ROE BAIT. 151 



set in a sloping position, to let the blood and wet 

 run from it while absorbing the salt. When half- 

 dry it is best for use ; but if long kept, till dried 

 hard, it should be dipt in water, to soften it a little 

 before being used. 



The hook used is No. 9, 10, or 11, just tied on the 

 gut like any other bait book. The only great error 

 in this fishing is using too large a bait ; the size of 

 a pea of prepared roe is always sufficient ; any larger 

 piece prevents the hook from catching, in which case 

 the hook is pulled from the trout, generally leaving 

 the bait in his mouth. 



The proper places to angle are on the eddies of 

 strong or flooded water, on some fine gravelly bottom, 

 where the trout have come in shoals to the quiet 

 water ; and there it is only necessary to drop in the 

 bait, and wait till a trout is felt or seen .to move the 

 top of the rod ; then pull up, lead it out, and throw 

 in again for another. 



The best time is the morning. I have seen a lad 

 bringing in at breakfast time seven dozen, which 

 would weigh above two stones ; and a boy lay down 

 beside them half the number, which would over- 

 weigh one stone ; and these had been caught with 

 the plain roe, simply as salted from the belly of the 

 salmon. 



