12 THE JOLLY ANGLER. 



for the purpose of sinking the bait; here is generally more 

 lead than is necessary left on the hook, in order that the 

 angler may scrape as much off as suits the water he angles 

 in (where there are many weeds, it is wanted heavier than 

 in clear water). To bait this you must have a baiting- 

 needle (see the cut), which enter at the mouth of the bait, 

 pass it straight through the body, and bring it out at the 

 tail, dragging the gimp and hooks through after it, placing 

 the points of them upwards, so as not to project beyond 

 the fish ; tie some fine thread or silk tight round the tail, 

 to prevent its slipping down or tearing when it catches the 

 weeds, &c.; now add this to your gimp, which is attached 



by a swivel to your line, and all is ready. I shall here 

 remark again that a Gudgeon is the best bait; but as you 

 may occasionally, either through choice or necessity, use 

 other as well as larger baits, I would recommend the hook 

 always to be in proportion to your bait, or you will catch 

 more weeds than fish ; a small Tench is of no use (see " the 

 Tench.") Having your bait prepared*, proceed to cast it 

 forth into such places as you think likely to contain a fish, 

 letting it dive to the bottom, then drawing it up gently, so 

 as just to cause it to twirl round as it rises, then let it sink 

 again, and proceed as before, till the line is close to you ; 

 then cast forth again, the best way to do which is, to draw 

 as much line off your winch as will reach the place you 

 intend to throw to, holding it loose in your left hand, to 

 keep it from catching the bank when it is going forth ; 



I always bait three or four hooks before I start, and put 

 them in a tin box with bran, as that saves my time after having taken 

 a fish, which then seems precious. Some anglers cut off the fins of 

 the bait; I never do, unless the water is more than usually weedy, 

 because it disfigures the fish. 



