Chapter XIV -The Compleat Angler

In Chapter XIV of “The Compleat Angler,” the discourse continues with Piscator (the Fisherman), Venator (the Hunter), and a Milk-woman engaging in a knowledgeable exchange on the topic of the Barbel. Piscator begins by describing the Barbel’s distinctive features, particularly its barbels under its nose, contributing to its name and sturdy nature that rarely breaks free once hooked. Despite its impressive size and fight, the Barbel is not highly regarded for eating due to the poor taste and potential health risks of its spawn, especially harmful in May.

Piscator details the Barbel’s habitat preferences, thriving in strong currents during summer, nesting under weeds, or sheltering in deep, calm waters come winter. Intriguingly, he notes the abundance of Barbel in the Danube, contradicting Rondeletius’s observations on their seasonal edibility and emphasizing the danger of its spawn which has affected even noted scholars like Gesner adversely.

The Barbel’s sophisticated palate for bait is explored with recommendations for well-scoured worms, cheese prepared with honey, and other baits tailored to entice them. Piscator advises on the preparation and persistence needed in Barbel fishing, hinting at its challenges with a touch of wisdom from experience. The conversation shifts towards concluding their fishing day as they discuss the day’s catch and plan for supper, showcasing the simplicity and communal spirit of anglers and country folk, celebrating their catch with the milk-woman and her daughter Maudlin by sharing the bounty in gratitude for the hospitality received.

This chapter encapsulates a blend of detailed piscatorial knowledge with a serene appreciation for nature, camaraderie, and the rhythms of rural life. Piscator, with his profound understanding, elevates fishing to an art, merging practical advice on baiting and techniques with a deeper reflection on the seasons and cycles of fish life. His interactions underline the joy of sharing and the bonds formed through angling and generous gestures, embodying the spirit of angling beyond the mere act of catching fish.