154 BIBBING IN OPEN WATER. 



extend his jaws, and take in the delicious morsel, 

 and then marching slowly off in quest of more, 

 till stopped by a smart stroke which I have given 

 him, though there is no occasion to do so in this 

 way of fishing, for the great ones always hook 

 themselves." 



All this authority says generally refers to 

 dibbing about and under bushes, and there his 

 advice is good. Do not follow him when you dib 

 in open water. There use a winch and blow-line, 

 and short foot-line, and with a slight wind you 

 will be able to convey your bait to any spot you 

 fancy. If the weather be too still for the use of 

 the blow-line, try and cast your insect gently, as 

 you would your artificial stretcher when you do 

 not wish to make any the slightest disturbance 

 in low, smooth, clear water. 



I must quote the North-countryman again for 

 a few lines. He judiciously recommends, " never 

 to let the fish get down his head, unless the 

 angler is sure there are no roots near enough 

 for the fish to retire amongst; but to keep 

 him at the top of the water, where his fins 

 and strength are of little service to him ; and be- 

 sides, so thrust out the rod as to reach beyond 

 the bush, and there work the fish till he is quite 

 tired, and lies still." He remarks justly that, 

 " Although the shade of trees and bushes are 

 much longer and greater on the south side of 



