20 THE FISHING-ROD ; 



they may be taken in this manner dozens at 

 a cast. The gudgeon is also a tempting bait 

 for the pike or jack. 



Gudgeon fishing affords fine amusement to 

 young anglers ; they are a bold-biting fish, 

 and may be caught from March to October, at 

 any time of the day. A walking-stick rod, or 

 light bottom rod made of cane will answer best 

 for gudgeon fishing ; and the best kind of line 

 that can be used, and that with which the angler 

 will take most fish, is made entirely of single 

 horsehair, though fine gut will do nearly as 

 well ; a small quill float, and No. 8, 9, or 10 

 hook, and the line must be shotted with very 

 small shot. 



There is no bait so tempting to gudgeon 

 as a small red worm, and the next best bait 

 is a small gentle, or flesh maggot ; they will 

 also take paste and salmon roe. 



The angler must bear in mind that gudgeon 

 are very fond of nibbling, and will assuredly 

 nibble the bait off without hooking themselves 

 unless it be carefully put on the hook, and 

 no part left hanging down below it. Fish 

 close to the bottom for gudgeon, and when 

 they are slow at biting, stir the bottom so 



