BOTTOM FISHING. 7 



basket behind some tree or bush (for he should never 

 sit on the damp ground), then he baits his hook with 

 a well scoured red worm, covering it completely, and 

 leaving very little more tail hanging off the point than he 

 can help ; he next slings the bait out as far as he can into 

 the pond, lays the rod down carefully, resting it on the 

 fork, lights his pipe if he is a smoker, or gets out his book 

 if he is not, and waits. The top of his small quill projects 

 a bare half inch above the surface. " Ha ! was that a 

 motion of the float ? " " Yes, no doubt of it ; there it 

 dipped, and there it bobbed right under water ! " and 

 here the tyro would seize his rod and do something 

 desperate, when he would lose his bite and scare his fish 

 for his pains ; but the experienced angler merely puts 

 down his book, takes up the rod very softly, so as not to 

 disturb the float in the least, and waits. The float keeps 

 on shaking and bobbing, now dipping down well under 

 water, and now darting an inch or two one way or the 

 other, and at length, as a reward for his patience, the float 

 sinks slowly down, assuming a horizontal position, and 

 sails steadily off six inches under water. Then is the 

 time, and a short, jerk of the angler's rod top arrests the 

 thief, who, mighty indignant and a little alarmed, darts 

 off at full speed. He must then be handled and played 

 according to his size, the angler's object being to get him 

 away from his pitch, and to make as little disturbance as 

 possible, so as not to alarm the other fish. A capable 

 landing net, with a good long light handle so as to reach 

 well out beyond the margin, is useful. 



It is desirable to make as little noise in stumping about 

 the bank as possible, as the still water easily conveys the 

 slightest sound or vibration ; and the angler should also take 

 care as much as possible to keep within the shelter of his 



