LOUIS BOUGLÉ

(2/5) Trouts and salmons fisherman ...

       And Bouglé had, in effect, been combining other passions for many a long year : trout and salmon fishing and…Casting competitions. And therefore, Bouglé threw himself into our favourite sport with determination, skill and enterprise. Victim of a fine on the prestigious Andelle River and disgusted by what he deemed to be an injustice, even a disgrace, he then travelled throughout Europe searching for new rivers and renewed sensations. Proof being the two fishing permits that amongst others showed the love that Bouglé had for his passion. 

“A real identity card that Belgium permit: it was only missing the colour of his eyes!” The joke seems to have been lost over the years!

Fourteen days fishing in Great Britain on the Wye River…

        What with the interest Fly-fishing was creating, Bouglé went so far as to propose some rules of etiquette. He published these in the Casting Club’s Official Directory :

I

            Create a good example by observing the rules and regulations of fishing. If you witness any infraction, do not personally intervene: inform the necessary authorities and fishing clubs.

 II

            Do not fish near another. Leave an interval of at least 200 metres: if the river is narrow, do not place yourself opposite.

III

             When you move along the waters edge, do so with precaution and with sufficient distance so as to not alarm the fish.

IV

            Unhook all fish who do not meet the proscribed minimum size with care, and replace them carefully: treat them ‘as if you love them’ as says dear Walton.

            Certain anglers keep their first catch, even if small, they say ‘for luck’: others take home fish that are undersize by reasoning that they were too damaged by the hook, that they had bleed etcetera. Do not abuse these of these pretexts.

V

            Aim for size rather than the amount caught, certainly do not confuse a day out with a competition and be over-excited by having more success than others. All competitiveness of this nature is detestable and undignified of real sportsman.

 VI

            Offer, if needed, the use of your landing net and your gaff, but refrain from offering advice to the angler on how he draws in his catch.

 VII

            Do not refuse to show the fly which you have just employed with success. Even offer, if needed, some examples, if you are reasonable well stocked.

 VIII

            Offer gratuities to the keepers and carriers of your rods and nets etc. Without forgetting that excessive generosity can sometimes increase the demands of those very people to the detriment of the amateur angler that follows.

 IX

            In a public fishing area, have a regard for other anglers. They are fellow devotees who enjoy the same rights as you and are capable, on several occasions, of providing you with useful information. 

X

            In a private fishing area, you should, other than keeping within the rules, observe the by-laws and regulations created by the owner, permit holder or club.

            Inform yourself about the number and the size of the fish that you can keep. Do not exceed the limit that you will have been assigned or that you will have chosen. Maybe you will be prohibited from fishing downstream, to enter the water, to employ certain types of artificial fly: Be certain of these points and ensure that you behave with the utmost discretion at all times.

                                                                                 L.B. 

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