Part I

of the furnace, and it is really wonderful how very few mistakes occur, considering the im- mense number of hooks that pass through the hands of the ' temperer." The instant that this important functionary considers they have arrived at the proper stage, they are shot into a sieve to separate them from the sand, and then are turned out on a table to cool. The hooks are now fit for packing, having received their blue shade in the tempering in the case of "Limerick" and other hooks which are usually japanned, this is done after A the tempering process. large quantity are placed in a species of metal basin, and being warmed gently, a very small portion of black japan is poured on them, and they are ;; HOOKS. IT quickly manipulated with a pair of forks, which causes them to be effectually varnished without allowing the japan to become ' clotty/' It is evident that, given good steel wire, everything depends on the temperer; very few indeed there are really first-rate in this department, which requires good judgment, and knowledge of what is required for the finest wire used in the manufacture of midge-flies and the coarse material worked up for sea-hooks. But **good" wire must be used, and that of a size in proportion to the size of the hook; not too stout, or the hook is too heavy, and will require too hard a strike to cause it to penetrate ; and on the other hand, if too fine, and the wire is good, when a fish is struck the hook springs sufficiently to allow the fish to come unhooked, and then the hook returns to its original shape, whilst" you puzzle your brains to account for the loss, till it has sprung once too often, and breaks off at the '' bend." The shapes mostly used in Pike-fishing are the round, the sneck, and the lip. The lip-hook, as its name denotes, is prin- cipally used, in spinning-tackle, to close the mouth of the bait, which is effectually accomplished by the sharp angle. This is a very useful shape in sundry other portions of Jacktackle for attaching the bait in various ways but the point is too rank for hooking a fish and as from their position they are more 2 FLIGHTS. No. 3. No, 3. . : SPINNING TACKLE, 19 visible on the flight, so should they be rather small than large. The hooks intended for catching should be either sneck or round, whether as single hooks, or brazed together in the form of triangles. I have sometimes found in spinning that I have missed a good fish through the Jack coming short at the bait. No. i is intended to remedy this. It has an extra triangle, mounted on gimp, having a small loop, which is passed down the gimp of the flight you are going to use, before it is fastened to the trace and hangs upon the lip- hook. One hook of this short triangle may be inserted in the other side of the bait, which, when using the first flight mentioned, would be exposed without hooks ; and as Jack always take the bait across, this extra triangle will effectually prevent them tearing the bait off without being themselves hooked, as I have sometimes found them do when fishing without it. I used these fly tri- angles over twenty years since, and am per- suaded that if they were more generally used, fewer fish would be missed with the spinning- bait. They were sketched in my first edition of 1859, and appear to have been appreciated. Nos. 2 and 3 are other varieties, the tail being curved by the end hook, as in No. i No. 4 is a different style of spinning-tackle : the whole of the weight being concealed in the bait, none is therefore required on the trace. It is used with a baiting-needle, thus ; 20 U No. THE WATER-WITCH. the needle, to which is attached the loop of the gimp, being inserted in th�e vent of the bait, push it through, and drawing it out at the mouth, bring the triangle close up to the vent, and insert the loose hook in the tail, so as to curve it take off the needle, and, drawing the lead on to the gimp, force it into the mouth of the bait, which is now ready for use. No. 5 is another excellent tackle, known as the ** Water- witch" or *' Chapman" spin- ner ; like the last, the whole of the weight lies in the head of the bait, the revolving motion being given to it by the pectoral fins at the head. To use it, the spear, having on it the lead, is pushed down the throat of the bait, so that only the pectoral fins are left projecting on either side of the mouth ; the tri- angles at the sides may either be left loose or one hook of each may be inserted in the bait ; this last will be the safer way if there are many weeds about. THE WATER-WITCH. No. 5. 22 THE PENNELL--THE FRANCIS. A different description of spinning tackle, but on the first principle of curving the tail, is the *'Pennell," a drawing of which, in miniature, will be found at page 13, and which will explain the style of tackle, also the manner of putting on the bait. An improvement on this is the ' Francis," which I think is a decidedly better plan of mounting, as the side-triangle stands well out from the fish ; but I cannot help thinking that a fly-triangle to reach to the edge of the gills on the reverse side will be a great addition. No. 6 will illustrate this. No. 7 is similar to No. 3, and is much used in the midland counties. The lip-hook goes through the lips as usual ; the first triangle is fixed at the shoulder ; the second triangle is hooked in just behind the dorsal fin, so as to draw the bait up and give a crook to the body, which is thus bent in the middle instead of the tail being curved ; the end triangle is allowed to fly loose. I have used this tackle very successfully in lakes. No. 8 is a Trout spinning flight which will be found described in Chapter XI. NO 6 ARTIFICIAL BAITS. 