The Complete Angler
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The Complete Angler Return to Renascence Editions The Complete Angler Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton Note on the e-text: this Renascence Editions text was transcribed, January 2003, by Risa Bear, University of Oregon. It is in the public domain. Source text is George Bell & Sons' edition of 1903. Content unique to this presentation is copyright © 2003 The University of Oregon. For nonprofit and educational uses only. http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/index.html (1 of 7)4/11/2005 6:37:26 AM The Complete Angler The Compleat Angler or the Contemplative man's Recreation. Being a discourse of F I S H and F I S H I N G, Not unworthy the perusal of most Anglers. _____________________________________ http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/index.html (2 of 7)4/11/2005 6:37:26 AM The Complete Angler Simon Peter said, I go a fishing: and they said, We also wil go with thee. John 21.3. _____________________________________ London, Printed by T. Maxey for RICH. MARRIOT, in S. Dunstans Church-yard, Fleetstreet, 1653. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Part I. Dedication To the Reader of this Discourse. But Especially to the Honest Angler. Commendatory Verses Chapter I. A conference betwixt an angler, a hunter, and a falconer; each commending his recreation. Chapter II. Observations of the Otter and the Chub. Chapter III. How to fish for, and to dress the Chavender, or Chub. Chapter IV. Observations of the nature and breeding of the Trout, and how to fish for him. And the Milkmaid's song. Chapter V. More directions how to fish for, and how to make for the Trout an artificial minnow and flies; http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/index.html (3 of 7)4/11/2005 6:37:26 AM The Complete Angler with some merriment. Chapter VI. Observations of the Umber or Grayling, and directions how to fish for him. Chapter VII. Observations of the Salmon: With directions how to fish for him. Chapter VIII. Observations of the Luce or Pike, with directions how to fish for him. Chapter IX. Observations of the Carp, with directions how to fish for him. Chapter X. Observations of the Bream, and directions to catch him. Chapter XI. Observations of the Tench, and advice how to angle for him. Chapter XII. Observations of the Pearch, and directions how to fish for him. Chapter XIII. Observations of the Eel, and other fish that want scales, and [directions how] to fish for them. http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/index.html (4 of 7)4/11/2005 6:37:26 AM The Complete Angler Chapter XIV. Observations of the Barbel, and directions how to fish for him. Chapter XV. Observations of the Gudgeon, the Ruffe, and the Bleak, and how to fish for them. Chapter XVI. Is of nothing; or that which is nothing worth. Chapter XVII. Of Roach and Dace and how to fish for them; and of Cadis. Chapter XVIII. Of the Minnow or Penk, of the Loach, and of the Bull-head, or Miller's-thumb. Chapter XIX. Of several rivers, and some observations of fish. Chapter XX. Of Fish-ponds, and how to oreder them. Chapter XXI. Directions for making of a line, and for the colouring of both rod and line. http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/index.html (5 of 7)4/11/2005 6:37:26 AM The Complete Angler Part II. being instructions how to angle for a Trout and Grayling in a clear stream. To my most worthy Father and Friend, Mr. Izaak Walton, the elder. To my most honoured Friend, Charles Cotton, Esq. The Retirement: Irregular verses addressed to Mr. Izaak Walton. Chapter I. Conference between a country Gentleman proficient in fly-fishing, and a Traveller who becomes his pupil. Chapter II. An account of the principal rivers in Derbyshire. Viator lodges at Piscator's house. Chapter III. Conference containing a description of Cotton's Fishing-house, with his apology for writing a supplement to Walton's book. Chapter IV. Of angling for Trout and Grayling, divided into three branches. Chapter V. Of Fly-fishing. Chapter VI. Fishing at the top continued--- Further directions for fly-making--- Time when the Grayling is in season--- Rock in Pikepool. http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/index.html (6 of 7)4/11/2005 6:37:26 AM The Complete Angler Chapter VII. Fishing at the top--- Flies for the months of January, February, March, April, and part of May; including, under May, particular directions how to bait with the Green-drake. Chapter VIII. Fishing at the top, continued--- Flies for the end of May, and for the following months, till December; containing, under May, instructions when to dape with the Stone-fly. Chapter IX. Fly-fishing, in windy weather, best in the still-deeps. Chapter X. Directions