The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1901-05-30
Idle Tales Of Idle Fishermen.

pleasure of spending half day with a
couple of friends in the pleasing occupa-
ton of fishing and general social convcr,
sation, during which they (both old time
fishermen of no mean rcpute) gave me a
history of some of their best days of pisca-
torial sport, all of which is fully vouchcd
for by these gentlemen, and being gentle
men of veracity in ordinary everyday
matters, reproduce some of their greatest
exploits for the benefits of other lovers
of the sport. Among the tales told by
Mr.. F., whose home is near the old mill
(Dowling's), are the following, viz: At
one time he caught 120 red horse weigh
ing from % to lbs Think of it! At an
average of lbs we have $50 pounds OF
| fish. At another time he with two friends
caught with gigs three boat loads of trout.
He vouches for the fact that the boats
were loaded all that they would carry
Ofthe large ones caught by this gentleman
were trout weighing III pounds, mud
weighing 81 pounds, and a jack weigh
ing pounds. Mr.. W., who perhaps
knows more about fish and how to catch
them than any other man in this section,
says he and two or three others, each
man with boat, padding up and down
Saltkehatchie, caught l29 jack-and that
without hooks, lines, gigs or any kind OF
tackle" whatever, the jack simply jump
ing in the boats. He added that they
were forced to stand in the boats to pre-
vent the fish from putting out their eyes
and otherwise injuring them by jumping
against their faces. HiS largest fish
caught were as follows: A trout weigh
ing III pounds, mud weighing 81
pounds, and jack weighing Al pounds.
Mr.. w. also spoke of taking 93 large red
horse out of a home e-madc bag net at one
time, and although strong man, he was
forced to leave them until he could go
home for a wagon to haul them away.
These and many other similar stories
served to pass the time pleasantly in the
intervals between times of taking off fish
and putting bait on our hooks, and right
now, Mr.. Editor, we extend to you IN
invitation to come and enjoy day or
two with us, in this, the best ofsport. If
YOU will come we will endeavor to initiate
you into the mysteries and pleasures of
such day, provided you are not already
cup" in the art of fishing.
The long continued heavy rains of the
past few days have placed our farmers far
behind with their work. Having been
forced to plant the bulk of the cotton
crop over, makes it late, and the rains be-
ing so heavy till plowing was and still is
impracticable, thus giving grass and
weeds free rein and an elegant oppor-
tunity to do their work. Really, we sec
in our travels many fields that are prac-
tically ruined from this cause, but the
"man behind the hoe" (and plow too) in
this section is plucky fellow, and with
the return of favorable weather he will
marshall his forces against those of
General Green" and make a game fight,
and if defeat is inevitable, he will at least
die hard.
Our little town, while little quiet just
now, is still forging along the pathway of
progress very nicely. Her energetic, pro-
gressive citizens don't know what it is to
go backwards. There are several neat
cottages being erected which will add a
great deal to the looks of our village.
The oat crop is unusually fine, and
harvesting will go forward as soon as the
weather will permit. 1t is indeed fortu-
nate that this crop is good for stock food
is scarcer than any time in many years.
Melons are looking very promising,
though, like the seasons they are behind.
We do not expect shipping to begin
sooner than the middle of July.
We were much pleased to have MIR.
John Grimes, of Colston, in our midst for
several days last week, the guest of Mr.. c.
F. Rizer.
Miss Cressida Breeland is spending
some time with her sister, Mrs. DIR. F. W.
Chitty.
Mr.. P. H. Starr has moved his eXten-
Sive milling business to the Ray place,
in the Colston section, and is prepared to
furnish the public with as nice lumber of
all kinds as can be obtained anywhere in
the State.
Our public schools have closed but We
have a very good private school now
under the splendid management of Miss
Kittie Hooton, formerly of your town.
Gardens are fine; the excessive amount
of moisture seems to suit them exactly,
and we dare say that we can show some
as fine as can be found anywhere.
Fruit will not be very abundant, but
what there is on the trees bids fair to be
of excellent quality.
With best wishes for THE HERALD, We
are, Very truly yours,
COUNTRY Boy.
News From Olar.