ANGLING NOTES.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19137, 21 October 1927, Page 13

ANGLING NOTES.

V (BT "CREEL.") A fine catch of fish was on new on Friday last in a local sports shop. The bag comprised nine fish weighing 481b, the heaviest fish being 6Jlb, taken from the Lower Selwvn on the bully. A few bmall "bags'' were taken from the Cust last week-end—most of the fish being caught on the worm. The Eyre and North branch were fished by several anglers wtih very little result. Several good catches have been taken from the Hurunui river, the principal lure used being the artificial minnow. In conversation with a local angler, who has visited the Ashley several times this season, "Creel" ascertained that there were a number of good fish in the river, but they were very hard to catch. All kinds of bait have been tried but without- much success. Results in the Waimakariri are still disappointing. Quite a number of rods were in action in the vicinity of White's Bridge last week-end, but few fish were taken.

Reports from the Lower Selwvn last week-end were to the effect that few fish were caught. Quite as many anglers were out as previously but veryfew were rewarded with even one fish. The Irwell and Hart's Creek are still giving some good catches. One angler has taken twelve fish from these streams to date—heaviest fish lOJlb. So far very few fish have been taken from the Selwyn at Coe's ford and the Ellesmere bridge. These two places are good for fly fishing and probably the season is not far enough advanced for the best results with the fly in this locality. The Halswell has not yielded the same reward as in previous seasons. One angler has paid several visits to this stream and reports very little luck so far.

In his report to the Southland Acclimatisation Society, the Society's manager, Mr C. J." Evans, reported having laid down this season six million ova; out of this 2,780,000 were sold to other societies—surely a big undertaking. On most rivers the angler frequently reaches a quietly-flowing pool, or a glassy glide, where the upright splitwing floater, fished dry, is the lure par excellence; indeed, if properly presented to a feeding fish in any such situation it is nearly certain to prove successful. It must not. be forgotten that it is not the fly but the angler that succeeds; and that he must be properly equipped The art of dry-fly fishing is to present a fly that floats, —and . floats perfectly—to the' notice of a rising fish in such a manner that it is mistaken for the natural ephemera which is hatching out. and in the result is accepted as such by the fish. To lure trout successfully after this manner it is necessary that the angler should have skill in casting; be very observant, and have the patience of Job. .

Fishermen have been meeting with success lately at the Waihao river. One Waimate fisherman secured, among other good fish, a trout which turned the scale' at 81b, while the remainder of his catch ranged from 2 to 61b. The art of • casting a minnow across and up-stream in clear water fishing is not generally known, and although somewhat difficult to attain, no one ; need despair of a certain amount of success from the first. It is better, when possible, to wade, although this method may also he employed in fishing from the bank. The cast should be made obliquely up' and across stream. The splash caused by a minnow falling into the water will not scare trout, but the sight of the angler, clumsy wading of the.movement of the rod, will at once effect this. Therefore, keep the rod's point down. Do not cast directly into the centre of the stream, but rather to the side of it. Reeling in must be done qiiickly, otherwise you will be.unable to jstrike effective! v. ■••.;•.