Thus much for the Haunts of Fish; I come next to know _When_ is the most _seasonable time_ to catch them; which before I speak to, let him that would become a compleat Angler, take this Rule. That he observe narrowly what Pond or River soever he Fisheth in, whether it be slimy, muddy, stony or gravelly, whether of a swift or slow Motion; as likewise that he know the Nature of each Fish, and what Baits are most proper for every kind: Not to let his Knowledge be circumscribed to one or two particular Rivers, whither he is invited to Angle and take his Observations by the Vicinity of his House; but to let his Knowledge be _general_, and consequently his Sport will be so too. His Ignorance otherwise will oblige him to be a Spectator in another River, when his Excellency is confined to that only experienced one in or near his own Parish or House. But to proceed,
II. To understand the best _Time when_ to Angle in, We must first consider Affirmatively, when most _Seasonable_: Or, 2. Negatively, when _Unseasonable_.
1. _Seasonable_ Angling is, when the Weather is calm, serene and clear; tho' the Cool cloudy Weather in Summer is to be preferred, provided the Wind blow not too boistrously, to hinder your easy Guiding your Tools; In the hottest Months the cooler the better.
2. When a Violent shower hath disturbed the Water and mudded it, then with a Red Worm, Angle in the Stream at the Ground.
3. A little before Fish spawn, when they repair to gravelly Fords to rub and loosen their full Bellies; they bite freely.
4. From Sun-rising till eight of the Clock in the Morning, and from four in the Afternoon till night for _Carp_ and _Tench_. In _June_ and _July_, _Carps_ shew themselves on the very rim of the Water, then Fish with a Lob-worm, as you would with a Natural Fly. But be sure to keep out of sight.
5. In _March_, _April_, and _September_, and all Winter, when the Air is clear, serene and warm. And after a shower of Rain, which hath only beaten the _Gnats_, and _Flies_ into the River, without muddying. The two first mentioned Months with _May_, and part of _June_, are most proper for the _Fly_; Nine in the Morning, and Three a Clock in the Afternoon, is the best time; as likewise, when the _Gnats_ play much in a warm Evening.