The North Country Angler. 87 



when the clam has heen full, I have let the water 

 out with a rush that has flooded the little pools 

 below, in which I have caught the fish that 

 would not otherwise have taken the bait. 



CHAP. XXVII. 



Of Flood Fishing. What tackling is most proper, 

 Rods, Lines and Baits. 



Ni 



(EXT to night-lines, this, I think, is a very 

 successful method of taking the most and best 

 fish; though it seldom lasts above a day at a 

 time. A true angler, ,would not have it said of 

 him, that he could not catch a dish of fish, 

 whatever condition the water was in. I have 

 boasted in this manner, and been challenged to 

 make good my bravado, and have performed it, 

 both when the water has been what we call dead 

 little, and when it has been an high flood, and 

 a thick white water. And, I think, there is no 

 difficulty in catching a good dish in both these 

 extremes. In a great flood an angler may be 

 revenged on the great trouts, for their shyness 

 when the water is fine. 



I shall tell you my method. I have ten or 

 twelve rods, about two yards long, of hazle, ge- 

 nerally each of one piece, finely taper, cut about 

 Martinmas, and well seasoned. I wrap a loop 

 about two inches long to the top, and sharpen 



