ON SMALL FISH, PRINCIPALLY USED AS BAITS. 279 
diately afterwards throw the bait into the same place, 
letting it swim quietly down until a bite is perceived. 
When the swim is finished repeat the cast, using a little 
more bran now and then as may seem judicious, in order 
to keep the Bleak together. If, from the rises of the 
fish, it appears that they are following the bran down 
the stream, the angler should keep with them, always 
casting where the most fish are rising. By this means, 
wherever Bleak are plentiful, a good dish can generally 
be calculated on, and they will be the finest in the shoal. 
No shot are necessary, and the style of this fishing 
generally, approximates to that of artificial fly-fishing. 
All depends on extreme fineness in the gut and tackle. 
I have already mentioned, when alluding to the cast- 
net, that if Bleak are required as baits, soaked bran is 
the most certain bait for attracting them into any given 
spot. A small eddy not more than two feet deep is the 
best water for this purpose. 
Bleax dressed and eaten like Whitebait make a very 
good dish. It is an important point, however, that they 
should bz eaten when quite hot, and that plenty of salt 
and pepper should be scattered over them whilst they are 
in process of frying. They spawn in May. 
The Gidgeon, although principally interesting to 
sportsmen is a bait for other fish, has, from its instinctive 
readiness ty» bite, and general simplicity of conduct, 
many devotees amongst the softer sex, who often beat 
