MULLETS AND MACKEREL. 269 



this and other subjects connected with angling. At the head of a 

 kind of creek, communicating with the Barnstaple river, my in- 

 formant stated, there is a lime quarry containing several deep pools 

 of water, into which the tide flows at ordinary spring tides, but 

 from which in neap or low tides all communication is cat off. In 

 these pools mullets are often left by the tide, and whilst shut up 

 there, are often found to bite very freely, though it is almost use- 

 less to attempt to catch any in the creek communicating with it, 

 though many mullets may be seen playing about there; and basse 

 will bite away freely enough at the latter spot, as will also eels and 

 flounders ; the creek in fact being deep and large enough to allow 

 barges to come up and load at the quarry. 



The best places therefore for mullet fishing, are deep pools in 

 creeks, where all communication is cut off between them by the 

 receding tide ; and the most favorable time is a cloudy day, with 

 a stiff breeze to crisp the waters. Some localities I am however 

 aware, afford an exception of this rule, and these fish may in cer- 

 tain places, be taken over ground that is only covered with waters 

 at the very top of the tide ; such places in fact as the ragworms 

 are to be met with, which the mullets approach the shallow water, 

 in search of, and which are indeed the only bait I have used suc- 

 cessfully for these fish, wherever I may have angled for them. The 

 hook should be of a peculiar form, being almost squared instead 

 of rounded at the turn, and short from the outer turn to the point, 

 in order the better to suit the mullet's peculiarly formed mouth. 

 A small float should be used, which ihe line should always be kept 

 nearly tight with, so as to be ready to strike the moment it is 

 drawn under. The bait should be just clear of the bottom. The 

 rod should be a very long one ; the line strong, with about a yard 

 of good gut for the foot line ; for fine tackle must be used for 

 these fish as they are remarkably wary and timid ; equalling even 

 the carp, in cunning, and in one respect they exceed him, or any 

 other fish ; frequently jumping one after another over the head 

 ropes of a net, following each other like a flock of sheep ; so that 

 if but one has the sense and courage to set the example, the whole 

 shoal often make their escape. I must say this is a trick I wish 

 all fresh water fishes were up to, and would never fail to put in 

 practice, as it would very much enhance the angler's chance of 

 catching them in a more fair and legitimate manner. 



But although the only bait I have takea mullet with is a rag 



