THE BARBEL. 67 



the best fish for the table, and in this respect is much in- 

 ferior to the tench, yet he is much sought after by anglers 

 in consequence of the sport he affords. They swim w 

 shoals, and love the strong current of a deep river, par- 

 ticularly when it runs over a stony bed. Amongst old 

 piles by the side, in the deep currents of bridges, weirs, 

 and locks, they love to lie and feed on the insects borne 

 down by the current. The strong fins of the barbel enable 

 him to stem the strongest current. In July, August, and 

 September, a day's barbel-fishing on the Trent or Thame? 

 is an event to be remembered. London anglers are par- 

 ticularly skilful in capturing barbel. They use worms, 

 tallow greaves, gentles, cheese paste, bullocks' blood, and 

 pike. The best bait is the lob-worm, well scoured and 

 lively, on a No. 8 or 9 hook, made specially. The best 

 time to fish is at night, or in the early morning. When 

 the lob- worm fails, greaves or gentles may be used. A float 

 is hardly necessary in the fast currents, but as it serves to 

 mark the depth of the water, it may be used ; but the angler 

 must learn to depend on his sense of touch if he wishes to 

 become a successful barbel-fisher. The rod should be 

 strong, and the running tackle equal to that used in salmon 

 fishing. He requires time to take the bait, and when struck 

 it should be done sharply. When hooked it will be diffi- 

 cult for him to escape, strong as he is in the water. Let 

 him have plenty of line in deep water, as he will sooner be 

 tired, particularly if you keep a tight rein, and the end of 

 your rod well up. Half an hour is not too long to tire a 

 fair sized barbel, and his head should be kept out of the 

 water. Isaat Walton truly says that no one did over-bait 

 the place for barbel. The best ground-bait is that made 

 of greaves, lob-worms, bran, and clay. Near London a punt 



