Chapter XV -The Compleat Angler

In Chapter XV of “The Compleat Angler,” Piscator shares his knowledge on fishing for Gudgeon, Ruffe (also known as Pope), and Bleak, focusing on their nature, dietary habits, and how to catch them. Gudgeons are depicted as fish with a fine silver color and black spots, praised for excellent taste and health benefits. They breed in summer and feed off the ground in sharp streams, making them a target for anglers using small red worms. Unlike other fish, Gudgeons and Barbel do not pursue flies but are ground feeders. The text emphasizes the ease of catching Gudgeons, especially for novice anglers, due to their leather-mouthed nature which secures them firmly on the hook once caught.

Gudgeons tend to scatter in shallow waters during summer but migrate to deeper waters as the weather cools and weeds decay in autumn. It’s advised to fish for them with a bait touching the ground, using either a float or a more direct method without a float, similar to trout fishing. This detailed approach aims to entice anglers into appreciating the simplicity yet effectiveness of Gudgeon fishing.

The chapter also introduces the Ruffe (or Pope), likened to Perch but smaller, with a statement on its superior taste and aggressive biting behavior, making it another favorable catch for beginners. Ruffes are described as congregating in deep, calm waters, allowing for plentiful catches once their location is discovered. The depiction of both fish not only aims to educate on angling techniques but also to express the joys and rewards of angling, encouraging young anglers to participate in this serene outdoor activity. Through detailed descriptions of the fish and fishing methods, the author melds practical guide with a poetic appreciation for angling, reflecting the book’s overall celebration of the sport.