HOW TO FIND BLEAK. 117 



already described tlie best thing to be done under these cir- 

 cumstances (see page 51). 



The most artistic way to angle for these pretty little fish is 

 to cast a caddis bait, or a gentle threaded on to a N"o. 14 hook 

 as if it were a fly, and allow it to sink, striking immediately the 

 line tightens; or the same tackle, with the addition of the 

 smallest possible float, a foot above the hook, will answer as 

 well, or perhaps better. Bleak may also be caught with a very 

 small artificial fly, but ten will be caught on the gentle to one 

 on the fly. 



It is sometimes so important to catch a few bleak for bait 

 that the following method for finding out their whereabouts is 

 worth noting. Throw a piece of bread into the stream, and 

 watch it. As soon as it floats near a shoal of bleak it will be 

 attacked on all sides, and nearly lifted out of the water. Of 

 course, every angler knows that this happens when bread is 

 thrown in, but they do not always think to try the plan when 

 they are wildly seeking for the baits which are always (why is 

 it ?) most difficult to find when most urgently wanted. 



