for the purpose.
+It is strong as wire-rope, and does not "kink" under any
+circumstances--which latter is a consideration, as sometimes a paltry
+trout may come on, and you have only to haul him in hand-over-hand
+without running the risk of your line getting into a mess. This saves
+the trouble and waste of time in reeling up many yards of line every
+time a "smout" comes on. The line to which we refer is somewhat
+expensive, but will be found to be cheap in the long-run. An ordinary
+silk-and-hair line does well enough, but is apt to twist sadly if the
+minnow is not spinning properly, besides the trouble it entails after a
+day's fishing of laying out two or three score yards for drying. The
+troller will require to provide himself with MINNOW TRACES. These do not
+require to be more than two yards in length, but in ordering them take
+care that the swivels are sufficiently large to insure the
+minnow--natural or artificial--spinning nicely. The angler can easily
+procure swivels and make traces for himself; but he will find in this,
+as in most things connected with fishing, that he cannot compete with
+the tackle-maker, so we advise him to get them made up at a good
+warehouse. Retail tackle-makers charge long prices, but in most large
+towns there are warehouses which are specially suited for a customer
+trade, thus saving the user a long intermediate profit. This is as it
+should be. The thickness of the gut used for trolling should of course
+be regulated, as in fly-fishing, by the size of fish you expect to
+catch, and a few traces made of gimp for pike and _ferox_ should always
+be in the troller's stock. By the way, and in case we forget to mention
+it afterwards, always be provided with some split swan shot, to be used
+in case of a very clear day, when it is desirable to sink line and
+minnow below the surface. Also be provided with tackle--some mounted on
+gut and some on gimp--for spinning natural minnow; and we know of none
+better or more deadly for this purpose than that of which an
+illustration is given on next page. It is very simple, and seldom misses
+anything.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The large hook is put in at the mouth of the minnow, and the point
+brought out at a little above the tail--thus giving the minnow the
+proper curve for spinning. One of the smaller hooks is put through
+_both_ lips of the lure, to close the mouth and to keep the bait in
+proper position, while the other is left to spin. Some advocate the use
+of par-tail as a spinning bait; but as it is not right to kill par at
+all, we omit any directions for its use. We have drifted into the
+subject of LURES almost unconsciously. If you wish to use natural
+minnows, see that they are neither too large nor too small--about two
+inches long is a good size--and that the belly is silvery. It is better
+to instruct your boatman to have a supply ready against your arrival at
+the loch, as sometimes it is as difficult to catch minnows as to catch
+any other fish. However, we believe that the want of them is so well
+supplied by the phantom minnow, that little or no harm is done though
+they are not to be had. And when the handling and bother of using live
+bait is taken into consideration, we think that most folks will prefer
+the artificial lure. The phantom we consider the very best of all the
+imitations; and the troller should have them in different colours and
+sizes, from Nos. 1 to 7. The hooks attached to the larger sizes should
+be mounted on gimp, as in trolling for large fish--and especially for
+_salmo ferox_--no risk should be run of the mountings giving way. Tin
+boxes, divided into compartments, for holding the minnows, are very
+convenient, and are to be had at most tackle shops. A spoon-bait is also
+a splendid deception, and should not be awanting. A tackle-maker's
+catalogue will tell the reader of many other "spinners;" but if he
+cannot catch fish of all kinds with either a natural or phantom minnow
+or a spoon, it is not the fault of the lure; and he may try anything
+else he fancies, and come no better speed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+DUTIES OF BOATMAN.
+
+
+Very little requires to be said in this chapter regarding boatmen, as
+when the angler gets into the habit of frequenting certain lochs, he
+soon finds out for himself the steady reliable men in the neighbourhood,
+and can generally engage one of them beforehand by writing to the hotel
+at which he means to put up. But in going to a new fishing-ground, he is
+better to leave himself in the hands of the landlord of the hotel, and if
+not satisfied with his first day's experience of the man who accompanied
+him, let him change. A good boatman is a treasure; and though we are
+decidedly against the system of "tipping" indiscriminately, we say, when
+you get a good man, pay him liberally. We know of some men with whom it
+is a pleasure to be out all day, and whose company, in its own way, is
+most enjoyable. Keen sportsmen these are, and the capture or loss of a
+fish is a source of true pleasure or pain. Other men one comes across
+seem but to row the boat, and nothing more; and an unproductive day in
+such company is something to be looked back upon with horror. The
+leading qualification of a boatman of the right sort is a strong
+sympathy with the angler, which enables him almost instinctively to help
+the angler to cover every inch of likely water with his flies, and makes
+him experience the sensation of expecting a rise every cast; in other
+words, he almost puts the fly into the fish's mouth. With such a man,
+instructions regarding the management of the boat are superfluous; but
+as it often happens that you do not get a first-rate hand, you have to
+take matters into your own hands to some extent; and we shall give you a
+few hints as to what is best to be done under such circumstances. It is
+hardly to be supposed that your man is in ignorance of the best ground,
+either from experience or hearsay, and it is only after you get there
+that our instructions can possibly come into operation. If you are
+obliged to take a perfect greenhorn, we know of no other course than to
+order him to keep in the wake of some other boat, but that at such a
+distance as not to be offensive. (See next chapter on the "Etiquette of
+Loch-fishing.") But let us assume that you get on to ground where fish
+are: the first point is to see that everything is in order, all
+unnecessary articles put out of the way, and the landing-net and gaff
+conveniently at hand. We ought to have said that a large stone in the
+bow is useful, not only to balance the boat and make her drift better,
+but also as a weight to which a rope may be attached, and thus let over
+the side to the depth of a few feet, to prevent her drifting too rapidly
+should there happen to be a heavy breeze on. The next thing is to get
+the boat properly broadside to the wind, so that you may have next to no
+trouble in casting. Should a fish be hooked, see that the man keeps
+working the boat in such a manner that the fish cannot possibly get
+underneath: a single stroke of the oar in the proper direction is
+generally all that is necessary. You must also judge from the size of
+the fish, and the length and strength of your tackle, whether it is
+expedient that the man should follow the fish if he makes a very long
+run. If your line happens to be short--which it will not be, if you have
+followed the instructions given in Chapter III.--you need not be
+surprised if you find nothing left but your rod and reel, your line, and
+mayhap a "half-croon flee" flying about the loch in charge of a fish.
+The management of the landing-net or gaff is another serious matter. If
+the fish be small, tell the man to have the net ready, and "run it in;"
+but if it is a good-sized fish, you must tell him not to put the net
+near till he gets the word from you. Many a time we have suppressed an
+exclamation--the reverse of a blessing--when we have seen the hoop of
+the landing-net strike the fish, and were in suspense for a second or
+two as to whether he was on or off. If the gaff is necessary, it is
+almost as well to let your man hold the rod after you have tired the
+fish thoroughly, and gaff him yourself. But if you think it unadvisable
+to part with the rod, send the man to the other end of the boat from
+yourself, and then lead the fish near him, so that he may have a fair
+chance. He must put the gaff _over_ the fish till the point is in a
+line with its broadside, and then with a sudden _jerk_ sink the steel
+into, or even through, the animal, and lift him over the gunwale with
+all possible speed. A sharp blow or two on the snout will deprive the
+fish of life. Always kill your fish,--big or small,--as nothing ought to
+be more repulsive to a true sportsman than to see or hear any animal he
+has captured dying by inches.
+
+It is perhaps needless to say that in the matter of lunch and drink, due
+consideration should always be paid to your boatman's wants; indeed if
+he has had a hard time of it rowing against a stiff breeze, nothing is
+lost by landing at mid-day and letting him enjoy half an hour's rest and
+a smoke after he has refreshed his inner man. Sometimes--such as in a
+club competition--such luxuries must be denied; but even then he can put
+you on to a square drift, and enjoy his lunch and smoke while you are
+fishing; and you, on the other hand, can take yours when he is changing
+ground. These remarks may seem trifling; but we only give you our
+experience, when we say that on some lochs where good boatmen are not
+plentiful, the angler who has shown most kindness and consideration on
+past occasions is never much put about for want of a man, even in a busy
+season. And we have known, when every regular boatman was engaged, that
+there was generally a boatman's "friend" in the neighbourhood who was
+pressed into our service, and that often at a few minutes' notice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ETIQUETTE OF LOCH-FISHING.
+
+
+Politeness is politeness all the world over, and in loch-fishing it is
+particularly to be practised. The gentle art is peculiarly adapted for
+gentlemen,--using the word in its truest sense,--and the true angler
+will never be mistaken for anything else. In the Club to which we have
+the honour to belong, there are certain rules which would commend
+themselves naturally to any one of us; but in order that these may be
+clear and well defined, they are circulated annually, and are in
+themselves so admirable that we cannot do better than quote them:--
+
+    "1. No boat shall be entitled to take position in front of any other
+    boat which shall have already begun drifting, at a less distance
+    than three hundred yards.
+
+    "2. Any competitor intending to drift a bay already in possession of
+    another competitor shall be obliged to take position behind, or on
+    the outside of and in a line with the latter, but at such a distance
+    as not to interfere with the boat first in possession of the drift.
+
+    "3. In cases where boats are changing water, it shall not be
+    admissible for any boat so doing to go between the shore and any
+    other boat drifting close thereon."
+
+These rules, as may be inferred, refer to club competitions in
+particular, but they are made the standard upon all occasions where
+there is any chance of their becoming applicable. So much indeed have we
+got into the way of regarding these rules,--strict as they are,--that we
+observe them even when meeting with strangers on any loch in any part of
+the kingdom. And pay special attention, if you happen to be trolling in
+the neighbourhood, never to interfere with the drift on which a
+fly-fisher is engaged. Nothing is more unbecoming, as it disturbs the
+water which is his by right, if he has begun to drift; and it is an
+unwritten rule that the fly-fisher should generally be allowed the first
+of the ground, as his style of fishing does not make the same commotion
+as a trolling boat and tackle do. Very few of us but have experienced
+the annoyance of a minnow-boat crossing our drift when we were
+fly-fishing; and though we had no redress, and could make no remarks
+without lowering ourselves to the level of our offenders, we have, like
+the nigger's parrot, "thought a mighty lot." Do not hesitate to put
+yourself out of your way to help a neighbour in distress. He may have
+hooked a large fish and be unprovided with a gaff: if you have one let
+him have it instantly, taking his directions from which side you are to
+approach him; and never let the loss of a few minutes, more or less,
+deter you from following the golden rule of doing to him as you would
+expect him to do to you were you similarly placed. And, as it sometimes
+happens where boats are scarce and anglers many, when you are in the
+same boat with a stranger, see that you confine yourself strictly to
+your own share of the water, not making casts which endanger "fankling"
+for the mere sake of covering a little more water with your flies.
+Should you have a fly that is taking better than any other of your own
+or his, offer him one; and in general try to make the day's fishing one
+as much for the cultivation of goodwill and the promotion of
+good-fellowship as for the mere sake of making a basket. A churlish
+angler is an unnatural phenomenon, and, thank Providence! they seldom
+turn up. A man who can look upon the beautiful scenery amid which he
+takes his pleasure,--and there is none finer in the world than our
+Scottish lochs and their surroundings,--and not feel grateful to the
+Giver of all good, and at peace with all mankind, ought to burn his rod,
+singe his flies, and only associate with men like himself.
+
+If the introduction of this chapter into our book will have the effect
+of creating a better understanding on the etiquette of loch-fishing
+between brothers of the angle, the object for which it was written will
+have been accomplished--and, let us hope, a large amount of goodwill
+thereby promoted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+CASTING AND STRIKING.
+
+
+We shall treat this subject under two aspects: first, if you have the
+whole boat to yourself; and second, if it is being shared by some one
+else.
+
+If you have a boat to yourself, stand as near the centre of it as you
+possibly can without interfering with the boatman in rowing, and cover
+every inch of the water in front of you and as far to the sides as the
+wind will permit. Always be careful how you cast--that is, every time
+you throw your flies see that they land lightly on the water, as no one
+can expect to raise fish if any splash is made by either line or flies.
+Fine casting is not quite so essential, of course, when a fair breeze is
+blowing; but if the wind be light, then the difference between a
+well-thrown fly and the reverse is very apparent. After you have made a
+satisfactory cast, draw the line slowly to you by raising the point of
+the rod, taking care to keep the line as taut as possible. Also see that
+your bob-fly is tripping on the surface, as we consider that a
+well-managed "bob" is the most life-like of the whole lot. Do not fish
+with too long a line, unless, indeed, on an exceptional occasion, when
+you wish to reach the lie of a feeding fish. It is difficult to define a
+long line, but a good general rule is that it should never be longer
+than when you have the consciousness that, if a fish should rise, you
+have him at a fair and instantaneous striking distance. Remember that
+the time the flies first touch the water after each cast is the most
+deadly; therefore, cast often.
+
+If you have only the share of a boat, the rule is that one man takes the
+stern up till lunch, and the other after it. For ourselves, we have a
+preference for the bow, and we generally find that most anglers prefer
+the luxury of the stern; so when both parties are pleased, there is no
+occasion for changing at all. The most important thing to bear in mind
+when you have a companion is, as we said in last chapter, to confine
+yourself to your own water. If the left-hand cast is the one proper to
+your end of the boat, cast as much to your right hand as you can without
+infringing on your neighbour's share of the water: all the water to your
+left hand is of course yours. The same remarks apply _vice versa_.
+_Never stop casting_ so long as you are on fishable ground, for you know
+not the moment a good fish may rise. Certain it is that unless you keep
+your flies constantly going, you cannot expect to have the same basket
+as the angler who does. Keep your eyes on your flies in a general way,
+and do not let your attention be distracted so long as they are in the
+water. Every angler has experienced the annoyance of missing fish when
+looking elsewhere for a single moment--either at another boat, or at a
+fish "rising to itself," or at the sky, or at something else. When the
+eyes were turned to the point from which they should not have been
+diverted, they were just in time to see the water swirl, and the hand
+gave a futile strike at what had disappeared a second before. Perhaps we
+should have said at the beginning of this chapter to place implicit
+faith in the flies with which you are fishing. Nothing is more
+ridiculous than whipping the water with a cast, of the suitableness of
+which you have any doubt; and to guard against any such chance, study
+carefully the state of the weather and the wind. If very clear, use
+sombre flies; but if a dark day, use brighter flies. You will of course
+regulate the size according to the breeze, but as a rule, err on the
+side of small flies. When you raise a fish, _strike at once_. It is
+quite possible that by this method you may once in a while strike the
+least bit too soon, but it is a safe plan to go by. There is always a
+particle of a moment spent in the tightening of the line; and by the
+time the angler sees a fish at his flies, he may safely conclude that it
+has already seized or missed them, and the sooner he ascertains the true
+state of matters by striking instantaneously, the better. If the fish
+has not been touched by line or hook, cast gently over him again: the
+chances are that there will be another rise, and, if the fish has been
+feeding, every likelihood that the second or even a third time may be
+lucky. In striking small fish, the least tightening of the line is
+sufficient; but with large fish, when your tackle and hooks are strong,
+strike _firmly home_ to send the steel well in, right over the barb.
+Tackle that will not stand this had better be given away or
+destroyed,--the latter for choice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TROLLING.
+
+
+Our readers will have guessed, from what has preceded this chapter, that
+we don't believe in trolling if it can be avoided; but still there are
+times and occasions on which it must be practised, and we plead guilty
+to having gone in for it oftener than once, when we saw that fly-fishing
+was useless. On the other hand, however, we have set out with a firm
+determination to do a fair day's trolling,--and nothing but
+trolling,--but somehow or another it has generally ended in fly-fishing
+when we could, and trolling as a _dernier ressort_ when we could not.
+This, we doubt not, has been the experience of many of our angling
+friends to whom the mere killing of fish is a secondary consideration
+compared with the enjoyment of real sport. But when trolling is the
+order of the day, either from choice or necessity, then this is the way
+to go about it. We assume, of course, that the angler is equipped with
+tackle and lines specified in Chapter V., and that he has a supply also
+of live minnows with him. The elaborate tin-cans for holding minnows are
+quite unnecessary so far as loch-fishing is concerned; any ordinary
+vessel will do well enough for a day, provided the water is changed now
+and again. In trolling, two rods will be found ample. They should be
+placed at right angles to the boat,--the "thowl-pin," or, if there is
+not one near enough the stern, anything (a cheap gimlet answers
+admirably) fixed into the gunwale, being sufficient to keep the rod in
+position,--so that the spinners, of whatever kind they may be, will be
+as far apart from each other as possible. Take care that the butts of
+the rods are well at the bottom of the boat, as we have seen a rod not
+sufficiently fixed go overboard before now. A main point in trolling is
+to have plenty of line out. There should never be less than thirty yards
+out from one rod, and not less that forty from the other. By this
+means, should a fish not see the first lure, he may see the second. If
+trolling with natural minnow, which is much more apt to get out of order
+than artificial ones, see that the bait is intact and spinning properly.
+This involves the trouble of hauling it in for examination now and then;
+but it is better to be at that trouble than be fishing with, mayhap, a
+mangled lure, or one that has got out of spinning order, and more likely
+to act as a repellent than an attraction to any fish in the
+neighbourhood. In trolling any likely ground, the proper way is to tell
+your man to zigzag it, not pulling the boat in a straight line, but
+going over the ground diagonally, and thus covering as much of it as it
+is possible to do with a couple score yards of line behind. The turning
+of the boat necessitates a considerable circle being taken to keep the
+lures spinning, and so that the lines do not get mixed up; and your man,
+after making the turn, should row in a slightly slanting direction
+towards the point from which he originally started, thus--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+and so on, till the chances of raising a fish on that beat are
+exhausted.
+
+Should a small fish come on, haul it in hand-over-hand; and the man must
+not stop rowing, as the other minnow is out, and must be kept spinning.
+If, however, a fish that needs playing comes to you, you must seize the
+rod to which he has come, and the boatman must take the other, and wind
+in as fast as possible. You should not commence winding in till the
+other line is wound up so far as to preclude the chance of the fish
+mixing up both lines together. Barring the risk one runs of a serious
+mess, it is not a bad plan to troll from a reel a cast of larger-sized
+flies than would be used in ordinary fly-fishing. This line follows, of
+course, in a _straight_ track behind the boat, and the minnows being
+considerably to right and left of it, there is no danger of their
+getting mixed so long as the boat is moving; but the risk is apparent
+should a fish come to either of the three lines, and great activity is
+then necessary on the part of yourself and boatman to keep things right.
+You must keep the fish at as considerable a distance from the other
+lines as you can, and trust a good deal to the chances of war for the
+ultimate safety of all. Some days, even when casting was unproductive,
+we have been fortunate in securing fish by trolling our flies in the
+manner described. Indeed, unless the day or the season is decidedly in
+favour of trolling minnows, we prefer, if only trolling two lines, to
+troll from one of them with the minnow, and from the other with the fly.
+This must always be decided, however, by the judgment of the angler, and
+by his surroundings for the time being. One thing in favour of trolling
+with the minnow is, that the best size of fish are caught by that means.
+This is not invariably the case, but it is the rule. And in concluding
+this chapter, we must not omit to acknowledge that we are glad to know
+that when we are not so young as we once were, and when the wielding of
+a rod all day long shall have come to be a serious matter, we shall
+still have the pleasure of roaming about our lovely lochs--Highland or
+Lowland--and have the excitement of landing fish, coupled with our
+enjoyment of fresh air and grand scenery. For this reason, if for no
+other, cultivate as often as you can, without entrenching on the nobler
+pastime of fly-fishing, the art of trolling--for we must confess that
+there is an art in this as in everything else; and should my reader be
+sceptical on the point, he has only to try conclusions, when he gets the
+chance, with some old troller, and he will be convinced before
+supper-time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CAPTURE OF FISH.
+
+
+Scotch loch-fishing, as usually practised, only embraces the capture of
+the _salmo_ species--that is, the _salmo fario_, or common yellow trout;
+the _salmo trutta_, or sea-trout; and _salmo salar_, the "fish," as most
+boatmen call it, and the noblest game of the finny creation. Besides
+these there is, of course, the _salmo ferox_; but it is comparatively
+scarce, and only worth trolling for in some particular lochs, where they
+are known to be more easily come across than in others. And sometimes
+when worthier game is not to be had, we have a spin for pike, but Mr
+Jack is as difficult to catch at times as his more aristocratic
+comrades. In most Scotch lochs where any supervision is exercised at the
+instance of our local clubs, the extermination of pike is most
+vigorously carried on by means of fixed and splash nets. This, as
+regards our large lochs, where there is room for all, we have no
+hesitation in saying is a mistake, as it shuts up one means of enjoying
+a day's fishing when nothing else in the way of fish is to be had; and
+it must be borne in mind that there are some older anglers, to whom a
+whole day's fly-fishing is a labour, who never object, when trolling, to
+come across a pike: and no wonder, for a pike of 10 lb. and upwards
+gives some fair play, though by no means to compare with what a fish of
+the _salmo_ tribe of that weight would give. Then we have perch in
+abundance, and splendid eels; but as these need a float and bait to
+catch them, we dismiss them as quite _infra dig_. True a perch will come
+at a minnow, and we have sometimes seen them take a fly; but they are
+generally voted a nuisance, and expelled the boat.
+
+As regards the capture of fish, we shall proceed to deal with each in
+order; and at the outset we remark, that when you have hooked a fish, it
+is a safe general rule to waste no unnecessary time in bringing him to
+the landing-net or gaff, and thence into the boat. When playing a fish,
+never allow the line to get slack, unless, indeed, when he leaps into
+the air,--then you must give him rope; but so soon as he gets into his
+native element, feel his mouth instantly. Always play your fish to
+_windward_ of the boat if there is some one sharing it with you, as this
+allows him to go on casting to leeward. Of course, if you have the whole
+boat to yourself, play your fish in any way that it will be most
+expeditiously brought to basket. The angler ought to be well assured of
+the strength of his tackle, and when he has confidence in that, he will
+soon learn to judge of the proper strain to which it may be subjected.
+In the case of COMMON YELLOW TROUT, averaging, as most loch trout do,
+about three to the pound, there is no occasion to put off time with any
+one of them; but in some lochs, such as Loch Leven, where the average is
+fairly one pound, and where two and three pounders are by no means
+uncommon, some care and a little play are absolutely necessary. But do
+not, even in such a case, give him too much of his own way. We can
+assure our readers that a three-pound Loch Leven trout, in good
+condition, on fine gut and small irons, gives as nice a piece of play,
+and exercise to the eye, hand, and judgment, as could well be desired.
+
+The SEA-TROUT is, for his size, the gamest of all fish. He is bold as a
+lion, and fights harder for his life than a salmon twice his size. A
+fish of three pounds will run out a considerable piece of line, and make
+a splendid leap, or series of leaps,--and then is the trying time. As
+often as not, your flies and the fish part company in the air, and you
+have to sit down muttering "curses not loud but deep," till an
+application to the flask soothes your wounded spirit, and invigorates
+you for fresh effort. A beautiful sight it is to see a sea-trout rise.
+No half-hearted attempt is his, but a determined rush for the fly, and
+down again like thought, leaving you the tiniest part of a moment to
+strike, and hardly time to admire his beautiful silvery coat. If you
+have been fortunate enough to get the steel into him, you will have time
+to admire him when you get him into the boat. Fishing for sea-trout with
+the fly is, we consider, the most exciting of all kinds of fishing--that
+is, if the fish run to a fair average weight. But we are sorry to say
+that lochs where it is to be enjoyed are, with the solitary exception of
+Loch Lomond, usually far out of ordinary reach,--and in the case of Loch
+Lomond, it is only _habitués_ who usually come much speed on it; but
+once the angler gets a fair day there, he finds his way back often.
+True, there are some excellent sea-trout lochs in the north, and on the
+west coast and islands, but they are a far cry from civilisation.
+Nevertheless, if our readers can spare the time, let them find their way
+into some unfrequented spot where sea-trout are plentiful, and they will
+agree with us in thinking that that class of fishing is a most excellent
+sport. Some parts of Ireland are famous for their fine sea-trout
+fishing--white trout they call them there; and though we have never been
+there ourselves, we mean to go some day, when the Land Bill has pacified
+the natives, and made them law-abiding subjects. Meantime one runs the
+risk of being mistaken for a non-resident landlord, and that would be a
+pity for one's wife and family. But without any joking, this Irish
+sea-trout fishing is a pleasure to which we look forward; and in this
+work-a-day world, something to look forward to is half the enjoyment of
+life.
+
+The capture of the SALMON is the ambition of all anglers, but we doubt
+very much if the sport is to compare with ordinary loch or sea-trout
+fishing, provided always that the latter are of good average weight. The
+tackle used in salmon-fishing is proportionately heavy, and after the
+first few rushes, if the fish be well hooked, there is little in it
+except a matter of time. Indeed it is said that some anglers, after
+hooking a salmon, hand the rod to a gillie to work and land the fish.
+This seems going too much in the other direction, but it is quite
+understandable. True, the size to which salmon run is a great inducement
+to go after them; but even in Loch Tay, where the biggest average is to
+be found, the sport, if such it can be called at all, is very
+questionable. The rod, line, gut, and minnows used are on such a strong
+scale, that a well-sized vessel might be moored with them without their
+breaking; and with several scores of yards of line ready for a rush,
+what earthly chance has the fish of escape, unless through the grossest
+carelessness? The fish may be loosely hooked, and get off, but this is
+quite a matter of chance, and the odds are that a hungry spring fish
+will not miss the lure. Thus the charm of salmon-fishing is in the
+raising and striking; and of all kinds of striking, the striking of the
+salmon is the most difficult: the fish being so large and silvery, the
+angler is certain to see him coming _at_ the fly, and is very apt to
+strike too soon. But if it is borne in mind to strike _after_ the broken
+water is visible, and not before it, this will soon be overcome. When
+you do strike, don't let it be a mere tightening of the line, as in
+trout-fishing, but a decided stroke. Some say that the salmon will hook
+himself by his own weight. This may be so, though we doubt it,--but
+don't trust to it. Certain it is, that the first rush of a fish does not
+usually fix him certain; and should the hook happen to be in a piece of
+hard gristle or on a bone, you will soon find this out for yourself, but
+generally at the cost of the fish.
+
+Salmon-fishing is an expensive luxury; but if you can get it good, never
+mind the expense, but give it a trial. If you get good sport, you may
+not care to go in for smaller game again; but in all our experience we
+never knew a salmon fisher who did not enjoy trout-fishing as much in
+its own way as ever he did that of the nobler animal. There is something
+in the gossamer gut and small flies irresistibly attractive to all
+sportsmen, and from which no amount of salmon-fishing can ever wean
+them.
