62 BOTTOM OR FLOAT-FISHING. 



passed laterally through the first four or five close 

 to the tail, so as to form a bunch, and the last 

 being reserved to cover the point of the hook, 

 which should be a No. 5, 6, or 7, according to size 

 and depth of water and other circumstances. For 

 the worm-tail or greaves a No. 8, 9, or 10 hook 

 should be used. The methods of baiting with 

 worm-tail and greaves are described under the 

 head of baits and baiting. 



The bait should swim just clear of the bottom ; 

 when it drags along the ground the line is apt to 

 come into contact with the noses of intending 

 biters before the bait, thus risking the dilemma 

 either of so arousing their suspicions as to make 

 them change their mind, or, if they are still inclined 

 to take the bait, making it almost impossible for 

 them to do so without turning round and following 

 it. This is an important point. In Barbel, as 

 with other fish, except, perhaps, occasionally with 

 Bream, it is best to wait to strike until the float 

 disappears, or moves steadily and decidedly away. 



In all light waters, and often in deep and heavy 

 ones, the Nottingham method of barbelling will be 

 found the most killing, as well as the most lively ; 



