JULY 109 



In this manner some of the finest rudd ever known in 

 this country have been taken, notably by one local 

 angler, whose fish have ranged from 21bs. to 2|lbs. I 

 have taken some good specimens on the few occasions 

 that 1 have been able to fish these waters during the past 

 few years; the smallest fish weighed over Iflb. and 

 the largest 2Jlbs. One is frequently asked why 

 Nottingham methods are not used, and the only 

 reply is that they have been tried and found wanting. 

 It is to be remembered that a long cast has to be 

 made from a sitting position ; and that, as soon as 

 the cast is finished, the point of the rod should be 

 lowered, and must not be again elevated until the 

 strike. With true Nottingham fishing, the undressed 

 silk line would be soaked, and the difficulty of casting 

 greatly increased, if not rendered entirely impossible. 

 But let every one try his own methods, and the 

 maximum of skill and knowledge will give the best 

 results. The months most suited for the capture of 

 rudd in these waters are July and August, especially if 

 the weather be hot and dry; therefore, when salmon and 

 trout fishing is all vanity and vexation of spirit, and the 

 killing of the out-of-condition pike is abhorred by most 

 good sportsmen, a day or two may be devoted to the 

 pursuit, if not capture, of this most game fish. 



CONGERING OFF BRIGHTON. 



WITH the month of July the silly season of sea rod- 

 fishing fast draws to a close, and from the latter end of 

 this month up to the close of the year fair sport may be 

 enjoyed all round our Southern coast within easy reach 

 of the shore. So, furbishing up our tackle, we took 

 train to Southwick one evening and started afloat early 

 next morning almost as soon as it was light. 



During this month the writer has found that in order 

 to enjoy good sport it is necessary to be upon the fishing 

 ground early, so five o'clock saw us en route for a good 

 pitch five miles away and well out from the shore. 



