STACK ANNEX : - * , ~ ' f -33 THE ANGLER'S POCKET DIARY, MONTHLY GUIDE; THE k SILVER TROUT Containing tie necessary forms for registering the quantity oj Fish taken during the year ; to which is appended a correct and comprehensive account of the different modes of Angling, how, and where to take Fish. F. T. WILLIAMS, M.S.T A.C. 1867. LONDON: 13, BROAD COUKT, LONG ACHE, W.C. .0 PREFACE. In presenting this little work to the PuHie, more especially the Angling portion of the community, the author relies chiefly upon its simplicity as its principal recommendation. Aspiring to no literary merits, he has endeavoured to give in as few and plain words as possible his own knowledge combined with that of other Anglers, who have devoted years of their life to the noble Art. As a Monthly Guide he hopes it will be found of great utility to the inexperienced, while the experienced even may find a hint or two, they have not previously met with, or may be forgotten. The Diaiy may be made of great use and pleasure to the Angler. Ey jotting down the events of a day's fishing, much valuable information may be obtained ; it may also recall pleasing recollections of many a day's successful sport. Making a " cast " with his little Diary & Guide on the broad waters of Public opinion, he is in hppes of a speedy " run," and that it may prove a successful "take" for the Reader and the AUTHOR. 20G7017 JANUARY This month and December are considered by Anglers the best months for Pike and Perch. During mild and open weather some good takes of Eoach and Chub are made. THE PIKE OR JACK Are in season from June until the end of February, but seldom fished for until the end of September or begin- ning of October ; from October until March they are in good condition, and afford the angler good sport, whether by trolling, spinning, or live-bait fishing. A Jack is called a Pike when it weighs 3-lbs. The Pike is the boldest and most voracious of fresh- water fish, and preys on all small fish, except the Perch and Tench. Pike, or Jack fishing, as it is oftener termed, commences in the Thames at Teddington, and thence to its source. The River Lea from Tottenham to Hertford, is noted for Jack fishing, but the greater part of this river is reserved for subscribers, the subscription waters may be fished in however at so much per day. Pike and Jack are taken also at the " Welch Harp," likewise a subscription water ; in the New River, and several other places near London. For live-bait fishing you want a short stiff rod, a winch, with not less than 40 or 50 yards of strong running line, a trace, with two or three swivels, and a lead on it to keep down the bait, not forgetting a few double gimp- hooks, a baiting needle, and good sized cork float. ** > ' \^**** \t \(~* I FEBRUARY. The same fish may be taken during this month, as in January. THE PIKE (continued.} In baiting your hook, pass the needle through the mouth of your bait, bringing it below the back fin, just under- neath the skin : care being taken to injure the fish as little as possible. A single hook may also be used, in which case it is hooked underneath the back fin, or through the lip. In making a cast, be careful that your running tackle work smoothly, and not by jerking check the cast from the rod, otherwise you are apt to injure the bait. Finding you have a run, allow your fish plenty of time to poucli or gorge the bait, say 15 or 20 minutes. Gudgeon and Dace are the most approved baits for this kind of Jack fishing. For Trolling use a "gorge hook, which you pass through a dead bait, with a baiting needle, tying a piece of thread round the tail to prevent its tearing. Use a trace without a lead, draw the bait gently through the water, and when you feel that your bait is taken let the fish gorge it, the same as in live-bait fishing. For Spinning you use a flight of hooks ard a trace. Flights vary in their construction, but are easily fixed on a dead bait, (Dace preferred,) curving the tail slightly, thereby