23 CHAPTER III. -- ARTIFICIAL BAITS CASE FOR SPINNING TACKLE, -- ETC.-- FISH BAG LANDING NET AND GAFF HOOK. We next come to artificial baits, of which there are a great variety. On this subject there has been a great deal said both pro and con, the majority of writers going against them principally because they never caught -- anything with them ; they say that they are not so good as the natural bait that they -- -- soon wear out that they won't spin and that it is derogatory to the character of a sports- man to use them. The first objection I believe arises through their never having fished with them, through want of faith, for the angler should bear in mind that, though patience is a virtue, faith must be added. As regards not being so good as the real bait, I can only say from my own experience that I have taken fish with them when I could not tempt them with the natural bait. The objection on the ground of not spinning is more correct, as regards some of the pseudo spinning-baits ; those, however, having the pectoral fins may be relied on as being good spinners, always provided the fins are large enough for the purpose, without being too large, as I have sometimes seen the fins cut so small, through 24 PECTORAL-FIN BAIT. a false regard to neatness, that there really was not enough left of them to give the bait, together with the hooks, the necessary revolv- ing motion. As regards the objection of not being sportsmanlike, I should hardly consider it worth answering but for the fact of some writers advancing it who really ought to know better; for what real objection can there be to using a bait which, in the first place, makes a considerably brighter appearance in the water than a natural bait would do after a few throws, and which will last for two or three seasons, or even longer, with care ? And I have used one of the pectoral baits for two seasons with the greatest success, and should have used the same one a third season, but unluckily lost it through getting foul. It also saves the trouble of carrying a kettle of baits to the water-side, for although many carry a few baits in a box in their pocket, still they must become stiff by the time they arrive at their destination ; and I think, in common with some of the best Thames spinners (who are allowed to be the best spinners in the world), that a natural bait does not spin so well after it has become stiff as when it is only just dead. The artificial baits most in use, and which I consider the best, are the pectoral-6n baits, of which there are several sizes ; with the smaller of these I have occasionally taken a good Trout while fishing for Jack early in the season. The PECTORAL-FIN BAIT. 25 26 THE CLEOPATRA. Style of mounting I prefer is this : The bait runs loose on the gimp, to which is attached the tail triangle, thereby spinning on the gimp as well as spinning with the swivels. On the gimp at the end of the shank of the triangle is fastened a bead, to prevent the bait slipping down on the hook, and to secure a free spinning action. To the swivel above, and about an inch and a half from the nose of the bait, is fastened by a piece of gimp of sufficient length to reach half way down the fish, a triangle to fly loose round it, so that any Jack of an inquiring mind as to artificial baits in general, and pectorals in particular, will find it proved, I hope to his entire satisfaction, that one trial thereof will be sufficient. Another description of pectoral bait is that called the Phantom, which is made of silk, silvered or gilt, and painted, and, being hollow, collapses when seized by a fish. This bait is a first-rate invention, with which it is almost impossible to miss Jack, as it offers no resistance whatever to their teeth. It has one triangle hook on each side, and a third at the tail. The following sketches are the sizes for Perch, larger sizes being required for Pike. The ** Cleopatra ' is a metal bait, made hollow in the form of a fish, but in separate sections, which are hinged together by pins so as to make it flexible ; it is a great improvement on the old form of metal bait, and I think will be found a wonderful killer, especially THE GREGORY. 