42 THE ROACH 



is to throw on the surface a few little bits of dried stick, and 

 watch which way they float. Sometimes the current works 

 towards the bank on which the fisherman stands, and some- 

 times away towards the one opoosite. By this means the 

 angler will soon find out the exact distance from the bank 

 that his ground bait must be cast. Sometimes, when the 

 current is strong it is necessary to throw it at least ten yards 

 above where he stands, and sometimes not above three or 

 four. By exercising a little care he will soon hit the exact 

 spot to a nicety ; but one thing is certain, it requires a good 

 deal more judgment to successfully ground-bait a stream 

 than it does to ground-bait still water. 



Hook baits for roach doAvn a stream are nearly as varied 

 as they are for still water fishing ; but gentles as an all-round 

 lure can be put an easy first. Well scoured maggots^ are very 

 attractive for one thing, and another thing they are tough and 

 lasting on the hook, and nothing like so liable to get washed 

 off as paste, of even boiled grain. In using maggots on the 

 hook I recommend themi to be as near the bottomi of the river 

 as possible, and one, two, or even three can be tried at a time 

 according to water and the appetite of the roach. In baiung 

 the hook the point should be put through the thick end of 

 the gentle sideways, so^ that it sticks out at right angles from 

 the shank ; push No. i gentle neariy to the top of the shank, 

 thread another in exactly the same way, through the thick 

 end, and let the thin end of this gentle stick out opposite the 

 first one ; finally put a third well on the point and barb of the 

 hook, but always mind and keep the point end of the mag- 

 gots free. By adopting this plan there are tliree twirling 

 ends wriggling about in opposite directions, and if it is care- 

 fully done without bursting the maggot, a very attractive bait 

 is the result. Two can be put on in the same manner as 

 three, and if the angler likes he can try one only on a very 

 small hook. This is a good plan to adopt if the water is 

 very clear : the hook is put carefully through the thick end 

 of this odd gentle, so that it twirls about crossways on the 

 point of the hook. It is the only plan tO' deceive big roach. 

 Trying dodges like that, a few swims with three gentles, then 

 a few with two, and then again try a few with only one on. 

 It may put these shy fish off their guard. Any time during 