causing the bait to spin. When you haw a Lite strike, and give him plenty of time. There are also several kinds of artificial baits used for spinning, which prove very successful, such as the Otter ami Spoon baits, as well as the improrcd artificial dace and gudgeon. r MARCH. In some rivers both Koach, Chub, and Dace may be taken, bottom fishing is however prohibited in the Thames. THE THAMES This is the finest river for the angler near London, abounding in fish of all kinds, from Teddington upwards. Richmond was formerly a favorite spot for London anglers; Barbel. Dace and Roach in great quantities, having been captured there, but at present this pretty spot seems alike deserted by fish and fishermen. Teddington has yielded some good sport in Trout, Jack, Roach and Dace. At Sunbury some fine Trout, and Jack have been taken. The deep holes at Hampton Court afford good harbour for Chub, and is much frequented by Chub and Jack fishermen At Staines, Datchet, and Windsor large quantities of Roach and Dace, have rewarded the London angler, for the extra expense in pursuing his pleasing vocation at a greater distance from home. The more remote Stations., Shiplake, Henley, and Goring, being much less fished, usually prove very successful to the angler. The Thames is under the jurisdiction of the Thames Angling Preservation Society, supported by voluntary contributions and by them bottom fishing is prohibited during the so called Fence Months, which extend from the 1 st of March, to the 1st of June, with the exception of Trout fishing, which commences in April. s & APRIL. Spinning for Trout commences this month, Carp are also coming on. The River Lea affords good sport to the Roach fisherman during this and next month. TROTJT. Trout spawn in October and November, and are in season from April to September. This fish being of a very shy nature, to prove successful the Trout angler must keep very quiet and shew himself as little as possible. There are various ways of taking the Trout. Spinning with a minnow is a very successful mode of angling for Trout. For this purpose you require a small flight of hooks, similar to a jack flight, hut much smaller, a gut trace, about 40 yards of fine plait silk line, a winch, and a rod not quite so stiff as a j ack rod, about 1 2 feet in length, with upright rings. Fix the flight on the minnow, as in jack fishing. The artificial minnow is also much used in spinning for Trout. A live minnow is also used with a single hook, (about No. 6.) There are two ways of baiting the hook; one by hooking the minnow just below the back fin, the other through the lip : fish about one foot from the bottom. In this method of fishing, a strong gut line and a cork float is required. A red worm is also considered an excellent bait, in which case you fish just on the bottom. The most sportsmenlike and pleasant way of taking the Trout is with an artificial fly, and many of our best anglers will never attempt to take one by employing any other means. MAY. Angling for Carp may be pursued with advantage during this month. Trout and Eels are also in season, Roach and Chub bite freely in the River Lea this month. THE CARP. Carp are seldom found in Rivers in any great quantities, but often abound in Lakes and Ponds. They are very shy and cunning fish, grow to a great size, and are very game, not giving in to the angler until their strength is totally exhausted. The best months for Carp are April, May, and June, they are however frequently taken all through the summer. Use a light long rod, fine running line, about three yards of fine gut, a largo patent quill float, and a No. 9 gut hook. The most approved baits for this fish are red worms, gentles, and paste. The spot selected for Carp fishing should be baited over night, it would also be as well to take the depth at the same time. The Carp angler must be on the spot at day-break, fish with great quietude, and as far from the edge of the water as possible, in fact it would