ROD AND GUN Day Of The Izaak Walton Order

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30560, 1 October 1964, Page 11

ROD AND GUN Day Of The Izaak Walton Order

(Specially written for "The Preet" bp

JAMES SIERS]

The men who rise in the grey dawn on October 1 and make their ways to streams, rivers and lakes are taking part in an ancient ritual . . . they are members of the Order of Izaak Walton, true lovers of life, nature and the gentle art of angling. In case Philistines should read this and hurt offensive phrases, 1 take up the challenge to prove the indubitable benefits of this pleasant recreation. First let us allay fears for the safety of trout Anglers have little chance in competition with pollution, indiscriminate use of poisons and pesticides, catchment boards, and the hydro and Ministry of Works departments. Anglers have no chanve in exterminating fish, but it seems that the others are actually trying. The trout is a member of a resilient family and unfortunately for gourmets twothirds of the population lives to expire of natural causes . . . lost also to the angler. Pity, the pink flesh of a plump trout has convinced many who “doubt” of the benefits of this pastime. But gentle as the art seems, it can and does have remarkable effects on grown men. They actually tremble at the sight of a three or four-pounder. A famous American general actually

said at the end of the Second World War that a lively three-pounder in a French chalk stream gave him a greater fright than the combined might of Germany’s armies. Towards the end of September you see this strange malaise in persons obviously in the pink of health. It could have something to do with the rising of springtime sap, more than likely, though, it’s the thought of rising trout. And why trout of all fish? Because it is more clever. The essential nature of trout fishing is the difficulty of catching fish. Trout provide an opportunity for an elaborate ritual with sensitive equipment.

A dry fly angler often gets the impression he is dealing with a master tactician when his presentation is ignored time and again by a wily brownie.

Anglers who go after trout and become absorbed in fishing may not be conscious of the side-benefits they reap. These are legion. Fresh air for the city dwellers; exercise (walking is said to be the best exercise of all); it works wonders on the appetite and relaxes tension. The stress of modern living makes increasing demands and a day by the riverside once a week can work • wonders. Ask any fisherman if he thinks about business problems when he is fishing. Some fishermen, though, carry their competitive spirit to the stream side. A strike missed or an opportunity lost can pump their cholesterol level up a few degrees.

Others show little consideration to fellow anglers. It pays to be careful. Don’t go in ahead of another fisherman, he may not appreciate it and show his disapproval by sending you floating downstream. When fishing behind another angler, keep a respectable distance. If walking on the bank, keep well back from the water. Don’t hog a pool when others are waiting. AH anglers should know how to give artificial respiration and have a basic knowledge of first aid. Boat fishermen should always wear safety jackets and never use waders. These will take you down to Davy Jones by express. Every small craft should have a set of oars. It’s also wise not to smoke when pouring petrol into an outboard or inboard engine. But for those who manage to negotiate all difficulties, including an unsympathetic boss, tight lines for the 1964-65 trout fishing season.