The Compleat Angler (1653, 1st edition)

by Izaak Walton

For other versions of this work, see The Compleat Angler.

The
Compleat Angler
or the
Contemplative man's
Recreation.

 

Being a Discourse of

FISH and FISHING,

Not unworthy the perusal of most Anglers.

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Simon Peter said, I go a fishing: and they said, We also wil go with thee. John 21.3.

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London, Printed by T. Maxey for Rich. Marriot, in
S. Dunstans Church-yard Fleetstreet, 1653.

Fleuron from 'The Compleat Angler', by Izaak Walton, published in 1653

Because in this Discourse of Fish and Fishing I have not observed a method, which (though the Discourse be not long) may be some inconvenience to the Reader, I have therefore for his easier finding out some particular things which are spoken of, made this following Table.

The Epistle Dedicatory (not in original TOC)
To the Reader (not in original TOC)
The first Chapter is spent in a vindication or commendation of the Art of Angling.
In the second are some observations of the nature of the Otter, and also some observations of the Chub or Cheven, with directions how and with what baits to fish for him.
In chapt. 3. are some observations of Trouts, both of their nature, their kinds, and their breeding.
In chap 4. are some direction concerning baits for the Trout, with advise how to make the Fly, and keep the live baits.
In chap. 5. are some direction how to fish for the Trout by night; and a question, Whether fish hear? and lastly, some direction how to fish for the Umber or Greyling.
In chap. 6. are some observations concerning the Salmon, with direction how to fish for him.
In chap.7. are several observations concerning the Luce or Pike, with some directions how and with what baits to fish for him.
In chap.8. are several observations of the nature and breeding of Carps, with some observations how to angle for them.
In chap 9. are some observations concerning the Bream, the Tench and Pearch, with some directions with what baits to fish for them.
In chap. 10. are several observations of the nature and breeding of Eeles, with advice how to fish for them
In chap. 11. are some observations of the nature and breeding of Barbels, with some advice how, and with what baits to fish for them; as also for the Gudgion and Bleak.
In chap. 12. are general directions how and with what baits to fish for the Ruffe or Pope, the Roch, the Dace, and other smal fish, with directions how to keep Ant-flies and Gentles in winter, with some other observations not unfit to be known of Anglers.
In chap. 13. are observations for the colouring of your Rod and Hair.

These directions the Reader may take as an ease in his search after some particular Fish, and the baits proper for them; and he will shew himselfe courteous in mending or passing by some few errors in the Printer, which are not so many but that they may be pardoned.