82 LIVE-BAITING FOR TROUT. 



Thames and other large rivers. A small 

 lively dace or bleak is used, on a propor- 

 tionately small " Otter" snap mounted on 

 gut ; this is used according to circumstances, 

 either with or without a float. If a float is 

 used, it must be very small just sufficiently 

 large to keep the bait at about the requisite 

 depth; one of the " Pilot" floats mentioned 

 at page 38 will be large enough for the pur- 

 pose. The running-line must be very fine, so 

 as to sink as little as possible; and the bait 

 should be allowed to work down-stream to 

 where a Trout has been noticed feeding. It is 

 then manipulated about the place in as attrac- 

 tive and skilful a manner as possible. On 

 hooking the Trout, keep your line clear, in 

 readiness for a rush, and do not hold him too 

 tightly. I must confess, however, that I do 

 not admire the idea of live-baiting for Trout ; 

 years ago such a style of fishing was only 

 practised sub rosd. But times have altered 

 since then, and it is now considered almost 

 as legitimate as spinning. I cannot even now 

 forget a remark I heard nearly thirty years 

 since, from one of the old school of Thames 

 puntmen : speaking in a disparaging manner 

 of a confrere, he said, "Why, sir, he takes 

 most of his Trout with a live-bait ! " 



The Perch is such a well-known fish as 

 hardly to need a description. He is a thick 

 broad fish with a hog-back, head rather small 

 in proportion, and a large mouth well furnished 



