158 TROLLING IN WINTER. 



I think that the seasons for trolling are so well 

 laid down by Mr. Nobbs, the father of trolling, 

 that they may be transcribed without alteration. 

 He says : ( Though the depth of winter cannot be 

 recommended for angling, yet there are some days 

 in December and January that a man may pick 

 out to stand two or three hours by the river-side, 

 but the weather must be open and temperate. 

 The great fish will be soonest enticed with the 

 bait at that time of the year, because they lie deep, 

 and are not so careful of their own preservation. 

 There is another great advantage for the winter 

 troller ; the weeds are then down and rotten, 

 which are a great hindrance, both against throwing 

 the bait, and in keeping the fish from the sight of 

 it. Though a pike delights much among the 

 weeds, and usually makes his abode there, yet it is 

 very difficult to take him there, except it be with 

 a snap ; for if you give him the liberty of running 

 and playing with your bait, he winds himself so 

 fast about the weeds, that you may be in some 

 danger of losing both your fish and hook, if your 

 line is not very strong. Trolling in January, even 

 on favourable days, when the season is moderate 

 and the water in order, which is rare in this month, 

 is but labour wellnigh lost ; for if it is not a flood, 

 yet the ditches and brooks are commonly so rank 

 and full that it is but indifferent fishing. Feb- 

 ruary presents better prospects, and on some days 



