56 CHUB. 



tremely like the Dace in colour and appearance, except that 

 the tail and dorsal fin are much darker than those of the 

 Dace, the point of the tail being nearly black ; the mouth 

 and head also are much broader. I have taken with a very 

 large black fly (called a " Mario w Crow") Chub in the Thames 

 above Marlow, weighing six pounds and a half; and in some 

 parts they grow to eight pounds. 



BIBBING for Chub with a live Cockchafer or Beetle is 

 very successful ; the horny covering of the wings should 

 be removed. The Humble Bee and Grasshopper are 

 also good baits for dibbing during the day, and a large 

 white or brown Moth late in the evening. It is necessary in 

 this style of fishing to hide as much as possible from the 

 sight of the fish, behind a tree or bush. Use a stiffish rod, 

 drawing off as much line as will just allow the bait to reach 

 the water. If you are fishing through bushes, twist all the 

 line between the point of the rod and the bait round the 

 top ; and passing it through the bushes, untwist the line : 

 with proper management the bait will fall naturally and 

 gently on the surface of the water. Where there are wide 

 leaves on the water it is as well to drop the bait on each one 

 in succession, allowing it to roll in from each. Chub, in the 

 summer, at mid-day, often lie concealed under such leaves, 

 ready to take any insect that drops off. If you see any fish, 

 cautiously guide the bait towards the largest. When there 

 are no trees, bushes or similar obstructions on the bank from 

 "which you are fishing, the winch-line should be of stout floss 

 silk, and is technically termed a "blow line" ; to this add a 

 yard or two of gut with the hook length attached. Stand 

 with the wind at your back, hold the insect-bait lightly be- 

 tween the forefinger and thumb of the left hand ; and letting 

 out as much blow line as may be required, let go the hook 

 and the bait will be carried by the wind the requisite distance 

 across the water. The rod for this style of fishing should not 

 be less than twelve feet in length and lighter than for ordin- 

 ary dibbing. Observe to keep the blow line as dry as possible, 

 or it will be too heavy, if wet. 



They are taken during the summer with the ordinary fly 



