We have now fished many waters in many ways ; journeyed round the coasts of Great Britain—fly fishing here, pater-nostering there, casting out our spinning or other tackle from land or pierhead ; now and again, when the sea was not too lumpy, trusting ourselves in small craft; and, going further afield in yachts or large fishing boats, have sought such sport as the deeper water affords. We have even set lobster, crab, and prawn pots, and hunted among the rocks with iron hooks for fierce congers. During that voyage home from India there was ocean fishing in tropical seas for the giant fish of the mackerel species ; and, in addition, we carefully examined into the several advantages of various baits which may or may not be obtainable, as the case may be. With such experience we should have acquired a good general knowledge of sea fishing ; but there still remains much to be learnt concerning the habits, peculiarities, and certain not-hitherto-noticed special means of capturing, the more sporting sea fish.

First, for they deserve the place of honour, come those fish which commonly or frequently swim or feed near the surface, and are to be caught with fly or whiffing tackle. The most important of these undoubtedly is—