BLEAK AND MINNOW. 69 



CHAP. XVI. 



BLEAK AND MINNOW. 



BLEAR are found in the rivers Thames, Lea, 

 and the New River, in immense numbers ; they 

 are handsome fish, but do not grow to a large 

 size, seldom exceeding two ounces in weight, 

 and not much valued for their flavour : they 

 are a lively sportive fish, and easily taken with 

 a small fly at the top of the water, and with 

 paste or gentles at mid- water, or at the bottom. 

 Angle for them with a light rod, single hair 

 line, small quill float, and No. 12 or 13 hook. 

 They will bite all day from April till October, 

 affording the young angler sport and practice : 

 these may be caught in all parts of the New 

 River from Sadler's Wells to Ware. 



