PREFACE xi 



Ireland or Scotland, or in those Greater Britains across 

 the seas. 



It has been my endeavour, in the opening chapter, to- 

 give, not a systematic enumeration of the different 

 varieties of tackle, but rather a description of certain 

 general modifications which practical experience has 

 shown to be specially useful. The remainder of the 

 book is divided into months, in each of which (excepting 

 March, the silly season of angling) a description is given 

 of some kind or kinds of rod-fishing, in the practising of 

 which at that time of the year I have enjoyed the 

 greatest success. It is not suggested for one moment 

 that these forms of angling should be only, or chiefly r 

 practised during the months under which they are here 

 given; but merely that such months have in the past 

 afforded to the author the best sport with those kinds of 

 fish in that special locality. In each chapter an 

 endeavour has been made to describe firstly, the 

 haunts and habits of the fish ; secondly, the special 

 tackle and methods used ; and thirdly, an actual record' 

 of a day's fishing. 



In speaking of tackle the names of makers, patentees, 

 and sole agents are mentioned, as sometimes the most 

 useful forms are but little known. Consequently, should 

 the would-be purchaser ask for them from some rival 

 firm, he is apt to be supplied with an inferior imitation. 



Some of the matter in these chapters has already 

 seen the light in the pages of the Field and the Fishing 

 Gazette, but has now been to a great extent re-written 

 and thoroughly revised. Where such matter has been 

 used, my best thanks are due to the proprietors of those 

 papers, who have kindly permitted me to use the whole 

 or a portion of such articles, as and how I may feel 

 disposed. 



It will be noticed that the scope of this book is not 

 confined to any one form of rod-fishing. I have always 

 felt that for a record of angling month by month to be 

 of any use to the angler of moderate means, as general 

 and comprehensive a view as possible must be taken. 



The including of sea rod-fishing as an angler's sport 