+
+The _salmo ferox_ is a fish on which many opinions have been expressed;
+and we have heard more than one old boatman say that he did not believe
+it to be anything but a big loch-trout, as, they ask, Who ever saw a
+young one? We see the young of all other fish, but why do we never come
+across a young _ferox_? It seems pertinent enough questioning, and we do
+not pretend to settle their doubts in either one way or another. Certain
+it is, he is a big strong fish with some features distinct from the
+ordinary loch trout, and that when caught he shows an amount of fight
+not to be equalled by any of his neighbours, either white or brown. He
+is usually caught by trolling either natural or artificial minnow; and
+the tackle should be mounted on gimp and fixed to a strong line, and
+plenty of it. We have read of a _ferox_ rising to the fly, but never
+saw one so captured. There seems no reason why a gaudy fly should not
+attract him. After he is hooked the fun begins. A _ferox_ of 10 to 12
+lb. will give you amusement and excitement for an indefinite time; and
+you are never sure of him till he is in the boat. A friend of ours (a
+capital angler to boot) fishing with us on Loch Assynt in
+Sutherlandshire in 1877, hooked a fine specimen; and after battling with
+him for an hour, had the mortification of seeing fish, angel-minnow, and
+trace, disappear! A good boatman is a wonderful help in such a case;
+indeed without his help your chances are small. To be sure it is slow
+work trolling for _feroces_, and a whole day--yea, days--may be spent
+without getting a run. The angler must always be the best judge as to
+whether the chance is worth his while. Loch Awe, Loch Ericht, Loch
+Rannoch, and Loch Assynt, are good lochs for trying one's luck in this
+kind of fishing.
+
+Then to come from the nobler to an inferior species, we get to PIKE
+fishing. Angling for this fish seems to be in great repute among our
+southern brethren, if we may judge by the literature on the subject; but
+somehow or other it is looked upon among our northern anglers with
+somewhat the same aversion that a Jew has to bacon, and fishing for pike
+is only resorted to when all chance of catching anything worthier is
+gone. We don't profess to say whence this antipathy arises; but we have
+heard stories from boatmen about the foul feeding of pike that makes the
+idea of eating him repulsive. Not but that we have eaten him, but we
+never did so with relish, however cunningly the _artiste_ may have
+served him up. As a stock for soup he is good; but in Scotland it is
+better not to say what the origin of the stock is till your friends are
+at their _café noir_. But here we are only interested so far as the
+sport he gives is concerned; and unless the pike be all the larger--say
+not under 8 lb.--the sport is poor enough. Even a pike of 8 lb. and
+over, when hooked (which is done by trolling or casting a minnow and
+working it after the manner of a fly), makes one or two long pulls, not
+rushes like a fish of the _salmo_ tribe; and after that he subsides into
+a sulk from which you must trust to the strength of your tackle to
+arouse him. The tackle should be mounted on gimp, for his teeth are very
+sharp; and when removing the lure from his mouth, you will find it much
+safer to have previously put the foot-spar between his jaws to prevent
+him getting at your fingers.
+
+There is a fly, if such it can be called, used in pike-fishing. This fly
+resembles a natural insect as much as a tea-pot resembles an elephant,
+but it does attract pike--in the same way, we suppose, that a piece of
+red flannel will attract a mackerel. If our readers wish to try it, they
+can buy it at almost any tackle shop. Pike are to be found in almost all
+lochs, though in the more frequented of our Scotch waters they are being
+slowly but surely exterminated. In others, again, they reign almost
+alone. But pike-fishing by itself is a poor affair, and we advise our
+readers only to take to it when they can do nought better. If any of
+them wish to go below the level of pike-fishing, we must refer them to
+the copious instructions of many books, from Isaak Walton downwards. For
+ourselves, when it comes to bait-fishing--except in running water, when
+worm-fishing is an art--we prefer catching whitings and haddocks in some
+of our beautiful salt-water lochs, to all the perch, roach, chub, and
+such-like, that ever swam. But in this please note that we are only
+expressing our own opinion, and with all respect to the opinions of many
+worthy anglers. We may say this, however, with all safety, that in
+angling, as in most other things, if one aims at the highest point of
+the art he is not at all likely to condescend to the lowest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+AFTER A DAY'S FISHING.
+
+
+What a pleasant fatigue succeeds a day's fishing! There is not, or
+should not be, a feeling of weariness, but just the satisfaction one
+feels after enjoying a health-giving recreation. Health-giving it
+certainly is to the body, and we have no hesitation in saying to the
+mind also. It makes one forget for the time being all the evils to which
+flesh is heir, and braces up the whole system to meet them when the
+necessity arises. But we must not go in for more sentiment than is
+actually needful. The practical duties after a day's fishing are these.
+If the weather has been damp, change all wet garments _at once_, and if
+at all practicable have a hot bath before sitting down to dinner. We say
+dinner advisedly, for the angler should always have a good sound dinner
+after a day's fishing, as however pleasant the work may have been, still
+it is exhausting to the body, and a rough tea, though good in itself,
+cannot pretend to have the reviving elements in it that a substantial
+dinner has. A glass of whisky, or even two, in cold water, will be found
+a very safe accompaniment. A good plan is to order your whisky by the
+bottle, and put your card in a nick made in the cork: the ordering of
+whisky in glasses is expensive and unsatisfactory. Your dinner over,
+turn your attention to your tackle. Unwind your lines, so far as they
+have been wet, from the reels, and lay them out on your bedroom floor; if
+any chance of being interfered with, wind them round the backs of chairs
+instead. They will be dry by the morning. Dry your reels thoroughly, and
+put in a little oil wherever you think they would be the better of it;
+and this should be done to any other article--spring-balance, gaff,
+&c.--that is liable to rust. Your creel or fishing-bag should be washed
+out and hung up to dry by the servants of the house immediately after
+the fish have been removed, which latter should be done without delay.
+Your landing-net should also be suspended in the open air, that it may
+get dry as speedily as possible. A landing-net will last double the time
+if attention is given to it in this way. Take out all used casting-lines
+from your book, and lay them on the mantelpiece till morning: this will
+insure the feathers being freed from moisture. And in the case of
+expensive flies, this is a matter of consideration, both on the point of
+expense as well as your possible inability to replace them where you may
+happen to be sojourning for the time. If you mean to make up a new cast
+or casts for the morrow, place the casting-lines in a little water in
+your basin. They will be in excellent order next morning for
+manipulation. Also soak in like manner the _gut_ on which the flies
+which you mean to use are dressed. True, you may not be sure what flies
+you will put on till you see what sort of a day it may prove to be, but
+there is no harm done if you soak the gut (but only the gut) of as many
+flies as will give you a good choice.
+
+We should have said nearer the beginning of this chapter to look well
+after your waterproofs, that they are not hung up in a hot place. A dry
+room or outhouse where there is a good draught is best. If your fishing
+should happen to be over for the time being, put your tackle past (after
+being thoroughly dried) in the most orderly fashion possible. For our
+own part, we have the drawer in our bookcase spaced out into
+compartments suitable for holding all our tackle, barring reels and such
+like; and this arrangement we find extremely useful, and wonderfully
+convenient when we wish to find anything. If, on the other hand, you are
+out on a lengthy holiday, and have time at your disposal, after putting
+things right for the day, and for next day too, we know of nothing
+better than a _good_ rubber at whist for filling up the evening. It must
+be a _good_ rubber, however, for the parlour game is neither relaxation
+nor pleasure. Hence we would advise all our angling friends to acquire a
+thorough knowledge of the game, as only to be learned with the aid of a
+good book on the subject. Remember that when staying at some
+out-of-the-way fishing hotel, you may be asked to form a table with good
+players, and not to be able to hold your own on such occasions is a
+great loss of pleasure to yourself, and usually a source of annoyance to
+the others. These remarks are somewhat apart from the subject of this
+book, but by way of an aside, they may be found not quite out of place.
+
+Do not be beguiled into keeping late hours, for no one can fish well
+next day if he has not had a sufficient amount of sleep. But this is
+also an aside; for some men need more sleep than others, and each angler
+knows his own necessities best. We only promulgate the broad rule, that
+without proper rest no one can be in good trim with hand and eye for a
+pastime that needs both in a pre-eminent degree. We speak from
+experience in this too; and have sometimes imagined that our right hand
+had lost its cunning till we remembered that we had not been properly
+rested the night before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+REMINISCENCES.
+
+
+Having exhausted, so far as we can imagine, the practical part of our
+little treatise, we proceed--in accordance with an idea which we had in
+our minds at starting--to give a few personal recollections, and to name
+one or two lochs where we have enjoyed good sport, and where it is still
+to be had for the trouble of going. Reminiscences are, as a rule, not
+specially interesting to the general reader, hence we shall not make
+them too lengthy; for we wish, above all things, that our readers shall
+close this volume without experiencing a shadow of weariness. One thing,
+however, we would like to say to our younger angling friends--Have as
+many personal adventures to look back to as you possibly can. The
+adventures themselves can be best sought after when the blood flows
+fast; for the time will come when the rod and the tackle will perforce
+have to be laid aside, and memory will then, unaided, afford you many a
+pleasant retrospect, and you will--even companionless--fight your
+battles over again. You remember the story of the illustrious Prince
+Talleyrand: when a young man acknowledged to him that he could not play
+whist, Talleyrand said to him--"Young man, what a sad old age you are
+preparing for yourself!" We don't mean to go this length as regards
+fishing; but we safely say that a man who lives to old age without
+having been a keen angler, has not only deprived himself of great
+enjoyments during his active life, but has neglected to lay up a
+provision for the time when the memory of them would have made life's
+closing seasons sweeter.
+
+Our first acquaintance with LOCH ARD was very pleasant--not, perhaps, so
+much from any great expectation of sport, because at that time (many
+years ago now) we were young at the pastime, but more from the feeling
+of treading the ground made classical by the great Magician of the
+North, as the scene of the most stirring incidents in 'Rob Roy.'
+Attached to a big tree in front of the hotel at Aberfoyle there hangs a
+coulter, which tradition assigns as the veritable article which Bailie
+Nicol Jarvie made red-hot and used as a weapon of offence and defence
+when he was in a dilemma in what was, at that time, a very inaccessible
+part of the Highlands. Since then many a Glasgow magistrate has visited
+the spot--the inspection of the line of the noble waterworks undertaking
+which supplies the city being a sufficient excuse for the annual advent
+of the civic rulers. A railway station (Bucklyvie) is within eight miles
+of Aberfoyle, and Aberfoyle is within three miles of Loch Ard, and by
+the time this book is in the hand of the reader there will most likely
+be a railway station at Aberfoyle itself. Shade of Bailie Nicol Jarvie!
+what would you say if you were now to be allowed to haunt the old spot?
+to hear a locomotive screech where formerly you thought yourself so far
+"frae the Sautmarket o' Glesca"? We don't like the idea ourselves, and
+doubt very much if it will pay. However, it is the fishing alone which
+concerns us meantime, and we can at once assure our angling friends that
+the sport is good--not but what one has to fish hard for a basket; but
+the same remark applies to all our near-at-hand lochs. On an ordinary
+good day a dozen to eighteen trout may be captured, and sometimes the
+baskets are heavier; but eighteen fish, weighing 9 lb. to 12 lb., is a
+very fair day's work. The trout average fairly a half pound, and
+pounders are by no means scarce: a two-pounder is come across
+occasionally, but he is the exception. The fish are very pretty, and for
+their size give excellent sport. Fine tackle is here absolutely
+essential to success, and as a matter of sport should always be used in
+fishing for common yellow trout. The loch, for its size, is much fished;
+and we fear that when the railway facilities are completed, there will
+require to be a considerable amount of restocking to keep it up to the
+old mark. The scenery is unsurpassed--wood, water, and mountain, making
+a picture of wondrous beauty. To the north of the loch, Ben Lomond rears
+its mighty summit; and in the spring-time (for Loch Ard is an early
+loch), before the summer sun has melted the winter's snow, the effect is
+grand in the extreme. April, May, and June, are supposed to be the best
+months for angling; but we see no reason why, if the weather be
+favourable, these months should be singled out. The hotel accommodation
+at Aberfoyle is excellent. In the early months you must engage a boat
+beforehand: boatmen first-rate. Many a happy day we have spent on Loch
+Ard--sometimes successful and sometimes much the reverse; but in any
+case there is a witchery about the place that makes one enjoy himself in
+spite of all cares. Mind and body recruit their jaded energies, and get
+braced up to meet the stern realities of life.
+
+In strong contradistinction, in this respect, to Loch Ard, is LOCH
+LEVEN. In the latter, if the angler is not catching fish, there is
+little of the beautiful to commend itself to the senses. The island on
+which the castle stands is pretty, and as a historic ruin is well worthy
+of a visit, but otherwise the scenery is very tame, and the surroundings
+not entrancing. But since we have drifted into speaking of Loch Leven,
+we may as well tell of the sport which is to be had there,--and this, as
+is well known, is exceptionally good. The quality of the fish is
+wonderful; and after reading the statistics of a year's fishing--last
+season something like 18,000 fish, weighing as many pounds, were
+killed--one is puzzled to know how it is kept up. The loch itself is a
+great natural feeding-pond, miles and miles of it being of an almost
+uniform depth, and a boat may drift almost anywhere, the angler feeling
+at the same time certain that fish are in his immediate vicinity. Trout
+of two and three pounds are quite common; and it is a rare occasion that
+a day's average does not come up to the pound for each fish. They are
+very fine eating, and cut red as a grilse. The company which rents the
+loch pay £800 to £1000 for the fishing, and they in turn keep a fleet of
+large boats--twenty we think--and let them out to anglers at the rate of
+2s. 6d. an hour. Any number may fish from one boat. There are two
+boatmen in each boat,--one of whom is paid by the company, the other by
+the angler; and we are sorry to say that these men, with a few
+exceptions, are very much spoiled. There is a class of anglers(?) who
+frequent Loch Leven, whose whole aim seems to be, not sport so far as
+their own personal efforts are concerned, but the killing of as many
+fish as possible. If such a one has engaged a boat, he arms each boatman
+with a rod, and, of course, fishes himself, thus having three rods
+going at once. As we said before, the loch can be drifted without any
+attention from the men, after they have pulled up to the wind, and this
+enables them to get casting all the time that their employer is doing
+likewise. Not content with this, a couple of minnows are generally
+trolled astern when changing ground. We don't say that a man has not a
+right to do as he likes if he pays for his boat; but we _do_ ask, Is
+this sport? And why should boatmen be spoiled in this way to such an
+extent that we have known them sulk a whole day because a spare rod was
+not allowed to be put up for their special benefit? But, of course, the
+men are just as they have been made, and true anglers, who fish for a
+day's sport, and not for the mere sake of slaughter, have the remedy in
+their own hands. Don't let anything deter you from fishing Loch Leven.
+It may be expensive; but if you get a good, or even a fair day, you will
+not regret the expense. Get a friend to join you, and the expense is not
+so heavy after all; and if your friend and yourself fish perseveringly
+all day, you will usually be rewarded with a very fine show of fish.
+There is no harm in letting your men fish when you are taking your
+lunch, _but don't allow a third rod to be put up_. The boatmen are, as a
+rule, only fifth-rate fishers, though, of course, a few of them handle a
+rod well. Our recollections of Loch Leven are pleasant in some ways, in
+others they are not; but don't fail to give it a trial, if only for the
+pleasure of handling a big fish on fine gut. The manager of the Loch
+Leven fishings, Captain Hall, fills a very difficult post with much
+acceptance to all concerned.
+
+But to leave the Lowlands and go into the far North, we take you to LOCH
+ASSYNT, in Sutherlandshire, and to a little loch near it,--LOCH AWE by
+name. The journey to Assynt is long and weary: train to Lairg, and then
+between thirty and forty miles driving, is a good long scamper for
+fishing, but it is worth it. The inn at Inchnadamph is good, but when we
+were there in 1877 the boat accommodation was poor enough: perhaps they
+have improved upon that since. The first day after our arrival we had to
+go to Loch Awe, as the boats on the large loch (Assynt) were taken up.
+Such a morning of rain and wind! We were wet through our waterproofs
+during the four-mile drive, but luckily the weather moderated, and we
+had an excellent day's fishing. With two in the boat, we took 57 lb.
+weight of beautiful fish,--not large, but very game, and spotted
+intensely red. It must have been a good day, for many an angler tried
+his luck after our success, but never came near that mark, at least when
+we were there. Loch Assynt is more attractive, however, inasmuch as the
+chances of big fish are not remote. Trout of a pound weight, and over,
+are not uncommon, while the chance of a grilse adds excitement to the
+sport. Then _ferox_, as we have said in a previous chapter, are,
+comparatively speaking, not scarce, if one cares to go in for trolling
+for them. But, in any case, the angler is always sure of a basket of
+lovely yellow trout. On the hills behind the inn there is a small loch,
+called the MULACH-CORRIE, in which it is said that the gillaroo trout
+are to be found. Whether they are the real trout of that species or not,
+we cannot say, but certainly they are beautiful fish,--pink in the
+scales, and running to large sizes. We saw a basket taken by a friend,
+and it was a treat to look at. The fish were all taken with the fly,
+but we were told afterwards that worm is even deadlier than fly, and
+that one should never go there without a supply of "wrigglers." The hill
+between the inn and the Mulach-Corrie is a perfect paradise for
+fern-gatherers. It is said that about two dozen different kinds can be
+gathered; and we believe it, for even our untutored eyes discerned
+sixteen varieties! Our visit to Inchnadamph must be placed among the
+red-letter periods of our fishing life, and to be looked back to with
+much enjoyment.
+
+LOCH MORAR, in Inverness-shire, is another delightful spot, and somewhat
+out of the usual track. The fishing is most excellent, and yellow trout
+of all sizes are very abundant. Sea-trout and salmon find their way
+frequently into the angler's basket; and half-way up the loch, which is
+a long one, at a bay into which the Meoble river flows, numbers of
+sea-fish are to be found. The best way is to fly-fish up to that bay one
+day, and seek shelter at night in some shepherd's cottage, thus being at
+hand to prosecute salmon and sea-trout fishing the next day, or days, if
+you find the sport good. It is right to take a supply of provisions and
+liquor with you, for the accommodation is humble. We write this from
+hearsay, as when we were there in mid-July salmon and sea-trout were not
+in the loch in large numbers; but still we caught some of the latter,
+and hooked, though, unfortunately, did not kill, any of the former. We
+should think that the beginning of August would be the best time for
+this loch as regards sea-fish; but the trout-fishing in July is
+unsurpassable. During our sojourn in 1876 at Arisaig, the nearest
+village to the loch, which is six miles off, and necessitating a drive
+over what was then a road sadly in need of General Wade's good offices,
+we had the services of a boatman, Angus by name, and his two boys, who
+could not speak a word of English,--Angus managing one boat, and his
+boys the other. We had the satisfaction--for indeed it was good fun--to
+be out with the boys one day; and the management of the boat had to be
+done by signals. It was wonderful how readily the boys got into the way
+of it, and how well we got on together. The memory of the hospitality
+which we enjoyed at Arisaig Inn will not be forgotten by any of our
+party; and we hope that the then occupier, Mr Routledge, will be there
+when we go back again. An inn was in course of being built at the
+loch-side in 1876, but we do not know how it has succeeded. The easiest
+way to Arisaig is by steamer, which usually goes once a-week; but the
+angler should, if possible, go to Banavie or Fort-William,--the latter
+for choice, as Banavie Hotel is famous for long bills (and we can
+testify that its notoriety in this respect is deserved),--and then drive
+to Arisaig. It is about thirty-eight miles from Fort-William to Arisaig,
+but the drive is something to be remembered during a lifetime. After
+having traversed this road, you will say, "There's no place like home"
+for grand and beautiful scenery. We must see Loch Morar again if we
+possibly can, before we bequeath our tackle to the next generation.
+
+The time would fail us to tell of many other lochs, more or less famous
+for the good sport they afford; but the angler, if at all of an
+enterprising nature, need have little hesitation in taking up Mr Lyall's
+excellent 'Sportsman's Guide,' and making a selection on his own
+account. The information is very correct so far as we have tried it,
+sometimes--perhaps most anglers are inclined that way--erring a little
+to the _couleur de rose_ side of things, but quite trustworthy in being
+followed as a suggester for a fortnight's fishing. We have gained much
+pleasure in exploring some of our more remote lochs, of the existence of
+which we might never have been aware but for its information. We cannot,
+however, close this long, but we hope not wearisome, chapter without
+singing the praises of our Queen of Scottish Lakes, LOCH LOMOND. The
+scenery of this beautiful spot is well known in some ways, but no amount
+of travelling in a steamer will reveal its beauties. To the tourist we
+would say, take a small boat at Luss and engage a man to row you among
+the islands which lie between Luss and Balmaha. With this hint to the
+tourist, we leave him, and turn the angler's attention to the
+sport--very precarious at most times, but excellent at others--to be had
+on Loch Lomond. Luss is the angling centre, and there are capital boats
+and men to be had by writing beforehand to the hotel-keeper, Mr M'Nab,
+who deserves much credit for the attention he pays to the wants of
+anglers.
+
+The yellow-trout fishing is good, but, strange to say, this class of
+sport is not much sought after. In April and May as good trout-fishing
+is to be had as on some other lochs that enjoy a greater reputation. But
+if the weather has been at all favourable to the fish running, the month
+of June sees the sea-trout fishing fairly commenced. It is a hard loch
+to fish; and if you are lucky enough to get two or three sea-trout in a
+day, consider yourself fortunate. They are a good average--2 lb. to 3
+lb. being quite common--but they spread themselves so much over a large
+portion of water that one may fish a whole day and not come across them.
+This, however, is the exception, as in an ordinary fair fishing day in
+June, July, August, and September, and even October if the weather is
+mild, they are almost certain to be seen, if not caught. Some days
+really good sport is to be had--indeed, one is surprised at the show of
+fish; but fish or no fish, the charm of Loch Lomond is everlasting. The
+angler finds his way back over and over again, till, as in our own
+experience, the islands of Lonaig, Moan, Cruin, Fad, and last and least,
+Darroch, the great landing-spot, are as familiar to him as his daily
+business haunts. Then the chances of a salmon are good--indeed, this
+year (1881) a great many have been killed; but somehow or another the
+sea-trout fishing has not been so good, and though a salmon is always a
+salmon, we would rather see a good show of sea-trout at any time. Like
+our neighbours, we have had good and bad days on Loch Lomond; but
+disappointment has never soured us--indeed, the fascination seems to get
+stronger. And it is so very convenient for a day's fishing--down in the
+morning and home at night, with a good long day between. The charge for
+boatman is 5s. to 6s. and lunch; and though this seems high, it must not
+be forgotten that the distances are great. A boat costs 2s. per day. The
+men are good all over, some of them really first-rate. Many and many a
+story we could tell of happy fishing days, and of days most enjoyably
+spent when fishing was no go; but mostly every angler can do the same,
+and we don't wish to become too tiresome. Perhaps if we get the chance
+we may extend this chapter on some future occasion, and add some
+experiences of as yet untried places.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Brother of the gentle art, we bid you farewell! We have done our best to
+give you the benefit of our experience in the peaceful pursuit of
+loch-fishing; and if we have said too much or too little, pray excuse
+us, and in your goodness of heart reprove us for our verbosity, and tell
+us what is awanting. The spirit on our part has been very willing; but
+the memory may have been defective when it should have been most active,
+and quite possibly our love for the art may have somewhere or another
+led us into discursiveness where we should have been brief. We are all
+human, and he is a poor mortal who thinks he cannot err. Again we say
+farewell!--not for long, however, we hope. Who knows where we may meet?
+If we do, and you recognise us, don't forget to give us a little
+encouragement, and, if you can, new material for extending the
+usefulness of this publication. As we write, the hand of winter is upon
+us, and the rod and reel have been relegated to safe quarters; but
+spring will return, and the enforced cessation of our enjoyment will
+only add new zest to the music of the reel
+
+    "When green leaves come again."
+
+
+
+
+PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS.
+
+
+
+
+                LATELY PUBLISHED, FIFTH EDITION, REVISED.
+
+                          THE MOOR AND THE LOCH.
+
+          CONTAINING MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS IN ALL HIGHLAND SPORTS,
+                  WITH WANDERINGS OVER CRAG AND CORRIE,
+                             FLOOD AND FELL.
+
+                            BY JOHN COLQUHOUN.
+
+    2 vols. post 8vo, with Two Portraits and other Illustrations. 26s.
+
+
+                       SOME OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
+
+"In the present delightful volumes, however, he presents all lovers
+of Scotland with the completest details of every Highland sport, on all
+of which he is an unexceptionable authority; and with what many will
+value even more, a series of life-like sketches of the rarer and more
+interesting animals of the country. He has thus brought up to the
+present level of knowledge the history of all the scarce birds and
+beasts of Scotland.... Henceforth it must necessarily find a place
+in the knapsack of every Northern tourist who is fond of our
+wild creatures, and is simply indispensable in every Scotch
+shooting-lodge."--_Academy._
+
+"We should recommend fishers to study carefully all the chapters on
+fishing for salmon, loch trout, sea trout, and yellow trout, whatever
+may be their experience or erudition. They will find general hints of
+immense use which they can apply to that local knowledge of their own
+river or 'water' which no books can teach, and which Mr Colquhoun
+himself would equally have to learn. But no chapter ought to be skipped,
+even by a reader who aspires to far less than the fourfold distinction
+of a Highland hunter, which consists in killing a red-deer, an eagle, a
+salmon, and a seal."--_Saturday Review._
+
+"The book is one written by a gentleman for gentlemen, healthy in tone,
+earnest in purpose, and as fresh, breezy, and life-giving as the
+mountain air of the hills amongst which the sport it chronicles is
+carried on."--_The World._
+
+"One of those rare and delightful books which, with all the fulness of
+knowledge, breathe the very freshness of the country, and either console
+you in your city confinement, or make you sigh to be away, according to
+the humour in which you happen to read it."--_Blackwood's Magazine._
+
+                  *       *       *       *       *
+
+                          LATELY PUBLISHED.
+
+                     A HANDBOOK OF DEER-STALKING.
+
+                         BY ALEXANDER MACRAE,
+                Late Forester to Lord Henry Bentinck.
+
+               WITH INTRODUCTION BY HORATIO ROSS, ESQ.
+
+            Fcap. 8vo, with Two Photos. from Life. 3s. 6d.
+
+"A work not only useful to sportsmen, but highly entertaining to the
+general reader."--_United Service Gazette._
+
+"The writer of this valuable little book speaks with authority, and sums
+up in a few pages hints on deer-stalking which the experience of a
+lifetime has enabled him to put forth.... We can only recommend every
+one who pursues the fascinating sport of which the author writes, to
+glance through, and indeed to read carefully, this handbook."--_Sporting
+and Dramatic News._
+
+"An interesting little book, alike because of the knowledge which its
+author displays of his subject, and of the simple style in which it is
+written. It is a handbook such as sportsmen must have long
+desired."--_Scotsman._
+
+                  *       *       *       *       *
+
+                             RECREATIONS
+                                 OF
+                         CHRISTOPHER NORTH.
