42 THE BRITISH ANGLER'S LEXICON. 



baited with the tail of a worm or a gentle. Of course the 

 line is hidden in the ball and attached to the main line and 

 rod. When the swim is baited, the angler proceeds to the 

 spot with his rod and tackle. He baits a worm hook, No. 6, 

 and attaches a light quill float, which just allows the bait to 

 touch the bottom. This can be humoured by means of a 

 few large shot put on the line about a foot above the hook. 

 This baited line is allowed to travel slowly along the 

 bottom, throwing it in above the swim, and allowing it to 

 traverse it until the end is reached. This is the floating 

 style. The angler must keep as quiet and as much out 

 of sight as possible. Any. unusual disturbance drives 

 the fish back to their lairs, and the sport at once ceases. 

 Ledger line fishing is the same as for other fish. At the first 

 nibble the angler should not strike, but allow the barbel to 

 suck in the bait, which will be denoted by two or three 

 sharp plucks on the rod point, when the strike should 

 be quick and firm, the line held taut for a moment, 

 and then allowed to run if the fish is big and giving 

 play. The hold is generally good, as the mouth is very 

 tough, and the hook , in the ledger tackle is of pretty 

 fair size, say No. 6, 7, or 8. It requires a little practice 

 at the work to know when the fish is actually taking a good 

 hold, as barbel are very apt to keep nibbling at the tail of 

 the bait and withdrawing, something like a kitten at a 

 mouse. Barbel occasionally take the spinning bait when 

 the angler is fishing for trout in the streams, but it is an 

 exception, as they mostly feed at the bottom of the water. 

 When fishing with light tackle, the barbel must be 

 allowed to play for some time, and if possible keep the 

 fish away from its usual haunt, which may be where some 

 sunken roots or posts are, for if it gets in amongst these 



