THE EIGHT TIME TO STRIKE. 113 



shots are all tliat is required. A self-cocking float (see page 26) 

 and no sliot on the line, is better still if the giit can be got to 

 hang qnite straight (see page 104). If the tackle has to be cast some 

 distance from the bank, it must, of course, be weighted more 

 heavily, or the leger can be used. The depth of bream swims 

 should never be taken at the time of fishing : the swim should 

 be plumbed the previous day, and the depth marked on the rod. 



The bite of a bream is peculiar. After several uneasy move- 

 ments, the float (unless it is a self-cocking one) lies flat on the 

 surface, and then sails slowly away just under the water. 

 Anglers differ as to the right time to strike. I believe in waiting 

 until the float goes under, but some anglers strike at the moment 

 the float begins to lie over on its side. 



These remarks, taken with what I have written concerning 

 fishing with float and leger in previous chapters, are, I think, all 

 that are necessary respecting carp and bream. The white or 

 silver bream is caught in a similar manner, and bites freely — too 

 freely sometimes — on any suitable day. In some of the Norfolk 

 Broads they are so numerous and so hungry as to be a perfect 

 nuisance to the angler who hopes to catch better fish. A certain 

 amount of knowledge of the water is very desirable in bream- 

 fishing, and I would advise anyone, however accomplished, to be 

 not above asking the advice of local fishermen as to the haunts 

 of the fish and their habits. 



I must not forget to add — for the comfort of my readers — 

 that if any serious bream-fishing is attempted by the angler 

 who has any regard for his clothes, a kitchen apron should be 

 worn. A towel or duster will be found most useful to wipe the 

 hands on after either baiting the hook or unhooking the fish. 



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