io A BOOK ON ANGLING 



will keep off damp, it is no protection from cold. This stool 

 also goes easily with the rod, and weighs but a trifle. 



In bank-fishing perfect quietude is very advisable ; and if 

 the angler desires to stamp his feet, or run about, or indulge in 

 any method of quickening his circulation, it is very advisable 

 that he should retire at least fifteen or twenty yards from the 

 bank, if he would not frighten and disturb the fish. On his 

 first approaching the water, he must be very cautious, as the 

 bare sight of his figure suddenly moving about on the bank will 

 often serve to frighten away every fish within several yards ; 

 although after a time, and if not too suddenly disturbed at 

 first, they will become accustomed to and endure his presence 

 if he remains still and quiet. It is always advisable to keep as 

 much as possible out of sight, if you desire successful fishing ; 

 and the angler should bear this in mind, that anything which 

 comes between the water and the sky frightens the fish 

 instantly ; whereas if there is a high bank, a tree, a plantation, 

 or what not, at the angler's back, provided he does not make 

 too violent motion as as to attract attention, he may almost 

 see the fish swallow the bait. When on the bank, too, he 

 should remember to let his motions be as little lateral as 

 possible. 



Punt or boat-fishing differs little from bank-fishing, as 

 regards the means employed, and much of what has been set 

 down as regards baiting will also apply to punt-fishing. 

 A favourite pitch is sought out, and the punt or boat is usually 

 moored across the stream by means of heavy poles, shod with 

 sharp irons, being thrust into the bed of the river, and the head 

 and stern of the punt fastened thereto. Sometimes, however, 

 and more particularly when the Nottingham style of fishing is 

 employed, the punt or boat is not moored across the stream, 

 but is moored in a slanting direction at an angle of about 40 

 or 50 with the direction of the current. The boil and bubble 

 created by the obstruction which the punt causes when moored 

 across is thus nearly avoided. The Nottingham style will be 

 explained hereafter. 



I have spoken of the Norfolk style of fishing, and it may not 

 be out of place here to say a few words about it. The punt on 

 the Norfolk rivers, instead of being moored across the stream 

 as in the Thames, or in a slanting direction, as is more common 

 when " traveller " fishing in the Nottingham style is practised, 

 is moored up and down in a line with the current, so that there 

 is little or no disturbance of the water. The swims are usually 