27 if the water is at all coloured. With a similar bait, but not jointed, I caught an eight and a quarter pounds Pike, in September 1877, at Datchet. I saw him feeding under some bushes : he refused the natural spinning-bait, but with the artificial I caught him at the third throw. The Fishing Gazette says of We this bait, " think the name is an excellent one, not because Cleopatra's Needle is in everybody's mouth, at this moment, so sug- gestive of what might be in a fish's, but because we have the impression from past reading that the Egyptian charmer was a bright article (in more senses than one), was lithe of body, and 'very taking' in her ways." The '' Gregory" is another pattern of a metal bait, but made rigid ; and revolving on a wire, which runs through it from end to end. The shape of the bait and manner of mounting will 28 SPINNING CASES, ETC. be obvious from the sketch, the two flying triangles revolving with the bait. Last, but not least, come the Otters and Spoons. The former spin on a wire by means of a pair of fans. The Spoons are in various forms, either plain in shape or with the addition of a tassel of bright scarlet wool : these latter are very attractive, and I have found them kill very well. To hold the flights and traces the spinner should be provided with a proper tin case about six or seven inches long by about three or four inches wide, and deep in proportion, with divisions inside, for the purpose of keep- ing the flights separate as much as possible. The cover of the one I use is made in the form SPINNING CASES, ETC. 29 of a box to hold the traces and extra weights, such as dip-leads or large shots. Some anglers use a round box for the pur- pose, with one or two trays in it, but this I hardly think so good as the former shape with divisions, as the flights being coiled round and all together, are sure to get in a knot when shaken, as they must be when the box is carried in the pocket, and I think there is nothing so bad to disentangle, at the water- side, as half a dozen or so of flights of hooks well knotted together. The artificial baits had better be carried separately in another tin box. As a final portion of the Spinner's equipment, he will require a large fish-bag or haversack, having a division in it, so as to form two pockets, the outer one for fish, and the inner one for tackle. These fish-bags I think considerably more convenient than the pannier, in which tackle and fish are mixed together, and which, if you have one large enough to hold a tolerable-sized Pike or two, seems to be always getting in the way ; while the fish-bag, fitting close to the side, will hold considerably more, and when not in use can be rolled up and carried in the pocket. As a matter of course the angler will be provided with a large landing-net or gafif-hook, which will be found an indispensable article to a Jack-fisher. 30 INSTRUCTIONS IN SPINNING. CHAPTER IV. INSTRUCTIONS IN SPINNING--THROWING THE BAIT --STRIKING, PLAYING, AND LANDING THE FISH. If you use the natural fish, be careful how you bait your spinning tackle with it. The difficulty attached to putting on a bait properly often deters persons from spinning who would otherwise do so, as it is not a very easy ope- ration for a beginner; but practice, and a careful attention to the preceding directions, will soon overcome these little difficulties. To throw the spinning-bait, draw from your winch as much line as you require to reach the distance you intend to throw it ; about fifteen or sixteen yards will be sufficient to commence with ; when you can get that length of line out well, then increase it a yard or two at a A time. first-rate spinner can throw from forty to fifty yards of line, or even more ; but on no account have out more line than you can conveniently manage. The extra line will only be in your way, and if you are fishing from the bank will be sure to catch up pieces of twigs and grass. Having unwound suffi- cient line from your winch, let it fall in loose coils by your foot on your left side, and hold- ing the rod firm in your right hand about eighteen inches up the butt (to the socket of which should be fastened a large button), THROWING THE BAIT. 31 which should be kept tight to the hip, draw the line in with your left hand till the bait hangs about five or six feet from the top of the rod ; bring the rod round to the right, and throw the bait sharply to the left, or vice versa, as occasion may require, at the same time letting free the line in your left hand. The bait will then be carried out to the full extent of the line, the coiled portion running freely through the rings. The bait having entered the water, spin it either across or against the stream ; in fact, in any direction that the nature of the place may render most convenient. Generally speaking, it is not of vital importance which way you spin your bait, so that you do it well. Obserre to keep your rod steady with the point about a foot from the surface of the water, holding it so that the top may keep a slight strain upon the line, which should not be drawn in too fast at each backward motion of the left hand. When weeds are found within six or eight inches of the surface, the bait should be skimmed, as it were, nearly along the top of the water. This may be done by having a light bait, fewer shot, and keeping the top of the rod well elevated. Spin in a steady manner, just sufficiently fast to make your bait revolve attractively at about half the depth of the water without fouling weeds, but not so fast as to make its speed greater than that of the fish pursuing it. The revolving or spinning 32 PLAYING THE FISH. motion communicated to your bait as you draw it towards you, undoubtedly makes it exceedingly attractive to fish of prey. It then seems to fly madly for its life, although it possesses none. Predacious animals of all sorts rush with might and main after the prey that flees with the most timid fleetness from them. Make it therefore no difficult task for the Jack to overtake your bait and seize it with facility. A lesson in spinning