60 BOTTOM FISHING. 



often before the hidden store is discovered, which, 

 therefore, does not require replenishing. 



Another style still prevalent, both upon the 

 Thames and Trent, is that of ledgering. This tackle 

 consists of a perforated lead barrel, or a roll of sheet 

 lead, an ounce or so in weight. Through this runs 

 the gut-line, which has free course, an odd shot being 

 fixed two-thirds of a yard from the hook to restrict 

 further supply through the sinker,* which latter 

 should be of fair size for barbel fishing. The worm 

 most suitable is a well-scoured fresh lob, a small 

 portion of each extremity of which should be allowed 

 freedom, after neatly threading the worm upon the 

 hook. The rodster should strike at the second or 

 third knock (as a bite is called), the vehemence of 

 which should be regulated according to circumstances, 

 and as to size of bait, hook, tackle, etc. A recent 

 improvement upon the above is to employ two swan 

 shots, one upon the line and one below the movable 

 barrel, this from 8 to 12 inches above the hook, and 

 the other 12 to 18 inches above this again. This 

 arrangement serves as an automatic check to the line, 

 admitting of the fish hooking themselves instantly. 

 Another plan is to employ a rider float, one that has 

 a ring of wire at both ends for the free passage of the 

 line to and fro. The shot attached, as is usual, a foot 

 or so from the hook, serves as a stopper at the 

 bottom, whilst above, a scrap of a small bird's quill, 

 or a bit of indiarubber, small enough to enter the rod 



*It is sometimes advisable in strong waters to attach a very fine 

 piece of stained gimp for the ledger lead to work upon. 



