BAIT FOR BARBEL. 145 



him. This is not necessary. The same tackle that will 

 kill the salmon, will, in skilful hands, bring the most 

 powerful barbel to the creel; and, therefore, as the angler 

 who uses light tackle with this cautious fish, has a much 

 better chance of deceiving him, than one who employs a 

 coarser sort; the tackle suggested for carp and tench 

 will be found, under all circumstances, the best adapted 

 for this description of fishing. 



The baits recommended are worms, tallow greaves, 

 slugs, gentles, grubs, and bits of cheese. To these the 

 French add maggots found in dead rats, leeches, meat, 

 cheese used in cooking maccaroni, called la gruyere, and 

 the yolk of eggs, all mixed up together to a proper con- 

 sistency. The common red worm, when clean and tough, 

 is perhaps as good as any of them, and will be most 

 effective if allowed to trail on the ground; indeed, in 

 barbel-fishing, the bait should always touch the bottom. 



Running water is preferable to any other for this sport ; 

 and a large shot cased in sand-coloured leather, a foot or 

 two above the hook, will keep down without being per- 

 ceived by the fish. Leather is to be preferred to clay, 

 which is commonly used, because the latter will soon 

 wash off, and, owing to the constant kneadings required, 

 assists in wearing the fine gut bottom. The angler is 

 better without a float. 



The night is the best time for catching barbel. Even- 

 ing and morning are also favourable periods; but he will 

 not bite well in the full day, nor in bright moon-light 

 nights. The barbel requires time when he takes the 

 bait, and a single short jerk is necessary to fix the hook 

 well in his leathery jaws. When hooked he affords good 

 sport with light tackle, because he is very strong and ac- 

 tive; but when you have exhausted his vigour and got 



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