The Complete Angler | Page 4

I am the willinger to justifie this innocent Mirth, because
the whole discourse is a kind of picture of my owne disposition, at least
of my disposition in such daies and times as I allow my self, when

honest Nat. and _R. R._ and I go a fishing together; and let me adde
this, that he that likes not the discourse, should like the pictures the
Trout and other fish, which I may commend, because they concern not
my self. And I am also to tel the Reader, that in that which is the more
usefull part of this discourse; that is to say, the observations of the
nature and breeding, and seasons, and catching of fish, I am not so
simple as not to think but that he may find exceptions in some of these;
and therefore I must intreat him to know, or rather note, that severall
Countreys, and several Rivers alter the time and manner of fishes
Breeding; and therefore if he bring not candor to the reading of this
Discourse, he shall both injure me, and possibly himself too by too
many Criticisms.
Now for the Art of catching fish; that is to say, how to make a man that
was none, an Angler by a book: he that undertakes it, shall undertake a
harder task then Hales offered to thy view and censure; I with thee as
much in the perusal of it, and so might that in his printed Book [called
the private School of defence] undertook by it to teach the Art of
Fencing, and was laught at for his labour. Not but that something
usefull might be observed out of that Book; but that Art was not to be
taught by words; nor is the Art of Angling. And yet, I think, that most
that love that Game, may here learn something that may be worth their
money, if they be not needy: and if they be, then my advice is, that they
forbear; for, I write not to get money, but for pleasure; and this
discourse boasts of no more: for I hate to promise much, and fail.
But pleasure I have found both in the search and conference about what
is here offered to thy view and censure; I wish thee as much in the
perusal of it, and so might here take my leave; but I will stay thee a
little longer by telling thee, that whereas it is said by many, that in
_Fly-fishing_ for a Trout, the Angler must observe his twelve Flyes for
every Month; I say, if he observe that, he shall be as certain to catch
fish, as they that make Hay by the fair dayes in Almanacks, and be no
surer: for doubtless, three or four Flyes rightly made, do serve for a
Trout all Summer, and for _Winter-flies_, all Anglers know, they are as
useful as an Almanack out of date.

Of these (because no man is born an Artist nor an _Angler_) I thought
fit to give thee this notice. I might say more, but it is not fit for this
place; but if this Discourse which follows shall come to a second
impression, which is possible, for slight books have been in this Age
observed to have that fortune; I shall then for thy sake be glad to
correct what is faulty, or by a conference with any to explain or enlarge
what is defective: but for this time I have neither a willingness nor
leasure to say more, then wish thee a rainy evening to read this book in,
and that the east wind may never blow when thou goest a fishing.
Farewel.
Iz. Wa.

Because in this Discourse of Fish and Fishing I have not observed a
method, which (though the Discourse be not long) may be some
inconvenience to the Reader, I have therefore for his easier finding out
some particular things which are spoken of, made this following Table.
The first
Chapter is
spent in a vindication or commendation of the Art of Angling.
In the second are some observations of the nature of the Otter, and also
some observations of the Chub or Cheven, with directions how and
with what baits to fish for him.
In chapt. 3. are some observations of Trouts, _both of their nature, their
kinds, and their breeding_.
In chap. 4. are some direction concerning baits for the Trout, with
advise how to make the Fly, and keep the live baits.
In chap. 5. are some direction how to fish for the Trout _by night; and a
question, Whether fish bear? and lastly, some direction how to fish for
the_ Umber or Greyling.

In chap. 6. are some observations concerning the Salmon, with
direction how to fish for him.
In chap. 7 are