TROLLING FOR THE SALMO-FEROX. 381 



they dread a fast even more than the angler. The truth is, 

 when trolling for the salmo-ferox, the baits should be hung 

 only a few yards from the bottom. They must therefore fre- 

 quently catch a weed, or root, or sunk rock. Be assured that 

 the largest fish are generally taken by trolling close to the 

 bottom, as they are lazy. In roughish weather row slowly, in 

 order to give them a good opportunity of seeing and seizing the 

 bait ; quicker in a mild clear day, for it is then as well to give 

 them little time to reflect. East and north are the worst winds 

 for Loch Awe ; west, south-west, and even north-west are very 

 favourable. By adhering to these rules, a fair troller ought to 

 take one or two large feroxes every good day. 



In the year 1842 I had five days' trolling on Loch Awe, and 

 as I noted down each day's success, I shall here record it. 



Headquarters, Cladich, April 30th. Did not go out till five 

 o'clock ; a fine evening, but too calm. Trolled down three 

 miles on the Cladich side of the loch, returned over the same 

 ground, a little nearer shore ; not a tug until dusk, when we 

 were within half a mile of the inn. I then hooked a fish : he 

 was a dull wretch, and made indifferent play. Weight, eight 

 pounds. When brought to table he cut up white, but was firm 

 and good to eat. I have observed two kinds of the salmo- 

 ferox one dark-skinned and white in the flesh, the other pink 

 in flesh, and of starry scales. The latter always makes the 

 most spirited resistance. Perhaps it may be inferred that 

 there is only one kind, and that the difference arises from 

 their condition. This is not the case, however, as I have taken 

 white-fleshed specimens in the finest possible order. 



May 2d. Started at seven for Castle Connal, about mid- 

 way between Cladich and the ford at the foot of the loch. 

 Castle Connal bay a great resort for the heavy fish. Killed a 

 brace, one six pounds, the other two and a half. Trolled till 

 six o'clock. 



May 3d. A close sultry wind ; did not go to fish till after 

 dinner, when it got brisker. Tried the islands and head of 



