This calm evocation of a fishing scene shows a small fishing boat in the foreground to the left. There are two seated figures and one standing in the boat, preoccupied as they look over the side towards their fishing line in the water. In the foreground, on the stone quay, the artist has created a still life with a single shoe, red jacket, small wooden mallet and a tool with a lead weight on a line. The water is flat calm and the pronounced reflections form strong shapes on the water. To the right several hay barges are at anchor, and on the far right sheep are at the water's edge. The hills rising up to the right and in the distance serve to frame the composition. The building and trees to the left may belong to Nash House, and the sails of small ships imply a harbour beyond. The artist produced several versions of this painting. Although its title identifies it as Cowes Castle, the scene is not topographically accurate since steep hills have been depicted rising from the water's edge on the mainland side. The scene is, rather, intended to evoke an English landscape in an Italianate manner, and is a composite incorporating various elements in one image.