MAGGOT-FISHING FOR GRAYLING. 29? 



bait sinking even to mid-water at times, or with a very 

 light quill-float, with about three shots a tripping bait 

 a few gentles being thrown in now and then as ground bait. 

 A Nottingham line and reel may be employed. A red 

 worm may also be used either in the same way or with a> 

 free line, as for trout, and that certainly is the more sports- 

 man-like plan of the two. All these plans, though possible, 

 are not to my mind legitimate, as there is scarcely any 

 reasonable water or weather when grayling will altogether 

 refuse the fly. Sometimes a grayling may be taken with 

 the minnow, but it is rather an accident than otherwise. 

 In like manner barbel and chub take a minnow or small 

 gudgeon, but no one would fish thus for them. It is- 

 needless to say fish fine for grayling, as if you do not you 

 will soon learn to. 



As I have said, grayling are in the best season in the 

 autumn and winter. Indeed, they should not be taken 

 till August, and all caught before that period should be 

 returned ; but unfortunately a grayling, more particularly 

 the female grayling, 1 always, even directly after spawning, 

 looks so bright and clean, and so plump that it is not 

 until it is cooked the novice discovers he has a very in- 

 different fish before him. In truth, at this time, and for 

 long after, the fish is scarcely eatable, and until August 

 at least is not worth a rush. Cut a grayling in June, and 

 cut one in November, and the difference is most remark- 

 able. Although in June he may be a handsome-shaped 

 and bright-looking fish, his play is unusually dull, and 

 his flesh like that of an indifferent roach, soft, spongy, 

 and flavourless. In November he has a blue bloom on 

 him like a rich plum ; he has a peculiar and strong fra- 

 grance when handled, which is said to be like thyme, and 

 is so to some little extent, and his black spots contrast 



1 The male is often ugly, long-beaded, lead-coloured and black-bellied ; 

 after spaM-ning, the female hardly ever. 



