THE CHUB. 123 



very productive of real sport, but it is effective, and in many cases is 

 the only method practicable. A black slug cut across the belly, its 

 inside removed, and turned partly inside out, threaded by a baiting 

 needle, above a triangle hook, is very deadly used in this manner, and 

 often brings to bag the largest fish of the locality. A blow line as de- 

 scribed for dace is also admirable for small chub, but the proneness 

 of the fish to seek its native banks, submerged trees, &c., renders this 

 tackle unfit for fishing any parts but the shallows, its fragility being 

 one of its excellent qualities. 



The method for chub capture on the Thames, Trent, Severn, and such 

 rivers, where a certain amount of water room may be had both for long 

 swims and playing the fiUh when hooked, illustrates the " fine and far 

 off ' ' theory of the Trent-side anglers ; for, as I have in the chapter on 

 " Ichthyology" and above indicated, beneath the capacious forehead 

 of our quarry lies a true cyprinoid brain, which renders it easily appre- 

 hensive of enemies. Unquestionably, therefore, in fishing for chub, the 

 Nottingham tackle is simply the perfect ideal of what tackle should be 

 for these fish. Early in the season or late it matters not the various 

 baits can be used with advantage by its aid, during flood-time and 

 snow, drought and heat. 



After asserting so much, it may be necessary to describe the sort of 

 tackle referred to under the generic title of "Nottingham," as applied 

 to chub fishing. Description of a "Nottingham" rod in detail would 

 be superfluous here, but I may remark that the length of mine is 

 12ft., and it is somewhat stiff, though light. The reel I use is the same 

 as for Thames trout fishing, and is one of Wells' spring reel*, so called 

 from the facility, by means of a spring, with which it is taken apart in 

 case of a complication taking place with the line. It (the reel) admits 

 of a free action in every pirt, and therefore, during the first rush of the 

 fish there is but little need of apprehension that the line by a sudden 

 tension will break. The finger acts as a break on the facile movements. 

 (By the bye, I shall introduce the reader to an improved modification 

 in my chapters on " Tackle Making.") The line is a medium twist, 

 undressed. I find the plait lines are not nearly so elastic as the twist ; 

 and, as they are closer woven, hold the water longer, thus interfering 

 with the line's easy run through the rings. A light quill for shallow 

 water, sustaining about four swan shot at most, which must be some 

 distance from the hook ; fine gut, which will be varied according to the 

 state of the water, and medium-sized hooks, complete the outfit, with 

 the exception of bait, which will require a more lengthened enumeration. 

 Of course, this tackle requires variation as to size of float, strength of 

 gut, and lead, at the discretion of the user. 



