New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-09-12
By Harlan Thompson


w s ~Daa1 ''''' ''N~' VI . '''''
We were never one Of
those persons who wade around in
high-topped boots aand swish vio-
lently colored feathers through the
water until some fish with artistic
sensibilities is melted by the afro
cious color schemes to commit MUIR
der--and commits suicide instead.
We were never even one of those
to acquire rowboat and go "jug
fishing" That goes for both empty
jugs and full.
In fact, practically all Of our fish
ing took place in extremely early
youth-before we knew any better.
It consisted, as we look back, in
sitting on a muddy bank, holding
for hours ive-cent Chose were
the days before the nickel had been
buffaloed) bamboo pole, while some
where underneath the brilliantly
painted "bobber" dangled an impa-
tent worm waiting and waiting for
the fish that never came.
Caught Only Baby Fish
What, never? Well, hardly ever.
On widely separated occasions, we
cannot recall more than two, it must
be confessed. a fish did become at
tached to our hook. But then they
were very young fish, far removed
from the years Of discretion, so
called, and certainly not at all re-
sponsible for their actions. Indeed,
we seriously doubt whether their
contact with the hook was even VOL
untary. Being so small and mex
perienced they probably were crowd
ed against it by the larger fish in
tho rush to be caught by the man,
woman or child who sat next to us
On the bank.
That was one thing about our
fishing. We were always fortunate
IN being close enough to get a fine
view Of the biggest fish as they were
pulled out. By watching closely we
soon learned just how it was done,
how to string them on piece Of
line and everything like that. Theo-
setieally, we were a pretty accom-
phshed fisherman. Theoretically.
In time, however, even the joys Of
seeing the big ones pulled out Of the
water palled. We stopped going
nshing-the term, as we understand
IT, applies to the intent, not the re-
suis-and barefoot about the same
Time. We assumed disdainful, su-
per1or air regarding the whole SUBJ
Jsc& We laughed scornfully at the
thought Of tha poor deluded fools
VINO could see any sport or pleasure
IN getting up before daybreak, slosh-
ing around all day in mud and rain
and coming back soaked and smil-
ing with those smaller specimens Of
Hoe'r skill that didn't get away. We
made all our fishing friends ashamed
m their weakness. We wouldn't
nave given more than our right eye
J" have been able to catch half as
many az they did.
Where Fish Are Scarce
We got away with 1t in the Mid
a'e West Fishing there is not q
matter Of vital importance. One can
ake IL or leave it alone. The same
privilege is accorded the fish, with
respect to the hook. With 80 much
more Land than water no one envies
lew fish the space they occupy.
what we mean TO convey is that one
can speak ones mind freely on the
subject anywhere between Illinois
and Colorado and not be blackballed
ss ones golf club or anything like
@ss. 30 we got away with II.
we got away with It In New York.
'oo' New York fishing IL a matter
VI either can opener on Friday or q
s'sss bowl in the combination
drawing Observation-Disclosures
wfcn-bondoir-in those places where
vac landlord won't stand for dogs.
But we did not get away with IL
~ new England. There tho bean
80 me fish 50 hand In hand. Not
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