42 BOTTOM FISHING. 



standing water. Almost anything in the shape of a 

 rod will answer for this purpose, the only essential 

 being stiffness and strength. Bamboo is the best 

 material for a general bottom rod, a variety of top 

 joints of different strength and length adapting it 

 for both heavy and light work. Before taking the 

 fish in detail we would enjoin the attention of the 

 tyro to the following hints : 



Don't unduly expose either the person or the rod 

 by restless movements upon the edge of the water. 



Avoid disturbing as much as is possible the surface 

 of the fish's element by incessant movements of the 

 float and bait. 



Never employ a larger float, and therefore more 

 sinkers, than is absolutely requisite. 



Always ascertain the precise depth of the water 

 it is intended to fish before commencing, so that 

 the bait may come within the ken of the fish. 



See that the lure is placed upon the hook in as 

 natural a manner as is possible, viz., by threading 

 the worm, if a worm is used, up the centre, leaving 

 a portion of each extremity free. 



When a fish is hooked, do not suddenly, as Homer 

 has it, " lift it quivering to the skies." There is no 

 need for transporting your " finny prize" in a strictly 

 perpendicular direction. The thing to do is to gently 

 tug the quarry to the bank before leaving the water, 

 as by so doing the pulling power, without the 

 addition of the weight of the capture, is placed upon 

 the tackle. To work out the diagram given, we 

 commence with 



