THE CHAR CHAR FISHING 



217 



it from twisting. The great point is that the 

 artificial baits spoons or bright bits of metal 

 shall be spun steadily at varying depths. 



Two rods, or stout ash saplings, each of about 

 12 feet in length, are used, one on each side the 

 boat ; and each line has from four to six baits on it. 

 To each rod is attached a bell, so that the fisherman 

 may know when the bait is struck. The line 

 (which should be of well-dressed hemp) is about 

 26 yards in length, and to it are lashed six 

 droppers, or tail-lines. 



It is, however, unnecessary here to go into all 

 the minutiae of the plumb-line tackle or the niceties 

 of using it. For those specially interested, how- 

 ever, an exhaustive account of both is given in one 

 of the appendices to this volume. The construc- 

 tion of the tackle and the method of using it is 

 given in considerable detail ; and as the informa- 

 tion has been obtained from an expert char-fisher, 

 it will, it is believed, be found correct. 



From the middle of April to the end of May is 

 the best period for plumb-lining. From early June 

 to mid-July the results are poor ; while from the 

 latter date to the end of the season the fishing again 

 becomes fair. These dates are, of course, approxi- 

 mate, and much depends upon weather, food- 

 supply, &c. For the visitor who wishes to try his 

 hand at this delicate and always precarious method 

 of char fishing the best time is the month of 

 May. 



For an expert who knows the lake, a score of 

 char is an exceptionally good day's fishing, while 

 six or eight fish are a fair average take. The 

 largest number of char taken by one boat (two men; 

 is seventy-five. This occurred many years ago. 