be best to rest your rod on the bank, and keep quite out of sight, keeping however your eye on the float, upon perceiving a touch, wait until the float begins to move off, then strike, handle your fish carefully and slowly, ultimately landing him with a net. o JUNE. Eels can be taken very plentifully this month. It is also a good month for Trout and Carp. In the Thames other fish are about recovering from spawning. EELS AKD GTJDGEOK Eels are found in almost every river, canal and pond, among weeds, under the stumps of trees, in holes, and in the soft mud. They are in season from May to August. Early in the morning is the best time to angle for Eels. In angling for Eels, you should iise a strong gut line, float, and No. 6 or 7 hook baited with a small lob worm which should drag the bottom. Eels are also taken by " Sniggling" which consists, in thrusting a needle with the eye first down the body of a worm, your line being ' attached neatly to the middle of the needle. The bait is then inserted into any small hole seen at the bottom of the ' river. The Eel will immediately take the bait and swallow it, then, by a sudden jerk, the needle is pulled across the throat. Large quantities of Eels are taken by means of night lines. A night line consists of about 20 or 30 yards of strong water-cord with a quantity of hooks attched. The best baits are gudgeon, minnows and lob worms. "When angling for gudgeon use the same tackle as for dace fishing, but a smaller hook, baited with a blood or red worm and let your bait touch the bottom. A rake is used to stir up the bottom, which is better then any ground bait. _ JULY. Tench are now in good condition. Trout, Carp, Roach, Bream, Chub, Dace, Gudgeon, Pike, Perch & Barbel can be taken this month. THE TENCH In consequence of the healing properties to the ailments of other fish ascribed to the Tench, it is called the fish Physician. It is a broad & thick fish, with small scales and the body is covered with a slimy substance. They spawn about the end of May, seldom exceed 4 or olbs. and are in their habits similar to the Carp. In the Thames and other rivers Tench are seldom taken in large quantities but are found in still ponds with marly bottoms where it is thought they breed better than in running water. It always frequents the most muddy places. Like the Carp it is a very game and strong fish when hooked. The same Rod & Tackle used for Carp will do also for Tench fishing. A very rich and delicate fish is the Tench in flavour much resembling that of the eel, being moreover a very nutritious food. AUGUST. This month is good for Bream & Barbel fishing, Roach, Dace, Gudgeon, Carp, Chub, and Tench bite freely. Pike, Perch, Trout, and Eels can also be taken. THE BREAM. This fish is very broad and flat, not unlike a Roach in color, it spawns about May and is in season from June till March. The Bream frequents still deep holes and gentle streams, but are much more abundant in docks, ponds and other stilll waters. The Thames does not seem to be heavily stocked with this fish, although during this month some fine takes of Bream have been made at Hampton, Sunbury & "Walton, more especially at Sunbury opposite the "Weir. Some fine specimens have also recently been exhibited from Pulboro and Ambeiiey on the Mid Surrey Railway. The rod and tackle used for Carp will answer the purpose equally as well for Bream. With regard to the baits for this fish, the well scoured red worm seems to be the general favorite with anglers; gentles and paste are also used as a bait for Bream. Ground bait consisting of bread, bran, and a few boiled potatoes well mixed up, is generally used in streams. Bread and bran alone in still waters. As a rule when a Bream takes the bait, the float is thrown on the surface of the water, the angler should then strike sharply. Tliis indication of a bite must not be solely relied upon, as the Bream sometimes bites as a Roach, at others like a Carp, much however depending on the water whether