ROACH PIKE. 



fishermen call it ; that is to the shallows, for the 

 purpose of depositing their spawn. 



The season for roach fishing in the Thames 

 begins about the middle of August, and continues 

 throughout the winter, at which time, notwith- 

 standing the inclemency of the weather, many per- 

 sons follow the diversion. Londoners will beat all 

 others in fishing for roach, and they may be seen pur- 

 suing their favorite sport at the arches of the several 

 bridges over the Thames from Battersea upwards. 



The angler for roach should use fine yet strong 

 tackle. The rod should not exceed eight feet in 

 length, with a line somewhat shorter made of horse- 

 hair. The bottom link should be of gut two feet 

 in length, a large quill float, with two or three 

 small shot about eight or ten inches from the float, 

 and No. 10 or 11 hooks. The best baits are gen- 

 tles and paste having a little cotton worked into it, 

 to prevent its being too readily taken from tin 

 hook. Some persons use boiled wheat or malt, 

 but gentles are generally preferred. Boiled wheat 

 is however good as a ground bait. 



In fishing for roach, the bait should be from two 

 to three inches from the bottom, and the angler 

 should strike quick. 



Pike and perch fishing seems to be followed 



only occasionally, as it is very uncertain sport in 



the Thames. Some large perch are now and then 



caught, especially by the sides of the projecting 



B 2 



