128 ROACH. 



round so as to cover, not only the point, but the bend 

 of the hook. Gentles are used, but they are not so 

 good. At the time when the wheat ripens, the new 

 wheat makes a fine bait. It may be prepared as 

 directed in page 92. 



It is important to continue to stand on the same spot, 

 so that your baited hook may be always dropped in the 

 same place, and your float take the same swim. To 

 ensure this, mark your place of standing, and see that 

 you keep to your mark. 



The moment you perceive a bite, strike with the 

 wrist, as directed in page 102; and when the fish is 

 hooked, the rod should be held nearly perpendicular, 

 as that gives you a much greater command over 

 it than you can get in any other way. Play with the 

 fish till you find he ceases to struggle, then care- 

 fully bring him so far up as to be able to look at 

 him; and, if not too large, weigh him out on to the 

 bank. If too heavy, you must use your landing-net, 

 which you should always have close at hand, and be 

 careful in using, so that you do not frighten and excite 

 your fish. As it is of consequence to keep out of sight 

 as much as possible in roach-fishing, it is best to sit 

 down, if you can do so; and when angling for them in 

 rivers and streams, you should choose a swim that is 

 shoal at the end of it, as this at once acts as a barrier 

 to the fish, and keeps the bait at a proper distance from 

 the ground as it drifts along the swim. Do not omit 

 to throw in, occasionally, a small quantity of ground- 

 bait, close to your float, and without producing a com- 

 motion in the water. Observe that the directions 

 given for roach-fishing are equally applicable to the tak- 

 ing of dace, rudd, &c. 