still or running. & SEPTEMBER. This month and last are the best months for Barbel, it ia also a good month for all kinds of fish except Trout and Carp. THE BARBEL As its name implies, is furnished, with a beard or number of barbs hanging from about its mouth, it is handsome, not unlike a Carp in Colour and grows to a great size. The strength and courage of this fish affords considerable sport and requires much dexterity and patience in its capture. It is very fond of rapid waters ; the larger fish being found near the bottom of large Stones, Walls and Old Piles, situated in deep Waters and which afford good harbour for the Barbel. In the Thames, the Angler can generally rely upon a good day's punt fishing for barbel during this month. It is necessary to well ground bait the place overnight, with large balls of Clay containing chopped Graves or Lob Worms. In addition to your punt rod you require a strong running line and stout gut line a large float to* take a number of shot, a No. 3 or 4 hook baited with a lob worm, graves, cheese paste, or gentles. In fishing with graves or cheese paste a triangle hook is best, let the bait drag the bottom. A very successful mode of taking Barbel ie by ledgering. For this purpose a ledger lead is required, this attached to the line about a foot from the hook. Let your bait be on the bottom, keeping however the line tight, so that you can easily feel a bite, upon which strike sharply or your hooks will not penetrate hia leathery lips. Another style of fishing for Barbel is by means of a Clay Ball. To do this twist your line round a ball of ground bait, just leaving the baited hook out of the ball ; This kind of fishing is very successful in clear Water. At Teddington and upwards in the Thames, there are good spots for Barbel also at the White House in the river Lea. OCTOBER. May be successfully devoted to Chub fishing ; it is also good for Roach, Dace, Pike or Perch, in fact all fish are in season except Trout. THE CHUB. Is handtome in form and color, but rather coarse and bony for -the table ; it is a very strong fish, and grows to about five or six pounds in weight, when small it resembles a large Dace, and many unexperienced anglers cannot tell the difference. Its large mouth, scales and darkness of color distinguish it from the Dace. In the Thames it spawns about April or May, being in season from July until March. The Chub is always to be found in deep holes under trees and bushes, or near old piles, and must be approached with caution. He will sometimes take small fish, but seems to have a liking for cheese paste, greaves, bullocks brain, and pith in the winter months. Your hook should be a No. 8 or 9, the gut bottom and running line strong, but fine; the same rod used for Eouch, will do for Chub. You can either fish with a float or without one, putting one or two shots on just to sink the bait. This may be dropped into a deep hole, or under a bank, let it sink to the bottom, it will then be gradually lifted by the current. When he is hooked give him line, for the Chub shoots violently away for a few seconds, but soon gives up the fight. In the summer, fishing with a fly is a good method of catching this fish ; also dibbing, which consists in dropping an artificial cockchafer, grasshopper, or black-beetle gently under the bushes, and drawing the bait gradually through the water. From the extreme shyness of the Chub, the Nottingham style of fishing is likely to prove very effective, a longer swim being by this mode attainable. Hampton and Staines are good places for Chub, eome fine specimens are also caught in the Lea and New River. NOVEMBER. This Month and last, are the best months for Roach, Pike, Perch, Ghub, and Dace, are also in good condition, all other fish are in season except Trout, but are seldom angled for, unless the weather be very mild. IIOACH AND DACE. Roach fishing has now become so well known and popular, at the same time each angler having his own particular spots, modes