FLY-FISHING FOR RUDD. 115 



Tackle and Baits for Rndd. — Eudd take the same baits 

 as roacli, and may "be angled for in an exactly similar manner 

 (see Chapter III.). In ponds I have found paste coloured 

 with red lead a capital bait. I once caught a rudd in the 

 Shannon on a very small perch which I was using as a bait 

 for perch, but the occurrence was decidedly exceptional. Even 

 in well-fished waters these fish are much easier to catch than 

 roach. 



The way to obtain the best sport with rudd is to fish for 

 them with an artificial fly. This can only be done when they 

 are shoaling on the shallows, which is usually during hot 

 weather. They can then often be seen moving quietly about 

 with their back fins out of water. They should be very 

 cautiously approached, either by wading, or in a punt or other 

 flat-bottomed craft. The angler should on no account stand 

 up, and should cast as long a line as he conveniently can. I 

 have found the Govemoi*, dressed to Francis Francis' pattern, a 

 very good fly ; a moderate-sized red palmer, with a little gold 

 or silver tinsel on the body, is also good. As a matter of 

 fact, rudd are not very particular as to flies. Should artificial 

 flies fail, one or two gentles cast like a fly will often do execu- 

 tion, or the fly can be tipped with a gentle, or may be tied with 

 a short wash-leather or white kid tail. Another good plan is 

 to tie a pair of wings on a sliced hook, and thread a gentle 

 up the bare shank. A few turns of hackle at the head of the 

 fly will do no harm. If a sliced hook is not available, a fine 

 hog's bristle can be bound on to the sbank of the hook, which 

 will keep the gentle in its place. 



When the fly is cast, it should be drawn slowly through the 

 water towards the angler. If the rudd are on the feed, half a 

 dozen or more fish will follow the fly, making a great wave in the 

 water. The angler should be careful not to strike until he sees 

 his line commence to tighten. The fish, when hooked, should 

 be very lightly played, as they have delicate mouths ; and care 

 should be taken not to alarm the rest of the shoal. 



Rudd are not quite such good eating as roach. 



K 2 



