42 AN ANGLER'S YEAR 



the same waters, as regards fighting qualities ; while 

 they are well-flavoured and firmer than many sea-fish. 



Large specimens, over twenty pounds in weight, are 

 not taken frequently in the Kennet, although there is 

 little doubt that such fish exist in the river. The largest 

 pike I ever saw, in the flesh or out of it,inhabits a mill-pool 

 near Newbury. One day when I was watching a trout 

 from behind the shelter of a bush, this grand fish (he 

 must have been well over thirty pounds) sailed slowly 

 out from the overhanging bank under my feet, where he 

 had been lying in about three feet of water, He cruised 

 slowly up stream until the next bush hid him from sight. 

 I fished for him for years ; and, although the pool yielded 

 pike from twelve to twenty five pounds apiece, the 

 monster was never taken. 



One gentleman, casting a live bait, was rewarded with 

 a rush that took out all his line and smashed his rod ; but 

 that was the only occasion when Goliath tempted his 

 fate. If old age has not carried him off, he is cruising 

 about still, taking toll of the trout and coarse fish even to 

 this day. 



