Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-01-27

| spring weighing over two pounds, and have never
among the hundreds Of fishermen have met, known
of single instance Of large trout rising to fly at the
time of year that Mr.. b. experience Is recorded.
Perhaps his so called d. was tied on three hooks.
The curse of these waters is the trawiing 'jiggng
and winter fishing, and no legislation that does not
absolutely prohibit these methods Of taking trout will
avail to save these fish from determination.
To return to the question of close time and Mr.. b. :
arguments why should not the stage drivers hotel
keepers and guides who sgmatized rs Influenced
BY mercenary motives, have as much voice In deterrn
lining legislation so important a subject casual
visitor, who makes his fishing simply a pastiIne.
These same hotel keepers, stage drivers and guides
have invested u large amount OF money In the aggre-
gate, and the of the investment depends al
most entirely on the preservation OF the fishing.
Ordinary business sagacity would not tend to make
these men advocate legislation that Is likely to de-
stroy their business Their calings are respectable
and necessary to the pleasure and comfort Ofvisors,
and they citizens Of Maine, and entitled TO consd
Grafton. NY business takes me constantly among
these whose income Is largely derived from the
fishing, and the universal sentiment among them
seems TO be for prolongation Of the fall fishing to
the entire prohibition, If necessary of spring fishing,
and for excellent reasons.
Observ alton and the experience Of years testify to
the fact that the average catch of fly fishermen, who
compose four nfhs Ok all the fall visitors to the
Lakes from August to October, do not average more
than two trout per day to each rod and II Is not un
common, hundreds of witnesses can testify, that
during August and September. days aud sometimes
weeks will elapse without so much "rise," a
reward OF every day and all day casting.
have seen the large pool below the upper dam
alive with large trout In the month OF September
and have counted as many as seventeen fishermen
casting at time from the apron of the DAM and
the net results of five days fishing was one. half
pound of fish. There days in the fall when
the male trout particularly will rise freely, but they
are indeed rare and very few men boast Of hay
Ing taken more than six seven fish even then.
One interpositon Of Providence protects the trout
at this season. As they are always found In shoal
water these internal spoons and travis cannot be
successfully worked, and the pot hunters occupation
10 gone, unless he resorts to the grapnel.
Let us have more legislation by all means; but,
gentlemen Of the legislature, let your Fish Commits
sioners your own citizens, and sportsmen, suggest
what II shall be- and don't make the Rangey Lakes the
source Of supply for the Boston and New York mar.
kets and Saratoga hotels If you have any regard for
the perpetuity Of your inland fisheries.
Appoint active, efficient Fish Wardens to see that
your laws are enforced, and give them a compensation
for attending carefully to their business and thereby
preserve and protect the finest range of water for
trout fishing In the world. W. F.. SKILLINGs.
Bethel January 10Th 1879.