280 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
their lords hollow in the art. I once forfeited a pair of 
gloves to a fair angler, who wagered that she would 
catch ten out of a dozen bites, “nibbles included,” and 
actually did it. Notwithstanding, however, its some- 
what feminine reputation, there is no doubt that Gudgeon- 
fishing often exercises a fascination over male minds 
also; and I am acquainted with many men who 
practically confine their angling to the capture of this 
fish. 
Gudgeon are hardly ever seen, unless by an accident, 
in other than running waters; and here they are to be 
found — principally on gravel or sand— during the 
summer, which is the time for taking them. I have 
seen them in July and August, on the rippling shallows 
of the Hampshire Avon, literally by thousands, and 
that often in water little more than enough tc cover 
them. In one throw of the cast-net on such 2 spot I 
took last year no less than 98 Gudgeon, most of them 
very large ; and probably a score or two at least escaped 
in carrying the net over the fifty yards of shallow which 
intervened between me and the shore. 
The ordinary tackle for bottom-fishing should be used 
for Gudgeon with a medium-sized porcupine-quill float, 
fine stained gut-line, and a No. 2 or 3 hook (se p. II). 
From 4 to 6 feet of water, where the currint is of a 
medium strength, is the best kind of Gudsgeon swim, 
and the depth should be plumbed accurately,so that the 
bait may just “dribble” (not drag) along jhe bottom. 
