BARBEL AND BREAM. 253 



of a smaller description, or gentles may be substituted. 

 The float also should be lighter, and the tackle generally 

 more like that recommended for Roach. Broken worms, 

 and carrion gentles mixed with wet bran, are the two 

 best pond ground baits for Bream that I am acquainted 

 with. Only a small quantity should be thrown in at a 

 time, and with intervals after the first few castings, of 

 not less than five minutes. Bream are almost invariably 

 found in large shoals, so that if they are once attracted 

 to a spot, they will consume more ground bait without 

 danger of surfeit than either Barbel or Roach. 



The largest Carp Bream I ever saw weighed five 

 pounds and some ounces, but specimens are on record 

 which have nearly doubled this weight. The average 

 "run" of Bream differs very much in different waters. 

 It thrives best in large open lakes, and in slow rivers 

 alternating with " broads" or lagoon-like reaches. 



Bream spawn in May, and after scouring for a few 

 weeks return to their usual haunts. Omitting June, 

 when the fish should be left to recover health and 

 strength, the three or four months following the spawning 

 season usually afford the best Bream fishing. 