of angling and bait, that it would be almost presumptuous to say much on this style of angling Por the benefit however of the inexperienced, a few instructions will be found useful. This fish may be distinguished by its red eyes, fins, and bright silvery scales. Being of an extremely shy nature, the finest of tackle, lightness of hand and quickness is requisite. The Roach and Dace may be classed together, though rather different in their habits, and may be found in the same swims. The same rod and tackle is suitable for either. The rod should be light and long, about 18 feet. The line of fine gut or hair, the float as light as possible to suit the water. A No. 11 or 12 hook, baited with gentles, paste or red worms, the latter being the best when the water is colored, you should not have more than 1 8 inches of line between the top of the rod and the float. The bait should just touch the bottom. Ground bait with soaked bread, mixed with bran and carrion gentles, if fishing in the Thames a little clay is necessary to sink it. In the winter they are to be found in deep waters, in the summer on the shallow s, when they afford good sport with the fly, alive or artificial ; for Dace especially the black gnat will be found very destructive, also the blue and grey Dums, llofnaud's fancy, and red and black Palmers. In the Thames October and November are the best months for Roach, whereas the Lea affords best sport in April and May : some fine specimens of Roach have been taken at Amberly and Pulborough, on the Mid-Sussex Line, in August. DECEMBER. December and the following months are good months for Perch fishing. Good sport with Pike, Chub & Roach may also be had, but other kinds of fish are seldom taken. THE PERCH Is a bold biting fish, almost equal to the Jack. It is handsomely marked, and armed with sharp pointed fins on its back. They spawn about April, the best time to angle for them being from Septembertotheendof February, but may be taken in the morning or evening of the summer months. Perch are to be found in nearly all ponds, lakes, rivers and canals. The Rod required for Perch fishing should be rather stiff, and similar to that used for Barbel. There are several modes of fishing for Perch. One method is similar to Roach fishing. If baiting with a red worm, fish an inch from the bottom, if with a minnow or small gudgeon, about mid-water. A good sized cork float, strong gut line !Xo. 4 or 5 hook & running tackle are required. Your tackle must be strong as you are quite likely to take a Jack when Perch fishing. Another way is with a Paternoster a very killing way when baited with minnows, small gudgeon, or lob worms. The Paternoster consists of a strong line .with two or three hooks standing out from it, with a lead at the end to sink the bait. In baiting your hooks, ho?k the gudgeon or minnow through the lip or back fin, and in fishing keep your line tight, feeling that you have a bite allow your fish some little time to gorge the bait. You may also fish with a float in which case you take off the lead and put a baited hook in its place, shoting the line to cock your float. ^pinning with a minnow or lob worm is a successful mode of fishing for Perch in clear water. CATALOGUE OF PRICES OF WILLIAMS'S FISHING RODS AND TACKLE, THE "SILVER TROUT," 13, BROAD COURT, LONG ACRE, WC. Opposite St. Martin's HalL Hazel Rods. !2 Joints 3 & 4 3 do 6 8 4 do 10 1 3 do. Bamboo . . . . 6 1 3 4 do. do 10 20 3 do. do. superior I 8 4 do. do. do 26 5 do. 14 ft. packs in three 4 6 6 do. 17ft. do. Sag. 6 6 5 do. Pocket 20 6 do. do. Ringed 3 9 6 do. do. do. Winch Fittings 5 Bamboo Bottom & Trolling Rods. Ringed, Brazed, and Winch Fittings. 4 Joints, lift 7 6 5 do. 14 ft 8 G WILLIAMS' s CELEBRATED 17 ft. ROACH HOD . . from 10 6 (Mottled Butt and 2 Tops much approved of.) Walking Stick Rods. 3 Joints 20 4 do 3 6 3 do. Screw Ferrule 30 4 do. do. 46 3 do. Ash Butt and Metal Head ' . . 