+
+         With Portrait of the Author in his Sporting Jacket.
+
+               New Edition. Two Vols., crown 8vo, 8s.
+
+"Welcome, right welcome, Christopher North; we cordially greet thee in
+thy new dress, thou genial and hearty old man, whose 'Ambrosian Nights'
+have so often in imagination transported us from solitude to the social
+circle, and whose vivid pictures of flood and fell, of loch and glen,
+have carried us in thought from the smoke, din, and pent-up opulence of
+London, to the rushing stream or tranquil tarn of those
+mountain-ranges."--_Times._
+
+                  *       *       *       *       *
+
+              W. BLACKWOOD & SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+    Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Variant
+    and dialect spellings remain as printed. Hyphenation has been
+    standardised.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Scotch Loch-Fishing, by 
+AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
+
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+Project Gutenberg's Scotch Loch-Fishing, by AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
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+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Scotch Loch-Fishing
+
+Author: AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
+
+Release Date: July 16, 2008 [EBook #26072]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
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+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed
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+
+
+<div class="bk1"><h1>SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING</h1>
+
+<h2><span class="fsm">BY</span><br />
+"BLACK PALMER"</h2>
+
+<p class="p1"><big>WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS</big><br />
+EDINBURGH AND LONDON<br />
+MDCCCLXXXII</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i><small>All Rights reserved</small></i></p></div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="p2"><b><big><i>Dedicated</i></big></b><br />
+<small>TO THE</small><br />
+<big>MEMBERS OF THE WESTERN ANGLING CLUB GLASGOW</big><br />
+IN REMEMBRANCE OF MANY HAPPY DAYS<br />
+SPENT IN THEIR COMPANY</div>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></p>
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<p class="noin"><span class="smcap">The</span> Author of this very practical treatise
+on Scotch Loch-Fishing desires chiefly
+that it may be of use to all who read it.
+He does not pretend to have written
+anything new, but to have attempted to
+put what he has to say in as readable
+a form as possible. Everything in the
+way of the history and habits of fish
+has been studiously avoided, and technicalities
+have been used as sparingly as
+possible. The writing of this book has
+afforded him much pleasure in his leisure
+moments, and that pleasure would be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span>
+much increased if he knew that the perusal
+of it would create any bond of sympathy
+between himself and the angling
+community in general. This edition is
+interleaved with blank sheets for the
+reader's notes. The Author need hardly
+say that any suggestions addressed to
+the care of the publishers, will meet with
+consideration in a future edition.</p>
+
+<p class="p3"><span class="smcap">Glasgow</span>, <i>March 1882</i>.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td class="td2"><small>CHAP.</small></td><td class="td2" colspan="2"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">I.</td><td class="td1">INTRODUCTORY,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">II.</td><td class="td1">EQUIPMENT,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">III.</td><td class="td1">TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">IV.</td><td class="td1">FLIES AND CASTING-LINES,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">V.</td><td class="td1">TROLLING-TACKLE AND LURES,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">VI.</td><td class="td1">DUTIES OF BOATMAN,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">VII.</td><td class="td1">ETIQUETTE OF LOCH-FISHING,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">VIII.</td><td class="td1">CASTING AND STRIKING,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">IX.</td><td class="td1">TROLLING,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">X.</td><td class="td1">CAPTURE OF FISH,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">XI.</td><td class="td1">AFTER A DAY'S FISHING,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">XII.</td><td class="td1">REMINISCENCES,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="td2">XIII.</td><td class="td1">CONCLUSION,</td><td class="td2"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+<h1>SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING.</h1>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.<br />
+<small>INTRODUCTORY.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">We</span> do not pretend to write or enlarge upon
+a new subject. Much has been said
+and written&mdash;and well said and written too&mdash;on
+the art of fishing; but loch-fishing <i>per se</i>
+has been rather looked upon as a second-rate
+performance, and to dispel this idea is one of
+the objects for which this present treatise has
+been written. Far be it from us to say anything
+against fishing, lawfully practised in any
+form; but many pent up in our large towns will
+bear us out when we say that, on the whole, a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>
+day's loch-fishing is the most convenient. One
+great matter is, that the loch-fisher is dependent
+on nothing but enough wind to "curl" the
+water,&mdash;and on a large loch it is very seldom
+that a dead calm prevails all day,&mdash;and can
+make his arrangements for a day, weeks beforehand;
+whereas the stream-fisher is dependent
+for a good take on the state of the water: and
+however pleasant and easy it may be for one
+living near the banks of a good trout stream or
+river, it is quite another matter to arrange for
+a day's river-fishing, if one is looking forward
+to a holiday at a date some weeks ahead. Providence
+may favour the expectant angler with
+a "good" day, and the water in order; but experience
+has taught most of us that the "good"
+days are in the minority, and that, as is the
+case with our rapid running streams,&mdash;such as
+many of our northern streams are,&mdash;the water
+is either too large or too small, unless, as previously
+remarked, you live near at hand, and can
+catch it at its best.</p>
+
+<p>A common belief in regard to loch-fishing is,
+that the tyro and the experienced angler have
+nearly the same chance in fishing,&mdash;the one
+from the stern and the other from the bow of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>
+the same boat. Of all the absurd beliefs as
+to loch-fishing, this is one of the most absurd.
+Try it. Give the tyro either end of the boat
+he likes; give him a cast of any flies he may
+fancy, or even a cast similar to those which a
+"crack" may be using; and if he catches one
+for every three the other has, he may consider
+himself very lucky. Of course there are lochs
+where the fish are not abundant, and a beginner
+may come across as many as an older fisher;
+but we speak of lochs where there are fish to
+be caught, and where each has a fair chance.</p>
+
+<p>Again, it is said that the boatman has as
+much to do with catching trout in a loch as
+the angler. Well, we don't deny that. In an
+untried loch it is necessary to have the guidance
+of a good boatman; but the same argument
+holds good as to stream-fishing. There
+are "pools and pools," and the experienced
+loch-fisher can "spot" a bay or promontory,
+where trout are likely to be lying, with as
+much certainty as his brother angler can calculate
+on the lie of fish in a stream. Then
+there are objections to loch-fishing on the score
+of expense. These we are not prepared to refute;
+for there is no doubt whatever that loch-fishing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>
+means money. But what has made it
+so? The same reason that makes all other
+things of more or less value&mdash;the common law
+of supply and demand. Time was, and that
+not so long ago, when a boatman who used to
+get 3s., or at most 4s. a-day, now gets his 5s.
+or 6s., and even at the latter figure does not
+think himself too well paid. In the extreme
+north, however, it is still possible to get a good
+man for 3s. a-day; and we know of nothing
+more enjoyable than a fortnight's loch-fishing
+amidst magnificent scenery in some of our
+northern counties. The expense of getting
+there will always be a serious matter; but
+once there, the fishing in itself is not dear.
+The boat is usually got for nothing; the right
+of fishing, so far at least as trout are concerned,
+is free; and the man's wage and lunch
+are decidedly cheap. But for a single day on
+some of our nearer lochs,&mdash;such as Loch Leven,
+Loch Ard, or Loch Lomond,&mdash;the expenses <i>are</i>
+heavy, and the angler must always be the best
+judge as to the likelihood of the "game being
+worth the candle."</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.<br />
+<small>EQUIPMENT.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">This</span> will be a short chapter, as tastes differ
+so very much, that many things we might
+say would most probably be disregarded. But
+as to some matters, there can only be one
+opinion. Do not fish in <i>light-coloured</i> clothes;
+and, should the weather be wet, do not wear
+a white macintosh coat. We believe that the
+eyesight of a fish is the keenest sense which
+it possesses; and, more especially should the
+day be clear and fine, there is no doubt that
+an unusual white object within range of its
+vision will make a fish, which might otherwise
+have taken the fly, turn tail and flee. A good
+deal of what we hear spoken of as fish "rising
+short," proceeds from this cause. No doubt
+they rise short sometimes on seeing the angler<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+himself, but he is much less likely to attract
+notice if clad in dark-hued clothing. We
+know of nothing better for a fishing rig-out
+than a suit made from dark Harris tweed&mdash;it
+will almost last a lifetime, and is a warm and
+comfortable wear. Thus you will need a dark
+macintosh and leggings; and a common sou'wester
+is, when needed, a very useful head-gear.
+A pair of cloth-lined india-rubber gloves
+will be found desirable in early spring, when
+it is quite possible that the temperature may
+be low enough for snow. A pair of stout
+lacing boots, made with uppers reaching well
+up the leg, will be found best, as they protect
+the feet from getting damp when going into
+or leaving a boat, even though one should need
+to step into the water; and if your waterproof
+coat is long, as it should be, the necessity of
+wearing leggings on a wet day is obviated.
+Lastly, <i>by all means keep the body warm</i>, and
+remember that the more careful you are of
+yourself, even at the risk of being thought
+"old wifish," you will, humanly speaking, be
+enabled to enjoy the sport to a greater age
+than you might otherwise do.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER III.<br />
+<small>TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">As</span> this is likely to be one of the most important
+chapters in the book, the reader
+must forgive us if we are particular&mdash;even to
+a fault&mdash;in describing some of the necessaries
+towards the full enjoyment of the pleasures of
+loch-fishing. So much depends on our being
+comfortable in our enjoyments, that we have,
+perhaps, erred on the side of luxuriance; but
+to those anglers who think so, there is nothing
+easier than their leaving out what they think
+superfluous.</p>
+
+<p><i>Creel, or Fishing-Bag.</i>&mdash;The creel for loch-fishing
+should be of the largest size made, so
+as to serve for all kinds of fish; and as the
+angler is always in a boat, the difference of
+room occupied is of very little moment. Besides,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
+it accommodates his tackle and lunch,
+and even waterproofs, though the latter are
+better to be strapped on outside. These creels
+are neatest when made in French basket-work;
+and even the lightest of them, with ordinary
+care, will last many years, more especially if
+the edges and bottom are leather-bound. Almost
+any tackle-shop will supply them plain,
+or bound with leather, as desired. Brass hinges
+and hasp will also be found great improvements.
+The fishing-bag is of somewhat recent
+development, and is very convenient; but the
+objection to it is that, unless the waterproof
+cloth with which it is lined be carefully
+washed after each day's fishing, a nasty smell
+is apt to be contracted and retained. Though
+we use the bag often ourselves, we incline for
+many reasons to the old-fashioned creel. Many
+loch-fishers carry along with them a square
+basket about 16 in. &times; 8 broad &times; 10 deep, which
+they use for carrying their tackle and lunch,
+thus leaving the creel or fishing-bag free for
+fish alone. This is a capital plan, the only
+objection being that it makes another article
+to carry. As to its usefulness there can be
+no doubt, as nothing is more undesirable than<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+having tackle and fish in one basket or bag,
+even though you should have something between.
+Some anglers go the length of a luncheon-basket,
+but this savours so much of the
+picnic that we don't approve of it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Landing-Net and Gaff.</i>&mdash;These may be got
+at any tackle shop, the only care to be exercised
+being in the selection of a good long
+handle, and in seeing that the net be made
+of twine which resists the catching of hooks,
+and that it be of a size capable of landing a
+large fish, as the gaff leaves an ugly mark,
+and should only be used when actually necessary.
+The screw of the net-hoop and of the
+gaff will suit the same handle.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fishing-Rods.</i>&mdash;For loch-fishing, it is desirable
+to use a rod not less than 14 feet in
+length, if fishing for ordinary yellow trout; but
+if for sea trout, and the chance of "a fish" <i>par
+excellence</i>, then the rod should be a couple of
+feet longer. The angler will find that it is
+better to have both rods with him&mdash;the spare
+one being handy in case of calamity&mdash;as the
+extra trouble of carrying is very slight: rods
+and landing-net handle can be easily tied up together
+with small leather straps. Do not have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>
+a rod that bends too freely&mdash;rather err on the
+other side; because in loch-fishing you have
+generally wind enough to carry your flies
+out, and if you do get a 3 or 4 pounder, the
+advantage of a fairly stiff rod is apparent.
+We prefer rods in three pieces&mdash;no hollow-butts&mdash;and
+made of greenheart throughout.
+The first cost is more than for rods whose
+various parts are made of different woods, but
+the greenheart is the cheapest rod in the end.
+With the minimum of care, a greenheart never
+gets out of order; and a good rod of this
+description will be as straight at the end of
+a season as at the beginning. Avoid all
+fancy rods, and do not be beguiled into buying
+them.</p>
+
+<p><i>Reels and Lines.</i>&mdash;Always carry a couple of
+reels with you, the smaller with 60 yards of
+fine line, and the larger with not less than 100
+yards of grilse line. Silk-and-hair lines are
+not very expensive, and with a little care will
+last a long time. They will be found the most
+satisfactory for all kinds of fly-work. The
+reels which we consider best are made of
+bronzed metal and vulcanite: they are light,
+and stand a lot of wear. When buying your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
+rods, get the reels fitted to them, and see that
+the fit is sufficiently tight, as nothing is more
+annoying than to find the ferrules loosening
+their hold of the reel, and that, perhaps, at a
+most critical moment. Should the reels referred
+to not be heavy enough to balance the
+rods properly&mdash;and this is a matter of great
+importance&mdash;it may be as well to take reels
+made entirely of bronzed metal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fly-Book.</i>&mdash;We are not much in favour of
+fly-books. They are a great temptation to
+keeping a large stock of flies; and in the following
+chapter we will show that the fewer
+flies one possesses the better. A serious objection
+to a fly-book is, that the flies get crushed
+in it, and we consider a box a better receptacle;
+but if the angler will have a fly-book,
+one of moderate size&mdash;rather to the big size
+if anything&mdash;made of pig-skin leather, and
+well provided with pouches for holding casting-lines,
+as well as the usual receptacles for flies,
+will be found best. These books are to be had
+in great variety at any wholesale tackle warehouse;
+and taste goes a long way in non-essentials.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Beyond the articles mentioned, the angler
+should always have at hand the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<ul><li>Spring balance, weighing up to 20 lb.</li>
+<li>Small screw-driver.</li>
+<li>Small gimlet.</li>
+<li>Small bottle clockmaker's oil.</li>
+<li>Bottle varnish.</li>
+<li>Carriage-lamp, and candles to fit, for travelling.</li>
+<li>Two packs playing-cards.</li>
+<li>Good-sized flask.</li>
+<li>Flat glass or horn drinking-cup.</li>
+<li>Pocket-scissors. The kind that shut up will be found very useful.</li>
+<li>Corkscrew.</li>
+<li>Hank of medium gut for emergencies.</li>
+<li>Fine silk thread and resin.</li>
+<li>Some common thin twine for tying joints of rod together.</li>
+<li>Also articles named in Chapter V., p. 21, under "Trolling-Tackle and Lures."</li></ul>
+
+<p>Many of these things may be considered
+quite <i>de trop</i>; but the longer one fishes, the
+more one finds out that the little luxuries
+give a vast amount of enjoyment for the small
+amount of foresight required to have them at
+hand when wanted.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+<small>FLIES AND CASTING-LINES.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Flies</span>.&mdash;Here we shall no doubt come into
+conflict with many opinions, and most
+probably meet with the most criticism. However,
+as all we have written, and mean to
+write, is the result of actual experience, we
+may be pardoned for being somewhat dogmatic
+on the subject in hand. In the first place,
+don't keep a large stock of flies. If going for
+a day's fishing, buy as many as you think
+you'll need, and <i>no more</i>. Buy them of different
+sizes; and if you get a few each time you
+go for an outing, you will be astonished how
+soon a spare stock accumulates. Ascertain
+carefully beforehand the <i>size</i> suitable to the
+loch&mdash;the <i>kinds</i> are not of so much importance&mdash;and
+once you have made up a cast, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+which operation there is no harm in taking
+your boatman's suggestions, <i>do not change</i>, unless
+it be to put on a smaller or larger size
+according to the wind, or unless it is conclusively
+proved that other flies are raising trout
+when yours cannot. Of course, if you are
+going for a fortnight's fishing, you will require
+to lay in a fair stock; but even then get as few
+as you think you can possibly do with. Do
+not run any risk of running short, and do not
+place yourself in the position of needing to use
+old casts: that is poor economy in the long-run.
+The following is, we think, a fair list for a fortnight's
+sport in an out-of-the-way place:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table class="lftb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td class="center" style="white-space: nowrap;">Half-dozen</td><td class="td3">harelugs.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">red and teal.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">orange and mallard.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">green and woodcock.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">black spiders with red tips, commonly called "Zulus."</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">red spiders, hackle taken well down the hook.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">March Browns, which, though supposed to come out in March, are really capital flies at any time.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">yellow body with cinnamon wings and golden-pheasant tip.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">"</td><td class="td3">dark harelug body, mallard wing and red tip. This is a splendid spring fly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="clr">These we would get dressed on Loch Leven
+size&mdash;any fly-dresser knows what that means;
+but perhaps the better way would be to get a
+quarter dozen of each dressed on that size, and a
+quarter dozen of each on a hook two sizes larger.
+The patterns in a tackle-maker's book are endless,
+but for the most part are modifications or
+combinations of the flies we have named; and
+the angler will soon discover for himself that
+flies and old half-used casts, and often casts made
+up in the humour of the moment, and never
+used at all, accumulate upon him so rapidly
+that he is glad to find some enthusiastic boatman
+to bestow them upon. It is needless to
+add, that a gift of this kind is usually very
+much appreciated by the recipient. Tinsel is
+a very useful adjunct to a fly, and should always
+be employed in those used in loch-fishing.
+If variety is wanted in colouring, the
+least tip of Berlin or pig's wool of the desired
+shade will be found very effective. Get your
+flies dressed on Limerick-bend hooks, as the
+iron, should it chance not to be the best tempered
+in the world, is not so liable to snap as
+the round bend. The wings of the fly should
+be dressed so as to be distinctly apart both in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+the water and out of it, thus&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="bk1" style="width: 184px;">
+<img src="images/001.png" width="184" height="103" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="noin">It gives the fly a much more life-like appearance,
+and makes it swim better in the water.
+When you give orders for flies, see that they
+are dressed up to your instructions, as it is
+quite certain you will fish with much more
+confidence when you have faith in what you
+are using. Do not have them dressed on too
+fine gut, as they are apt to get twisted round
+the casting-line (usually called "riding the
+line"), and put you to the trouble of straightening
+them out every few minutes. These remarks
+may seem trifling; but trifles are very irritating
+in most pursuits, and the gentle art is no
+exception. Flies suitable for salmon and sea-trout
+fishing on almost any loch will be supplied
+at any shop in the trade on asking for
+Loch Lomond patterns. These patterns are
+well-known, and are without exception as fine
+flies as one could wish for. They are usually
+made very full in the body, and dressed with
+heron's hackle. The varieties are red and teal,
+green and teal, orange and mallard, or turkey,
+and a few variations of these,&mdash;sometimes a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+yellow tip to the red and green bodies, or a
+red tip to the yellow; but a cast composed of
+red or green and teal with orange and mallard
+is unsurpassable. For this class of fishing,
+the flies should be dressed with loops, and
+the bob should be fixed to the casting-line
+by means of a small strand of gut. Two
+flies on a cast are quite sufficient when big
+fish are expected. We can hardly advise the
+angler to try fly-dressing on his own account.
+It is hardly worth his while, as flies are to
+be had very reasonably from any respectable
+tackle-maker; and they are much better
+dressed in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred
+than any amateur performance.</p>
+
+<hr class="min" />
+
+<p><i>Casting-Lines.</i>&mdash;Provide yourself with half
+a dozen each, of different thickness&mdash;that is,
+fine, medium, and stout, the latter for salmon
+and sea-trout fishing. That quantity should
+suffice for a fortnight's outing, even making
+allowance for breakage, and leave you some
+over for another time: but in this matter it is
+better to run no risk of being short. The gut
+should be stained a light tea colour, or the
+faintest blue: it can be bought so. There is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+no occasion for them being more than three
+yards long, as we cannot advocate fishing with
+more than three flies at a time. If three flies
+are properly placed on a line, and the line be
+properly handled in the casting, they will cover
+as much water as any number of flies. Besides,
+there is far less chance of a "fankle," to use a
+most expressive Scotch word, than when four
+or more flies are used. In this, however,
+<i>chacun &agrave; son go&ucirc;t</i>,&mdash;we are only giving an
+opinion after trying both ways.</p>
+
+<p>In making up a cast of flies, <i>have no loops</i>
+of any kind, excepting the one by which the
+cast is attached to your silk-and-hair line. The
+water-knot is so simple and neat, that it is the
+best for the purpose of fixing on the tail-fly,
+which, by the way, should be the heaviest of
+those you are about to use, if there is any
+difference between them. In case our readers
+don't know the water-knot, we give an illustration
+which explains itself&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="bk1" style="width: 635px;">
+<img src="images/002.png" width="635" height="76" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="noin">The loops are pulled tight, and then the fly
+and the line are drawn in opposite directions,
+the result being that the knots formed by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+loops meet and make a firm, and at the same
+time an almost imperceptible, joining. You
+then clip off any ends that may remain. So
+much for the tail fly. The putting on of the
+other two is simplicity itself. You take the
+strand of gut on which the next fly you purpose
+affixing is dressed, and laying it along the
+main line, <i>taking care to have the hook lying in
+the reverse direction from the tail fly</i>, you tie
+it into the line a yard from the fly already
+attached. In tying it in, leave the hook hanging
+about two and a half inches from the line.
+The third, or "bob" fly, is attached in like
+manner, and thus your cast of flies is completed.
+The only objection to this method of
+making up a cast is, that once the middle and
+bob flies are tied in, they cannot be used again.
+This is quite true; but the keen angler will
+submit to the little extra expense on this score
+for the gratification which the sight of a really
+neat cast will afford him. The system of suspending
+hooks by loops, especially when using
+fine tackle, is almost entirely exploded. We
+should have said that previous to use, all gut
+should be soaked, and the longer the better.
+It is a good plan to let it soak over night, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+make up your cast in the morning. When gut
+is thus thoroughly wet, it is wonderful how
+easy it is of manipulation. On the other hand,
+dry gut is very brittle, and will break on the
+slightest provocation. Fix the cast and silk-and-hair
+line together, having previously made
+a single knot on the end of the latter, as illustrated
+below&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="bk1" style="width: 618px;">
+<img src="images/003.png" width="618" height="49" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="noin">It is prudent to have a second cast ready in
+case of breakage, as nothing is more annoying
+than losing time making up one in the boat,
+and that most probably when the trout are
+rising. Experience is a great teacher; and it
+is wonderful how soon the angler learns the
+value of every moment, and seeks beforehand,
+so far as human foresight can go, to provide
+for all contingencies.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.<br />
+<small>TROLLING-TACKLE AND LURES.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Do</span> not troll at all if you can get fishing
+with the fly; and under no circumstances
+troll for trout in the very early part of the
+season, when they are more or less in a "kelty"
+state, and take an artificial or other minnow
+very keenly. True, you may catch fish, but it
+is a most unsportsmanlike proceeding to take
+fish not in fair condition; and if you, sir, who
+read this book, are not a sportsman, you had
+better stop here, for it was compiled by a
+sportsman for sportsmen. There are some
+miserable "pot-hunters" who want to kill anything
+that swims&mdash;be it clean or unclean; but
+with them we have nothing whatever to do.
+But fair trolling is quite legitimate, and in
+many cases it is absolutely imperative to troll<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+if a basket is to be made at all. Some days
+the fly is of no use&mdash;either owing to a calm, or
+to a bright sky; and a well-managed trolling-line
+or two is then the only resort, unless one
+stops fishing altogether. And if big trout and
+<i>ferox</i> are wanted, nothing succeeds&mdash;indeed
+nothing <i>will</i> succeed, except very occasionally&mdash;but
+trolling, either with artificial or natural
+bait. So to be complete you must have the
+requisite tackle, and we will tell you what is
+necessary, both for small and large fish, in as
+few words as we possibly can. A <span class="smcapl">ROD</span> specially
+adapted for trolling is almost a necessity, as it
+is a great strain upon an ordinary fly-rod to
+have the weight of 30 or 40 yards of line
+upon it: even a good rod is apt to get an ugly
+bend from such treatment. The rod for trolling
+need not be long&mdash;12 to 14 feet is quite sufficient&mdash;but
+it must be stiff; and we consider
+that the rings through which the line is led
+ought to be large and fixed&mdash;that is, standing
+out permanently from the wood, called by the
+trade upright rings. A spare top will be supplied
+along with it. The <span class="smcapl">REEL</span> should be of
+the largest description, and may be got as
+strong as possible, lightness being no recommendation<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+to one used exclusively for trolling.
+The <span class="smcapl">LINE</span> ought to be at least 100 yards long&mdash;120
+for choice&mdash;and this suffices for any kind
+of fish. The material best adapted for trolling
+is oiled silk-and-hair. There is a kind of line,
+made in America, we believe, which is admirably
+adapted for the purpose. It is strong as
+wire-rope, and does not "kink" under any circumstances&mdash;which
+latter is a consideration, as
+sometimes a paltry trout may come on, and you
+have only to haul him in hand-over-hand without
+running the risk of your line getting into
+a mess. This saves the trouble and waste of
+time in reeling up many yards of line every
+time a "smout" comes on. The line to which
+we refer is somewhat expensive, but will be
+found to be cheap in the long-run. An ordinary
+silk-and-hair line does well enough, but
+is apt to twist sadly if the minnow is not spinning
+properly, besides the trouble it entails
+after a day's fishing of laying out two or three
+score yards for drying. The troller will require
+to provide himself with <span class="smcapl">MINNOW TRACES</span>. These
+do not require to be more than two yards in
+length, but in ordering them take care that the
+swivels are sufficiently large to insure the minnow&mdash;natural<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+or artificial&mdash;spinning nicely.
+The angler can easily procure swivels and make
+traces for himself; but he will find in this, as in
+most things connected with fishing, that he cannot
+compete with the tackle-maker, so we advise
+him to get them made up at a good warehouse.