how to dress a Trout and Grayling. Chapter XI. Of angling at the bottom for Trout or Grayling--- By hand, with a running line--- With a cork or float--- Various baits. Chapter XII. Of angling in the middle for Trout or Grayling. Renascence Editions http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/index.html (7 of 7)4/11/2005 6:37:26 AM The Complete Angler Return to Renascence Editions The Complete Angler. Part I. Izaak Walton Return to TOC Dedication. To the Reader. Commendatory Verses. Chapter I. Dedication. ______________ TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL JOHN OFFLEY, OF MADELY MANOR, IN THE COUNTY OF STAFFORD, ESQ. _______ MY MOST HONOURED FRIEND, SIR,---I have made so ill use of your former favours as by them to be encouraged to entreat that they may be enlarged to the patronage and protection of this book. And I have put on a modest confidence that I shall not be denied, because it is a Discourse of Fish and Fishing, which you know so well, and both love and practise so much. You are assured, though there be ignorant men of another belief, that Angling is an art, and you know that art better than others; and that this truth is demonstrated by the fruits of that pleasant labour which you enjoy,--- http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/walton1.html (1 of 38)4/11/2005 6:37:43 AM The Complete Angler when you purpose to give rest to your mind, and divest yourself of your more serious business, and (which is often) dedicate a day or two to this recreation. At which time, if common anglers should attend you, and be eye-witness of the success, not of your fortune but your skill, it would doubtless beget in them an emulation to be like you, and that emulation might beget an industrious diligence to be so; but I know it is not attainable by common capacities. And there be now many men of great wisdom, learning and experience, which love and practice this art, that know I speak the truth. Sir, this pleasant curiosity of fish and fishing, of which you are so great a master, has been thought worthy the pens and practises of divers in other nations, that have been reputed men of great learning and wisdom. And amongst those of this nation, I remember Sir Henry Wotton (a dear lover of this art) has told me that his intentions were to write a discourse of the art, and in praise of angling; and doubtless he had done so if death had not prevented him, the remembrance of which hath often made me sorry; for if he had lived to do it, then the unlearned angler had seen some better treatise of this art, a treatise that might have proved worthy his perusal, which, though some have undetaken, I could never yet see in English. But mine may be thought as weak and as unworthy of common view; and I do here freely confess, that I should rather excuse myself than censure others, my own Discourse being liable to so many exceptions; against which you, sir, might make this one, that it can contribute nothing to your knowledge. And lest a longer epistle may diminish your pleasure, I shall make this no longer than to add this following truth, that I am really, Sir, Your most affectionate friend, And most humble servant, IZAAK WALTON. TO THE READER OF THIS DISCOURSE, BUT ESPECIALLY TO THE HONEST ANGLER. _______ I THINK fit to tell thee these following truths, that I did neither http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Erbear/walton/walton1.html (2 of 38)4/11/2005 6:37:43 AM The Complete Angler undertake, nor write, nor publish, and much less own, this Discourse to please myself; and, having been too easily drawn to do all to please others, as I propose not the gaining of credit by this undertaking, so I would not willingly lose any part of that to which I had a just title before I begun it, and do therefore desire and hope, if I deserve not commendations, yet I may obtain pardon. And though this Discourse may be liable to some exceptions, yet I cannot doubt that most readers may receive so much pleasure or profit by it, as may make it worthy the time of their perusal, if they be not too grave or too busy men. And this is all the confidence that I can put on, concerning the merit of what is here offered to their consideration and censure; and if the last prove too severe, as I have a liberty, so I am resolved to use it, and neglect all sour censures. And I wish the reader also to take notice, that in writing of it I have made myself a recreation of a recreation; and that it might prove so to him, and not read dull and tediously, I have in several places mixed, not any scurrility, but some harmless, innocent mirth, of which, if thou be a severe, sour-complexioned man, then I here disallow thee to be a competent judge; for divines say, there are offences given, and offences not given but taken.