BOTTOM-FISHING. 119 



large trout has, however, been taken merely by the 

 lip-hook. On such occasions much skill is required. 

 Every angler ought to make allowance for the possi- 

 bility of such an attack, and to avoid all pulls and 

 jerks, such as might either tear out the hook, or, by 

 irritating the fish, cause him to make such efforts as 

 would produce his liberation. Indeed, it is by keeping 

 the utmost command over your own hand, and by 

 avoiding that childish propensity, too prevalent in 

 many, of getting an early sight, and of making the 

 fish struggle and leap, that you will complete your 

 purpose. In that quiet, temperate, and forbearing 

 mode which distinguishes the expert angler, much 

 finer tackle may be used, whence your basket will be 

 more readily filled, especially with the more choice 

 kinds of fish."* 



SECT. II. BOTTOM-FISHING. 



HAVING taken up your position, and plumbed the 

 depth in the manner already directed to be done in 

 p. 85, taking care not to disturb the water more than 

 cannot be avoided, let your line remain immersed for a 

 short time, so that it may be rendered less liable to 

 break, by being thus softened and stretched. After 

 this, take the rod in your hand, in a proper position, 

 raise the line out of the water, and let the bait, and 

 then the float, fall in, quietly, at the upper part of your 

 swim. When it has been carried by the stream to the 

 extent of your reach, strike gently, raise the bait out 

 of the water, and let it fall in again as before. Pro- 

 ceed thus till you get a bite, which you discover by 

 * For further on spinning for trout, see page 143. 



