Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-08-01
Grand Fishing Match /!

Grand Fishing Match!
1t was announced last week that the Sr.
editor of this paper would undertake to fish a.
gainst the great sein association with his lines.
The trial came eff on the 9th ultimo--the
seiners choosing HOTELS mill-dam for the scene
of their operations, and we taking the shoal
water between the mill and Drifting Springs.
The seiners commenced dragging about o.
clock, at the junction of Pugh's Run with the
river Our sans cutottes rivals went at it with
vim. 1t was supposed that about a wagon
load of uuwary suckers were lying in there en-
joying the cool water from the springs above,
and that 1t was only necessary to draw the
great trap around them and pull them TO the
shore but when the grand exploit was per-
formed. the suckers were not there They had
doubtless gone up the river. Some Of the boys
say, however, that two mud turtles were aw-
fully frightened by the savage attack made up
on the lima ginary suckers, and came 10 the shore
to surrender but on seeing that there was
no danger, they retired 10 their homes in the
mud. Having made a s'water-haul'' at this
went up the river several hundred yards, for
the purpose Of heading off the flying suckers.
They launched into the deep water in magnif-
cent style, and after dragging the sein for some
distance, they concluded that there were about
as many FISH in it as would supply the town.
and accordingly drew it 10 The shore. A. shout
went up--they had them We trent led for
the result-ihought we were ''gone up" and
were about to abandon the field to our sup
posed successful rivals. With Unsurpassed
anxiety we awaited the result. We soon learn
ed that rivals had captured thirteen fishes,
including suckers, clubs, catfish, and the rest
We felt relieved, and knew they couldn't beat
us much. Then we began 10 fish in earnest.
After angling about the same length of time
spent by the seners, We counted our string
AMI the result was:-Four large cells. one snake,
two catfish, four perch, three big horned clubs,
and large number Of smaller fish of various
kinds-making altogether, about thif: y. Mod
esty forbds that we should decide whether the
seiners or we are the winning party but sub
nit the question to he judgment Of the read
We propose to give our friends, the seine,s,
some gratutious advice. First, appoint some
one who iscompetent to superipte end your opera
tons for .'too many cooks will spoil tie
broth" Secondly, select proper place wheie
there are plenty OF fish clean out al the stones,
sticks. and other distractions: then put out your
trap. aud drive the fish into it. noiselessly,
carefully, judgmaticaly and when you have
them fairly in, sealthily surround them and
draw them to the sh ere. Don't fish in mill
dams, or other deep bodies of water, for reas-
ons too obvious TO require explanation Don't
''charge'' the fish as you would regiment Of
blue bellies for, if you do, they will iun off
in spite of all your efforts to head them off; CT
flank them.
Postscript Since writing the above the
seiaers had better luck. On Saturday last, at
ter fishing several hours, they succeeded ii
capturing % suckers. They fished above and
below Stovers mill dam, in the river. This is
decided Improvement Oh their forlner efforts.
and if they will adopt our Suggestions, they
will learn enough to make the business profta-
bic one.