BAITS AND KETTLE. 43 



two of the hooks are removed, and one only 

 is used ; the gimp of this hook is then about 

 a foot in length ; whilst when three hooks are 

 used, they should be on gimp of only five or 

 six inches long, or they will become entangled 

 with each other. 



The best baits for live-bait fishing are dace 

 or very small chub ; some prefer a lively roach, 

 but the baits that live the longest, and are 

 therefore the best for a long journey, are 

 Thames gudgeons, as they are a strong hardy 

 fish, and will bear more rough usage than any 

 other bait. If you are alone, a dozen or a 

 dozen and a half will generally be sufficient ; 

 they should average about five inches and a 

 half in length. 



The last article required is the kettle for 

 carrying the live-baits. This should be a 

 full-sized one, made either of zinc or tin 

 japanned, brown outside and white inside. 

 The former metal I think wears the longest, 

 but in the japanned tin kettle you see the 

 baits better, and can therefore select one 

 sooner than you can from the other. If going 

 a long distance, change the water as often 

 as convenient, and when at the river-side it 

 will be better, when not in use, to keep the 

 kettle in the water out of the sun, (tying one 

 end of a cord to the handle and the other end 

 to a peg, which you can stick in the ground,) 

 and let it remain till you move or require a 

 fresh bait. 



