THAMES TROUT. 189 



in many cases they had to be fetched out by some 

 one in a punt ; and an angler, not knowing the runs 

 of water, would probably be in the same predica- 

 ment. It is only right to issue a strong warning to be 

 careful, for weir-fishing always presents a certain ex- 

 tra element of danger beyond bank-fishing, weir- 

 A permit is necessary to fish from the weir- permit 

 platforms ; it costs ten shillings per annum, expiring 

 on the 31st of December. Permits are to be ob- 

 tained from James H. Gough, Esq., Secretary to the 

 Thames Conservancy, Victoria Embankment, E.G. 

 Twenty-six weirs are mentioned on the permit. 

 Amongst those I have fished I can recommend 

 Whitchurch (Pangbourne), , Hambledon, Boveney, 

 Romney, Old Windsor, Bell, Shepperton, Sunbury, 

 and Molesey Weirs. Chertsey Weir is also a good 

 weir for trout, but it is excessively difficult to land 

 fish there. Teddington Weir produces a big trout or 

 two during the season, but they are mostly caught 

 by barbel-fishers. The permits are issued " subject 

 to any existing private fishing or other rights ; " 

 they are not transferable, and holders may go on 

 the weirs between 6 a.m. and an hour after sunset, 

 at their own risk, the Conservators not being liable 

 for any accident. The permit must be produced 

 when asked for by any officer of the Conservators. 

 The angler who fishes a strange weir has a much 

 better chance of getting fish if he employs a local 

 professional to show him the likely spots ; but I 

 advise him to pay his attendant well, for there are 

 no fish that the professionals are so jealous about 

 as " their " trout, as they all consider them'. Some 

 professionals regard a stranger almost as an inter- 

 loper, unless he employs them, and are very 

 chary of supplying baits. They can hardly 



