ROD FISHING IN THE SEA. 67 



and the "way" on a moderately heavy boat is much steadier 

 than on a hght one. In addition to this the sea some- 

 times becomes rough in a very short time, and in a small 

 boat this means a wetting, and probably compels the 

 fisherman to make for the shore just as fish may be well 

 on the feed. The boys, of course, are anxious to have 

 a light boat, as it may, perhaps, be a little easier for them 

 to pull (though I very much question this), but for comfort 

 I advise the selection of a boat tolerably broad in the 

 beam, and having, at least, one strake more than the 

 generality of rowing boats are built with. It is also 

 an advantage to take one or two large stones, 

 which, being fastened to a rope by the ordinary timber 

 hitch with an additional hitch at one side, and dropped 

 over the stern, will act as a drag, and prevent the boat 

 drifting too fast, in case a strong tide is running or too 

 much wind blowing. This device, however, is not often 

 required, if you get hold of boys who will row as they 

 are ordered, but if they won't do so, then the stone over- 

 board is a more powerful argument than many words. 

 The boys I had rowing for me were pretty obedient, 

 so that in a short time we were on the fishing ground, 

 and then, as I had got my tackle into order, the word 

 was " easy all," and the flies were thrown on the water 

 and allowed to trail, for I had determined to try 

 " whiffing," as it is called, until I got to know the 

 ground. 



It may not be out of place here to give a description 

 of the tackle which, after many trials, I found most 

 suitable for general sea fishing. It is the common im- 



