42 ASCGtTXG. 



to be threaded easily, while the bent hook is apt to injure 

 the bait, and render it less lively in the water. 



Some bottom fishers, particularly those who have been 

 in the habit of fly-fishing, seldom use a float, and talk 

 learnedly of their quick eye and sensitive touch, which 

 enables them to detect a bite in a moment, and strike their 

 fish. The young beginner, however, must have a float, 

 though the smaller it is the better, except perhaps for 

 barbel fishing. Apart from the indication of a bite, or even 

 a nibble, it shows when the bait drags the bottom, or has 

 caught a weed. The ordinary float should never be allowed 

 to drag in the water, but should sit upright, and in smooth 

 water should have the point of the quill just above the 

 surface. Quill floats are the best for roach and carp fish- 

 ing, and cork floats are fancied for perch, tench, bream, and 

 barbel. The line should invariably rise perpendicularly 

 from the top of the float, so as to enable the angler to strike 

 promptly. Numbers of fish are lost through carelessly 

 allowing the line to lap over the float in coils, or hang in the 

 water, while their floats are slanting or dragging, and their 

 baits are being nibbled off. 



To insure your float sitting nicely, two things must be 

 attended to : you must ascertain (if you do not know) the 

 depth of water. For this purpose a plumb is necessary, 

 and one made out of a coil of " tea lead," before mentioned, 

 is the best, as it can be lapped into a flat shape, which is 

 less cumbersome for the pocket. Place the plumb next on 

 your hook, and when it sinks the top of your float to the 

 surface of the water, you have the exact depth. If you are 

 fishing for gudgeons, tench, or barbel, you must fish close 

 to the bottom. If for roach, chub, or carp, from three to 

 six inches from it. Your float must be moved accordingly 



