122 BOTTOM-FISHING. 



dace, &c., from the bank of a river, there should be 

 only about two feet of line between the float and the 

 point of the rod. But in fishing for barbel or dace 

 from a punt, in a rapid stream, you will require much 

 more line between the float and the point of the rod, 

 according to the length of the swim ; but be sure that 

 you have no more than is necessary. 



Always keep the top of the rod directly over your 

 float, and move your arm with the stream, so as to let 

 the float and the top of the rod go together. This 

 gives you the power of striking the moment you get 

 a bite. 



If a fish breaks away, he is likely to frighten the 

 other fish and disperse them, in which case, you must 

 endeavour to recover them by a good supply of ground- 

 bait thrown in as gently as possible as, in fact, it 

 always should be. 



It is important to bear in mind that the success of 

 an angler depends upon a combination of qualities. He 

 must be cool, observant, and patient ; he must have a 

 quick eye, and a ready and light hand. He must 

 watch carefully the different motions of his float, and 

 whenever he observes any interruption to its natural 

 easy motion in the water, strike quickly and skilfully, 

 according to the directions already given. 



As a general rule, keep out of. sight as much as pos- 

 sible while angling, and always let the sun fall in your 

 face, otherwise the shadow of your rod falling upon 

 the water will frighten away the fish. 



Having given these general directions, it remains to 

 treat specifically of the mode of angling for each par- 

 ticular description of fish, which shall be done as 

 plainly and intelligibly as possible. 