+Retail tackle-makers charge long prices, but in
+most large towns there are warehouses which are
+specially suited for a customer trade, thus saving
+the user a long intermediate profit. This is as
+it should be. The thickness of the gut used
+for trolling should of course be regulated, as
+in fly-fishing, by the size of fish you expect
+to catch, and a few traces made of gimp
+for pike and <i>ferox</i> should always be in the
+troller's stock. By the way, and in case we forget
+to mention it afterwards, always be provided
+with some split swan shot, to be used in case of
+a very clear day, when it is desirable to sink
+line and minnow below the surface. Also be
+provided with tackle&mdash;some mounted on gut
+and some on gimp&mdash;for spinning natural minnow;
+and we know of none better or more
+deadly for this purpose than that of which an
+illustration is given on next page. It is very
+simple, and seldom misses anything.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="bk1" style="width: 628px;">
+<img src="images/004.png" width="628" height="57" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The large hook is put in at the mouth of the
+minnow, and the point brought out at a little
+above the tail&mdash;thus giving the minnow the
+proper curve for spinning. One of the smaller
+hooks is put through <i>both</i> lips of the lure, to
+close the mouth and to keep the bait in proper
+position, while the other is left to spin. Some
+advocate the use of par-tail as a spinning
+bait; but as it is not right to kill par at all,
+we omit any directions for its use. We have
+drifted into the subject of <span class="smcapl">LURES</span> almost unconsciously.
+If you wish to use natural minnows,
+see that they are neither too large nor
+too small&mdash;about two inches long is a good
+size&mdash;and that the belly is silvery. It is
+better to instruct your boatman to have a
+supply ready against your arrival at the loch,
+as sometimes it is as difficult to catch minnows
+as to catch any other fish. However, we believe
+that the want of them is so well supplied by
+the phantom minnow, that little or no harm
+is done though they are not to be had. And
+when the handling and bother of using live<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+bait is taken into consideration, we think
+that most folks will prefer the artificial lure.
+The phantom we consider the very best of
+all the imitations; and the troller should have
+them in different colours and sizes, from Nos.
+1 to 7. The hooks attached to the larger sizes
+should be mounted on gimp, as in trolling for
+large fish&mdash;and especially for <i>salmo ferox</i>&mdash;no
+risk should be run of the mountings giving way.
+Tin boxes, divided into compartments, for holding
+the minnows, are very convenient, and are
+to be had at most tackle shops. A spoon-bait
+is also a splendid deception, and should not
+be awanting. A tackle-maker's catalogue will
+tell the reader of many other "spinners;" but
+if he cannot catch fish of all kinds with either
+a natural or phantom minnow or a spoon, it is
+not the fault of the lure; and he may try anything
+else he fancies, and come no better speed.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.<br />
+<small>DUTIES OF BOATMAN.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Very</span> little requires to be said in this
+chapter regarding boatmen, as when the
+angler gets into the habit of frequenting certain
+lochs, he soon finds out for himself the
+steady reliable men in the neighbourhood, and
+can generally engage one of them beforehand
+by writing to the hotel at which he means to
+put up. But in going to a new fishing-ground,
+he is better to leave himself in the hands of
+the landlord of the hotel, and if not satisfied
+with his first day's experience of the man who
+accompanied him, let him change. A good
+boatman is a treasure; and though we are
+decidedly against the system of "tipping" indiscriminately,
+we say, when you get a good
+man, pay him liberally. We know of some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+men with whom it is a pleasure to be out all
+day, and whose company, in its own way, is
+most enjoyable. Keen sportsmen these are,
+and the capture or loss of a fish is a source of
+true pleasure or pain. Other men one comes
+across seem but to row the boat, and nothing
+more; and an unproductive day in such company
+is something to be looked back upon with
+horror. The leading qualification of a boatman
+of the right sort is a strong sympathy with the
+angler, which enables him almost instinctively
+to help the angler to cover every inch of likely
+water with his flies, and makes him experience
+the sensation of expecting a rise every cast; in
+other words, he almost puts the fly into the
+fish's mouth. With such a man, instructions
+regarding the management of the boat are
+superfluous; but as it often happens that you
+do not get a first-rate hand, you have to take
+matters into your own hands to some extent;
+and we shall give you a few hints as to what
+is best to be done under such circumstances.
+It is hardly to be supposed that your man is
+in ignorance of the best ground, either from
+experience or hearsay, and it is only after you
+get there that our instructions can possibly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>
+come into operation. If you are obliged to
+take a perfect greenhorn, we know of no other
+course than to order him to keep in the wake
+of some other boat, but that at such a distance
+as not to be offensive. (See next chapter on
+the "Etiquette of Loch-fishing.") But let us
+assume that you get on to ground where fish
+are: the first point is to see that everything
+is in order, all unnecessary articles put out
+of the way, and the landing-net and gaff conveniently
+at hand. We ought to have said
+that a large stone in the bow is useful, not
+only to balance the boat and make her drift
+better, but also as a weight to which a rope
+may be attached, and thus let over the side
+to the depth of a few feet, to prevent her
+drifting too rapidly should there happen to
+be a heavy breeze on. The next thing is to
+get the boat properly broadside to the wind,
+so that you may have next to no trouble in
+casting. Should a fish be hooked, see that the
+man keeps working the boat in such a manner
+that the fish cannot possibly get underneath:
+a single stroke of the oar in the proper direction
+is generally all that is necessary. You
+must also judge from the size of the fish, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+the length and strength of your tackle, whether
+it is expedient that the man should follow the
+fish if he makes a very long run. If your line
+happens to be short&mdash;which it will not be, if
+you have followed the instructions given in
+Chapter III.&mdash;you need not be surprised if you
+find nothing left but your rod and reel, your
+line, and mayhap a "half-croon flee" flying
+about the loch in charge of a fish. The management
+of the landing-net or gaff is another
+serious matter. If the fish be small, tell the man
+to have the net ready, and "run it in;" but if
+it is a good-sized fish, you must tell him not to
+put the net near till he gets the word from you.
+Many a time we have suppressed an exclamation&mdash;the
+reverse of a blessing&mdash;when we have
+seen the hoop of the landing-net strike the fish,
+and were in suspense for a second or two as to
+whether he was on or off. If the gaff is necessary,
+it is almost as well to let your man hold
+the rod after you have tired the fish thoroughly,
+and gaff him yourself. But if you think it unadvisable
+to part with the rod, send the man to
+the other end of the boat from yourself, and
+then lead the fish near him, so that he may
+have a fair chance. He must put the gaff <i>over</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+the fish till the point is in a line with its
+broadside, and then with a sudden <i>jerk</i> sink
+the steel into, or even through, the animal,
+and lift him over the gunwale with all possible
+speed. A sharp blow or two on the snout will
+deprive the fish of life. Always kill your fish,&mdash;big
+or small,&mdash;as nothing ought to be more
+repulsive to a true sportsman than to see or
+hear any animal he has captured dying by
+inches.</p>
+
+<p>It is perhaps needless to say that in the
+matter of lunch and drink, due consideration
+should always be paid to your boatman's wants;
+indeed if he has had a hard time of it rowing
+against a stiff breeze, nothing is lost by landing
+at mid-day and letting him enjoy half an hour's
+rest and a smoke after he has refreshed his
+inner man. Sometimes&mdash;such as in a club
+competition&mdash;such luxuries must be denied;
+but even then he can put you on to a square
+drift, and enjoy his lunch and smoke while you
+are fishing; and you, on the other hand, can
+take yours when he is changing ground. These
+remarks may seem trifling; but we only give
+you our experience, when we say that on some
+lochs where good boatmen are not plentiful, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+angler who has shown most kindness and consideration
+on past occasions is never much put
+about for want of a man, even in a busy season.
+And we have known, when every regular boatman
+was engaged, that there was generally a
+boatman's "friend" in the neighbourhood who
+was pressed into our service, and that often at
+a few minutes' notice.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.<br />
+<small>ETIQUETTE OF LOCH-FISHING.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Politeness</span> is politeness all the world
+over, and in loch-fishing it is particularly
+to be practised. The gentle art is peculiarly
+adapted for gentlemen,&mdash;using the word in
+its truest sense,&mdash;and the true angler will never
+be mistaken for anything else. In the Club to
+which we have the honour to belong, there are
+certain rules which would commend themselves
+naturally to any one of us; but in order that
+these may be clear and well defined, they are
+circulated annually, and are in themselves so
+admirable that we cannot do better than quote
+them:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"1. No boat shall be entitled to take position in
+front of any other boat which shall have already begun
+drifting, at a less distance than three hundred yards.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"2. Any competitor intending to drift a bay already
+in possession of another competitor shall be obliged to
+take position behind, or on the outside of and in a line
+with the latter, but at such a distance as not to interfere
+with the boat first in possession of the drift.</p>
+
+<p>"3. In cases where boats are changing water, it
+shall not be admissible for any boat so doing to go
+between the shore and any other boat drifting close
+thereon."</p></div>
+
+<p>These rules, as may be inferred, refer to club
+competitions in particular, but they are made
+the standard upon all occasions where there is
+any chance of their becoming applicable. So
+much indeed have we got into the way of regarding
+these rules,&mdash;strict as they are,&mdash;that we
+observe them even when meeting with strangers
+on any loch in any part of the kingdom. And
+pay special attention, if you happen to be trolling
+in the neighbourhood, never to interfere
+with the drift on which a fly-fisher is engaged.
+Nothing is more unbecoming, as it disturbs the
+water which is his by right, if he has begun to
+drift; and it is an unwritten rule that the fly-fisher
+should generally be allowed the first of
+the ground, as his style of fishing does not
+make the same commotion as a trolling boat
+and tackle do. Very few of us but have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+experienced the annoyance of a minnow-boat
+crossing our drift when we were fly-fishing;
+and though we had no redress, and could make
+no remarks without lowering ourselves to the
+level of our offenders, we have, like the nigger's
+parrot, "thought a mighty lot." Do not hesitate
+to put yourself out of your way to help a
+neighbour in distress. He may have hooked a
+large fish and be unprovided with a gaff: if you
+have one let him have it instantly, taking his
+directions from which side you are to approach
+him; and never let the loss of a few minutes,
+more or less, deter you from following the
+golden rule of doing to him as you would expect
+him to do to you were you similarly placed.
+And, as it sometimes happens where boats are
+scarce and anglers many, when you are in the
+same boat with a stranger, see that you confine
+yourself strictly to your own share of the water,
+not making casts which endanger "fankling"
+for the mere sake of covering a little more
+water with your flies. Should you have a fly
+that is taking better than any other of your
+own or his, offer him one; and in general try to
+make the day's fishing one as much for the cultivation
+of goodwill and the promotion of good-fellowship<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+as for the mere sake of making a
+basket. A churlish angler is an unnatural
+phenomenon, and, thank Providence! they
+seldom turn up. A man who can look upon
+the beautiful scenery amid which he takes his
+pleasure,&mdash;and there is none finer in the world
+than our Scottish lochs and their surroundings,&mdash;and
+not feel grateful to the Giver of all good,
+and at peace with all mankind, ought to burn
+his rod, singe his flies, and only associate with
+men like himself.</p>
+
+<p>If the introduction of this chapter into our
+book will have the effect of creating a better
+understanding on the etiquette of loch-fishing
+between brothers of the angle, the object for
+which it was written will have been accomplished&mdash;and,
+let us hope, a large amount of
+goodwill thereby promoted.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.<br />
+<small>CASTING AND STRIKING.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">We</span> shall treat this subject under two
+aspects: first, if you have the whole
+boat to yourself; and second, if it is being
+shared by some one else.</p>
+
+<p>If you have a boat to yourself, stand as near
+the centre of it as you possibly can without
+interfering with the boatman in rowing, and
+cover every inch of the water in front of you
+and as far to the sides as the wind will permit.
+Always be careful how you cast&mdash;that
+is, every time you throw your flies see that
+they land lightly on the water, as no one can
+expect to raise fish if any splash is made by
+either line or flies. Fine casting is not quite
+so essential, of course, when a fair breeze is
+blowing; but if the wind be light, then the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+difference between a well-thrown fly and the
+reverse is very apparent. After you have made
+a satisfactory cast, draw the line slowly to you
+by raising the point of the rod, taking care to
+keep the line as taut as possible. Also see
+that your bob-fly is tripping on the surface,
+as we consider that a well-managed "bob" is
+the most life-like of the whole lot. Do not fish
+with too long a line, unless, indeed, on an exceptional
+occasion, when you wish to reach the lie
+of a feeding fish. It is difficult to define a long
+line, but a good general rule is that it should
+never be longer than when you have the consciousness
+that, if a fish should rise, you have
+him at a fair and instantaneous striking distance.
+Remember that the time the flies first
+touch the water after each cast is the most
+deadly; therefore, cast often.</p>
+
+<p>If you have only the share of a boat, the rule
+is that one man takes the stern up till lunch,
+and the other after it. For ourselves, we have
+a preference for the bow, and we generally find
+that most anglers prefer the luxury of the stern;
+so when both parties are pleased, there is no occasion
+for changing at all. The most important
+thing to bear in mind when you have a companion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+is, as we said in last chapter, to confine
+yourself to your own water. If the left-hand
+cast is the one proper to your end of the boat,
+cast as much to your right hand as you can
+without infringing on your neighbour's share of
+the water: all the water to your left hand is
+of course yours. The same remarks apply <i>vice
+versa</i>. <i>Never stop casting</i> so long as you are on
+fishable ground, for you know not the moment
+a good fish may rise. Certain it is that unless
+you keep your flies constantly going, you cannot
+expect to have the same basket as the angler
+who does. Keep your eyes on your flies in a
+general way, and do not let your attention be
+distracted so long as they are in the water.
+Every angler has experienced the annoyance of
+missing fish when looking elsewhere for a single
+moment&mdash;either at another boat, or at a fish
+"rising to itself," or at the sky, or at something
+else. When the eyes were turned to the point
+from which they should not have been diverted,
+they were just in time to see the water swirl,
+and the hand gave a futile strike at what
+had disappeared a second before. Perhaps we
+should have said at the beginning of this chapter
+to place implicit faith in the flies with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+which you are fishing. Nothing is more ridiculous
+than whipping the water with a cast, of
+the suitableness of which you have any doubt;
+and to guard against any such chance, study
+carefully the state of the weather and the wind.
+If very clear, use sombre flies; but if a dark
+day, use brighter flies. You will of course regulate
+the size according to the breeze, but as a
+rule, err on the side of small flies. When you
+raise a fish, <i>strike at once</i>. It is quite possible
+that by this method you may once in a while
+strike the least bit too soon, but it is a safe
+plan to go by. There is always a particle of
+a moment spent in the tightening of the line;
+and by the time the angler sees a fish at his
+flies, he may safely conclude that it has already
+seized or missed them, and the sooner he ascertains
+the true state of matters by striking instantaneously,
+the better. If the fish has not
+been touched by line or hook, cast gently over
+him again: the chances are that there will be
+another rise, and, if the fish has been feeding,
+every likelihood that the second or even a third
+time may be lucky. In striking small fish, the
+least tightening of the line is sufficient; but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+with large fish, when your tackle and hooks
+are strong, strike <i>firmly home</i> to send the steel
+well in, right over the barb. Tackle that will
+not stand this had better be given away or destroyed,&mdash;the
+latter for choice.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.<br />
+<small>TROLLING.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Our</span> readers will have guessed, from what
+has preceded this chapter, that we don't
+believe in trolling if it can be avoided; but still
+there are times and occasions on which it must
+be practised, and we plead guilty to having
+gone in for it oftener than once, when we saw
+that fly-fishing was useless. On the other hand,
+however, we have set out with a firm determination
+to do a fair day's trolling,&mdash;and nothing
+but trolling,&mdash;but somehow or another it has
+generally ended in fly-fishing when we could,
+and trolling as a <i>dernier ressort</i> when we could
+not. This, we doubt not, has been the experience
+of many of our angling friends to whom
+the mere killing of fish is a secondary consideration<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+compared with the enjoyment of real
+sport. But when trolling is the order of the
+day, either from choice or necessity, then this
+is the way to go about it. We assume, of
+course, that the angler is equipped with tackle
+and lines specified in Chapter V., and that he
+has a supply also of live minnows with him.
+The elaborate tin-cans for holding minnows are
+quite unnecessary so far as loch-fishing is concerned;
+any ordinary vessel will do well enough
+for a day, provided the water is changed now
+and again. In trolling, two rods will be found
+ample. They should be placed at right angles
+to the boat,&mdash;the "thowl-pin," or, if there is not
+one near enough the stern, anything (a cheap
+gimlet answers admirably) fixed into the gunwale,
+being sufficient to keep the rod in position,&mdash;so
+that the spinners, of whatever kind
+they may be, will be as far apart from each
+other as possible. Take care that the butts of
+the rods are well at the bottom of the boat, as
+we have seen a rod not sufficiently fixed go
+overboard before now. A main point in trolling
+is to have plenty of line out. There should
+never be less than thirty yards out from one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+rod, and not less that forty from the other. By
+this means, should a fish not see the first lure,
+he may see the second. If trolling with natural
+minnow, which is much more apt to get out of
+order than artificial ones, see that the bait is intact
+and spinning properly. This involves the
+trouble of hauling it in for examination now
+and then; but it is better to be at that trouble
+than be fishing with, mayhap, a mangled lure,
+or one that has got out of spinning order, and
+more likely to act as a repellent than an attraction
+to any fish in the neighbourhood. In
+trolling any likely ground, the proper way is
+to tell your man to zigzag it, not pulling the
+boat in a straight line, but going over the
+ground diagonally, and thus covering as much
+of it as it is possible to do with a couple score
+yards of line behind. The turning of the boat
+necessitates a considerable circle being taken
+to keep the lures spinning, and so that the
+lines do not get mixed up; and your man,
+after making the turn, should row in a slightly
+slanting direction towards the point from which
+he originally started, thus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="bk1" style="width: 586px;">
+<img src="images/005.png" width="586" height="236" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="noin">and so on, till the chances of raising a fish on
+that beat are exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>Should a small fish come on, haul it in hand-over-hand;
+and the man must not stop rowing,
+as the other minnow is out, and must be kept
+spinning. If, however, a fish that needs playing
+comes to you, you must seize the rod to
+which he has come, and the boatman must
+take the other, and wind in as fast as possible.
+You should not commence winding in till the
+other line is wound up so far as to preclude
+the chance of the fish mixing up both lines
+together. Barring the risk one runs of a serious
+mess, it is not a bad plan to troll from a
+reel a cast of larger-sized flies than would be
+used in ordinary fly-fishing. This line follows,
+of course, in a <i>straight</i> track behind the boat,
+and the minnows being considerably to right<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+and left of it, there is no danger of their getting
+mixed so long as the boat is moving; but the
+risk is apparent should a fish come to either of
+the three lines, and great activity is then necessary
+on the part of yourself and boatman to
+keep things right. You must keep the fish at
+as considerable a distance from the other lines
+as you can, and trust a good deal to the chances
+of war for the ultimate safety of all. Some
+days, even when casting was unproductive, we
+have been fortunate in securing fish by trolling
+our flies in the manner described. Indeed, unless
+the day or the season is decidedly in favour
+of trolling minnows, we prefer, if only trolling
+two lines, to troll from one of them with the
+minnow, and from the other with the fly. This
+must always be decided, however, by the judgment
+of the angler, and by his surroundings for
+the time being. One thing in favour of trolling
+with the minnow is, that the best size of fish are
+caught by that means. This is not invariably
+the case, but it is the rule. And in concluding
+this chapter, we must not omit to acknowledge
+that we are glad to know that when we are not
+so young as we once were, and when the wielding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+of a rod all day long shall have come to be
+a serious matter, we shall still have the pleasure
+of roaming about our lovely lochs&mdash;Highland
+or Lowland&mdash;and have the excitement of
+landing fish, coupled with our enjoyment of
+fresh air and grand scenery. For this reason,
+if for no other, cultivate as often as you can,
+without entrenching on the nobler pastime of
+fly-fishing, the art of trolling&mdash;for we must confess
+that there is an art in this as in everything
+else; and should my reader be sceptical on the
+point, he has only to try conclusions, when he
+gets the chance, with some old troller, and he
+will be convinced before supper-time.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER X.<br />
+<small>CAPTURE OF FISH.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Scotch</span> loch-fishing, as usually practised,
+only embraces the capture of the <i>salmo</i>
+species&mdash;that is, the <i>salmo fario</i>, or common
+yellow trout; the <i>salmo trutta</i>, or sea-trout; and
+<i>salmo salar</i>, the "fish," as most boatmen call
+it, and the noblest game of the finny creation.
+Besides these there is, of course, the <i>salmo
+ferox</i>; but it is comparatively scarce, and only
+worth trolling for in some particular lochs,
+where they are known to be more easily come
+across than in others. And sometimes when
+worthier game is not to be had, we have a
+spin for pike, but Mr Jack is as difficult to
+catch at times as his more aristocratic comrades.
+In most Scotch lochs where any supervision
+is exercised at the instance of our local<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+clubs, the extermination of pike is most vigorously
+carried on by means of fixed and splash
+nets. This, as regards our large lochs, where
+there is room for all, we have no hesitation in
+saying is a mistake, as it shuts up one means
+of enjoying a day's fishing when nothing else
+in the way of fish is to be had; and it must
+be borne in mind that there are some older
+anglers, to whom a whole day's fly-fishing is
+a labour, who never object, when trolling, to
+come across a pike: and no wonder, for a pike
+of 10 lb. and upwards gives some fair play,
+though by no means to compare with what a
+fish of the <i>salmo</i> tribe of that weight would
+give. Then we have perch in abundance, and
+splendid eels; but as these need a float and
+bait to catch them, we dismiss them as quite
+<i>infra dig</i>. True a perch will come at a minnow,
+and we have sometimes seen them take
+a fly; but they are generally voted a nuisance,
+and expelled the boat.</p>
+
+<p>As regards the capture of fish, we shall proceed
+to deal with each in order; and at the
+outset we remark, that when you have hooked
+a fish, it is a safe general rule to waste no
+unnecessary time in bringing him to the landing-net<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+or gaff, and thence into the boat.
+When playing a fish, never allow the line to
+get slack, unless, indeed, when he leaps into
+the air,&mdash;then you must give him rope; but so
+soon as he gets into his native element, feel
+his mouth instantly. Always play your fish
+to <i>windward</i> of the boat if there is some one
+sharing it with you, as this allows him to go
+on casting to leeward. Of course, if you have
+the whole boat to yourself, play your fish in
+any way that it will be most expeditiously
+brought to basket. The angler ought to be
+well assured of the strength of his tackle, and
+when he has confidence in that, he will soon
+learn to judge of the proper strain to which it
+may be subjected. In the case of <span class="smcapl">COMMON
+YELLOW TROUT</span>, averaging, as most loch trout do,
+about three to the pound, there is no occasion
+to put off time with any one of them; but in
+some lochs, such as Loch Leven, where the
+average is fairly one pound, and where two
+and three pounders are by no means uncommon,
+some care and a little play are absolutely
+necessary. But do not, even in such a case,
+give him too much of his own way. We can
+assure our readers that a three-pound Loch<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+Leven trout, in good condition, on fine gut
+and small irons, gives as nice a piece of play,
+and exercise to the eye, hand, and judgment,
+as could well be desired.</p>
+
+<p>The <span class="smcapl">SEA-TROUT</span> is, for his size, the gamest
+of all fish. He is bold as a lion, and fights
+harder for his life than a salmon twice his
+size. A fish of three pounds will run out a
+considerable piece of line, and make a splendid
+leap, or series of leaps,&mdash;and then is the trying
+time. As often as not, your flies and the fish
+part company in the air, and you have to sit
+down muttering "curses not loud but deep,"
+till an application to the flask soothes your
+wounded spirit, and invigorates you for fresh
+effort. A beautiful sight it is to see a sea-trout
+rise. No half-hearted attempt is his,
+but a determined rush for the fly, and down
+again like thought, leaving you the tiniest part
+of a moment to strike, and hardly time to
+admire his beautiful silvery coat. If you have
+been fortunate enough to get the steel into
+him, you will have time to admire him when
+you get him into the boat. Fishing for sea-trout
+with the fly is, we consider, the most
+exciting of all kinds of fishing&mdash;that is, if the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+fish run to a fair average weight. But we are
+sorry to say that lochs where it is to be enjoyed
+are, with the solitary exception of Loch
+Lomond, usually far out of ordinary reach,&mdash;and
+in the case of Loch Lomond, it is only
+<i>habitu&eacute;s</i> who usually come much speed on it;
+but once the angler gets a fair day there, he
+finds his way back often. True, there are
+some excellent sea-trout lochs in the north,
+and on the west coast and islands, but they
+are a far cry from civilisation. Nevertheless,
+if our readers can spare the time, let them find
+their way into some unfrequented spot where
+sea-trout are plentiful, and they will agree
+with us in thinking that that class of fishing
+is a most excellent sport. Some parts of
+Ireland are famous for their fine sea-trout
+fishing&mdash;white trout they call them there;
+and though we have never been there ourselves,
+we mean to go some day, when the
+Land Bill has pacified the natives, and made
+them law-abiding subjects. Meantime one
+runs the risk of being mistaken for a non-resident
+landlord, and that would be a pity
+for one's wife and family. But without any
+joking, this Irish sea-trout fishing is a pleasure<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+to which we look forward; and in this work-a-day
+world, something to look forward to is half
+the enjoyment of life.</p>
+
+<p>The capture of the <span class="smcapl">SALMON</span> is the ambition
+of all anglers, but we doubt very much if the
+sport is to compare with ordinary loch or sea-trout
+fishing, provided always that the latter
+are of good average weight. The tackle used
+in salmon-fishing is proportionately heavy, and
+after the first few rushes, if the fish be well
+hooked, there is little in it except a matter of
+time. Indeed it is said that some anglers,
+after hooking a salmon, hand the rod to a
+gillie to work and land the fish. This seems
+going too much in the other direction, but
+it is quite understandable. True, the size to
+which salmon run is a great inducement to go
+after them; but even in Loch Tay, where the
+biggest average is to be found, the sport, if
+such it can be called at all, is very questionable.
+The rod, line, gut, and minnows used
+are on such a strong scale, that a well-sized
+vessel might be moored with them without
+their breaking; and with several scores of
+yards of line ready for a rush, what earthly
+chance has the fish of escape, unless through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+the grossest carelessness? The fish may be
+loosely hooked, and get off, but this is quite
+a matter of chance, and the odds are that a
+hungry spring fish will not miss the lure.
+Thus the charm of salmon-fishing is in the
+raising and striking; and of all kinds of
+striking, the striking of the salmon is the most
+difficult: the fish being so large and silvery, the
+angler is certain to see him coming <i>at</i> the fly,
+and is very apt to strike too soon. But if it is
+borne in mind to strike <i>after</i> the broken water
+is visible, and not before it, this will soon be
+overcome. When you do strike, don't let it
+be a mere tightening of the line, as in trout-fishing,
+but a decided stroke. Some say that
+the salmon will hook himself by his own
+weight. This may be so, though we doubt
+it,&mdash;but don't trust to it. Certain it is, that
+the first rush of a fish does not usually fix
+him certain; and should the hook happen to
+be in a piece of hard gristle or on a bone, you
+will soon find this out for yourself, but generally
+at the cost of the fish.</p>
+
+<p>Salmon-fishing is an expensive luxury; but
+if you can get it good, never mind the expense,
+but give it a trial. If you get good sport, you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+may not care to go in for smaller game again;
+but in all our experience we never knew a
+salmon fisher who did not enjoy trout-fishing
+as much in its own way as ever he did that of
+the nobler animal. There is something in the
+gossamer gut and small flies irresistibly attractive
+to all sportsmen, and from which no
+amount of salmon-fishing can ever wean them.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>salmo ferox</i> is a fish on which many
+opinions have been expressed; and we have
+heard more than one old boatman say that he
+did not believe it to be anything but a big
+loch-trout, as, they ask, Who ever saw a young
+one? We see the young of all other fish, but
+why do we never come across a young <i>ferox</i>?
