TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES.
As this is likely to be one of the most important chapters in the book,
the reader must forgive us if we are particular--even to a fault--in
describing some of the necessaries towards the full enjoyment of the
pleasures of loch-fishing. So much depends on our being comfortable in
our enjoyments, that we have, perhaps, erred on the side of luxuriance;
but to those anglers who think so, there is nothing easier than their
leaving out what they think superfluous.
_Creel, or Fishing-Bag._--The creel for loch-fishing should be of the
largest size made, so as to serve for all kinds of fish; and as the
angler is always in a boat, the difference of room occupied is of very
little moment. Besides, it accommodates his tackle and lunch, and even
waterproofs, though the latter are better to be strapped on outside.
These creels are neatest when made in French basket-work; and even the
lightest of them, with ordinary care, will last many years, more
especially if the edges and bottom are leather-bound. Almost any
tackle-shop will supply them plain, or bound with leather, as desired.
Brass hinges and hasp will also be found great improvements. The
fishing-bag is of somewhat recent development, and is very convenient;
but the objection to it is that, unless the waterproof cloth with which
it is lined be carefully washed after each day's fishing, a nasty smell
is apt to be contracted and retained. Though we use the bag often
ourselves, we incline for many reasons to the old-fashioned creel. Many
loch-fishers carry along with them a square basket about 16 in. × 8
broad × 10 deep, which they use for carrying their tackle and lunch,
thus leaving the creel or fishing-bag free for fish alone. This is a
capital plan, the only objection being that it makes another article to
carry. As to its usefulness there can be no doubt, as nothing is more
undesirable than having tackle and fish in one basket or bag, even
though you should have something between. Some anglers go the length of
a luncheon-basket, but this savours so much of the picnic that we don't
approve of it.
_Landing-Net and Gaff._--These may be got at any tackle shop, the only
care to be exercised being in the selection of a good long handle, and
in seeing that the net be made of twine which resists the catching of
hooks, and that it be of a size capable of landing a large fish, as the
gaff leaves an ugly mark, and should only be used when actually
necessary. The screw of the net-hoop and of the gaff will suit the same
handle.
_Fishing-Rods._--For loch-fishing, it is desirable to use a rod not less
than 14 feet in length, if fishing for ordinary yellow trout; but if for
sea trout, and the chance of "a fish" _par excellence_, then the rod
should be a couple of feet longer. The angler will find that it is
better to have both rods with him--the spare one being handy in case of
calamity--as the extra trouble of carrying is very slight: rods and
landing-net handle can be easily tied up together with small leather
straps. Do not have a rod that bends too freely--rather err on the
other side; because in loch-fishing you have generally wind enough to
carry your flies out, and if you do get a 3 or 4 pounder, the advantage
of a fairly stiff rod is apparent. We prefer rods in three pieces--no
hollow-butts--and made of greenheart throughout. The first cost is more
than for rods whose various parts are made of different woods, but the
greenheart is the cheapest rod in the end. With the minimum of care, a
greenheart never gets out of order; and a good rod of this description
will be as straight at the end of a season as at the beginning. Avoid
all fancy rods, and do not be beguiled into buying them.
_Reels and Lines._--Always carry a couple of reels with you, the smaller
with 60 yards of fine line, and the larger with not less than 100 yards
of grilse line. Silk-and-hair lines are not very expensive, and with a
little care will last a long time. They will be found the most
satisfactory for all kinds of fly-work. The reels which we consider best
are made of bronzed metal and vulcanite: they are light, and stand a lot
of wear. When buying your rods, get the reels fitted to them, and see
that the fit is sufficiently tight, as nothing is more annoying than to
find the ferrules loosening their hold of the reel, and that, perhaps,
at a most critical moment. Should the reels referred to not be heavy
enough to balance the rods properly--and this is a matter of great
importance--it may be as well to take reels made entirely of bronzed
metal.
_Fly-Book._--We are not much in favour of fly-books. They are a great
temptation to keeping a large stock of flies; and in the following
chapter we will show that the fewer flies one possesses the better. A
serious objection to a fly-book is, that the flies get crushed in it,
and we consider a box a better receptacle; but if the angler will have a
fly-book, one of moderate size--rather to the big size if anything--made
of pig-skin leather, and well provided with pouches for holding
casting-lines, as well as the usual receptacles for flies, will be found
best. These books are to be had in great variety at any wholesale tackle
warehouse; and taste goes a long way in non-essentials.
Beyond the articles mentioned, the angler should always have at hand the
following:--
Spring balance, weighing up to 20 lb.
Small screw-driver.
Small gimlet.
Small bottle clockmaker's oil.
Bottle varnish.
Carriage-lamp, and candles to fit, for travelling.
Two packs playing-cards.
Good-sized flask.
Flat glass or horn drinking-cup.
Pocket-scissors. The kind that shut up will be found very useful.
Corkscrew.
Hank of medium gut for emergencies.
Fine silk thread and resin.
Some common thin twine for tying joints of rod together.
Also articles named in Chapter V., p. 21, under "Trolling-Tackle and
Lures."
Many of these things may be considered quite _de trop_; but the longer
one fishes, the more one finds out that the little luxuries give a vast
amount of enjoyment for the small amount of foresight required to have
them at hand when wanted.