LIVE-BAITING FOR TROUT AND PERCH. 185 



with the shorter top will do for live-baiting, both 

 for trout and perch, and there is not much amiss 

 with the line either. The strength of gut required 

 depends on the probable size of the fish. In a weir- 

 pool where a trout of 5lb. or 61b. is a possibility, 

 .and where there are probably sunken piles, stones, 

 and other hidden dangers to tackle, the gut should 

 be very strong (" ist Padron " is the trade designa- 

 tion for gut of about the right strength) ; where 

 there are no dangers and the trout do not much 

 exceed 3lb. "fina" is strong enough. For perch 

 the finest undrawn gut is not too fine. 



The best baits for both fish are bleak, gudgeon, 

 dace, minnows, and, for trout especially, little 

 bearded slender fish called loach, found under stones 

 in clear, shallow brooks, and captured with difficulty 

 iby grown-up persons. But they give excellent 

 sport to those who have not forgotten how to stoop, 

 -and who are adroit with their hands or a little net. 

 The size of hook employed varies somewhat, 

 according to the size of the bait, and, I suppose, 

 according to the taste of the fisher. For a small 

 bait like a minnow, which does not often exceed 

 2m. in length (bigger ones exist and are very 

 deadly, but one can seldom find them except in 

 favoured spots), I prefer a No. 10 or 1 1 roach hook, 

 For 3in. baits I use a No. 7 or 8 hook, and for 4*m. 



