6 COARSE FISH. 



punt lengthwise, not broadside, in the run. Two 

 rypecks are generally required, and sometimes a 

 weight as well. Steadiness of the punt is essential to 

 keep the rod steady ; it is impossible to fish properly 

 with a leger-line if the punt sways about. As the punt 

 works the rod shifts, but the rod must be quite still or 

 the tackle will not work properly. The leger-line is, 

 of course, used without a float, and the bait is swung 

 out to the required spot, letting the lead rest on the 

 bed of the river. After lowering the rod and 

 tightening the line, the angler awaits the peculiar 

 " knock " of a barbel bite, just keeping a taut line 

 on the rod top without lifting the lead off the 

 ground. The rod should also be kept in as straight 

 a line as possible with the bullet, to ensure strik- 

 ing dead on the fish. If the rod is held out 

 sideways from the punt, the strike will not be so 

 effective. On noticing the tug-tug of a fish, which 

 will be plainly felt on the rod, lift the rod steadily, 

 giving a little time, but strike forcibly, not gently, 

 for the lead has to be lifted as well as driving the hook 

 home in the leathery mouth of the fish. In heavy 

 water, the pull of a barbel, added to the rush of the 

 current on the lead, is tremendous, and the fish 

 fights stubbornly to the very last. A winch, with a 

 good strong check to prevent any over-running, is 

 best for legering. In quiet runs, if the barbel are 

 not feeding, the rod may rest on the side of the 

 punt, and the check on the winch be put on when the 

 line is adjusted, until a twitch on the rod-top shows 

 the fish have drawn into the swim and commenced 

 to feed. In deep holes, where there is little current, 

 a single tiny bullet and a finer running line can be 

 used, and it is only in very exceptional cases that 

 two large bullets are required. In or under the 



