AND HOW I HAVE CAUGHT MY FISH 333 



Alongside is the splendid trout-shallow known 

 to all Thames fishermen. One day I saw three 

 good fish feeding here at one and the same time 

 and, for a moment, we hoped that our bait would 

 have been seized. Several times they fed but 

 each time it travelled over them, with the usual 

 result. 



Up with the weight, let the punt drift with the 

 rapid stream, and, as she goes, we may feel thankful 

 that our evening's meal does not depend on a trout, 

 to catch which may take you longer than it shall to 

 get seven years older. 



As we round the bend there are some excellent 

 swims where the bank angler may come. I should 

 bring an extra rod and use it with a ledger. Let 

 it be a two ounce flat lead that it may have a 

 chance of remaining where you throw it, but there 

 should be at least one yard of gut between this 

 formidable piece of metal and the worm. 



Try between the withy trees, slyly if the water 

 is low and clear, but, should you be fortunate 

 enough to find it high and a little coloured, you may 

 stand boldly forward. Your take will only be 

 limited by the time and skill devoted to its capture ; 

 to the bank the fish must come for rest and food 

 while such a water is running. 



The last tree hangs more out over the river 

 than the rest, and under it is the noted barbel 

 swim, to fish which I have pushed my punt oftener 

 than I can ever hope to do again. 



