ROUND THE BRITISH AND IRISH COASTS 63 



with drift lines. Codling fishing is somewhat uncertain here, as, 

 indeed, it is in most places, but at times during the autumn is 

 decidedly good, the fish coming close inshore. Lugs, or mussels 

 ' made in Germany,' are certainly the best baits. A good many 

 small coalfish are caught from the piers by drawing a white fly or 

 a gurnard skin fly through the water. Sea fishing is at its best 

 when the tourist season is over, which many amateur sea fisher- 

 men will doubtless consider a decided advantage. Those who 

 visit the place should seek the advice of Mr. J. W. Blakey, the 

 Editor of the 'Angler,' and the energetic honorary secretary 

 and founder of the Scarborough branch of the British Sea 

 Anglers' Society. 



Northward of Scarborough are several picturesque fishing 

 villages, at almost any one of which fair to good fishing may be 

 expected. 



At Whitby is a splendid harbour, always a great convenience, 

 as it obviates beach boats and allows really seaworthy craft to 

 be used ; but the fishing in the harbour itself is not first-rate. A 

 favourite ground for amateur whiting and haddock fishing lies 

 about two miles from the shore. The marks are well known 

 to the local people. Cod, whiting, coalfish, gurnard, &c., are 

 plentiful enough in their season. 



Northward of Whitby the herring fishery, with which we 

 have nothing to do, is important. Near Staithes, a picturesque 

 fishing village, quantities of cod, coalfish and haddock are 

 caught on lines. I read of a curious practice here. When the 

 herrings are about, cod and coalfish follow and eat them most 

 ravenously, and, when caught by the fishermen, are found 

 to be full up to their throats. As soon as they are brought 

 ashore the fishwives slit open the marauders, take out so 

 many herrings as are not partially digested and send them to 

 market. In theory these entombed herrings are only used for 

 bait. Cullercoats is another little fishing village near the 



