Chapter II -The Compleat Angler

In “The Compleat Angler” Chapter II, the narrative continues with Venator meeting Piscator just as the sun rises, embarking on a day’s sport focused on hunting an otter that has been troubling the local fish population. Venator, who has been eagerly anticipating this day, shares with Piscator the scene of men and dogs already in pursuit of the otter near a meadow. Piscator joins in with excitement, eager to engage in the hunt, showcasing his enthusiasm for the sport and the outdoors.

As the narrative unfolds, they encounter a huntsman, who reveals the otter was found a mile away, engaged in fishing and already having consumed a sizeable trout. This introduction sparks a series of discussions, including the value of the otter’s skin for making waterproof gloves and a lighthearted debate about whether an otter is classified as a fish or a beast, given its aquatic and terrestrial habits. This question humorously alludes to historical and scholarly debates, but the huntsman leaves it unresolved, pivoting to share his extensive knowledge about otters, including their ability to smell fish from afar and their voracious appetite for fish.

The conversation turns technical, discussing the otter’s hunting habits, its impact on local fish populations, and various methods to deter it, like the use of the herb Benione. This segues into an action-packed account of the actual hunt unfolding in Cornwall, a location notorious for otters, where the chase involves both sides of a river and showcases the dogs’ relentless pursuit, led by Sweetlips, a prominent dog in the hunt.

Tension escalates as the otter tries to evade the hunters and dogs by crossing the river, leading to a dramatic series of events where it narrowly escapes multiple captures. However, the relentless pursuit by the dogs, particularly Sweetlips, ends with the capture of the otter, revealing it to be a female that has recently given birth. This discovery prompts the group to search for its offspring, underlining the day’s success but also casting a shadow over the reality of the hunt’s brutality.

Through vivid descriptions, dialogues, and a mix of humor and seriousness, Chapter II of “The Compleat Angler” not just enriches the reader’s understanding of 17th-century attitudes towards fishing and hunting but also portrays the camaraderie and philosophical musings shared among anglers and hunters.