182 AN ANGLER'S YEAR 



tween the innumerable multitude of lines that connect 

 the pier platform with the sea bottom, but also that 

 they are constantly being beaten about the back of the 

 head with falling leads ; for one or both of these 

 reasons they give this vicinity a wide berth. Be this 

 as it may, the boat will get three fish per head for one 

 per head taken from the pier, though occasionally very 

 fine examples are hooked from the latter. A rather 

 unique specimen was captured from the lower platform 

 by a boy hand-lining a year or two ago in the shape of a 

 5|lb. lobster. 



Deal, owing to the difficulty of getting off, is only to 

 be recommended if the wind be light or blowing from 

 the S.S.W. to N.N.W., as the beach is very exposed, 

 and anything over a gentle breeze from eastwards, 

 especially E.N.E., brings in a heavy sea, and moreover 

 drives the fish out to sea. Also, if a strong S.S.W. 

 gale blow, though the wind be all right for embarking 

 and landing, yet the water is so thickened that good 

 sport cannot be counted on. It is therefore wise that 

 all intending fishermen should be members of the 

 B.S.A.S., as the agent, Mr. Edward Hanger, "The 

 Napier," Beach-street, Deal, will be pleased to answer 

 a prepaid telegram, giving information as to fishing 

 prospects, to any member who may apply. 



The Deal boatmen are legion, and good men can be 

 got at either end of the town. 



The boatmen's charges are, as a rule, moderate, the 

 British Sea Angler's Society having a tariff with their 

 own men. This sum includes the services of a man and 

 bait, but occasionally the average supply of both has to 

 be supplemented if the tides are unfavourable or the sea 

 rough. 



On the pier a charge of 3d. a day per rod is made, 

 and bait can sometimes be obtained from the pier 

 officials or from Mrs. Williams, locally known as the 

 Baroness de Worms. 



As I have previously said, the baits most in use at 

 Deal are lugworm, and sprat or herring, though I have 

 occasionally used mussel with fair success in times of 



