Observations on the Public Right of Fishing . in Public Navigable Rivers in General and the River Thames in Particular. Repr

Observations On The Public Right Of Fishing. In Public Navigable Rivers In General And The River Thames In Particular. Repr by Piscator presents a legal-historical examination of who may fish in public navigable rivers, especially the River Thames. The work argues that fishing rights, including the use of nets and angling, are part of a public right that belongs to all subjects, not the exclusive preserve of private proprietors. Drawing on Magna Carta, Blackstone, and various case law and statutes, the pamphlet traces the evolution of river rights from medieval charters to later acts, and critiques practices that destroy fish or monopolize fishing through drag nets. It discusses the distinction between common law rights and private claims, the role of prescription, and the means by which the public can defend or establish its rights. The volume ultimately advocates for maintaining open access to fishing in public rivers and suggests mechanisms for legally testing and enforcing these rights. The text cites historical authorities and aims to persuade the public and legal authorities to uphold the common right to fish on the Thames and other navigable rivers.