Lord, what music hast thou provided for Thy saints in heaven, when Thou affordest bad men such music on earth!

God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling.

I have known a very good, fisher angle diligently four or six hours for a river carp, and not have a bite.

Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery element were made for wise men to contemplate, and fools to pass by without consideration.

Let me tell you that every misery I miss is a new blessing. [Not only be grateful for the good that you have but also for the bad you don't!]

O, sir, doubt not that Angling is an art; is it not an art to deceive a trout with an artificial fly?

Those little nimble musicians of the air, that warble forth their curious ditties, with which nature hath furnished them to the shame of art.