Securing a Line to an 18th Century Forged Fish Hook.

For Mountain Lady.

What I got for Xmas, and Fly Fishing.

A friend came out on Sunday & gave me some instruction on 21st century fly fishing. A lot harder than 18th century fly fishing. This modern fly fishing line is far longer than an 18th century fly fishing line and the method used to cast this modern line needs far more skill and coordination.
My friend Deer Slayer also showed me a pair of forceps that he uses to work on flies, and to remove hooks from the fish. I had been wanting some forceps for ages for suturing, just in case I should need them. Now I had a double purpose for getting some. 

"THe rod light and taper, thy tackle fine,
  Thy lead ten inches upon the line;
Bigger or lesse, according to the stream, 
  Angle in the dark, when others dream:
Or in a cloudy day with a lively worm,
  The Brandlin is best, but give him a turn
Before thou do land a large wel grown Trout.
  And if with a flye thou wilt have about, 
Overload not with links, that the flye nay fall
  First on the stream, for that's all in all.
The line shorter than the rods, with a naturall flye:
  But the chief point of all is the cookery".

BARKER'S DELIGHT:  OR, THE ART OF A N G L I N G.1659

Fly fishing from a boat requires a shorter rod and shorter line:

"There is no better sport then whipping for Bleaks in a boat in a Summers 206evening, with a hazle top about five or six foot long, and a line twice the length of the Rod".

Fishing from the bank requires a long rod and a long line, but not as longer line as used these days.

"Let your rod be light, and very gentle, I think the best are of two pieces; the line should not exceed (especially for three or four links towards the hook) I say, not exceed three or four haires; but if you can attain to Angle with one haire; you will have more rises, and catch more fish. Now you must bee sure not to cumber yourselfe with too long a Line, as most do: and before you begin to angle, cast to have the wind on your back, and the Sun (if it shines) to be before you, and to fish down the streame, and carry the point or tip of the Rod downeward; by which meanes the shadow of yourselfe, and Rod too will be the least offensive to the Fish, for the sight of any shadow amazes the fish, and spoiles your sport, of which you must take a great care".

THE COMPLETE ANGLER;OR, THE CONTEMPLATIVE MAN’S
RECREATION. By ISAAK WALTON. 1653.

In Summary:

http://www.ballindalloch-press.com/society/angling.html

Yesterday, these forceps arrived in the mail from a very close friend of mine, Grey Wolf. How on earth did he know! Just what I wanted. These of course are modern locking forceps, but they are not a lot different from various types of 18th century forceps. See below:

18th century case of suturing needles. Just like the modern ones I carry in my medical pouch.

Grey Wolf also sent me this excellent kettle hook which he made himself.

Thank you my Friends, Deer Slayer and Grey Wolf. Very much appreciated.

Regards, Keith.

That Time of Year.

That Time Of Year.

Had I not been in hospital, I should have written this way before Xmas. Never mind, better late than never.  For some of us this is the season for historical trekking, regardless of whether you are in the Northern or Southern hemisphere. Personally I dislike trekking & camping in summer in Australia, I prefer the winter, though actually right now there is a cool breeze blowing through the forest & it is very pleasant out.

  For me this is a time to check over my gear in readiness for winter. There are rarely any repairs to do these days, because I tend to repair items of gear & clothing whilst in camp. But for many newbies there may still be period items to improve on or add to your gear. Not that I am recommending that you add more stuff, but some small items are indispensible. Such as thread winders.

Copies of originals are generally not expensive, and they are very easy to make yourself from bone or horn. In the 18^th century linen and silk thread came in skeins, and for use they required winding on to a thread winder. Of course you could just use a piece of stick, but a proper thread winder takes up little room in the sewing kit and looks good as well.

My sewing kit or "housewife". Another easy item to make. The pin cushion on the end I stuffed with natural greasy fleece. In the pocket I have beeswax, more linen thread, and sinew for repairing the soles on my moccasins and some spare bone buttons.

There are various styles of thread winders, but this style I found the easiest to make. I made this one from horn.

Spools of silk thread a close friend sent me as a gift. I need to transfere some of this thead on to thread winders. Silk is very strong and can be used as fishing line. Traditionally it has been used for making fishing flys. Some of this will go into my fishing kit.

A Waiting Gift.

The letter began:
Dear Keith,
                     Just a few lines to wish you a speedy recovery and to forward a small token of our friendship.
I have not seen Grey Wolf for many years now, but he is a close personal & family friend. He knows me so well. This letter was wrapped inside a long parcel. On opening the parcel ths is what I found.

The hand forged poker Grey Wolf had made was swathed in greasy fleece which was bound with spun fleece. All was wrapped in leather.

The gift included these four reels of silk thread! As if getting out of hospital & being back in my beloved forest was not enough. This really made my day.
Thank you Grey Wolf, you really are something else.
Regards, Le Loup.