BOTTOM FISHING, 45 



fishing is the chief resort of the bottom fisher in standing 

 water. Almost anything in the shape of a rod will answer 

 for this purpose, the only essential being stiifness and 

 strength. Bamboo is the best material for a general bot- 

 tom rod, a variety of top joints of different strength and 

 length adapting it for both heavy and light work. Be- 

 fore taking the fish in detail we would enjoin the atten- 

 tion of the tyro to the following hints :* 



Don't unduly expose either the person or the rod by 

 restless movements upon the edge of the water. 



Avoid disturbing as much as is possible the surface of 

 the fish's element by incessant movements of the float 

 and bait. 



Never employ a larger float, and therefore more sink- 

 ers, than is absolutely requisite. 



Always ascertain the precise depth of the water it is 

 intended to fish before commencing, so that the bait may 

 come within the ken of the fish. 



See that the lure is placed upon the hook in as natural 

 a manner as is possible, viz., by threading the worm, if a 

 worm is used, up the centre, leaving a portion of each 

 extremity free. 



When a fish is hooked, do not suddenly, as Homer has 

 it, " lift it quivering to the skies." There is no need for 

 transporting your " finny prize" in a strictly perpen- 

 dicular direction. The thing to do is gently tug the 

 quarry to the bank before leaving the water, as by so do- 

 ing the pulling power, without the addition of the weight 

 of the capture, is placed upon the tackle. To work out 

 the diagram given, we commence with 



PERCH FISHING. The first consideration for the 

 youthful aspirant, after fixing upon a likely spot, where 



* We commend these practical rules to all anglers, young or old, who 

 delight in bottom fishing. Many of them are apt to fish "loose "In 

 deep waters. 



