6 MODERN SEA FISHING 



and Mr. William Senior have something to say. With reference 

 to whales, I am constrained to admit that they do not find a 

 place in the angler's creel. They are not, strictly speaking, fish ; 

 yet they afford such excellent sport when harpooned sport 

 which involves so much courage, skill, and endurance, and 

 brings out so many of the highest qualities of man in those who 

 pursue them that the chapter on Whale Fishing by Sir H. 

 Gore-Booth which brings this volume to a conclusion will 

 surely be read with interest by even those who have no inclina- 

 tion to join the huntsmen of the sea in their pursuit of the 

 largest existing mammal of creation. 



In addition to the branches of sea fishing or sea hunting 

 which I have already mentioned, I have borne in mind that 

 sea fish are frequently an important food item on board yachts, 

 and that yachtsmen sometimes desire to fish in places where, 

 owing to the depth and force of the tidal currents, very heavy 

 leads are required and long lines or the ordinary hand lines 

 must be brought into requisition. I propose, therefore, to 

 describe hand lining, so far as may be necessary, and to give 

 such general information about long lines, trots, and two or 

 three kinds of nets, as may be useful to yachtsmen. 



Fish cookery is touched on here and there throughout the 

 following pages, but I would here remind the sea angler that 

 cod and most other large sea fish are not a little improved for 

 the table, if they are knocked on the head and gutted as soon as 

 caught, and towed after the boat for an hour or so. They can 

 be also sliced in the manner known as crimping. The opera- 

 tion, performed at the fishmonger's long after the fish is dead, 

 has no value whatever ; but it is commonly done, and a higher 

 price obtained for the fish in consequence. 



Perhaps it may be thought that any form of fishing in which 

 hook and line do not come in is unsportsmanlike. But a very 

 great deal of amusement can be obtained on certain parts of our 



