have occasionally seen them so keen after my 



fed worms, that I could scarcely find time to bak a 



second hook. 



Ruff's are very voracious, and, like the lull-head, are 

 apt to gorge the bait in a second ! this is in the angler's- 

 favour, when he uses more than one rod 5 as he is then 

 tolerably sure of all that bite, if left to themselves j but 

 he must keep his disgorger at hand. 



I do not know any fish that, including all seasons, 

 bite more promptly, or more decidedly : they seem to 

 be little choice about weather, especially when they can 

 get a good haunt, among thick weeds, with a gravel, or 

 sand bottom, about three or four feet in depth. They 

 will occasionally bile, even when there is a sharp frost j 

 but such is rare. 



I cannot say that I ever saw a ruff but in running 

 water : and then chiefly in retired tranquil parts ; such aft 

 the backs of small islands, where the current was very 

 moderate, and the bank little frequented. They are not 

 so shy as fishes in general ; for they will play about a boat, 

 though the persons in it are in motion, and do not 

 jemain either silent or steady. 



As you may expect perch, and large roach where the 

 ruffs commonly lay, it is prudent to have sound tackle ; 

 , your hook, on account of this fish having, rather a large 

 mouth, may be No. 7 5 your gut fine, and welt stained - 9 

 only one small shot, and a very delicate float. When 

 you have a bite, give a little time, and draw tight ; the 

 rttJFwill hook himself in general, lake care how yow 

 .handle him, for his fins are rather sharp. 



With respect to their proper season, I really have never - 

 been able to form an opinion; having found them at all 

 * tki)<j| 