+It seems pertinent enough questioning, and we
+do not pretend to settle their doubts in either
+one way or another. Certain it is, he is a big
+strong fish with some features distinct from the
+ordinary loch trout, and that when caught he
+shows an amount of fight not to be equalled
+by any of his neighbours, either white or brown.
+He is usually caught by trolling either natural
+or artificial minnow; and the tackle should be
+mounted on gimp and fixed to a strong line,
+and plenty of it. We have read of a <i>ferox</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+rising to the fly, but never saw one so captured.
+There seems no reason why a gaudy fly should
+not attract him. After he is hooked the fun
+begins. A <i>ferox</i> of 10 to 12 lb. will give you
+amusement and excitement for an indefinite
+time; and you are never sure of him till he is
+in the boat. A friend of ours (a capital angler
+to boot) fishing with us on Loch Assynt in
+Sutherlandshire in 1877, hooked a fine specimen;
+and after battling with him for an hour,
+had the mortification of seeing fish, angel-minnow,
+and trace, disappear! A good boatman is a
+wonderful help in such a case; indeed without
+his help your chances are small. To be sure
+it is slow work trolling for <i>feroces</i>, and a whole
+day&mdash;yea, days&mdash;may be spent without getting
+a run. The angler must always be the best
+judge as to whether the chance is worth his
+while. Loch Awe, Loch Ericht, Loch Rannoch,
+and Loch Assynt, are good lochs for trying
+one's luck in this kind of fishing.</p>
+
+<p>Then to come from the nobler to an inferior
+species, we get to <span class="smcapl">PIKE</span> fishing. Angling for
+this fish seems to be in great repute among
+our southern brethren, if we may judge by
+the literature on the subject; but somehow or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+other it is looked upon among our northern
+anglers with somewhat the same aversion that
+a Jew has to bacon, and fishing for pike is
+only resorted to when all chance of catching
+anything worthier is gone. We don't profess
+to say whence this antipathy arises; but we
+have heard stories from boatmen about the foul
+feeding of pike that makes the idea of eating
+him repulsive. Not but that we have eaten
+him, but we never did so with relish, however
+cunningly the <i>artiste</i> may have served him up.
+As a stock for soup he is good; but in Scotland
+it is better not to say what the origin of the
+stock is till your friends are at their <i>caf&eacute; noir</i>.
+But here we are only interested so far as the
+sport he gives is concerned; and unless the
+pike be all the larger&mdash;say not under 8 lb.&mdash;the
+sport is poor enough. Even a pike of 8 lb.
+and over, when hooked (which is done by trolling
+or casting a minnow and working it after
+the manner of a fly), makes one or two long
+pulls, not rushes like a fish of the <i>salmo</i> tribe;
+and after that he subsides into a sulk from
+which you must trust to the strength of your
+tackle to arouse him. The tackle should be
+mounted on gimp, for his teeth are very sharp;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+and when removing the lure from his mouth,
+you will find it much safer to have previously
+put the foot-spar between his jaws to prevent
+him getting at your fingers.</p>
+
+<p>There is a fly, if such it can be called, used
+in pike-fishing. This fly resembles a natural insect
+as much as a tea-pot resembles an elephant,
+but it does attract pike&mdash;in the same way, we
+suppose, that a piece of red flannel will attract
+a mackerel. If our readers wish to try it, they
+can buy it at almost any tackle shop. Pike
+are to be found in almost all lochs, though in
+the more frequented of our Scotch waters they
+are being slowly but surely exterminated. In
+others, again, they reign almost alone. But
+pike-fishing by itself is a poor affair, and we
+advise our readers only to take to it when they
+can do nought better. If any of them wish to
+go below the level of pike-fishing, we must
+refer them to the copious instructions of many
+books, from Isaak Walton downwards. For
+ourselves, when it comes to bait-fishing&mdash;except
+in running water, when worm-fishing is
+an art&mdash;we prefer catching whitings and haddocks
+in some of our beautiful salt-water lochs,
+to all the perch, roach, chub, and such-like,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+that ever swam. But in this please note that
+we are only expressing our own opinion, and
+with all respect to the opinions of many
+worthy anglers. We may say this, however,
+with all safety, that in angling, as in most
+other things, if one aims at the highest point
+of the art he is not at all likely to condescend
+to the lowest.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.<br />
+<small>AFTER A DAY'S FISHING.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">What</span> a pleasant fatigue succeeds a day's
+fishing! There is not, or should not be,
+a feeling of weariness, but just the satisfaction
+one feels after enjoying a health-giving recreation.
+Health-giving it certainly is to the body,
+and we have no hesitation in saying to the
+mind also. It makes one forget for the time
+being all the evils to which flesh is heir, and
+braces up the whole system to meet them
+when the necessity arises. But we must not
+go in for more sentiment than is actually needful.
+The practical duties after a day's fishing
+are these. If the weather has been damp,
+change all wet garments <i>at once</i>, and if at all
+practicable have a hot bath before sitting
+down to dinner. We say dinner advisedly,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+for the angler should always have a good
+sound dinner after a day's fishing, as however
+pleasant the work may have been, still it
+is exhausting to the body, and a rough tea,
+though good in itself, cannot pretend to have
+the reviving elements in it that a substantial
+dinner has. A glass of whisky, or even two,
+in cold water, will be found a very safe accompaniment.
+A good plan is to order your
+whisky by the bottle, and put your card in a
+nick made in the cork: the ordering of whisky
+in glasses is expensive and unsatisfactory.
+Your dinner over, turn your attention to your
+tackle. Unwind your lines, so far as they
+have been wet, from the reels, and lay them
+out on your bedroom floor; if any chance of
+being interfered with, wind them round the
+backs of chairs instead. They will be dry by
+the morning. Dry your reels thoroughly, and
+put in a little oil wherever you think they
+would be the better of it; and this should be
+done to any other article&mdash;spring-balance, gaff,
+&amp;c.&mdash;that is liable to rust. Your creel or fishing-bag
+should be washed out and hung up to
+dry by the servants of the house immediately
+after the fish have been removed, which latter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+should be done without delay. Your landing-net
+should also be suspended in the open air,
+that it may get dry as speedily as possible. A
+landing-net will last double the time if attention
+is given to it in this way. Take out all
+used casting-lines from your book, and lay
+them on the mantelpiece till morning: this
+will insure the feathers being freed from moisture.
+And in the case of expensive flies, this is
+a matter of consideration, both on the point of
+expense as well as your possible inability to
+replace them where you may happen to be
+sojourning for the time. If you mean to make
+up a new cast or casts for the morrow, place
+the casting-lines in a little water in your basin.
+They will be in excellent order next morning
+for manipulation. Also soak in like manner
+the <i>gut</i> on which the flies which you mean to
+use are dressed. True, you may not be sure
+what flies you will put on till you see what
+sort of a day it may prove to be, but there is
+no harm done if you soak the gut (but only
+the gut) of as many flies as will give you a
+good choice.</p>
+
+<p>We should have said nearer the beginning
+of this chapter to look well after your waterproofs,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+that they are not hung up in a hot
+place. A dry room or outhouse where there is
+a good draught is best. If your fishing should
+happen to be over for the time being, put your
+tackle past (after being thoroughly dried) in
+the most orderly fashion possible. For our
+own part, we have the drawer in our bookcase
+spaced out into compartments suitable for
+holding all our tackle, barring reels and such
+like; and this arrangement we find extremely
+useful, and wonderfully convenient when we
+wish to find anything. If, on the other hand,
+you are out on a lengthy holiday, and have
+time at your disposal, after putting things right
+for the day, and for next day too, we know of
+nothing better than a <i>good</i> rubber at whist for
+filling up the evening. It must be a <i>good</i>
+rubber, however, for the parlour game is neither
+relaxation nor pleasure. Hence we would
+advise all our angling friends to acquire a
+thorough knowledge of the game, as only to
+be learned with the aid of a good book on
+the subject. Remember that when staying
+at some out-of-the-way fishing hotel, you
+may be asked to form a table with good
+players, and not to be able to hold your own<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+on such occasions is a great loss of pleasure
+to yourself, and usually a source of annoyance
+to the others. These remarks are somewhat
+apart from the subject of this book, but by
+way of an aside, they may be found not quite
+out of place.</p>
+
+<p>Do not be beguiled into keeping late hours,
+for no one can fish well next day if he has not
+had a sufficient amount of sleep. But this is
+also an aside; for some men need more sleep
+than others, and each angler knows his own
+necessities best. We only promulgate the
+broad rule, that without proper rest no one
+can be in good trim with hand and eye for a
+pastime that needs both in a pre-eminent degree.
+We speak from experience in this too;
+and have sometimes imagined that our right
+hand had lost its cunning till we remembered
+that we had not been properly rested the night
+before.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.<br />
+<small>REMINISCENCES.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Having</span> exhausted, so far as we can imagine,
+the practical part of our little treatise,
+we proceed&mdash;in accordance with an idea
+which we had in our minds at starting&mdash;to
+give a few personal recollections, and to name
+one or two lochs where we have enjoyed good
+sport, and where it is still to be had for the
+trouble of going. Reminiscences are, as a rule,
+not specially interesting to the general reader,
+hence we shall not make them too lengthy;
+for we wish, above all things, that our readers
+shall close this volume without experiencing
+a shadow of weariness. One thing, however,
+we would like to say to our younger angling
+friends&mdash;Have as many personal adventures to
+look back to as you possibly can. The adventures<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+themselves can be best sought after when
+the blood flows fast; for the time will come
+when the rod and the tackle will perforce have
+to be laid aside, and memory will then, unaided,
+afford you many a pleasant retrospect, and you
+will&mdash;even companionless&mdash;fight your battles
+over again. You remember the story of the
+illustrious Prince Talleyrand: when a young
+man acknowledged to him that he could not
+play whist, Talleyrand said to him&mdash;"Young
+man, what a sad old age you are preparing for
+yourself!" We don't mean to go this length
+as regards fishing; but we safely say that a
+man who lives to old age without having been
+a keen angler, has not only deprived himself
+of great enjoyments during his active life, but
+has neglected to lay up a provision for the time
+when the memory of them would have made
+life's closing seasons sweeter.</p>
+
+<p>Our first acquaintance with <span class="smcap">Loch Ard</span> was
+very pleasant&mdash;not, perhaps, so much from any
+great expectation of sport, because at that time
+(many years ago now) we were young at the pastime,
+but more from the feeling of treading the
+ground made classical by the great Magician of
+the North, as the scene of the most stirring incidents<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+in 'Rob Roy.' Attached to a big tree
+in front of the hotel at Aberfoyle there hangs
+a coulter, which tradition assigns as the veritable
+article which Bailie Nicol Jarvie made
+red-hot and used as a weapon of offence and
+defence when he was in a dilemma in what
+was, at that time, a very inaccessible part of
+the Highlands. Since then many a Glasgow
+magistrate has visited the spot&mdash;the inspection
+of the line of the noble waterworks undertaking
+which supplies the city being a sufficient
+excuse for the annual advent of the civic rulers.
+A railway station (Bucklyvie) is within eight
+miles of Aberfoyle, and Aberfoyle is within
+three miles of Loch Ard, and by the time this
+book is in the hand of the reader there will
+most likely be a railway station at Aberfoyle
+itself. Shade of Bailie Nicol Jarvie! what would
+you say if you were now to be allowed to haunt
+the old spot? to hear a locomotive screech
+where formerly you thought yourself so far
+"frae the Sautmarket o' Glesca"? We don't
+like the idea ourselves, and doubt very much
+if it will pay. However, it is the fishing alone
+which concerns us meantime, and we can at once
+assure our angling friends that the sport is good&mdash;not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+but what one has to fish hard for a basket;
+but the same remark applies to all our near-at-hand
+lochs. On an ordinary good day a dozen
+to eighteen trout may be captured, and sometimes
+the baskets are heavier; but eighteen
+fish, weighing 9 lb. to 12 lb., is a very fair day's
+work. The trout average fairly a half pound,
+and pounders are by no means scarce: a two-pounder
+is come across occasionally, but he is
+the exception. The fish are very pretty, and
+for their size give excellent sport. Fine tackle
+is here absolutely essential to success, and as
+a matter of sport should always be used in
+fishing for common yellow trout. The loch,
+for its size, is much fished; and we fear that
+when the railway facilities are completed, there
+will require to be a considerable amount of restocking
+to keep it up to the old mark. The
+scenery is unsurpassed&mdash;wood, water, and mountain,
+making a picture of wondrous beauty. To
+the north of the loch, Ben Lomond rears its
+mighty summit; and in the spring-time (for
+Loch Ard is an early loch), before the summer
+sun has melted the winter's snow, the effect is
+grand in the extreme. April, May, and June,
+are supposed to be the best months for angling;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+but we see no reason why, if the weather be
+favourable, these months should be singled out.
+The hotel accommodation at Aberfoyle is excellent.
+In the early months you must engage
+a boat beforehand: boatmen first-rate. Many
+a happy day we have spent on Loch Ard&mdash;sometimes
+successful and sometimes much the
+reverse; but in any case there is a witchery
+about the place that makes one enjoy himself
+in spite of all cares. Mind and body recruit
+their jaded energies, and get braced up to meet
+the stern realities of life.</p>
+
+<p>In strong contradistinction, in this respect,
+to Loch Ard, is <span class="smcap">Loch Leven</span>. In the latter, if
+the angler is not catching fish, there is little of
+the beautiful to commend itself to the senses.
+The island on which the castle stands is pretty,
+and as a historic ruin is well worthy of a visit,
+but otherwise the scenery is very tame, and the
+surroundings not entrancing. But since we
+have drifted into speaking of Loch Leven, we
+may as well tell of the sport which is to be had
+there,&mdash;and this, as is well known, is exceptionally
+good. The quality of the fish is wonderful;
+and after reading the statistics of a year's
+fishing&mdash;last season something like 18,000 fish,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+weighing as many pounds, were killed&mdash;one is
+puzzled to know how it is kept up. The loch
+itself is a great natural feeding-pond, miles and
+miles of it being of an almost uniform depth,
+and a boat may drift almost anywhere, the
+angler feeling at the same time certain that
+fish are in his immediate vicinity. Trout of
+two and three pounds are quite common; and
+it is a rare occasion that a day's average does
+not come up to the pound for each fish. They
+are very fine eating, and cut red as a grilse.
+The company which rents the loch pay &pound;800
+to &pound;1000 for the fishing, and they in turn keep
+a fleet of large boats&mdash;twenty we think&mdash;and
+let them out to anglers at the rate of 2s. 6d.
+an hour. Any number may fish from one boat.
+There are two boatmen in each boat,&mdash;one of
+whom is paid by the company, the other by
+the angler; and we are sorry to say that these
+men, with a few exceptions, are very much
+spoiled. There is a class of anglers(?) who
+frequent Loch Leven, whose whole aim seems
+to be, not sport so far as their own personal
+efforts are concerned, but the killing of as many
+fish as possible. If such a one has engaged a
+boat, he arms each boatman with a rod, and, of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+course, fishes himself, thus having three rods
+going at once. As we said before, the loch can
+be drifted without any attention from the men,
+after they have pulled up to the wind, and this
+enables them to get casting all the time that
+their employer is doing likewise. Not content
+with this, a couple of minnows are generally
+trolled astern when changing ground. We don't
+say that a man has not a right to do as he
+likes if he pays for his boat; but we <i>do</i> ask,
+Is this sport? And why should boatmen be
+spoiled in this way to such an extent that we
+have known them sulk a whole day because a
+spare rod was not allowed to be put up for
+their special benefit? But, of course, the men
+are just as they have been made, and true
+anglers, who fish for a day's sport, and not for
+the mere sake of slaughter, have the remedy in
+their own hands. Don't let anything deter you
+from fishing Loch Leven. It may be expensive;
+but if you get a good, or even a fair day,
+you will not regret the expense. Get a friend
+to join you, and the expense is not so heavy
+after all; and if your friend and yourself fish
+perseveringly all day, you will usually be rewarded
+with a very fine show of fish. There is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>
+no harm in letting your men fish when you are
+taking your lunch, <i>but don't allow a third rod
+to be put up</i>. The boatmen are, as a rule, only
+fifth-rate fishers, though, of course, a few of
+them handle a rod well. Our recollections of
+Loch Leven are pleasant in some ways, in
+others they are not; but don't fail to give it a
+trial, if only for the pleasure of handling a big
+fish on fine gut. The manager of the Loch
+Leven fishings, Captain Hall, fills a very difficult
+post with much acceptance to all concerned.</p>
+
+<p>But to leave the Lowlands and go into the
+far North, we take you to <span class="smcap">Loch Assynt</span>, in
+Sutherlandshire, and to a little loch near it,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Loch
+Awe</span> by name. The journey to Assynt
+is long and weary: train to Lairg, and then
+between thirty and forty miles driving, is a
+good long scamper for fishing, but it is worth
+it. The inn at Inchnadamph is good, but when
+we were there in 1877 the boat accommodation
+was poor enough: perhaps they have improved
+upon that since. The first day after our arrival
+we had to go to Loch Awe, as the boats on the
+large loch (Assynt) were taken up. Such a
+morning of rain and wind! We were wet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+through our waterproofs during the four-mile
+drive, but luckily the weather moderated, and
+we had an excellent day's fishing. With two
+in the boat, we took 57 lb. weight of beautiful
+fish,&mdash;not large, but very game, and spotted
+intensely red. It must have been a good day,
+for many an angler tried his luck after our success,
+but never came near that mark, at least
+when we were there. Loch Assynt is more
+attractive, however, inasmuch as the chances
+of big fish are not remote. Trout of a pound
+weight, and over, are not uncommon, while the
+chance of a grilse adds excitement to the sport.
+Then <i>ferox</i>, as we have said in a previous chapter,
+are, comparatively speaking, not scarce, if
+one cares to go in for trolling for them. But,
+in any case, the angler is always sure of a
+basket of lovely yellow trout. On the hills
+behind the inn there is a small loch, called the
+<span class="smcap">Mulach-Corrie</span>, in which it is said that the
+gillaroo trout are to be found. Whether they
+are the real trout of that species or not, we
+cannot say, but certainly they are beautiful
+fish,&mdash;pink in the scales, and running to large
+sizes. We saw a basket taken by a friend, and
+it was a treat to look at. The fish were all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+taken with the fly, but we were told afterwards
+that worm is even deadlier than fly, and that
+one should never go there without a supply of
+"wrigglers." The hill between the inn and the
+Mulach-Corrie is a perfect paradise for fern-gatherers.
+It is said that about two dozen different
+kinds can be gathered; and we believe it,
+for even our untutored eyes discerned sixteen
+varieties! Our visit to Inchnadamph must be
+placed among the red-letter periods of our fishing
+life, and to be looked back to with much
+enjoyment.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Loch Morar</span>, in Inverness-shire, is another
+delightful spot, and somewhat out of the usual
+track. The fishing is most excellent, and yellow
+trout of all sizes are very abundant. Sea-trout
+and salmon find their way frequently into
+the angler's basket; and half-way up the loch,
+which is a long one, at a bay into which the
+Meoble river flows, numbers of sea-fish are to
+be found. The best way is to fly-fish up to
+that bay one day, and seek shelter at night in
+some shepherd's cottage, thus being at hand to
+prosecute salmon and sea-trout fishing the next
+day, or days, if you find the sport good. It is
+right to take a supply of provisions and liquor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+with you, for the accommodation is humble. We
+write this from hearsay, as when we were there
+in mid-July salmon and sea-trout were not
+in the loch in large numbers; but still we
+caught some of the latter, and hooked, though,
+unfortunately, did not kill, any of the former.
+We should think that the beginning of August
+would be the best time for this loch as regards
+sea-fish; but the trout-fishing in July is unsurpassable.
+During our sojourn in 1876 at Arisaig,
+the nearest village to the loch, which is six
+miles off, and necessitating a drive over what
+was then a road sadly in need of General
+Wade's good offices, we had the services of a
+boatman, Angus by name, and his two boys,
+who could not speak a word of English,&mdash;Angus
+managing one boat, and his boys the
+other. We had the satisfaction&mdash;for indeed it
+was good fun&mdash;to be out with the boys one
+day; and the management of the boat had to be
+done by signals. It was wonderful how readily
+the boys got into the way of it, and how well
+we got on together. The memory of the hospitality
+which we enjoyed at Arisaig Inn will not
+be forgotten by any of our party; and we hope
+that the then occupier, Mr Routledge, will be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+there when we go back again. An inn was in
+course of being built at the loch-side in 1876,
+but we do not know how it has succeeded. The
+easiest way to Arisaig is by steamer, which
+usually goes once a-week; but the angler
+should, if possible, go to Banavie or Fort-William,&mdash;the
+latter for choice, as Banavie
+Hotel is famous for long bills (and we can
+testify that its notoriety in this respect is
+deserved),&mdash;and then drive to Arisaig. It is
+about thirty-eight miles from Fort-William to
+Arisaig, but the drive is something to be remembered
+during a lifetime. After having
+traversed this road, you will say, "There's no
+place like home" for grand and beautiful scenery.
+We must see Loch Morar again if we
+possibly can, before we bequeath our tackle to
+the next generation.</p>
+
+<p>The time would fail us to tell of many other
+lochs, more or less famous for the good sport
+they afford; but the angler, if at all of an enterprising
+nature, need have little hesitation in
+taking up Mr Lyall's excellent 'Sportsman's
+Guide,' and making a selection on his own
+account. The information is very correct so far
+as we have tried it, sometimes&mdash;perhaps most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+anglers are inclined that way&mdash;erring a little
+to the <i>couleur de rose</i> side of things, but quite
+trustworthy in being followed as a suggester
+for a fortnight's fishing. We have gained much
+pleasure in exploring some of our more remote
+lochs, of the existence of which we might
+never have been aware but for its information.
+We cannot, however, close this long, but we
+hope not wearisome, chapter without singing
+the praises of our Queen of Scottish Lakes, <span class="smcap">Loch
+Lomond</span>. The scenery of this beautiful spot
+is well known in some ways, but no amount
+of travelling in a steamer will reveal its
+beauties. To the tourist we would say, take
+a small boat at Luss and engage a man to row
+you among the islands which lie between Luss
+and Balmaha. With this hint to the tourist,
+we leave him, and turn the angler's attention
+to the sport&mdash;very precarious at most times,
+but excellent at others&mdash;to be had on Loch
+Lomond. Luss is the angling centre, and there
+are capital boats and men to be had by writing
+beforehand to the hotel-keeper, Mr M'Nab,
+who deserves much credit for the attention
+he pays to the wants of anglers.</p>
+
+<p>The yellow-trout fishing is good, but, strange<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+to say, this class of sport is not much sought
+after. In April and May as good trout-fishing
+is to be had as on some other lochs that
+enjoy a greater reputation. But if the weather
+has been at all favourable to the fish running,
+the month of June sees the sea-trout fishing
+fairly commenced. It is a hard loch to fish;
+and if you are lucky enough to get two or
+three sea-trout in a day, consider yourself
+fortunate. They are a good average&mdash;2 lb. to
+3 lb. being quite common&mdash;but they spread
+themselves so much over a large portion of
+water that one may fish a whole day and not
+come across them. This, however, is the exception,
+as in an ordinary fair fishing day in
+June, July, August, and September, and even
+October if the weather is mild, they are almost
+certain to be seen, if not caught. Some days
+really good sport is to be had&mdash;indeed, one is
+surprised at the show of fish; but fish or no
+fish, the charm of Loch Lomond is everlasting.
+The angler finds his way back over and over
+again, till, as in our own experience, the islands
+of Lonaig, Moan, Cruin, Fad, and last and least,
+Darroch, the great landing-spot, are as familiar
+to him as his daily business haunts. Then the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+chances of a salmon are good&mdash;indeed, this
+year (1881) a great many have been killed; but
+somehow or another the sea-trout fishing has
+not been so good, and though a salmon is
+always a salmon, we would rather see a good
+show of sea-trout at any time. Like our
+neighbours, we have had good and bad days
+on Loch Lomond; but disappointment has
+never soured us&mdash;indeed, the fascination seems
+to get stronger. And it is so very convenient
+for a day's fishing&mdash;down in the morning and
+home at night, with a good long day between.
+The charge for boatman is 5s. to 6s. and lunch;
+and though this seems high, it must not be
+forgotten that the distances are great. A boat
+costs 2s. per day. The men are good all over,
+some of them really first-rate. Many and
+many a story we could tell of happy fishing
+days, and of days most enjoyably spent when
+fishing was no go; but mostly every angler can
+do the same, and we don't wish to become too
+tiresome. Perhaps if we get the chance we
+may extend this chapter on some future occasion,
+and add some experiences of as yet untried
+places.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.<br />
+<small>CONCLUSION.</small></h2>
+
+<p class="cap"><span class="dcap">Brother</span> of the gentle art, we bid you farewell!
