THE BARBEL. 17 



the running line. If the bullet runs on gut ex- 

 amine the latter now and then, as when chafing 

 shows, it must be renewed. Some anglers prefer 

 a length, say six inches, of gimp, for the bullet 

 to work upon ; but I always avoid gimp when 

 possible. 



When ground-baiting for barbel with clay, gentles, 

 and bran, "clay balling," as the style is ciaybaii- 

 called, is sometimes very successful. Work in & 

 up clean (not earthy) clay and plenty of bran into 

 a stirfish paste, kneading the bran well into the 

 clay. This is best done in a small tub or bucket, 

 a tub for preference, as there is more room for the 

 hands to work, and the mixing is more easily 

 effected. When the mixture is ready, knead in a 

 few gentles and stick a lump of the " pudding " on 

 your tackle, so that the hook or triangle shall just 

 stick well out. To keep the clay on the line, knot 

 on a piece of stick crosswise, which prevents the 

 clay from slipping further down the hook. A 

 better plan is to work the lump of clay around a 

 leger-bullet, which is stopped on the line in the 

 usual way, but closer to the hook. This keeps 

 the clay and bait steadier, for the clay presents 

 a large surface to the action of the water, and 

 the weight of the bullet tends to keep it down 

 better. Strong rods and tackle must be used 

 when clayballing, and the strike must be a slow, 

 steady lift. Only certain spots are suitable for 

 this method ; slow eddies, or places where the 

 bait will rest quietly, should be selected, as these 

 can be fished rather close to the rod-top. Lower 

 the line carefully and quietly till the clay reaches 

 the bottom ; keep it as steady as possible ; and if 

 you do not get a fish in a few minutes, raise the 



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