Sir,

Engaging with the opinions expressed by your correspondents on the intelligence of trout, it appears that a crucial aspect has been overlooked or misunderstood—namely, the role of otters in fishing. It seems that some contributors either attribute no intelligence to trout or lack an understanding of how an otter is employed in this context.

The prevailing misconception that otter tiles drag behind an otter-board needs correction. In reality, the otter-board serves to maintain tension on the line to which the flies are attached, essentially substituting for the second boat in crossline fishing. This line, extending from thirty to forty yards, features flies suspended at intervals of 4 ft. or 5 ft. The fly closest to the board is typically situated around 6 ft. away from it. Given that the board is weighted and floats upright in the water, from the trout’s perspective, it likely resembles a floating reed.

It’s worth noting that up to twelve or fifteen years ago, the Limerick conservators permitted fishermen to utilize otters on Lough Derg, contingent on obtaining a crossline license. However, this practice was discontinued as a significant number of trout were hooked and subsequently lost on the otter, leading to a noticeable decrease in their responsiveness to flies. Unfortunately, the crossline method is believed to persist, although its usage has diminished due to the involvement of two boats and three or four individuals.

Reflecting on the past two decades, where a daily trout catch of 40 lbs was once considered typical for two rods engaged in dapping on Lough Derg, it is now deemed a remarkable achievement. This shift in catch rates over time could be interpreted as a demonstration of intelligence on the part of the trout, adapting to changing circumstances and becoming more discerning in their responses.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding trout intelligence warrants a nuanced understanding of the intricacies of fishing practices. The impact of tools like otters on trout behavior is a compelling facet of this discourse, prompting us to reconsider the dynamics between angler and fish in the ever-evolving world of fishing.

Sincerely,

LIMERICK FISHERMAN

Field – Saturday 16 January 1909