+We have done our best to give
+you the benefit of our experience in the peaceful
+pursuit of loch-fishing; and if we have
+said too much or too little, pray excuse us, and
+in your goodness of heart reprove us for our
+verbosity, and tell us what is awanting. The
+spirit on our part has been very willing; but
+the memory may have been defective when it
+should have been most active, and quite possibly
+our love for the art may have somewhere
+or another led us into discursiveness where we
+should have been brief. We are all human,
+and he is a poor mortal who thinks he cannot
+err. Again we say farewell!&mdash;not for long,
+however, we hope. Who knows where we may<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+meet? If we do, and you recognise us, don't
+forget to give us a little encouragement, and,
+if you can, new material for extending the usefulness
+of this publication. As we write, the
+hand of winter is upon us, and the rod and
+reel have been relegated to safe quarters; but
+spring will return, and the enforced cessation
+of our enjoyment will only add new zest to
+the music of the reel</p>
+
+<div class="bk1">"When green leaves come again."</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="center"><small>PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS.</small></div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="smcap">Lately Published, Fifth Edition, Revised.</span></div>
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="fsxl">THE MOOR AND THE LOCH.</span></div>
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="smcap">Containing Minute Instructions in all Highland Sports,<br />
+with Wanderings over Crag and Corrie,<br />
+Flood and Fell.</span></div>
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="smcap"><big>By JOHN COLQUHOUN.</big></span></div>
+
+<div class="bk1">2 vols. post 8vo, with Two Portraits and other Illustrations. 26s.</div>
+
+<div class="p3"><p class="center">SOME OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.</p></div>
+
+<p><small>"In the present delightful volumes, however, he presents all
+lovers of Scotland with the completest details of every Highland
+sport, on all of which he is an unexceptionable authority; and with
+what many will value even more, a series of life-like sketches of
+the rarer and more interesting animals of the country. He has
+thus brought up to the present level of knowledge the history of
+all the scarce birds and beasts of Scotland.... Henceforth
+it must necessarily find a place in the knapsack of every Northern
+tourist who is fond of our wild creatures, and is simply indispensable
+in every Scotch shooting-lodge."&mdash;<i>Academy.</i></small></p>
+
+<p><small>"We should recommend fishers to study carefully all the chapters
+on fishing for salmon, loch trout, sea trout, and yellow trout,
+whatever may be their experience or erudition. They will find
+general hints of immense use which they can apply to that local
+knowledge of their own river or 'water' which no books can
+teach, and which Mr Colquhoun himself would equally have to
+learn. But no chapter ought to be skipped, even by a reader
+who aspires to far less than the fourfold distinction of a Highland
+hunter, which consists in killing a red-deer, an eagle, a salmon,
+and a seal."&mdash;<i>Saturday Review.</i></small></p>
+
+<p><small>"The book is one written by a gentleman for gentlemen,
+healthy in tone, earnest in purpose, and as fresh, breezy, and
+life-giving as the mountain air of the hills amongst which the
+sport it chronicles is carried on."&mdash;<i>The World.</i></small></p>
+
+<p><small>"One of those rare and delightful books which, with all the
+fulness of knowledge, breathe the very freshness of the country,
+and either console you in your city confinement, or make you
+sigh to be away, according to the humour in which you happen
+to read it."&mdash;<i>Blackwood's Magazine.</i></small></p>
+
+<hr class="min" />
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="smcap">Lately Published</span>.</div>
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="fsxl">A HANDBOOK OF DEER-STALKING.</span></div>
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="smcap"><big>By ALEXANDER MACRAE</big></span>,<br />
+<small>Late Forester to Lord Henry Bentinck.</small></div>
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="smcap">With Introduction by Horatio Ross, Esq.</span></div>
+
+<div class="bk1">Fcap. 8vo, with Two Photos. from Life. 3s. 6d.</div>
+
+<p><small>"A work not only useful to sportsmen, but highly entertaining
+to the general reader."&mdash;<i>United Service Gazette.</i></small></p>
+
+<p><small>"The writer of this valuable little book speaks with authority,
+and sums up in a few pages hints on deer-stalking which the experience
+of a lifetime has enabled him to put forth.... We can
+only recommend every one who pursues the fascinating sport of
+which the author writes, to glance through, and indeed to read
+carefully, this handbook."&mdash;<i>Sporting and Dramatic News.</i></small></p>
+
+<p><small>"An interesting little book, alike because of the knowledge
+which its author displays of his subject, and of the simple style
+in which it is written. It is a handbook such as sportsmen must
+have long desired."&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></small></p>
+
+<hr class="min" />
+
+<div class="bk1"><span class="fsxl">RECREATIONS</span><br />
+OF<br />
+<span class="fsxl">CHRISTOPHER NORTH.</span></div>
+
+<div class="bk1">With Portrait of the Author in his Sporting Jacket.</div>
+
+<div class="bk1">New Edition. Two Vols., crown 8vo, 8s.</div>
+
+<p><small>"Welcome, right welcome, Christopher North; we cordially
+greet thee in thy new dress, thou genial and hearty old man,
+whose 'Ambrosian Nights' have so often in imagination transported
+us from solitude to the social circle, and whose vivid pictures
+of flood and fell, of loch and glen, have carried us in thought
+from the smoke, din, and pent-up opulence of London, to the
+rushing stream or tranquil tarn of those mountain-ranges."&mdash;<i>Times.</i></small></p>
+
+<hr class="min" />
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">W. BLACKWOOD &amp; SONS, Edinburgh and London.</span></div>
+
+<div class="trn"><b>Transcriber's Note:</b>
+Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.
+Variant and dialect spellings remain as printed.
+Hyphenation has been standardised.</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Scotch Loch-Fishing, by 
+AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,1987 @@
+Project Gutenberg's Scotch Loch-Fishing, by AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Scotch Loch-Fishing
+
+Author: AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
+
+Release Date: July 16, 2008 [EBook #26072]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING
+
+
+             BY
+       "BLACK PALMER"
+
+
+ WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS
+    EDINBURGH AND LONDON
+        MDCCCLXXXII
+
+   _All Rights reserved_
+
+
+
+
+                  DEDICATED
+
+                   TO THE
+
+ MEMBERS OF THE WESTERN ANGLING CLUB GLASGOW
+
+      IN REMEMBRANCE OF MANY HAPPY DAYS
+
+           SPENT IN THEIR COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The Author of this very practical treatise on Scotch Loch-Fishing
+desires chiefly that it may be of use to all who read it. He does not
+pretend to have written anything new, but to have attempted to put what
+he has to say in as readable a form as possible. Everything in the way
+of the history and habits of fish has been studiously avoided, and
+technicalities have been used as sparingly as possible. The writing of
+this book has afforded him much pleasure in his leisure moments, and
+that pleasure would be much increased if he knew that the perusal of it
+would create any bond of sympathy between himself and the angling
+community in general. This edition is interleaved with blank sheets for
+the reader's notes. The Author need hardly say that any suggestions
+addressed to the care of the publishers, will meet with consideration in
+a future edition.
+
+GLASGOW, _March 1882_.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+ CHAP.                                 PAGE
+
+    I. INTRODUCTORY,                      1
+
+   II. EQUIPMENT,                         5
+
+  III. TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES,            7
+
+   IV. FLIES AND CASTING-LINES,          13
+
+    V. TROLLING-TACKLE AND LURES,        21
+
+   VI. DUTIES OF BOATMAN,                27
+
+  VII. ETIQUETTE OF LOCH-FISHING,        33
+
+ VIII. CASTING AND STRIKING,             37
+
+   IX. TROLLING,                         42
+
+    X. CAPTURE OF FISH,                  48
+
+   XI. AFTER A DAY'S FISHING,            60
+
+  XII. REMINISCENCES,                    65
+
+ XIII. CONCLUSION,                       80
+
+
+
+
+SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+INTRODUCTORY.
+
+
+We do not pretend to write or enlarge upon a new subject. Much has been
+said and written--and well said and written too--on the art of fishing;
+but loch-fishing _per se_ has been rather looked upon as a second-rate
+performance, and to dispel this idea is one of the objects for which
+this present treatise has been written. Far be it from us to say
+anything against fishing, lawfully practised in any form; but many pent
+up in our large towns will bear us out when we say that, on the whole,
+a day's loch-fishing is the most convenient. One great matter is, that
+the loch-fisher is dependent on nothing but enough wind to "curl" the
+water,--and on a large loch it is very seldom that a dead calm prevails
+all day,--and can make his arrangements for a day, weeks beforehand;
+whereas the stream-fisher is dependent for a good take on the state of
+the water: and however pleasant and easy it may be for one living near
+the banks of a good trout stream or river, it is quite another matter to
+arrange for a day's river-fishing, if one is looking forward to a
+holiday at a date some weeks ahead. Providence may favour the expectant
+angler with a "good" day, and the water in order; but experience has
+taught most of us that the "good" days are in the minority, and that, as
+is the case with our rapid running streams,--such as many of our
+northern streams are,--the water is either too large or too small,
+unless, as previously remarked, you live near at hand, and can catch it
+at its best.
+
+A common belief in regard to loch-fishing is, that the tyro and the
+experienced angler have nearly the same chance in fishing,--the one from
+the stern and the other from the bow of the same boat. Of all the
+absurd beliefs as to loch-fishing, this is one of the most absurd. Try
+it. Give the tyro either end of the boat he likes; give him a cast of
+any flies he may fancy, or even a cast similar to those which a "crack"
+may be using; and if he catches one for every three the other has, he
+may consider himself very lucky. Of course there are lochs where the
+fish are not abundant, and a beginner may come across as many as an
+older fisher; but we speak of lochs where there are fish to be caught,
+and where each has a fair chance.
+
+Again, it is said that the boatman has as much to do with catching trout
+in a loch as the angler. Well, we don't deny that. In an untried loch it
+is necessary to have the guidance of a good boatman; but the same
+argument holds good as to stream-fishing. There are "pools and pools,"
+and the experienced loch-fisher can "spot" a bay or promontory, where
+trout are likely to be lying, with as much certainty as his brother
+angler can calculate on the lie of fish in a stream. Then there are
+objections to loch-fishing on the score of expense. These we are not
+prepared to refute; for there is no doubt whatever that loch-fishing
+means money. But what has made it so? The same reason that makes all
+other things of more or less value--the common law of supply and demand.
+Time was, and that not so long ago, when a boatman who used to get 3s.,
+or at most 4s. a-day, now gets his 5s. or 6s., and even at the latter
+figure does not think himself too well paid. In the extreme north,
+however, it is still possible to get a good man for 3s. a-day; and we
+know of nothing more enjoyable than a fortnight's loch-fishing amidst
+magnificent scenery in some of our northern counties. The expense of
+getting there will always be a serious matter; but once there, the
+fishing in itself is not dear. The boat is usually got for nothing; the
+right of fishing, so far at least as trout are concerned, is free; and
+the man's wage and lunch are decidedly cheap. But for a single day on
+some of our nearer lochs,--such as Loch Leven, Loch Ard, or Loch
+Lomond,--the expenses _are_ heavy, and the angler must always be the
+best judge as to the likelihood of the "game being worth the candle."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+EQUIPMENT.
+
+
+This will be a short chapter, as tastes differ so very much, that many
+things we might say would most probably be disregarded. But as to some
+matters, there can only be one opinion. Do not fish in _light-coloured_
+clothes; and, should the weather be wet, do not wear a white macintosh
+coat. We believe that the eyesight of a fish is the keenest sense which
+it possesses; and, more especially should the day be clear and fine,
+there is no doubt that an unusual white object within range of its
+vision will make a fish, which might otherwise have taken the fly, turn
+tail and flee. A good deal of what we hear spoken of as fish "rising
+short," proceeds from this cause. No doubt they rise short sometimes on
+seeing the angler himself, but he is much less likely to attract notice
+if clad in dark-hued clothing. We know of nothing better for a fishing
+rig-out than a suit made from dark Harris tweed--it will almost last a
+lifetime, and is a warm and comfortable wear. Thus you will need a dark
+macintosh and leggings; and a common sou'wester is, when needed, a very
+useful head-gear. A pair of cloth-lined india-rubber gloves will be
+found desirable in early spring, when it is quite possible that the
+temperature may be low enough for snow. A pair of stout lacing boots,
+made with uppers reaching well up the leg, will be found best, as they
+protect the feet from getting damp when going into or leaving a boat,
+even though one should need to step into the water; and if your
+waterproof coat is long, as it should be, the necessity of wearing
+leggings on a wet day is obviated. Lastly, _by all means keep the body
+warm_, and remember that the more careful you are of yourself, even at
+the risk of being thought "old wifish," you will, humanly speaking, be
+enabled to enjoy the sport to a greater age than you might otherwise
+do.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES.
+
+
+As this is likely to be one of the most important chapters in the book,
+the reader must forgive us if we are particular--even to a fault--in
+describing some of the necessaries towards the full enjoyment of the
+pleasures of loch-fishing. So much depends on our being comfortable in
+our enjoyments, that we have, perhaps, erred on the side of luxuriance;
+but to those anglers who think so, there is nothing easier than their
+leaving out what they think superfluous.
+
+_Creel, or Fishing-Bag._--The creel for loch-fishing should be of the
+largest size made, so as to serve for all kinds of fish; and as the
+angler is always in a boat, the difference of room occupied is of very
+little moment. Besides, it accommodates his tackle and lunch, and even
+waterproofs, though the latter are better to be strapped on outside.
+These creels are neatest when made in French basket-work; and even the
+lightest of them, with ordinary care, will last many years, more
+especially if the edges and bottom are leather-bound. Almost any
+tackle-shop will supply them plain, or bound with leather, as desired.
+Brass hinges and hasp will also be found great improvements. The
+fishing-bag is of somewhat recent development, and is very convenient;
+but the objection to it is that, unless the waterproof cloth with which
+it is lined be carefully washed after each day's fishing, a nasty smell
+is apt to be contracted and retained. Though we use the bag often
+ourselves, we incline for many reasons to the old-fashioned creel. Many
+loch-fishers carry along with them a square basket about 16 in. x 8
+broad x 10 deep, which they use for carrying their tackle and lunch,
+thus leaving the creel or fishing-bag free for fish alone. This is a
+capital plan, the only objection being that it makes another article to
+carry. As to its usefulness there can be no doubt, as nothing is more
+undesirable than having tackle and fish in one basket or bag, even
+though you should have something between. Some anglers go the length of
+a luncheon-basket, but this savours so much of the picnic that we don't
+approve of it.
+
+_Landing-Net and Gaff._--These may be got at any tackle shop, the only
+care to be exercised being in the selection of a good long handle, and
+in seeing that the net be made of twine which resists the catching of
+hooks, and that it be of a size capable of landing a large fish, as the
+gaff leaves an ugly mark, and should only be used when actually
+necessary. The screw of the net-hoop and of the gaff will suit the same
+handle.
+
+_Fishing-Rods._--For loch-fishing, it is desirable to use a rod not less
+than 14 feet in length, if fishing for ordinary yellow trout; but if for
+sea trout, and the chance of "a fish" _par excellence_, then the rod
+should be a couple of feet longer. The angler will find that it is
+better to have both rods with him--the spare one being handy in case of
+calamity--as the extra trouble of carrying is very slight: rods and
+landing-net handle can be easily tied up together with small leather
+straps. Do not have a rod that bends too freely--rather err on the
+other side; because in loch-fishing you have generally wind enough to
+carry your flies out, and if you do get a 3 or 4 pounder, the advantage
+of a fairly stiff rod is apparent. We prefer rods in three pieces--no
+hollow-butts--and made of greenheart throughout. The first cost is more
+than for rods whose various parts are made of different woods, but the
+greenheart is the cheapest rod in the end. With the minimum of care, a
+greenheart never gets out of order; and a good rod of this description
+will be as straight at the end of a season as at the beginning. Avoid
+all fancy rods, and do not be beguiled into buying them.
+
+_Reels and Lines._--Always carry a couple of reels with you, the smaller
+with 60 yards of fine line, and the larger with not less than 100 yards
+of grilse line. Silk-and-hair lines are not very expensive, and with a
+little care will last a long time. They will be found the most
+satisfactory for all kinds of fly-work. The reels which we consider best
+are made of bronzed metal and vulcanite: they are light, and stand a lot
+of wear. When buying your rods, get the reels fitted to them, and see
+that the fit is sufficiently tight, as nothing is more annoying than to
+find the ferrules loosening their hold of the reel, and that, perhaps,
+at a most critical moment. Should the reels referred to not be heavy
+enough to balance the rods properly--and this is a matter of great
+importance--it may be as well to take reels made entirely of bronzed
+metal.
+
+_Fly-Book._--We are not much in favour of fly-books. They are a great
+temptation to keeping a large stock of flies; and in the following
+chapter we will show that the fewer flies one possesses the better. A
+serious objection to a fly-book is, that the flies get crushed in it,
+and we consider a box a better receptacle; but if the angler will have a
+fly-book, one of moderate size--rather to the big size if anything--made
+of pig-skin leather, and well provided with pouches for holding
+casting-lines, as well as the usual receptacles for flies, will be found
+best. These books are to be had in great variety at any wholesale tackle
+warehouse; and taste goes a long way in non-essentials.
+
+Beyond the articles mentioned, the angler should always have at hand the
+following:--
+
+ Spring balance, weighing up to 20 lb.
+ Small screw-driver.
+ Small gimlet.
+ Small bottle clockmaker's oil.
+ Bottle varnish.
+ Carriage-lamp, and candles to fit, for travelling.
+ Two packs playing-cards.
+ Good-sized flask.
+ Flat glass or horn drinking-cup.
+ Pocket-scissors. The kind that shut up will be found very useful.
+ Corkscrew.
+ Hank of medium gut for emergencies.
+ Fine silk thread and resin.
+ Some common thin twine for tying joints of rod together.
+ Also articles named in Chapter V., p. 21, under "Trolling-Tackle and
+   Lures."
+
+Many of these things may be considered quite _de trop_; but the longer
+one fishes, the more one finds out that the little luxuries give a vast
+amount of enjoyment for the small amount of foresight required to have
+them at hand when wanted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+FLIES AND CASTING-LINES.
+
+
+Flies.--Here we shall no doubt come into conflict with many opinions,
+and most probably meet with the most criticism. However, as all we have
+written, and mean to write, is the result of actual experience, we may
+be pardoned for being somewhat dogmatic on the subject in hand. In the
+first place, don't keep a large stock of flies. If going for a day's
+fishing, buy as many as you think you'll need, and _no more_. Buy them
+of different sizes; and if you get a few each time you go for an outing,
+you will be astonished how soon a spare stock accumulates. Ascertain
+carefully beforehand the _size_ suitable to the loch--the _kinds_ are
+not of so much importance--and once you have made up a cast, in which
+operation there is no harm in taking your boatman's suggestions, _do not
+change_, unless it be to put on a smaller or larger size according to
+the wind, or unless it is conclusively proved that other flies are
+raising trout when yours cannot. Of course, if you are going for a
+fortnight's fishing, you will require to lay in a fair stock; but even
+then get as few as you think you can possibly do with. Do not run any
+risk of running short, and do not place yourself in the position of
+needing to use old casts: that is poor economy in the long-run. The
+following is, we think, a fair list for a fortnight's sport in an
+out-of-the-way place:--
+
+ Half-dozen harelugs.
+     "      red and teal.
+     "      orange and mallard.
+     "      green and woodcock.
+     "      black spiders with red tips, commonly called "Zulus."
+     "      red spiders, hackle taken well down the hook.
+     "      March Browns, which, though supposed to come out in March,
+              are really capital flies at any time.
+     "      yellow body with cinnamon wings and golden-pheasant tip.
+     "      dark harelug body, mallard wing and red tip. This is a
+              splendid spring fly.
+
+These we would get dressed on Loch Leven size--any fly-dresser knows
+what that means; but perhaps the better way would be to get a quarter
+dozen of each dressed on that size, and a quarter dozen of each on a
+hook two sizes larger. The patterns in a tackle-maker's book are
+endless, but for the most part are modifications or combinations of the
+flies we have named; and the angler will soon discover for himself that
+flies and old half-used casts, and often casts made up in the humour of
+the moment, and never used at all, accumulate upon him so rapidly that
+he is glad to find some enthusiastic boatman to bestow them upon. It is
+needless to add, that a gift of this kind is usually very much
+appreciated by the recipient. Tinsel is a very useful adjunct to a fly,
+and should always be employed in those used in loch-fishing. If variety
+is wanted in colouring, the least tip of Berlin or pig's wool of the
+desired shade will be found very effective. Get your flies dressed on
+Limerick-bend hooks, as the iron, should it chance not to be the best
+tempered in the world, is not so liable to snap as the round bend. The
+wings of the fly should be dressed so as to be distinctly apart both in
+the water and out of it, thus--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It gives the fly a much more life-like appearance, and makes it swim
+better in the water. When you give orders for flies, see that they are
+dressed up to your instructions, as it is quite certain you will fish
+with much more confidence when you have faith in what you are using. Do
+not have them dressed on too fine gut, as they are apt to get twisted
+round the casting-line (usually called "riding the line"), and put you
+to the trouble of straightening them out every few minutes. These
+remarks may seem trifling; but trifles are very irritating in most
+pursuits, and the gentle art is no exception. Flies suitable for salmon
+and sea-trout fishing on almost any loch will be supplied at any shop in
+the trade on asking for Loch Lomond patterns. These patterns are
+well-known, and are without exception as fine flies as one could wish
+for. They are usually made very full in the body, and dressed with
+heron's hackle. The varieties are red and teal, green and teal, orange
+and mallard, or turkey, and a few variations of these,--sometimes a
+yellow tip to the red and green bodies, or a red tip to the yellow; but
+a cast composed of red or green and teal with orange and mallard is
+unsurpassable. For this class of fishing, the flies should be dressed
+with loops, and the bob should be fixed to the casting-line by means of
+a small strand of gut. Two flies on a cast are quite sufficient when big
+fish are expected. We can hardly advise the angler to try fly-dressing
+on his own account. It is hardly worth his while, as flies are to be had
+very reasonably from any respectable tackle-maker; and they are much
+better dressed in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred than any amateur
+performance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Casting-Lines._--Provide yourself with half a dozen each, of different
+thickness--that is, fine, medium, and stout, the latter for salmon and
+sea-trout fishing. That quantity should suffice for a fortnight's
+outing, even making allowance for breakage, and leave you some over for
+another time: but in this matter it is better to run no risk of being
+short. The gut should be stained a light tea colour, or the faintest
+blue: it can be bought so. There is no occasion for them being more
+than three yards long, as we cannot advocate fishing with more than
+three flies at a time. If three flies are properly placed on a line, and
+the line be properly handled in the casting, they will cover as much
+water as any number of flies. Besides, there is far less chance of a
+"fankle," to use a most expressive Scotch word, than when four or more
+flies are used. In this, however, _chacun a son gout_,--we are only
+giving an opinion after trying both ways.
+
+In making up a cast of flies, _have no loops_ of any kind, excepting the
+one by which the cast is attached to your silk-and-hair line. The
+water-knot is so simple and neat, that it is the best for the purpose of
+fixing on the tail-fly, which, by the way, should be the heaviest of
+those you are about to use, if there is any difference between them. In
+case our readers don't know the water-knot, we give an illustration
+which explains itself--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The loops are pulled tight, and then the fly and the line are drawn in
+opposite directions, the result being that the knots formed by the
+loops meet and make a firm, and at the same time an almost
+imperceptible, joining. You then clip off any ends that may remain. So
+much for the tail fly. The putting on of the other two is simplicity
+itself. You take the strand of gut on which the next fly you purpose
+affixing is dressed, and laying it along the main line, _taking care to
+have the hook lying in the reverse direction from the tail fly_, you tie
+it into the line a yard from the fly already attached. In tying it in,
+leave the hook hanging about two and a half inches from the line. The
+third, or "bob" fly, is attached in like manner, and thus your cast of
+flies is completed. The only objection to this method of making up a
+cast is, that once the middle and bob flies are tied in, they cannot be
+used again. This is quite true; but the keen angler will submit to the
+little extra expense on this score for the gratification which the sight
+of a really neat cast will afford him. The system of suspending hooks by
+loops, especially when using fine tackle, is almost entirely exploded.
+We should have said that previous to use, all gut should be soaked, and
+the longer the better. It is a good plan to let it soak over night, and
+make up your cast in the morning. When gut is thus thoroughly wet, it is
+wonderful how easy it is of manipulation. On the other hand, dry gut is
+very brittle, and will break on the slightest provocation. Fix the cast
+and silk-and-hair line together, having previously made a single knot on
+the end of the latter, as illustrated below--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It is prudent to have a second cast ready in case of breakage, as
+nothing is more annoying than losing time making up one in the boat, and
+that most probably when the trout are rising. Experience is a great
+teacher; and it is wonderful how soon the angler learns the value of
+every moment, and seeks beforehand, so far as human foresight can go, to
+provide for all contingencies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+TROLLING-TACKLE AND LURES.
+
+
+Do not troll at all if you can get fishing with the fly; and under no
+circumstances troll for trout in the very early part of the season, when
+they are more or less in a "kelty" state, and take an artificial or
+other minnow very keenly. True, you may catch fish, but it is a most
+unsportsmanlike proceeding to take fish not in fair condition; and if
+you, sir, who read this book, are not a sportsman, you had better stop
+here, for it was compiled by a sportsman for sportsmen. There are some
+miserable "pot-hunters" who want to kill anything that swims--be it
+clean or unclean; but with them we have nothing whatever to do. But fair
+trolling is quite legitimate, and in many cases it is absolutely
+imperative to troll if a basket is to be made at all. Some days the fly
+is of no use--either owing to a calm, or to a bright sky; and a
+well-managed trolling-line or two is then the only resort, unless one
+stops fishing altogether. And if big trout and _ferox_ are wanted,
+nothing succeeds--indeed nothing _will_ succeed, except very
+occasionally--but trolling, either with artificial or natural bait. So
+to be complete you must have the requisite tackle, and we will tell you
+what is necessary, both for small and large fish, in as few words as we
+possibly can. A ROD specially adapted for trolling is almost a
+necessity, as it is a great strain upon an ordinary fly-rod to have the
+weight of 30 or 40 yards of line upon it: even a good rod is apt to get
+an ugly bend from such treatment. The rod for trolling need not be
+long--12 to 14 feet is quite sufficient--but it must be stiff; and we
+consider that the rings through which the line is led ought to be large
+and fixed--that is, standing out permanently from the wood, called by
+the trade upright rings. A spare top will be supplied along with it. The
+REEL should be of the largest description, and may be got as strong as
+possible, lightness being no recommendation to one used exclusively for
+trolling. The LINE ought to be at least 100 yards long--120 for
+choice--and this suffices for any kind of fish. The material best
+adapted for trolling is oiled silk-and-hair. There is a kind of line,
+made in America, we believe, which is admirably adapted for the purpose.
