BOTTOM FISHING. 11 



length of the rod, or a little more, is let off above the 

 float. The float is then drawn up close to the boat, and 

 the swim commences, the angler keeping his rod as well 

 over his float as he can. When the float has travelled 

 down stream as far as he can allow it to go, he strikes, in 

 case any fish should snap at it as it rises off the bottom (a 

 very favourite moment) by reason of the tension of the 

 line ; then he draws the float and tackle back up stream 

 to the boat, drops it in again, and begins another swim. 

 If he hook a good fish he has to take care that he does 

 not get round the punt pole, in which case grief is usually 

 the result. If two anglers be fishing from the punt, and 

 one hooks a good fish, it is as well that tne other should 

 withdraw his line till the fish is landed, lest it should foul 

 and tangle the other's line, and perhaps even get off ; and 

 while the fish is disturbing the swim many fish are not 

 likely to bite. 



In case of a very large fish, say of ten pounds and 

 upwards, if I am using very fine tackle, I always like 

 to let the punt loose, and, getting below the fish, take 

 him into strange water if possible, where he has no holt 

 or hide to go to, and where he does not know the country. 

 For lack of this I have lost many a noble fish, as a big fish 

 always has a hide, and sooner or later remembers and runs 

 for it, when you may wish him " good day." Float and 

 tackle must be suited as near as possible to the weight 

 and rapidity of the stream, and the angler should never 

 fish with it a shot heavier than is necessary, as extra 

 weight helps to .frighten the fish, wears out the rod top, 

 and tires the wrist, for it must be remembered that the 

 angler strikes many thousands of times in the course of a 

 day, and that which is little in itself becomes great by 

 repetition. In very quiet, easy streams, where big roach 



