DECEMBER 181 



autumn passes, the codling are taken from 21bs. to 51bs. 

 in weight ; these are from two and a half to three and a 

 half years old. The whiting also increase in size, some 

 being taken from llins. to I2ins. in length, while pollack 

 of from 21bs. to 41bs. are frequently taken from the 

 pier. If the water is clear a very good class of plaice is 

 taken some seasons with the rod, running up to 31bs. 

 apiece. Should, however, the weather become stormy, 

 these latter fish suddenly disappear, and frequently the 

 season abruptly terminates in August. As regards 

 codling, on the other hand, in favourable years many 

 good fish, ranging from 31bs. to over 61bs., are during 

 September taken on the lug-worm. When, however, 

 the sprats come inshore about the beginning of 

 November, the adult cod, whiting, and coalfish accompany 

 them ; and from then on till the disappearance of the 

 winter herring, about the end of January, when the cod 

 betake themselves into the deeper water, preparatory to 

 starting their spawning season grand sport is obtained 

 by the angler. One peculiarity of the fishing may be 

 here pointed out, viz., that as a rule the autumn cod are 

 all killed with lug-worm, whereas the winter fish usually 

 fall victims to the seduction of "white bait," i.e., a strip 

 of sprat or herring. I have been catching fish rapidly 

 on lug in the month of September, and, bait running 

 short, have tried fish, but could not get a touch ; 

 whereas in the winter exactly contrary has been 

 the case. 



The winter months, then, are par excellence those in 

 which sea angling may be enjoyed at Deal ; and, any day 

 that wind, tide, and weather permit, the rod fisher can 

 count upon a day's sport with whiting averaging trom 

 Jib. to If Ibs., with a cod or two, which may be any weight 

 from 61bs. to 201bs. apiece. 



Sea fishing may be indulged in either from a boat or 

 from the pier, though I am bound to say that the lion's 

 share of the sport falls to the boat fishers. It has been 

 suggested either that sea fish even are learning wisdom 

 by experience and avoid the pier, or else that not only 

 do they find it impossible to steer their way clear be- 



