BARBEL AND BREAM. 



247 



they are still inclined to take the bait, making it almost 

 impossible for them to do so without turning round and 

 following it. This is an important point. In Barbel^ 

 as with other fish, except, perhaps, occasionally with 

 Bream, it is best to wait to strike until the float dis- 

 appears, or moves steadily and decidedly away. 



In all light waters, and often in deep and heavy ones, 

 the Nottingham method of barbelling will be found the 

 most killing, as well as the most lively ; 

 but there is another system formerly 

 very generally practised by Thames 

 anglers, and which is in some sense the 

 speciality of Barbel fishing. This is 

 termed " legering," or " leger-fishing." 

 The tackle consists of a large hook, 

 say No. 1 1, whipped on to two lengths 

 of very strong picked gut and attached 

 to the running line, which is again passed 

 through a flat oblong lead, of the shape 

 and usually of about the size of that 

 figured in the engraving. The lead is 

 prevented from running down the gut 

 by the junction knot, but otherwise works 

 freely up and down the line. No float is 

 used, and the bites are distinguished by 

 the touch. 



The bait being cast to the desired spot, the running- 

 line is kept stretched tolerably tight between the point 