+It is strong as wire-rope, and does not "kink" under any
+circumstances--which latter is a consideration, as sometimes a paltry
+trout may come on, and you have only to haul him in hand-over-hand
+without running the risk of your line getting into a mess. This saves
+the trouble and waste of time in reeling up many yards of line every
+time a "smout" comes on. The line to which we refer is somewhat
+expensive, but will be found to be cheap in the long-run. An ordinary
+silk-and-hair line does well enough, but is apt to twist sadly if the
+minnow is not spinning properly, besides the trouble it entails after a
+day's fishing of laying out two or three score yards for drying. The
+troller will require to provide himself with MINNOW TRACES. These do not
+require to be more than two yards in length, but in ordering them take
+care that the swivels are sufficiently large to insure the
+minnow--natural or artificial--spinning nicely. The angler can easily
+procure swivels and make traces for himself; but he will find in this,
+as in most things connected with fishing, that he cannot compete with
+the tackle-maker, so we advise him to get them made up at a good
+warehouse. Retail tackle-makers charge long prices, but in most large
+towns there are warehouses which are specially suited for a customer
+trade, thus saving the user a long intermediate profit. This is as it
+should be. The thickness of the gut used for trolling should of course
+be regulated, as in fly-fishing, by the size of fish you expect to
+catch, and a few traces made of gimp for pike and _ferox_ should always
+be in the troller's stock. By the way, and in case we forget to mention
+it afterwards, always be provided with some split swan shot, to be used
+in case of a very clear day, when it is desirable to sink line and
+minnow below the surface. Also be provided with tackle--some mounted on
+gut and some on gimp--for spinning natural minnow; and we know of none
+better or more deadly for this purpose than that of which an
+illustration is given on next page. It is very simple, and seldom misses
+anything.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The large hook is put in at the mouth of the minnow, and the point
+brought out at a little above the tail--thus giving the minnow the
+proper curve for spinning. One of the smaller hooks is put through
+_both_ lips of the lure, to close the mouth and to keep the bait in
+proper position, while the other is left to spin. Some advocate the use
+of par-tail as a spinning bait; but as it is not right to kill par at
+all, we omit any directions for its use. We have drifted into the
+subject of LURES almost unconsciously. If you wish to use natural
+minnows, see that they are neither too large nor too small--about two
+inches long is a good size--and that the belly is silvery. It is better
+to instruct your boatman to have a supply ready against your arrival at
+the loch, as sometimes it is as difficult to catch minnows as to catch
+any other fish. However, we believe that the want of them is so well
+supplied by the phantom minnow, that little or no harm is done though
+they are not to be had. And when the handling and bother of using live
+bait is taken into consideration, we think that most folks will prefer
+the artificial lure. The phantom we consider the very best of all the
+imitations; and the troller should have them in different colours and
+sizes, from Nos. 1 to 7. The hooks attached to the larger sizes should
+be mounted on gimp, as in trolling for large fish--and especially for
+_salmo ferox_--no risk should be run of the mountings giving way. Tin
+boxes, divided into compartments, for holding the minnows, are very
+convenient, and are to be had at most tackle shops. A spoon-bait is also
+a splendid deception, and should not be awanting. A tackle-maker's
+catalogue will tell the reader of many other "spinners;" but if he
+cannot catch fish of all kinds with either a natural or phantom minnow
+or a spoon, it is not the fault of the lure; and he may try anything
+else he fancies, and come no better speed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+DUTIES OF BOATMAN.
+
+
+Very little requires to be said in this chapter regarding boatmen, as
+when the angler gets into the habit of frequenting certain lochs, he
+soon finds out for himself the steady reliable men in the neighbourhood,
+and can generally engage one of them beforehand by writing to the hotel
+at which he means to put up. But in going to a new fishing-ground, he is
+better to leave himself in the hands of the landlord of the hotel, and if
+not satisfied with his first day's experience of the man who accompanied
+him, let him change. A good boatman is a treasure; and though we are
+decidedly against the system of "tipping" indiscriminately, we say, when
+you get a good man, pay him liberally. We know of some men with whom it
+is a pleasure to be out all day, and whose company, in its own way, is
+most enjoyable. Keen sportsmen these are, and the capture or loss of a
+fish is a source of true pleasure or pain. Other men one comes across
+seem but to row the boat, and nothing more; and an unproductive day in
+such company is something to be looked back upon with horror. The
+leading qualification of a boatman of the right sort is a strong
+sympathy with the angler, which enables him almost instinctively to help
+the angler to cover every inch of likely water with his flies, and makes
+him experience the sensation of expecting a rise every cast; in other
+words, he almost puts the fly into the fish's mouth. With such a man,
+instructions regarding the management of the boat are superfluous; but
+as it often happens that you do not get a first-rate hand, you have to
+take matters into your own hands to some extent; and we shall give you a
+few hints as to what is best to be done under such circumstances. It is
+hardly to be supposed that your man is in ignorance of the best ground,
+either from experience or hearsay, and it is only after you get there
+that our instructions can possibly come into operation. If you are
+obliged to take a perfect greenhorn, we know of no other course than to
+order him to keep in the wake of some other boat, but that at such a
+distance as not to be offensive. (See next chapter on the "Etiquette of
+Loch-fishing.") But let us assume that you get on to ground where fish
+are: the first point is to see that everything is in order, all
+unnecessary articles put out of the way, and the landing-net and gaff
+conveniently at hand. We ought to have said that a large stone in the
+bow is useful, not only to balance the boat and make her drift better,
+but also as a weight to which a rope may be attached, and thus let over
+the side to the depth of a few feet, to prevent her drifting too rapidly
+should there happen to be a heavy breeze on. The next thing is to get
+the boat properly broadside to the wind, so that you may have next to no
+trouble in casting. Should a fish be hooked, see that the man keeps
+working the boat in such a manner that the fish cannot possibly get
+underneath: a single stroke of the oar in the proper direction is
+generally all that is necessary. You must also judge from the size of
+the fish, and the length and strength of your tackle, whether it is
+expedient that the man should follow the fish if he makes a very long
+run. If your line happens to be short--which it will not be, if you have
+followed the instructions given in Chapter III.--you need not be
+surprised if you find nothing left but your rod and reel, your line, and
+mayhap a "half-croon flee" flying about the loch in charge of a fish.
+The management of the landing-net or gaff is another serious matter. If
+the fish be small, tell the man to have the net ready, and "run it in;"
+but if it is a good-sized fish, you must tell him not to put the net
+near till he gets the word from you. Many a time we have suppressed an
+exclamation--the reverse of a blessing--when we have seen the hoop of
+the landing-net strike the fish, and were in suspense for a second or
+two as to whether he was on or off. If the gaff is necessary, it is
+almost as well to let your man hold the rod after you have tired the
+fish thoroughly, and gaff him yourself. But if you think it unadvisable
+to part with the rod, send the man to the other end of the boat from
+yourself, and then lead the fish near him, so that he may have a fair
+chance. He must put the gaff _over_ the fish till the point is in a
+line with its broadside, and then with a sudden _jerk_ sink the steel
+into, or even through, the animal, and lift him over the gunwale with
+all possible speed. A sharp blow or two on the snout will deprive the
+fish of life. Always kill your fish,--big or small,--as nothing ought to
+be more repulsive to a true sportsman than to see or hear any animal he
+has captured dying by inches.
+
+It is perhaps needless to say that in the matter of lunch and drink, due
+consideration should always be paid to your boatman's wants; indeed if
+he has had a hard time of it rowing against a stiff breeze, nothing is
+lost by landing at mid-day and letting him enjoy half an hour's rest and
+a smoke after he has refreshed his inner man. Sometimes--such as in a
+club competition--such luxuries must be denied; but even then he can put
+you on to a square drift, and enjoy his lunch and smoke while you are
+fishing; and you, on the other hand, can take yours when he is changing
+ground. These remarks may seem trifling; but we only give you our
+experience, when we say that on some lochs where good boatmen are not
+plentiful, the angler who has shown most kindness and consideration on
+past occasions is never much put about for want of a man, even in a busy
+season. And we have known, when every regular boatman was engaged, that
+there was generally a boatman's "friend" in the neighbourhood who was
+pressed into our service, and that often at a few minutes' notice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ETIQUETTE OF LOCH-FISHING.
+
+
+Politeness is politeness all the world over, and in loch-fishing it is
+particularly to be practised. The gentle art is peculiarly adapted for
+gentlemen,--using the word in its truest sense,--and the true angler
+will never be mistaken for anything else. In the Club to which we have
+the honour to belong, there are certain rules which would commend
+themselves naturally to any one of us; but in order that these may be
+clear and well defined, they are circulated annually, and are in
+themselves so admirable that we cannot do better than quote them:--
+
+    "1. No boat shall be entitled to take position in front of any other
+    boat which shall have already begun drifting, at a less distance
+    than three hundred yards.
+
+    "2. Any competitor intending to drift a bay already in possession of
+    another competitor shall be obliged to take position behind, or on
+    the outside of and in a line with the latter, but at such a distance
+    as not to interfere with the boat first in possession of the drift.
+
+    "3. In cases where boats are changing water, it shall not be
+    admissible for any boat so doing to go between the shore and any
+    other boat drifting close thereon."
+
+These rules, as may be inferred, refer to club competitions in
+particular, but they are made the standard upon all occasions where
+there is any chance of their becoming applicable. So much indeed have we
+got into the way of regarding these rules,--strict as they are,--that we
+observe them even when meeting with strangers on any loch in any part of
+the kingdom. And pay special attention, if you happen to be trolling in
+the neighbourhood, never to interfere with the drift on which a
+fly-fisher is engaged. Nothing is more unbecoming, as it disturbs the
+water which is his by right, if he has begun to drift; and it is an
+unwritten rule that the fly-fisher should generally be allowed the first
+of the ground, as his style of fishing does not make the same commotion
+as a trolling boat and tackle do. Very few of us but have experienced
+the annoyance of a minnow-boat crossing our drift when we were
+fly-fishing; and though we had no redress, and could make no remarks
+without lowering ourselves to the level of our offenders, we have, like
+the nigger's parrot, "thought a mighty lot." Do not hesitate to put
+yourself out of your way to help a neighbour in distress. He may have
+hooked a large fish and be unprovided with a gaff: if you have one let
+him have it instantly, taking his directions from which side you are to
+approach him; and never let the loss of a few minutes, more or less,
+deter you from following the golden rule of doing to him as you would
+expect him to do to you were you similarly placed. And, as it sometimes
+happens where boats are scarce and anglers many, when you are in the
+same boat with a stranger, see that you confine yourself strictly to
+your own share of the water, not making casts which endanger "fankling"
+for the mere sake of covering a little more water with your flies.
+Should you have a fly that is taking better than any other of your own
+or his, offer him one; and in general try to make the day's fishing one
+as much for the cultivation of goodwill and the promotion of
+good-fellowship as for the mere sake of making a basket. A churlish
+angler is an unnatural phenomenon, and, thank Providence! they seldom
+turn up. A man who can look upon the beautiful scenery amid which he
+takes his pleasure,--and there is none finer in the world than our
+Scottish lochs and their surroundings,--and not feel grateful to the
+Giver of all good, and at peace with all mankind, ought to burn his rod,
+singe his flies, and only associate with men like himself.
+
+If the introduction of this chapter into our book will have the effect
+of creating a better understanding on the etiquette of loch-fishing
+between brothers of the angle, the object for which it was written will
+have been accomplished--and, let us hope, a large amount of goodwill
+thereby promoted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+CASTING AND STRIKING.
+
+
+We shall treat this subject under two aspects: first, if you have the
+whole boat to yourself; and second, if it is being shared by some one
+else.
+
+If you have a boat to yourself, stand as near the centre of it as you
+possibly can without interfering with the boatman in rowing, and cover
+every inch of the water in front of you and as far to the sides as the
+wind will permit. Always be careful how you cast--that is, every time
+you throw your flies see that they land lightly on the water, as no one
+can expect to raise fish if any splash is made by either line or flies.
+Fine casting is not quite so essential, of course, when a fair breeze is
+blowing; but if the wind be light, then the difference between a
+well-thrown fly and the reverse is very apparent. After you have made a
+satisfactory cast, draw the line slowly to you by raising the point of
+the rod, taking care to keep the line as taut as possible. Also see that
+your bob-fly is tripping on the surface, as we consider that a
+well-managed "bob" is the most life-like of the whole lot. Do not fish
+with too long a line, unless, indeed, on an exceptional occasion, when
+you wish to reach the lie of a feeding fish. It is difficult to define a
+long line, but a good general rule is that it should never be longer
+than when you have the consciousness that, if a fish should rise, you
+have him at a fair and instantaneous striking distance. Remember that
+the time the flies first touch the water after each cast is the most
+deadly; therefore, cast often.
+
+If you have only the share of a boat, the rule is that one man takes the
+stern up till lunch, and the other after it. For ourselves, we have a
+preference for the bow, and we generally find that most anglers prefer
+the luxury of the stern; so when both parties are pleased, there is no
+occasion for changing at all. The most important thing to bear in mind
+when you have a companion is, as we said in last chapter, to confine
+yourself to your own water. If the left-hand cast is the one proper to
+your end of the boat, cast as much to your right hand as you can without
+infringing on your neighbour's share of the water: all the water to your
+left hand is of course yours. The same remarks apply _vice versa_.
+_Never stop casting_ so long as you are on fishable ground, for you know
+not the moment a good fish may rise. Certain it is that unless you keep
+your flies constantly going, you cannot expect to have the same basket
+as the angler who does. Keep your eyes on your flies in a general way,
+and do not let your attention be distracted so long as they are in the
+water. Every angler has experienced the annoyance of missing fish when
+looking elsewhere for a single moment--either at another boat, or at a
+fish "rising to itself," or at the sky, or at something else. When the
+eyes were turned to the point from which they should not have been
+diverted, they were just in time to see the water swirl, and the hand
+gave a futile strike at what had disappeared a second before. Perhaps we
+should have said at the beginning of this chapter to place implicit
+faith in the flies with which you are fishing. Nothing is more
+ridiculous than whipping the water with a cast, of the suitableness of
+which you have any doubt; and to guard against any such chance, study
+carefully the state of the weather and the wind. If very clear, use
+sombre flies; but if a dark day, use brighter flies. You will of course
+regulate the size according to the breeze, but as a rule, err on the
+side of small flies. When you raise a fish, _strike at once_. It is
+quite possible that by this method you may once in a while strike the
+least bit too soon, but it is a safe plan to go by. There is always a
+particle of a moment spent in the tightening of the line; and by the
+time the angler sees a fish at his flies, he may safely conclude that it
+has already seized or missed them, and the sooner he ascertains the true
+state of matters by striking instantaneously, the better. If the fish
+has not been touched by line or hook, cast gently over him again: the
+chances are that there will be another rise, and, if the fish has been
+feeding, every likelihood that the second or even a third time may be
+lucky. In striking small fish, the least tightening of the line is
+sufficient; but with large fish, when your tackle and hooks are strong,
+strike _firmly home_ to send the steel well in, right over the barb.
+Tackle that will not stand this had better be given away or
+destroyed,--the latter for choice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TROLLING.
+
+
+Our readers will have guessed, from what has preceded this chapter, that
+we don't believe in trolling if it can be avoided; but still there are
+times and occasions on which it must be practised, and we plead guilty
+to having gone in for it oftener than once, when we saw that fly-fishing
+was useless. On the other hand, however, we have set out with a firm
+determination to do a fair day's trolling,--and nothing but
+trolling,--but somehow or another it has generally ended in fly-fishing
+when we could, and trolling as a _dernier ressort_ when we could not.
+This, we doubt not, has been the experience of many of our angling
+friends to whom the mere killing of fish is a secondary consideration
+compared with the enjoyment of real sport. But when trolling is the
+order of the day, either from choice or necessity, then this is the way
+to go about it. We assume, of course, that the angler is equipped with
+tackle and lines specified in Chapter V., and that he has a supply also
+of live minnows with him. The elaborate tin-cans for holding minnows are
+quite unnecessary so far as loch-fishing is concerned; any ordinary
+vessel will do well enough for a day, provided the water is changed now
+and again. In trolling, two rods will be found ample. They should be
+placed at right angles to the boat,--the "thowl-pin," or, if there is
+not one near enough the stern, anything (a cheap gimlet answers
+admirably) fixed into the gunwale, being sufficient to keep the rod in
+position,--so that the spinners, of whatever kind they may be, will be
+as far apart from each other as possible. Take care that the butts of
+the rods are well at the bottom of the boat, as we have seen a rod not
+sufficiently fixed go overboard before now. A main point in trolling is
+to have plenty of line out. There should never be less than thirty yards
+out from one rod, and not less that forty from the other. By this
+means, should a fish not see the first lure, he may see the second. If
+trolling with natural minnow, which is much more apt to get out of order
+than artificial ones, see that the bait is intact and spinning properly.
+This involves the trouble of hauling it in for examination now and then;
+but it is better to be at that trouble than be fishing with, mayhap, a
+mangled lure, or one that has got out of spinning order, and more likely
+to act as a repellent than an attraction to any fish in the
+neighbourhood. In trolling any likely ground, the proper way is to tell
+your man to zigzag it, not pulling the boat in a straight line, but
+going over the ground diagonally, and thus covering as much of it as it
+is possible to do with a couple score yards of line behind. The turning
+of the boat necessitates a considerable circle being taken to keep the
+lures spinning, and so that the lines do not get mixed up; and your man,
+after making the turn, should row in a slightly slanting direction
+towards the point from which he originally started, thus--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+and so on, till the chances of raising a fish on that beat are
+exhausted.
+
+Should a small fish come on, haul it in hand-over-hand; and the man must
+not stop rowing, as the other minnow is out, and must be kept spinning.
+If, however, a fish that needs playing comes to you, you must seize the
+rod to which he has come, and the boatman must take the other, and wind
+in as fast as possible. You should not commence winding in till the
+other line is wound up so far as to preclude the chance of the fish
+mixing up both lines together. Barring the risk one runs of a serious
+mess, it is not a bad plan to troll from a reel a cast of larger-sized
+flies than would be used in ordinary fly-fishing. This line follows, of
+course, in a _straight_ track behind the boat, and the minnows being
+considerably to right and left of it, there is no danger of their
+getting mixed so long as the boat is moving; but the risk is apparent
+should a fish come to either of the three lines, and great activity is
+then necessary on the part of yourself and boatman to keep things right.
+You must keep the fish at as considerable a distance from the other
+lines as you can, and trust a good deal to the chances of war for the
+ultimate safety of all. Some days, even when casting was unproductive,
+we have been fortunate in securing fish by trolling our flies in the
+manner described. Indeed, unless the day or the season is decidedly in
+favour of trolling minnows, we prefer, if only trolling two lines, to
+troll from one of them with the minnow, and from the other with the fly.
+This must always be decided, however, by the judgment of the angler, and
+by his surroundings for the time being. One thing in favour of trolling
+with the minnow is, that the best size of fish are caught by that means.
+This is not invariably the case, but it is the rule. And in concluding
+this chapter, we must not omit to acknowledge that we are glad to know
+that when we are not so young as we once were, and when the wielding of
+a rod all day long shall have come to be a serious matter, we shall
+still have the pleasure of roaming about our lovely lochs--Highland or
+Lowland--and have the excitement of landing fish, coupled with our
+enjoyment of fresh air and grand scenery. For this reason, if for no
+other, cultivate as often as you can, without entrenching on the nobler
+pastime of fly-fishing, the art of trolling--for we must confess that
+there is an art in this as in everything else; and should my reader be
+sceptical on the point, he has only to try conclusions, when he gets the
+chance, with some old troller, and he will be convinced before
+supper-time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CAPTURE OF FISH.
+
+
+Scotch loch-fishing, as usually practised, only embraces the capture of
+the _salmo_ species--that is, the _salmo fario_, or common yellow trout;
+the _salmo trutta_, or sea-trout; and _salmo salar_, the "fish," as most
+boatmen call it, and the noblest game of the finny creation. Besides
+these there is, of course, the _salmo ferox_; but it is comparatively
+scarce, and only worth trolling for in some particular lochs, where they
+are known to be more easily come across than in others. And sometimes
+when worthier game is not to be had, we have a spin for pike, but Mr
+Jack is as difficult to catch at times as his more aristocratic
+comrades. In most Scotch lochs where any supervision is exercised at the
+instance of our local clubs, the extermination of pike is most
+vigorously carried on by means of fixed and splash nets. This, as
+regards our large lochs, where there is room for all, we have no
+hesitation in saying is a mistake, as it shuts up one means of enjoying
+a day's fishing when nothing else in the way of fish is to be had; and
+it must be borne in mind that there are some older anglers, to whom a
+whole day's fly-fishing is a labour, who never object, when trolling, to
+come across a pike: and no wonder, for a pike of 10 lb. and upwards
+gives some fair play, though by no means to compare with what a fish of
+the _salmo_ tribe of that weight would give. Then we have perch in
+abundance, and splendid eels; but as these need a float and bait to
+catch them, we dismiss them as quite _infra dig_. True a perch will come
+at a minnow, and we have sometimes seen them take a fly; but they are
+generally voted a nuisance, and expelled the boat.
+
+As regards the capture of fish, we shall proceed to deal with each in
+order; and at the outset we remark, that when you have hooked a fish, it
+is a safe general rule to waste no unnecessary time in bringing him to
+the landing-net or gaff, and thence into the boat. When playing a fish,
+never allow the line to get slack, unless, indeed, when he leaps into
+the air,--then you must give him rope; but so soon as he gets into his
+native element, feel his mouth instantly. Always play your fish to
+_windward_ of the boat if there is some one sharing it with you, as this
+allows him to go on casting to leeward. Of course, if you have the whole
+boat to yourself, play your fish in any way that it will be most
+expeditiously brought to basket. The angler ought to be well assured of
+the strength of his tackle, and when he has confidence in that, he will
+soon learn to judge of the proper strain to which it may be subjected.
+In the case of COMMON YELLOW TROUT, averaging, as most loch trout do,
+about three to the pound, there is no occasion to put off time with any
+one of them; but in some lochs, such as Loch Leven, where the average is
+fairly one pound, and where two and three pounders are by no means
+uncommon, some care and a little play are absolutely necessary. But do
+not, even in such a case, give him too much of his own way. We can
+assure our readers that a three-pound Loch Leven trout, in good
+condition, on fine gut and small irons, gives as nice a piece of play,
+and exercise to the eye, hand, and judgment, as could well be desired.
+
+The SEA-TROUT is, for his size, the gamest of all fish. He is bold as a
+lion, and fights harder for his life than a salmon twice his size. A
+fish of three pounds will run out a considerable piece of line, and make
+a splendid leap, or series of leaps,--and then is the trying time. As
+often as not, your flies and the fish part company in the air, and you
+have to sit down muttering "curses not loud but deep," till an
+application to the flask soothes your wounded spirit, and invigorates
+you for fresh effort. A beautiful sight it is to see a sea-trout rise.
+No half-hearted attempt is his, but a determined rush for the fly, and
+down again like thought, leaving you the tiniest part of a moment to
+strike, and hardly time to admire his beautiful silvery coat. If you
+have been fortunate enough to get the steel into him, you will have time
+to admire him when you get him into the boat. Fishing for sea-trout with
+the fly is, we consider, the most exciting of all kinds of fishing--that
+is, if the fish run to a fair average weight. But we are sorry to say
+that lochs where it is to be enjoyed are, with the solitary exception of
+Loch Lomond, usually far out of ordinary reach,--and in the case of Loch
+Lomond, it is only _habitues_ who usually come much speed on it; but
+once the angler gets a fair day there, he finds his way back often.
+True, there are some excellent sea-trout lochs in the north, and on the
+west coast and islands, but they are a far cry from civilisation.
+Nevertheless, if our readers can spare the time, let them find their way
+into some unfrequented spot where sea-trout are plentiful, and they will
+agree with us in thinking that that class of fishing is a most excellent
+sport. Some parts of Ireland are famous for their fine sea-trout
+fishing--white trout they call them there; and though we have never been
+there ourselves, we mean to go some day, when the Land Bill has pacified
+the natives, and made them law-abiding subjects. Meantime one runs the
+risk of being mistaken for a non-resident landlord, and that would be a
+pity for one's wife and family. But without any joking, this Irish
+sea-trout fishing is a pleasure to which we look forward; and in this
+work-a-day world, something to look forward to is half the enjoyment of
+life.
+
+The capture of the SALMON is the ambition of all anglers, but we doubt
+very much if the sport is to compare with ordinary loch or sea-trout
+fishing, provided always that the latter are of good average weight. The
+tackle used in salmon-fishing is proportionately heavy, and after the
+first few rushes, if the fish be well hooked, there is little in it
+except a matter of time. Indeed it is said that some anglers, after
+hooking a salmon, hand the rod to a gillie to work and land the fish.
+This seems going too much in the other direction, but it is quite
+understandable. True, the size to which salmon run is a great inducement
+to go after them; but even in Loch Tay, where the biggest average is to
+be found, the sport, if such it can be called at all, is very
+questionable. The rod, line, gut, and minnows used are on such a strong
+scale, that a well-sized vessel might be moored with them without their
+breaking; and with several scores of yards of line ready for a rush,
+what earthly chance has the fish of escape, unless through the grossest
+carelessness? The fish may be loosely hooked, and get off, but this is
+quite a matter of chance, and the odds are that a hungry spring fish
+will not miss the lure. Thus the charm of salmon-fishing is in the
+raising and striking; and of all kinds of striking, the striking of the
+salmon is the most difficult: the fish being so large and silvery, the
+angler is certain to see him coming _at_ the fly, and is very apt to
+strike too soon. But if it is borne in mind to strike _after_ the broken
+water is visible, and not before it, this will soon be overcome. When
+you do strike, don't let it be a mere tightening of the line, as in
+trout-fishing, but a decided stroke. Some say that the salmon will hook
+himself by his own weight. This may be so, though we doubt it,--but
+don't trust to it. Certain it is, that the first rush of a fish does not
+usually fix him certain; and should the hook happen to be in a piece of
+hard gristle or on a bone, you will soon find this out for yourself, but
+generally at the cost of the fish.
+
+Salmon-fishing is an expensive luxury; but if you can get it good, never
+mind the expense, but give it a trial. If you get good sport, you may
+not care to go in for smaller game again; but in all our experience we
+never knew a salmon fisher who did not enjoy trout-fishing as much in
+its own way as ever he did that of the nobler animal. There is something
+in the gossamer gut and small flies irresistibly attractive to all
+sportsmen, and from which no amount of salmon-fishing can ever wean
+them.
+
+The _salmo ferox_ is a fish on which many opinions have been expressed;
+and we have heard more than one old boatman say that he did not believe
+it to be anything but a big loch-trout, as, they ask, Who ever saw a
+young one? We see the young of all other fish, but why do we never come
+across a young _ferox_? It seems pertinent enough questioning, and we do
+not pretend to settle their doubts in either one way or another. Certain
+it is, he is a big strong fish with some features distinct from the
+ordinary loch trout, and that when caught he shows an amount of fight
+not to be equalled by any of his neighbours, either white or brown. He
+is usually caught by trolling either natural or artificial minnow; and
+the tackle should be mounted on gimp and fixed to a strong line, and
+plenty of it. We have read of a _ferox_ rising to the fly, but never
+saw one so captured. There seems no reason why a gaudy fly should not
+attract him. After he is hooked the fun begins. A _ferox_ of 10 to 12
+lb. will give you amusement and excitement for an indefinite time; and
+you are never sure of him till he is in the boat. A friend of ours (a
+capital angler to boot) fishing with us on Loch Assynt in
+Sutherlandshire in 1877, hooked a fine specimen; and after battling with
+him for an hour, had the mortification of seeing fish, angel-minnow, and
+trace, disappear! A good boatman is a wonderful help in such a case;
+indeed without his help your chances are small. To be sure it is slow
+work trolling for _feroces_, and a whole day--yea, days--may be spent
+without getting a run. The angler must always be the best judge as to
+whether the chance is worth his while. Loch Awe, Loch Ericht, Loch
+Rannoch, and Loch Assynt, are good lochs for trying one's luck in this
+kind of fishing.
