3-070-592 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Fisheries Exhibition: salmon-poaching implements: Mr. Ffennell's Collection, 1883. 'Shackle nets for all fish that come; River Coquet; double armoured, River Eden; River Aln; Usk & Ebbw Rivers; Gaff hooks, Cocker district; Snatch hook, River Lune; Barrel hitch; Brick hitch...All the implements shown are actual weapons of war seized by water-bailiffs from marauders caught red-handed...The poaching nets, of which we give a representation, are the shackle or double-armoured nets. This style of fishing for salmon, supposing the mesh to be of statutable dimensions, is not illegal in all districts, but is very deadly in its capturing power; and, of course, becomes a poaching implement on those rivers where its use has not been specially legalised. The standing net, from the Usk and Ebbw, is used by the poacher who knows the lie of the fish, and dips his net into the hole where the salmon rests under the bank. Along with the nets, we give drawing of two anti-poacher implements, invented by Mr. Mostyn Owen. These are wonderfully simple and effectual contrivances, calculated to lie concealed in the water. They tear the poachers' nets to pieces, making it impossible for him to carry on his operations, and destroying his gear'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.