FISHING ON SALT-WATER LOCHS. 433 



romantic shores, hearing the distant gurgle of the dwindled 

 mountain brook in its steep descent, and ever and anon passing 

 the blue curling smoke of a shepherd's or fisherman's grass- 

 topped hut upon the banks. 



SEA-LOCH FISHING. 



When rivers are dwindled to a thread, and the fish of the 

 fresh-water lochs have become lethargic from the fierce heat of 

 the " dog-days," rejecting the most tempting lures, the sea-loch 

 is in perfection. The spears are then sharpened, the hand-lines 

 overhauled, and the red and white feather flies laid out for use. 

 I am sorry to say that the long-line, a great favourite of mine 

 in " days of yore," is now scarcely worth the trouble of setting, 

 except in winter. Forty years ago my summer hauls in Loch 

 Long comprised cod, ling, skate, gurnet, haddock, with many 

 other additions ; but for many years that loch has been nearly 

 deserted. A few occasional fish have of late, however, been 

 again attracted to the head of the loch by the tempting refuse 

 of the Clyde having been there deposited. 



On our coming first to the shores of Loch Fyne, the long- 

 line was given a trial ; but, after several settings, the few small 

 rock-cod and haddocks that took the baits were nearly devoured 

 by dog-fish before reaching the surface. These apologies for 

 sharks continued their attacks even to the side of the boat, and 

 a mangled remnant (sometimes only a head) was found adher- 

 ing to the bait-hooks. The deep-sea fishing was therefore 

 voted useless, except by hand-lines. The shallows, however, 

 yield abundant amusement with the spear. The surface- 

 feeders are of course lured by flies, white, red, or yellow, 

 according to their mood. Of these methods of fishing the 

 spear is certainly the most exciting, requiring the three quali- 

 ties needful for excelling in all outdoor sports viz., a quick 

 eye, a steady hand, and a cool head. 



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