+
+Then to come from the nobler to an inferior species, we get to PIKE
+fishing. Angling for this fish seems to be in great repute among our
+southern brethren, if we may judge by the literature on the subject; but
+somehow or other it is looked upon among our northern anglers with
+somewhat the same aversion that a Jew has to bacon, and fishing for pike
+is only resorted to when all chance of catching anything worthier is
+gone. We don't profess to say whence this antipathy arises; but we have
+heard stories from boatmen about the foul feeding of pike that makes the
+idea of eating him repulsive. Not but that we have eaten him, but we
+never did so with relish, however cunningly the _artiste_ may have
+served him up. As a stock for soup he is good; but in Scotland it is
+better not to say what the origin of the stock is till your friends are
+at their _cafe noir_. But here we are only interested so far as the
+sport he gives is concerned; and unless the pike be all the larger--say
+not under 8 lb.--the sport is poor enough. Even a pike of 8 lb. and
+over, when hooked (which is done by trolling or casting a minnow and
+working it after the manner of a fly), makes one or two long pulls, not
+rushes like a fish of the _salmo_ tribe; and after that he subsides into
+a sulk from which you must trust to the strength of your tackle to
+arouse him. The tackle should be mounted on gimp, for his teeth are very
+sharp; and when removing the lure from his mouth, you will find it much
+safer to have previously put the foot-spar between his jaws to prevent
+him getting at your fingers.
+
+There is a fly, if such it can be called, used in pike-fishing. This fly
+resembles a natural insect as much as a tea-pot resembles an elephant,
+but it does attract pike--in the same way, we suppose, that a piece of
+red flannel will attract a mackerel. If our readers wish to try it, they
+can buy it at almost any tackle shop. Pike are to be found in almost all
+lochs, though in the more frequented of our Scotch waters they are being
+slowly but surely exterminated. In others, again, they reign almost
+alone. But pike-fishing by itself is a poor affair, and we advise our
+readers only to take to it when they can do nought better. If any of
+them wish to go below the level of pike-fishing, we must refer them to
+the copious instructions of many books, from Isaak Walton downwards. For
+ourselves, when it comes to bait-fishing--except in running water, when
+worm-fishing is an art--we prefer catching whitings and haddocks in some
+of our beautiful salt-water lochs, to all the perch, roach, chub, and
+such-like, that ever swam. But in this please note that we are only
+expressing our own opinion, and with all respect to the opinions of many
+worthy anglers. We may say this, however, with all safety, that in
+angling, as in most other things, if one aims at the highest point of
+the art he is not at all likely to condescend to the lowest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+AFTER A DAY'S FISHING.
+
+
+What a pleasant fatigue succeeds a day's fishing! There is not, or
+should not be, a feeling of weariness, but just the satisfaction one
+feels after enjoying a health-giving recreation. Health-giving it
+certainly is to the body, and we have no hesitation in saying to the
+mind also. It makes one forget for the time being all the evils to which
+flesh is heir, and braces up the whole system to meet them when the
+necessity arises. But we must not go in for more sentiment than is
+actually needful. The practical duties after a day's fishing are these.
+If the weather has been damp, change all wet garments _at once_, and if
+at all practicable have a hot bath before sitting down to dinner. We say
+dinner advisedly, for the angler should always have a good sound dinner
+after a day's fishing, as however pleasant the work may have been, still
+it is exhausting to the body, and a rough tea, though good in itself,
+cannot pretend to have the reviving elements in it that a substantial
+dinner has. A glass of whisky, or even two, in cold water, will be found
+a very safe accompaniment. A good plan is to order your whisky by the
+bottle, and put your card in a nick made in the cork: the ordering of
+whisky in glasses is expensive and unsatisfactory. Your dinner over,
+turn your attention to your tackle. Unwind your lines, so far as they
+have been wet, from the reels, and lay them out on your bedroom floor; if
+any chance of being interfered with, wind them round the backs of chairs
+instead. They will be dry by the morning. Dry your reels thoroughly, and
+put in a little oil wherever you think they would be the better of it;
+and this should be done to any other article--spring-balance, gaff,
+&c.--that is liable to rust. Your creel or fishing-bag should be washed
+out and hung up to dry by the servants of the house immediately after
+the fish have been removed, which latter should be done without delay.
+Your landing-net should also be suspended in the open air, that it may
+get dry as speedily as possible. A landing-net will last double the time
+if attention is given to it in this way. Take out all used casting-lines
+from your book, and lay them on the mantelpiece till morning: this will
+insure the feathers being freed from moisture. And in the case of
+expensive flies, this is a matter of consideration, both on the point of
+expense as well as your possible inability to replace them where you may
+happen to be sojourning for the time. If you mean to make up a new cast
+or casts for the morrow, place the casting-lines in a little water in
+your basin. They will be in excellent order next morning for
+manipulation. Also soak in like manner the _gut_ on which the flies
+which you mean to use are dressed. True, you may not be sure what flies
+you will put on till you see what sort of a day it may prove to be, but
+there is no harm done if you soak the gut (but only the gut) of as many
+flies as will give you a good choice.
+
+We should have said nearer the beginning of this chapter to look well
+after your waterproofs, that they are not hung up in a hot place. A dry
+room or outhouse where there is a good draught is best. If your fishing
+should happen to be over for the time being, put your tackle past (after
+being thoroughly dried) in the most orderly fashion possible. For our
+own part, we have the drawer in our bookcase spaced out into
+compartments suitable for holding all our tackle, barring reels and such
+like; and this arrangement we find extremely useful, and wonderfully
+convenient when we wish to find anything. If, on the other hand, you are
+out on a lengthy holiday, and have time at your disposal, after putting
+things right for the day, and for next day too, we know of nothing
+better than a _good_ rubber at whist for filling up the evening. It must
+be a _good_ rubber, however, for the parlour game is neither relaxation
+nor pleasure. Hence we would advise all our angling friends to acquire a
+thorough knowledge of the game, as only to be learned with the aid of a
+good book on the subject. Remember that when staying at some
+out-of-the-way fishing hotel, you may be asked to form a table with good
+players, and not to be able to hold your own on such occasions is a
+great loss of pleasure to yourself, and usually a source of annoyance to
+the others. These remarks are somewhat apart from the subject of this
+book, but by way of an aside, they may be found not quite out of place.
+
+Do not be beguiled into keeping late hours, for no one can fish well
+next day if he has not had a sufficient amount of sleep. But this is
+also an aside; for some men need more sleep than others, and each angler
+knows his own necessities best. We only promulgate the broad rule, that
+without proper rest no one can be in good trim with hand and eye for a
+pastime that needs both in a pre-eminent degree. We speak from
+experience in this too; and have sometimes imagined that our right hand
+had lost its cunning till we remembered that we had not been properly
+rested the night before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+REMINISCENCES.
+
+
+Having exhausted, so far as we can imagine, the practical part of our
+little treatise, we proceed--in accordance with an idea which we had in
+our minds at starting--to give a few personal recollections, and to name
+one or two lochs where we have enjoyed good sport, and where it is still
+to be had for the trouble of going. Reminiscences are, as a rule, not
+specially interesting to the general reader, hence we shall not make
+them too lengthy; for we wish, above all things, that our readers shall
+close this volume without experiencing a shadow of weariness. One thing,
+however, we would like to say to our younger angling friends--Have as
+many personal adventures to look back to as you possibly can. The
+adventures themselves can be best sought after when the blood flows
+fast; for the time will come when the rod and the tackle will perforce
+have to be laid aside, and memory will then, unaided, afford you many a
+pleasant retrospect, and you will--even companionless--fight your
+battles over again. You remember the story of the illustrious Prince
+Talleyrand: when a young man acknowledged to him that he could not play
+whist, Talleyrand said to him--"Young man, what a sad old age you are
+preparing for yourself!" We don't mean to go this length as regards
+fishing; but we safely say that a man who lives to old age without
+having been a keen angler, has not only deprived himself of great
+enjoyments during his active life, but has neglected to lay up a
+provision for the time when the memory of them would have made life's
+closing seasons sweeter.
+
+Our first acquaintance with LOCH ARD was very pleasant--not, perhaps, so
+much from any great expectation of sport, because at that time (many
+years ago now) we were young at the pastime, but more from the feeling
+of treading the ground made classical by the great Magician of the
+North, as the scene of the most stirring incidents in 'Rob Roy.'
+Attached to a big tree in front of the hotel at Aberfoyle there hangs a
+coulter, which tradition assigns as the veritable article which Bailie
+Nicol Jarvie made red-hot and used as a weapon of offence and defence
+when he was in a dilemma in what was, at that time, a very inaccessible
+part of the Highlands. Since then many a Glasgow magistrate has visited
+the spot--the inspection of the line of the noble waterworks undertaking
+which supplies the city being a sufficient excuse for the annual advent
+of the civic rulers. A railway station (Bucklyvie) is within eight miles
+of Aberfoyle, and Aberfoyle is within three miles of Loch Ard, and by
+the time this book is in the hand of the reader there will most likely
+be a railway station at Aberfoyle itself. Shade of Bailie Nicol Jarvie!
+what would you say if you were now to be allowed to haunt the old spot?
+to hear a locomotive screech where formerly you thought yourself so far
+"frae the Sautmarket o' Glesca"? We don't like the idea ourselves, and
+doubt very much if it will pay. However, it is the fishing alone which
+concerns us meantime, and we can at once assure our angling friends that
+the sport is good--not but what one has to fish hard for a basket; but
+the same remark applies to all our near-at-hand lochs. On an ordinary
+good day a dozen to eighteen trout may be captured, and sometimes the
+baskets are heavier; but eighteen fish, weighing 9 lb. to 12 lb., is a
+very fair day's work. The trout average fairly a half pound, and
+pounders are by no means scarce: a two-pounder is come across
+occasionally, but he is the exception. The fish are very pretty, and for
+their size give excellent sport. Fine tackle is here absolutely
+essential to success, and as a matter of sport should always be used in
+fishing for common yellow trout. The loch, for its size, is much fished;
+and we fear that when the railway facilities are completed, there will
+require to be a considerable amount of restocking to keep it up to the
+old mark. The scenery is unsurpassed--wood, water, and mountain, making
+a picture of wondrous beauty. To the north of the loch, Ben Lomond rears
+its mighty summit; and in the spring-time (for Loch Ard is an early
+loch), before the summer sun has melted the winter's snow, the effect is
+grand in the extreme. April, May, and June, are supposed to be the best
+months for angling; but we see no reason why, if the weather be
+favourable, these months should be singled out. The hotel accommodation
+at Aberfoyle is excellent. In the early months you must engage a boat
+beforehand: boatmen first-rate. Many a happy day we have spent on Loch
+Ard--sometimes successful and sometimes much the reverse; but in any
+case there is a witchery about the place that makes one enjoy himself in
+spite of all cares. Mind and body recruit their jaded energies, and get
+braced up to meet the stern realities of life.
+
+In strong contradistinction, in this respect, to Loch Ard, is LOCH
+LEVEN. In the latter, if the angler is not catching fish, there is
+little of the beautiful to commend itself to the senses. The island on
+which the castle stands is pretty, and as a historic ruin is well worthy
+of a visit, but otherwise the scenery is very tame, and the surroundings
+not entrancing. But since we have drifted into speaking of Loch Leven,
+we may as well tell of the sport which is to be had there,--and this, as
+is well known, is exceptionally good. The quality of the fish is
+wonderful; and after reading the statistics of a year's fishing--last
+season something like 18,000 fish, weighing as many pounds, were
+killed--one is puzzled to know how it is kept up. The loch itself is a
+great natural feeding-pond, miles and miles of it being of an almost
+uniform depth, and a boat may drift almost anywhere, the angler feeling
+at the same time certain that fish are in his immediate vicinity. Trout
+of two and three pounds are quite common; and it is a rare occasion that
+a day's average does not come up to the pound for each fish. They are
+very fine eating, and cut red as a grilse. The company which rents the
+loch pay L800 to L1000 for the fishing, and they in turn keep a fleet of
+large boats--twenty we think--and let them out to anglers at the rate of
+2s. 6d. an hour. Any number may fish from one boat. There are two
+boatmen in each boat,--one of whom is paid by the company, the other by
+the angler; and we are sorry to say that these men, with a few
+exceptions, are very much spoiled. There is a class of anglers(?) who
+frequent Loch Leven, whose whole aim seems to be, not sport so far as
+their own personal efforts are concerned, but the killing of as many
+fish as possible. If such a one has engaged a boat, he arms each boatman
+with a rod, and, of course, fishes himself, thus having three rods
+going at once. As we said before, the loch can be drifted without any
+attention from the men, after they have pulled up to the wind, and this
+enables them to get casting all the time that their employer is doing
+likewise. Not content with this, a couple of minnows are generally
+trolled astern when changing ground. We don't say that a man has not a
+right to do as he likes if he pays for his boat; but we _do_ ask, Is
+this sport? And why should boatmen be spoiled in this way to such an
+extent that we have known them sulk a whole day because a spare rod was
+not allowed to be put up for their special benefit? But, of course, the
+men are just as they have been made, and true anglers, who fish for a
+day's sport, and not for the mere sake of slaughter, have the remedy in
+their own hands. Don't let anything deter you from fishing Loch Leven.
+It may be expensive; but if you get a good, or even a fair day, you will
+not regret the expense. Get a friend to join you, and the expense is not
+so heavy after all; and if your friend and yourself fish perseveringly
+all day, you will usually be rewarded with a very fine show of fish.
+There is no harm in letting your men fish when you are taking your
+lunch, _but don't allow a third rod to be put up_. The boatmen are, as a
+rule, only fifth-rate fishers, though, of course, a few of them handle a
+rod well. Our recollections of Loch Leven are pleasant in some ways, in
+others they are not; but don't fail to give it a trial, if only for the
+pleasure of handling a big fish on fine gut. The manager of the Loch
+Leven fishings, Captain Hall, fills a very difficult post with much
+acceptance to all concerned.
+
+But to leave the Lowlands and go into the far North, we take you to LOCH
+ASSYNT, in Sutherlandshire, and to a little loch near it,--LOCH AWE by
+name. The journey to Assynt is long and weary: train to Lairg, and then
+between thirty and forty miles driving, is a good long scamper for
+fishing, but it is worth it. The inn at Inchnadamph is good, but when we
+were there in 1877 the boat accommodation was poor enough: perhaps they
+have improved upon that since. The first day after our arrival we had to
+go to Loch Awe, as the boats on the large loch (Assynt) were taken up.
+Such a morning of rain and wind! We were wet through our waterproofs
+during the four-mile drive, but luckily the weather moderated, and we
+had an excellent day's fishing. With two in the boat, we took 57 lb.
+weight of beautiful fish,--not large, but very game, and spotted
+intensely red. It must have been a good day, for many an angler tried
+his luck after our success, but never came near that mark, at least when
+we were there. Loch Assynt is more attractive, however, inasmuch as the
+chances of big fish are not remote. Trout of a pound weight, and over,
+are not uncommon, while the chance of a grilse adds excitement to the
+sport. Then _ferox_, as we have said in a previous chapter, are,
+comparatively speaking, not scarce, if one cares to go in for trolling
+for them. But, in any case, the angler is always sure of a basket of
+lovely yellow trout. On the hills behind the inn there is a small loch,
+called the MULACH-CORRIE, in which it is said that the gillaroo trout
+are to be found. Whether they are the real trout of that species or not,
+we cannot say, but certainly they are beautiful fish,--pink in the
+scales, and running to large sizes. We saw a basket taken by a friend,
+and it was a treat to look at. The fish were all taken with the fly,
+but we were told afterwards that worm is even deadlier than fly, and
+that one should never go there without a supply of "wrigglers." The hill
+between the inn and the Mulach-Corrie is a perfect paradise for
+fern-gatherers. It is said that about two dozen different kinds can be
+gathered; and we believe it, for even our untutored eyes discerned
+sixteen varieties! Our visit to Inchnadamph must be placed among the
+red-letter periods of our fishing life, and to be looked back to with
+much enjoyment.
+
+LOCH MORAR, in Inverness-shire, is another delightful spot, and somewhat
+out of the usual track. The fishing is most excellent, and yellow trout
+of all sizes are very abundant. Sea-trout and salmon find their way
+frequently into the angler's basket; and half-way up the loch, which is
+a long one, at a bay into which the Meoble river flows, numbers of
+sea-fish are to be found. The best way is to fly-fish up to that bay one
+day, and seek shelter at night in some shepherd's cottage, thus being at
+hand to prosecute salmon and sea-trout fishing the next day, or days, if
+you find the sport good. It is right to take a supply of provisions and
+liquor with you, for the accommodation is humble. We write this from
+hearsay, as when we were there in mid-July salmon and sea-trout were not
+in the loch in large numbers; but still we caught some of the latter,
+and hooked, though, unfortunately, did not kill, any of the former. We
+should think that the beginning of August would be the best time for
+this loch as regards sea-fish; but the trout-fishing in July is
+unsurpassable. During our sojourn in 1876 at Arisaig, the nearest
+village to the loch, which is six miles off, and necessitating a drive
+over what was then a road sadly in need of General Wade's good offices,
+we had the services of a boatman, Angus by name, and his two boys, who
+could not speak a word of English,--Angus managing one boat, and his
+boys the other. We had the satisfaction--for indeed it was good fun--to
+be out with the boys one day; and the management of the boat had to be
+done by signals. It was wonderful how readily the boys got into the way
+of it, and how well we got on together. The memory of the hospitality
+which we enjoyed at Arisaig Inn will not be forgotten by any of our
+party; and we hope that the then occupier, Mr Routledge, will be there
+when we go back again. An inn was in course of being built at the
+loch-side in 1876, but we do not know how it has succeeded. The easiest
+way to Arisaig is by steamer, which usually goes once a-week; but the
+angler should, if possible, go to Banavie or Fort-William,--the latter
+for choice, as Banavie Hotel is famous for long bills (and we can
+testify that its notoriety in this respect is deserved),--and then drive
+to Arisaig. It is about thirty-eight miles from Fort-William to Arisaig,
+but the drive is something to be remembered during a lifetime. After
+having traversed this road, you will say, "There's no place like home"
+for grand and beautiful scenery. We must see Loch Morar again if we
+possibly can, before we bequeath our tackle to the next generation.
+
+The time would fail us to tell of many other lochs, more or less famous
+for the good sport they afford; but the angler, if at all of an
+enterprising nature, need have little hesitation in taking up Mr Lyall's
+excellent 'Sportsman's Guide,' and making a selection on his own
+account. The information is very correct so far as we have tried it,
+sometimes--perhaps most anglers are inclined that way--erring a little
+to the _couleur de rose_ side of things, but quite trustworthy in being
+followed as a suggester for a fortnight's fishing. We have gained much
+pleasure in exploring some of our more remote lochs, of the existence of
+which we might never have been aware but for its information. We cannot,
+however, close this long, but we hope not wearisome, chapter without
+singing the praises of our Queen of Scottish Lakes, LOCH LOMOND. The
+scenery of this beautiful spot is well known in some ways, but no amount
+of travelling in a steamer will reveal its beauties. To the tourist we
+would say, take a small boat at Luss and engage a man to row you among
+the islands which lie between Luss and Balmaha. With this hint to the
+tourist, we leave him, and turn the angler's attention to the
+sport--very precarious at most times, but excellent at others--to be had
+on Loch Lomond. Luss is the angling centre, and there are capital boats
+and men to be had by writing beforehand to the hotel-keeper, Mr M'Nab,
+who deserves much credit for the attention he pays to the wants of
+anglers.
+
+The yellow-trout fishing is good, but, strange to say, this class of
+sport is not much sought after. In April and May as good trout-fishing
+is to be had as on some other lochs that enjoy a greater reputation. But
+if the weather has been at all favourable to the fish running, the month
+of June sees the sea-trout fishing fairly commenced. It is a hard loch
+to fish; and if you are lucky enough to get two or three sea-trout in a
+day, consider yourself fortunate. They are a good average--2 lb. to 3
+lb. being quite common--but they spread themselves so much over a large
+portion of water that one may fish a whole day and not come across them.
+This, however, is the exception, as in an ordinary fair fishing day in
+June, July, August, and September, and even October if the weather is
+mild, they are almost certain to be seen, if not caught. Some days
+really good sport is to be had--indeed, one is surprised at the show of
+fish; but fish or no fish, the charm of Loch Lomond is everlasting. The
+angler finds his way back over and over again, till, as in our own
+experience, the islands of Lonaig, Moan, Cruin, Fad, and last and least,
+Darroch, the great landing-spot, are as familiar to him as his daily
+business haunts. Then the chances of a salmon are good--indeed, this
+year (1881) a great many have been killed; but somehow or another the
+sea-trout fishing has not been so good, and though a salmon is always a
+salmon, we would rather see a good show of sea-trout at any time. Like
+our neighbours, we have had good and bad days on Loch Lomond; but
+disappointment has never soured us--indeed, the fascination seems to get
+stronger. And it is so very convenient for a day's fishing--down in the
+morning and home at night, with a good long day between. The charge for
+boatman is 5s. to 6s. and lunch; and though this seems high, it must not
+be forgotten that the distances are great. A boat costs 2s. per day. The
+men are good all over, some of them really first-rate. Many and many a
+story we could tell of happy fishing days, and of days most enjoyably
+spent when fishing was no go; but mostly every angler can do the same,
+and we don't wish to become too tiresome. Perhaps if we get the chance
+we may extend this chapter on some future occasion, and add some
+experiences of as yet untried places.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Brother of the gentle art, we bid you farewell! We have done our best to
+give you the benefit of our experience in the peaceful pursuit of
+loch-fishing; and if we have said too much or too little, pray excuse
+us, and in your goodness of heart reprove us for our verbosity, and tell
+us what is awanting. The spirit on our part has been very willing; but
+the memory may have been defective when it should have been most active,
+and quite possibly our love for the art may have somewhere or another
+led us into discursiveness where we should have been brief. We are all
+human, and he is a poor mortal who thinks he cannot err. Again we say
+farewell!--not for long, however, we hope. Who knows where we may meet?
+If we do, and you recognise us, don't forget to give us a little
+encouragement, and, if you can, new material for extending the
+usefulness of this publication. As we write, the hand of winter is upon
+us, and the rod and reel have been relegated to safe quarters; but
+spring will return, and the enforced cessation of our enjoyment will
+only add new zest to the music of the reel
+
+    "When green leaves come again."
+
+
+
+
+PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS.
+
+
+
+
+                LATELY PUBLISHED, FIFTH EDITION, REVISED.
+
+                          THE MOOR AND THE LOCH.
+
+          CONTAINING MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS IN ALL HIGHLAND SPORTS,
+                  WITH WANDERINGS OVER CRAG AND CORRIE,
+                             FLOOD AND FELL.
+
+                            BY JOHN COLQUHOUN.
+
+    2 vols. post 8vo, with Two Portraits and other Illustrations. 26s.
+
+
+                       SOME OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
+
+"In the present delightful volumes, however, he presents all lovers
+of Scotland with the completest details of every Highland sport, on all
+of which he is an unexceptionable authority; and with what many will
+value even more, a series of life-like sketches of the rarer and more
+interesting animals of the country. He has thus brought up to the
+present level of knowledge the history of all the scarce birds and
+beasts of Scotland.... Henceforth it must necessarily find a place
+in the knapsack of every Northern tourist who is fond of our
+wild creatures, and is simply indispensable in every Scotch
+shooting-lodge."--_Academy._
+
+"We should recommend fishers to study carefully all the chapters on
+fishing for salmon, loch trout, sea trout, and yellow trout, whatever
+may be their experience or erudition. They will find general hints of
+immense use which they can apply to that local knowledge of their own
+river or 'water' which no books can teach, and which Mr Colquhoun
+himself would equally have to learn. But no chapter ought to be skipped,
+even by a reader who aspires to far less than the fourfold distinction
+of a Highland hunter, which consists in killing a red-deer, an eagle, a
+salmon, and a seal."--_Saturday Review._
+
+"The book is one written by a gentleman for gentlemen, healthy in tone,
+earnest in purpose, and as fresh, breezy, and life-giving as the
+mountain air of the hills amongst which the sport it chronicles is
+carried on."--_The World._
+
+"One of those rare and delightful books which, with all the fulness of
+knowledge, breathe the very freshness of the country, and either console
+you in your city confinement, or make you sigh to be away, according to
+the humour in which you happen to read it."--_Blackwood's Magazine._
+
+                  *       *       *       *       *
+
+                          LATELY PUBLISHED.
+
+                     A HANDBOOK OF DEER-STALKING.
+
+                         BY ALEXANDER MACRAE,
+                Late Forester to Lord Henry Bentinck.
+
+               WITH INTRODUCTION BY HORATIO ROSS, ESQ.
+
+            Fcap. 8vo, with Two Photos. from Life. 3s. 6d.
+
+"A work not only useful to sportsmen, but highly entertaining to the
+general reader."--_United Service Gazette._
+
+"The writer of this valuable little book speaks with authority, and sums
+up in a few pages hints on deer-stalking which the experience of a
+lifetime has enabled him to put forth.... We can only recommend every
+one who pursues the fascinating sport of which the author writes, to
+glance through, and indeed to read carefully, this handbook."--_Sporting
+and Dramatic News._
+
+"An interesting little book, alike because of the knowledge which its
+author displays of his subject, and of the simple style in which it is
+written. It is a handbook such as sportsmen must have long
+desired."--_Scotsman._
+
+                  *       *       *       *       *
+
+                             RECREATIONS
+                                 OF
+                         CHRISTOPHER NORTH.
+
+         With Portrait of the Author in his Sporting Jacket.
+
+               New Edition. Two Vols., crown 8vo, 8s.
+
+"Welcome, right welcome, Christopher North; we cordially greet thee in
+thy new dress, thou genial and hearty old man, whose 'Ambrosian Nights'
+have so often in imagination transported us from solitude to the social
+circle, and whose vivid pictures of flood and fell, of loch and glen,
+have carried us in thought from the smoke, din, and pent-up opulence of
+London, to the rushing stream or tranquil tarn of those
+mountain-ranges."--_Times._
+
+                  *       *       *       *       *
+
+              W. BLACKWOOD & SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+    Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Variant
+    and dialect spellings remain as printed. Hyphenation has been
+    standardised.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Scotch Loch-Fishing, by
+AKA Black Palmer, William Senior
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOTCH LOCH-FISHING ***
+
+***** This file should be named 26072.txt or 26072.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/0/7/26072/
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