BOTTOM-FISHING. 



CHAPTER V. 



Points to be Observed Striking, Hooking, Playing, and LamJ.'cg 

 the Fish. 



THOUSANDS of my countrymen, however ardent their 

 passion for more noble sport may be, must content them- 

 selves with the humble but interesting pastime of bottom- 

 fishing. It is not every one, however keen may be his 

 appetite for sport, that can indulge in frequent visits to the 

 running, brawling, trout stream, and still less frequently to 

 the salmon rivers. If he fishes at all, he must fish in the 

 smooth, sluggish waters which are nearest at hand, and a 

 very respectable substitute it is to the town-iinmuced 

 sportsman. A fly-fisher can roam where he pleases with 

 his rod, creel, line, and flies ; but though the fly-fisher may 

 require more skill, the bottom-fisher requires more art. He 

 must, if he wishes for sport, take a thousand precautions, 

 and, like a skilful general, have a thousand in reserve. He 

 must choose his ground with judgment, and prepare for his 

 campaign with foresight and skill. The attractive ground- 

 bait must prepare the way for the irresistible and tempting 

 morsel which is to follow, and reward the patient angler 



