CHAPTER XVII.

THE WEST COAST.

REGRET that I have never visited this coast, which is reported to be very lovely. I cannot therefore

vouch for the following information, though I have tried my best to avoid putting down anything incorrect. With this in view, I have mentioned only a very few places, having been kindly assisted by fellowsportsmen.

Ilfracombe (R), North Devon.

(7 hours from Waterloo; 3rd return, 36s. 10d.)

This place is unrivalled for beauty by any place in the neighbourhood, though to the angler it offers, I should imagine, rather less attraction than the coast of South Devon; but as it is, thanks to Mr. Comer, the one place that sends regular reports to the Fishing Gazette, there is not much difficulty in forming a pretty correct idea as to the fishing. Whenever you intend visiting Ilfracombe you had better get the Fishing Gazette and Fishing and Shooting for the week, and they will tell you what is going on. I have no doubt too, Mr. Comer would give any information to visitors. The best. months are,

apparently, August, October, and December. During the summer months there seem to be large quantities of flat fish, Pout, Tamlin, and Pollack, while the winter months afford Cod and Ling.

The shore spots from which amateurs are reported to have taken Bass, Mullet, and Tamlin are Shallow Path and Britton's Rock; while the pier-head and jetty give in winter some fine Ling and Cod, for in December, 1888,

N

Mr. Comer reports in the Fishing Gazette an 18lb. Ling a 281b. Conger, and a plentiful supply of Whiting, besides the loss of some very large fish. Ilfracombe is

a famous place for Ling, taken on rods, up to 25lb. and 30lb.

I have Mr. Comer's address, and shall be glad to give it to anyone who wishes it. He will give a full report of the fishing to be had at Ilfracombe, and the terms can be arranged with him by letter.

Tenby (R), South Wales.

(8 hours from Paddington; 3rd return, 43s. 7d.)

A gentleman, who fished here in 1885, sends me the following information:

In reply to your letter, I may say that the fishing at Tenby is excellent. There is abundance of rock and sand, thus giving every variety of fish. The most amusing sport is whiffing for Mackerel and Pollack, round Caldy Island and St. Margaret's. The principal spots for these fish are as follows, August being the best month: For the Pollack and Mackerel, any of the deeper waters round Giltar Point and Caldy Island, especially among the lobster-pots for the former; good sport may also be had off St. Catherine's Point. The Bass are found almost anywhere, favourite points being the Castle Hill Rocks and Giltar Point. There are also some very large Bass to be found opposite High Cliff (Caldy Island) after a continuance of windy weather (Southwest). Mackerel whiffing all down the coast, especially skirting the Shallows of Manorbier and Swanslake Bays (about 8 miles from Tenby). The ordinary bottom-fishing for Plaice, Gurnard, and Whiting can be practised anywhere round Caldy Island, the favourite bait being a somewhat black lug that abounds here.

I do not know of any winter fishing here; were there such, it would probably be Cod and Whiting. I am unable to recommend you any particular boatman by name, but they are all reliable men, though as yet somewhat backward at Pollack and Bass-fishing.

I fear the above is only very scanty information, but you asked me for as many local names as possible. Pray do not mention the trouble: I am always glad to be of service to fellowanglers.

This information, very kindly furnished by a perfect stranger, was too good to omit, though I have never read anything about the Tenby fishing in any guide book. Still, it is apparently a splendid place, and sounds something like Plymouth.

Another gentleman lays special stress on the Bass between Giltar Point and St. Margaret's Island, and recommends Jones as a fisherman.

ISLE OF MAN

This somewhat remote island is a capital resort for the angler's holiday. The best way to get there from London is, I am told, to take the train from Euston to Liverpool, sleep at the London and North-Western Hotel, and take the morning boat (New Manx Line preferable) to Ramsey. I have drawn my information from four sources direct, and have included only such as is corroborated.

The principal fishing stations are Ramsey, Douglas, and Peel. For shore-anglers, who object to either the expense or the trouble attendant on fishing from a boat, Douglas offers, in the shape of piers and breakwaters, greater attractions than either of the other towns. Peel, though an excellent place for sport, is as yet rather out of the way for one's headquarters. Three of my correspondents recommend Ramsey as far and away the best station for general fishing. To Ramsey, then, I I will at once refer in detail.