70 4 do. do. do. 10 5 do. do. do. 14 (> LIST OF PRICES. (Continued}. Hickory Bottom & Trolling Rods. Brazed, Ringed, and Winch Fittings. 4 Joints, 12 ft. 2 tops 7 6 & 10 6 5 15ft. 12 6 Upright Rings Is. extra. Hickory, Pike, or Trolling Rods. 3 Joints, upright Rings and Winch Fittings 9 6 4 do. do. do. 1 1 6 If Brazed, Is. extra. Mottled Cane Spinning and Trolling Jack Rods. Brazed, upright Rings, and Winch Fittings. 3 Joints, 2 Tops 12 6 4 do. do 14 Spinning Button Is. extra. Bamboo and Hickory General Rods. Brazed, Ringed, and Winch Fittings. 5 Joints, 3 Tops 14 6 to 18 6 6 do. do 16 6 to 20 7 do. do 18 to 25 Best White Cane Roach Rods. 5 Joints, 15 ft., Brazed, with 2 tops 9 6 to 14 6 6 do. 18ft., do. do 12 6 to 17 5 do. Ringed and Winch Fittings 12 6 to 18 6 do. do. do. do 150 to 21 Bamboo Pocket Rods. Brazed, Ringed, and Winch Fittings. 10 Joints, 14 ft 12 to 16 6 11 do. do 14 to 18 6 12 do. 16ft 16 to 20 6 Extra Tops !s. each. Best Hickory Fly Rods. 3 Joints, Ringed, &c 5 6 to 8 6 4 do. do. 6 6 to 10 5 do. do. 7 6 to 12 6 3 do. do. and Brazed 6 6 to 12 6 4 do. do. do 7 6 to 15 5 do. do. do 9 6 to 18 Winch Fittings Is. & Is. 6d. extra. Rods of any description made to order, and repaired, on the lowest terms. Rods superior finished, with or without Silvered fittings, from 5s. to 10s. extra. LIST OF PRICES. (Continued}. Tackle. Line, Hook, Float, and Winder Id to 1 6 Gut Hooks per doz 4d and 6 Best do. fine or stout, and any colour, per doz 9 "Williams' s Celebrated new pattern Crystals Roach Hooks 1 Best Hair Hooks, per doz 6 Twisted Hair do. per doz 2 Out Lines, per yard Id, 1 gd and 2 Best do. any colour, fine or stout, per yard . .' 3 Drawn Gut do. per yard 4 Hair Lines, 3 yards 2d. and 3 Best single & Twisted do 4 Ledger Lines 6d and 8 Silk Worm Gut, per hank 4d. to 2 6 Best Gimp, per yd ld and 2 Best Gut or Gimp Paternosters 6d and 8 Best do. do. Traces 6d and 8 Best do. do. SpinningFlights, brazed hooks 6d and 8 Single Gimp Hooks, per doz ^ 1 Double do. do. Brazed, per doz 7 1 6 Treble do. do. do. do 1 9 Treble on Gut do. do. do 1 9 Gorge Hooks, per doz 1 9 Do. do. Gimped per doz 2 9 IO. Being makers of our own Tackle can warrant them the best quality and not to draw. Trolling and Running Lines. Beit Town made Water Cord per 10 yds 1 Best Derby Silk 20 yds 9 Do. do. do. 30 yds 1 Do. do. do. 40 yds 1 3 Do. do. do. 50 yds 1 6 Eight Plait do. per yard Id and l Do. do. do. waterproofed Id, ld and If Patent Taper Fly Lines Id to 1J China Twist, per hank 1 Best Nottingham Silk Line, per 100 yds, fine ,1 8 Do. do. do. do. stouter. 2 3 Blow Lines, each .* 3d and 4 Strong Eight Plait Jack Line, 20 yds 1 Do. do. do. do. 30 yds 1 6 Do. do. do. do. 40 yds 2 LIST OF PRICES. (Continued}. Sundries. Best Town-made Winches 1 1 to 8 6 Best Nottingham Winches 1 4 to 5 6 Landing handles 3 to 1 6 2 Joint Telescope ditto 4 6 Landing Rings 3toO 9 Folding ditto 1 to 2 6 Landing Nets 4 to 2 6 Ditto ditto fomplete 1 Oto9 Eel Lines, 1 yards, 8 hooks, bullet and winder 4 Do. do. 20 yards, 12 do. do. do 6 Do. do. 30 yards, 20 do. do. do 9 4-line Reels with Box 10 to 1 6 Cases for do 1 to 12 Panniers 2 6 to 8 6 Flys per doz. 1 Best ditto ,, 1 6 to 2 6 Rank Runners 4 to 1 Best Swivels, per dozen 1 & 1 6 Clearing Rings 2 to 1 6 Drugs.. 4 to 9 Fishing Stools 1 6 to 5 6 Bait Boxes 1 to 1 Live Bait Cans .'0 4 to 8 Drum Xets 1 6 to 5 6 Haversacks (Waterproof ) 1 Plummets, Disgorgers, Baiting Xeedles, Shots, Caps, Dead Pair, Boxes, Spinning Tackle Boxes, Reels, Rod Bags, Rod Resters, Baskets, Landing or Gaff Hooks, Plyers, Scissors, Straps for Panniers, Floats of all kinds, Loose Hooks, Gut, Hair, Top Joints ; Artificial Minnows, Gudgeon, Dace, Bee- tles, Wasps, Grasshoppers, &c. Live Baits of every description always on hand. Tackle of any description made to order and repaired on the shortest notice. F. T. W. begs most respectfully to inform hi brother Anglers that he has a thorough practical knowledge of the business, and manufactures a superior article for a moderate price. A 000037917 ; . - : . - S V . - II ' IrA.