462 NOTES ON FISHING WATEES. 



HOUSE, HOMERTON (kept by Mr. J. Beresford), rather more than three- 

 miles from London, between Stratford and Lea Bridge, and held to be 

 the principal fishing place in this part of the river. 



The next water, about a mile further on, is what till lately was 

 known as the HORSE AND GROOM, LEA- BRIDGE, the once favourite 

 resort of London anglers. It was pleasantly situated amid gardens 

 almost surrounded by water, but has been pulled down to make way 

 for the East London Waterworks. 



The preceding three waters are now combined, and rented by 

 Mr. Beresford, of the White House, and collectively reach nearly two 

 miles. The subscription for the whole is fifteen shillings per annum, 

 including trolling, or one shilling per day without trolling. Lockers 

 for fishing tackle are provided at five shillings per annum. It may here 

 be observed, that the principle throughout the subscription waters of 

 the Lea is, that none but annual or season subscribers are allowed to 

 troll or use live bait. 



Up to this point of the Lea it is said to have the advantage (query 

 advantage ?) of being supplied with fish from the Thames, which is 

 not the case with the waters higher up the river, as the weirs prevent 

 their progress. 



Above Lea Bridge, about a mile from the White House, a considerable 

 space of the river is free to anglers and there are very good swims, 

 but without much previous ground-baiting the sport is likely to be 

 indifferent. The INN here is THE JOLLY ANGLERS, kept by Mr. Wicks 

 (brother of Mr. Wicks, of Bleak Hall,) who has boats for hire. There 

 are other Inns in the neighbourhood, and plenty of boatmen. 



It requires good fishing to be successful on the Lea, whether in the 



E reserves or open waters. We quote an excellent note on the subject 

 om the Angler's Companion : 



" How often may be seen, an angler (as he calls himself ) standing 

 over the water, as close as he possibly can, with a long rod, a coarse 

 line, and a float as large as a small bottle, canting it first one way and 

 then the other, walking first here and then there, to the great disap- 

 pointment of himself and the utter annoyance of all those who may be 

 fishing near him. To ascertain the quick-sightedness and timidity of 

 fish, let any person when the water is clear, walk close along the bank 

 of the stream and look at the water nearest him ; he will find as he 

 advances, the fish shoot away, from which it is evident they always 

 fly from any movable appearance. What sport, then, can such per- 

 sons as we speak of expect, when they not only drive away every fish 

 worth taking with their appearance, but so lash the water with their 

 heavy tackle, that even the minnows fly before them 1 Bear this in 

 mind, especially when fishing at these narrow swims, that slyness 

 and cunning, however they may be censured when exercised in other 

 engagements, are much to be commended when employed in the art of 

 angling." 



* A chart of these preserved waters, and a particular account of the various 

 swims (no fewer than seventy-eight /), were published many years ago in a small 

 shilling manual, called The Angler's Companion to the Horse and Groom, Lea-Bridge, 

 and White House Fisheries. This may be had of Mr. Beresford, and at some of the 

 fishing-tackle shops, but is too old to be relied upon. 



