268 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER, 
BOTTOM FISHING. 
In the spring months a live Minnow is often a very 
good bait for Chub, used simply with a float and line, 
and a single hook passed through the upper lip. From 
this time to October or November, the Chub is better 
fished for by the fly, or by either of the methods pointed 
out under the same head. 
About this period, however, the fish quits its summer 
for winter quarters,—quiet swims under willow-beds, 
amongst roots, by sunken piles, or in any other cover 
affording good shelter. The occupation of the fly-fisher 
is now at an end, and that of the bottom-fisher begins. 
The method of angling may be either the ordinary or 
Nottingham style, the best swim, tackle, baits, and 
ground bait, being identical with those recommended for 
Barbel fishing (p. 246 to p. 248). But by far the most 
deadly winter bait of all for Chub is “ Pith,” or the spinal 
‘marrow of the bullock or cow, with bullock’s brains as 
ground bait. The method of obtaining, preparing, and 
using these baits is described at pp. 225-7. For this mode 
of Chub-fishing the colder the weather the better, pro- 
vided only that the water is not discoloured. The pith 
should be used with Nottingham tackle, the most 
favourable situation being deepish water close to boughs 
and “rooty” banks. The bait should swim about three 
or four inches from the bottom, as nearly as may be, the 
brains being thrown in from time to time above the 