from a first-rate Thames puntman will do more good than reading all the books ever written on the subject. In spinning, strike with a short and moderately strong jerk of the wrist, as soon as the bait is taken, although the fish will very often hook himself. We will suppose that you have now hooked your fish, which, be it Pike, Jack, Perch, or any other, will, if it be of any size, require careful handling. Do not be in a hurry to land him. More fish are lost by the nervous feeling which shoots through the young angler when he feels the first rush of a Pike than by any other course whatever. Keep the point of your rod well raised and your line taut ; if he rriakes for a bed of weeds and pulls hard, give him line, but still try to turn him by holding your rod the contrary way, and endeavour to lead him back to the place from whence he started. Now he strikes off again ; let him go ; now wind him in again, but do not distress your LANDING THE FISH. 33 line by keeping it too tight on the fish. He now makes shorter journeys, and seems in- clined to come to shore; hold him a little tighter, and feel if he will allow you to raise and show him, but be collected and careful. If fishing from the shore, try to lead him to the nearest opening in the rushes. Keep your line free, for he will possibly for a few moments be more violent than ever, as if he were determined to break the strongest tackle. Give him a few turns more, and he will be quiet enough. Now draw him again in-shore, making it a rule to float him on his side, and keeping the head a little raised above the surface of the water, so that the nose or gills may not hang to, or catch hold of, weeds, etc., while you are thus engaged in landing your prize ; for sometimes you cannot avoid draw- ing your fish over or among the weeds ; and if not careful to raise the head, a Pike will often touch and get entangled in this way, and before it can be got clear will recover from its exhaustion, and occasion some amount of trouble and hazard before it can be again sub- dued. If you have a friend with you with a landing-net or gaff-hook, your fish is easily landed ; but if you are alone, and without a gaff, then draw him as close as possible, and keeping the line tight, grasp the Pike behind the gills, and throw him up a few yards on the grass. Although it is sometimes necessary to play 3 -- 34 LIVE-BAIT FISHING. a Pike till tired, especially if the angler is alone and the fish a large one, yet never play him longer than absolutely necessary, as the Pike when taken with the spinning-bait, being hooked in or about the mouth, the hooks will in time come out or break away, especially if they have only entered a skinny part. There- fore, always land your fish as soon as possible. It is supposed by some that large Pike are less frequently caught by spinning than by fishing with the live-bait. If the supposition be true, it is either because the latter is more often used than the spinning-bait in places where large Pike lie, or because it can often be used in parts between the weeds where there is no space to work the spinning-baitc, and not because the live-bait is the better on the whole. CHAPTER V. LIVE-BAIT FISHING--THE ROD, WINCH, AND LINE -- FLOAT--TRACE LIVE-BAIT HOOKS, AND HOW -- -- TO BAIT THEM THE PATERNOSTER BAITS -- AND KETTLE IMPROVED BAIT-CAN. Fishing for Jack with a live-bait and a cork float attached to the line is certainly the most popular, as it is also undoubtedly the easiest. But I do not consider it so successful a method ; THE ROD AND WINCH. 35 generally as spinning ; for to take the whole season for Pike-fishing, I believe that he who confines himself to spinning will kill consider- ably more than he who for the whole season fishes only with the live-bait. The little labour or exertion, however, required to take Pike by this style of fishing is doubtless the cause of many preferring it, as it allows them frequent opportunities of resting when they reach a clear, quiet place, either in ponds or rivers, when they have the pleasure of watching their float work up and down through the live-bait sailing to and fro, which certainly has the effect of attracting the attention of the Jack to it ; but they often drop the bait when not well on the feed, or blow it out of their mouth again, from the hook or gimp touching them when shifting the bait to pouch it. This frequently happens when using the single hook with the bait hooked through the back fin which is my principal reason for preferring the double hook, lying on the side of the fish, for the Jack always pouching it head-first, it is almost impossible for him to feel the hook till he has it well down. The rod of mottled bamboo, recommended for spinning, will also do well for live-baiting. The spare tops being of different lengths, use the shorter one, which will entirely alter the character of the rod, making it about a foot shorter, and stiffer in proportion. The winch I consider the best for live- 36 THE LINE. baiting is the one made of hard wood, which, besides being light, has the great advantage of allowing the line to run off freely when you have a bite, which in Jack-fishing is termed a run, and the rod is lying on the ground. Otherwise, if you are using a brass winch, it would be necessary to leave a few yards of line loose