CHAPTER XVI 

 some of the more uncommon fishes 



Carp 



Are occasionally caught running to 6 lbs. in weight, and 

 they have been seen roudding at the end of June and begin- 

 ning of July, when they are most easily caught. They have 

 been seen in Hickling and Barton Broads, and in Irsted 

 shoals, being from all accounts, commonest in Barton 

 Broad. The golden carp is one of the deadliest baits for 

 a pike. An old Broadsman assured me he once caught a 

 golden carp weighing 7| lbs. in " his broad." 



Smelts 



Ascend as far as the locks, of course ; and I know a trust- 

 worthy man who has caught smelts both at Catfield ind 

 Stalham Staithes, but they are not fresh-water fish. 



Dace 



Are found in the district, some measuring nine and ten 

 inches in length, February being the best month to catch 

 them. They generally angle for them with paste below the 

 locks, weirs being good places for them. I have caught ten 

 or twelve in one day. The lock-keepers get a number of 

 these fish at the smelting season as well. Some think them 

 better than roach for pike-bait. They get into the mill-dikes 

 too, and work against the stream ; but they seem to disappear 



as the roach and bream collect for spawning. 



386 



