1 66 BOTTOM OR FLOAT-FISHING. 



worms, caddice, &c., which are turned up in the 

 operation. 



While Gudgeon fishing, it is a very good plan to 

 put out a paternoster for any Pike or Perch which 

 may be roving about, and whose presence would 

 effectually check the " biting" inclination of the 

 smaller fish. 



In the lower reaches of a river flounders are not 

 unfrequently taken whilst Gudgeon fishing, the 

 same baits and modes of fishing being best for 

 both fish. 



The Gudgeon spawns in May, usually in shallow 

 waters amongst stones. 



STONE LOACH. 



The Stone Loach, or " Beardie," though a some- 

 what smaller and slenderer fish, closely resembles 

 the Gudgeon both in shape and colouring, haunting 

 similar waters, and biting at the same bait a small 

 red worm. The normal position of the Loach is 

 under stones ; and here, of course, it is difficult for 

 him either "to take" or be taken by the bait 



