BAITS FOR MULLET. 85 



calm, and tlie fisli could be seen. He cast his tackle a few 

 yards off the fish, in such a way that the tide gradually worked 

 the baits over them, a handful of breadcrumbs being first 

 thrown into the water to bring them on the feed. Fishing from 

 a height, the line above the corks was easily kept from sinking. 

 If the same tackle was used from a boat, the line would have 

 to be greased. I do not think better tackle than this can 

 possibly be devised for surface fishing for mullet in summer. 

 As these fish play strongly, and must not be held tightly, 

 having delicate mouths, from which the hook easily breaks 

 away, it is advisable to have not less than 60yds. or 

 70yds. of running line. The point which the angler has to 

 aim at in this kind of fishing is to get the ground-bait 

 and tackle over the fish, at the same time keeping as far away 

 from them as possible. Any noise or splashing of oars will 



\ 



Fia. 53. Grey Mullet Surface Tackle. 



to a certainty frighten grey mullet, as they are particularly 

 susceptible to sound. For instance, when gunnery practice 

 is being carried on from Dover Castle, it is rarely any good 

 fishing for mullet from the Admiralty Pier. 



A word more as to baits, and this portion of the subject 

 is complete. Common flour paste is not a good bait, ordinary 

 soaked bread being far better. The bread cannot be too 

 wet, or the bait too soft, so long, of course, as it will stop on 

 the hook. Yery small portions should be used, not much 

 larger than a pea. Boiled and unboiled shrimps and prawns, 

 peeled, are useful baits when the angler can use the chervin 

 ground-bait described on page 45. Pilchard guts are also 

 very good, the angler ground-baiting with the same substance 

 chopped up very small. When one thing fails, another should 

 be tried. As a general ground-bait, pounded crabs are decidedly 

 good. To speak of substances thrown on the water, which 



