THE JOLLY ANGLER. 51 



Chub, but, like January, is subject to floods, snow, ice, &c. 

 On a fine day you may generally catch fish, if the water is 

 in good order. 



Having acquainted the young Angler* with the most 

 esteemed places for angling near London, the fish they 

 contain, as well as the right time to angle for them, I will 

 now proceed to describe the Tackle and Baits necessary 

 for that purpose. 



CH4P. III. 



Description of Tackle, Sfc. 



THE ROD. 



IN Bottom-fishing the most useful Rod is that sold under 

 the denomination of a Bag Rod, and is made of either 

 bamboo or cane +, the former being most generally useful; 

 the latter is only fit for Roach-fishing, it being lighter, 

 but not so strong, (which is a great drawback where you 

 use it for Trolling, as well as Perch, Carp, Tench, Barbel, 

 Chub, &c.) This Rod usually consists of nine joints, 

 about 2 feet 4 inches long, eight of which form a Roach 

 Rod, about 17 or 18 feet long, fit for all the purposes for 

 which the Bag Rod is mentioned ; the other joint is a 

 strong top, that fits into the sixth joint, and forms a 

 Trolling Rod, about 15 feet, which is quite long enough 

 for that purpose, though you will find a great advan- 

 tage in having a whalebone top, about 10 inches long, to 

 fit in the small joint, (instead of the Roach top,) to use 



* Although I do not pretend to instruct those who have had the 

 same experience as myself, still I flatter myself they will find the 

 rules here laid down perfectly in accordance with the practice of 

 the best anglers, and at least some additional information. 



+ The Cane Rod is preferable for Roach-fishing, as it is both 

 light and stiff, but not strong enough to use for the general purposes 

 above named. 



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