BARBEL AND BREAM. 245 
they are still inclined to take the bait, making it almost 
impossible for them to do so without turning round and 
following it. This is an important point. In Barbel, 
as with other fish, except, perhaps, occasionally with 
Bream, it is best to wait to strike until the float dis- 
appears, or moves steadily and decidedly away. 
In all light waters, and often in deep and heavy ones, 
the Nottingham method of barbelling will be found the 
most killing, as well as the most lively ; 
but there is another system formerly 
very generally practised by Thames 
anglers, and which is in some sense the 
speciality of Barbel fishing. This is 
termed “legering,” or “leger-fishing.” 
The tackle consists of a large hook, 
say No. 11, whipped on to two lengths ff 
of very strong picked gut and attached 
to the running line, which is again passed 
through a flat oblong lead, of the shape 
and usually of about the size of that 
figured in the engraving. The lead is 
prevented from running down the gut 
by the junction knot, but otherwise works 
freely up and down the line. No float is 
used, and the bites are distinguished by 
the touch. 
The bait being cast to the desired spot, the running- 
line is kept stretched tolerably tight between the point 
