38 THE FISHING-ROD ; 



most killing paste that can be used, whether for 

 tench, carp, roach, or indeed any fish that will 

 take paste; and when well kneaded, it is so 

 tough, although soft and pliable, that it will 

 adhere firmly to the hook, though it be used in 

 a rapid current. And it is sometimes more 

 enticing when coloured with a little vermillion ; 

 just sufficient to make it of a pinky or salmon- 

 roe colour : but in general I have found the 

 pure white the best bait ; and it is only when 

 the fish have become too much accustomed to 

 the white paste that a change to the pink paste 

 is of advantage. Before kneading pastes the 

 hands should be washed thoroughly clean, and 

 well-rinsed and cooled in pure cold water : 

 when kneaded with perspiration upon the hands, 

 pastes are often refused by large, well-fed, or 

 dainty fish. 



Gentles are used for tench fishing with best 

 success in autumn, or late in the summer. 



It is a very good plan to ground-bait the spot 

 intended to be fished for tench : and if ground- 

 baited very early in the morning, two or three 

 days in succession, go on the following morning ; 

 and instead of throwing in ground-bait, merely 

 toss in two or three little pieces of the paste 



