2^0 modern practical angler. 



Bottom Fishing. 



In the spring months a live Minnow is often a very- 

 good bait for Chub, used simply with a float and line, 

 and a single hook passed through the upper lip. From 

 this time to October or November, the Chub is better 

 fished for by the fly, or by either of the methods pointed 

 out under the same head. 



About this period, however, the fish quits its summer 

 for winter quarters, — quiet swims under willow-beds, 

 amongst roots, by sunken piles, or in any other cover 

 affording good shelter. The occupation of the fly-fisher 

 is now at an end, and that of the bottom-fisher begins. 

 The method of angling may be either the ordinary or 

 Nottingham style, the best swim, tackle, baits, and 

 ground bait, being identical with those recommended for 

 Barbel fishing (p. 246 to p. 248). But by far the most 

 deadly winter bait of all for Chub is " Pith," or the spinal 

 marrow of the bullock or cow, with bullock's brains as 

 ground bait. The method of obtaining, preparing, and 

 using these baits is described at pp. 225-7. For this mode 

 of Chub-fishing the colder the weather the better, pro- 

 vided only that the water is not discoloured. The pith 

 should be used with Nottingham tackle, the most 

 favourable situation being deepish water close to boughs 

 and " rooty" banks. The bait should swim about three 

 or four inches from the bottom, as nearly as may be, the 

 brains being thrown in from time to time above the 



