224 ROD AND TACKLE FOR FLOAT-FISHING. 



is to fix a single small pellet about nine inches above 

 the hook, so as to keep the bait down without being so 

 conspicuous as to cause alarm, and then affix larger 

 ones at some distance above it, sufficient to retain and 

 properly balance the float in the right position. 



The longer the rod is the better, as its tip must be 

 held if possible nearly perpendicular over the float ; 

 hence the longer it is, the greater will be the extent of 

 water under command. It may then be eighteen feet 

 with advantage, provided it is made of cane, or some 

 other light material, so as to be easily managed, with- 

 out wearying the arms ; and the line between the tip of 

 the rod and the float should not exceed six or eight 

 feet in length, which ought to be kept constantly nearly 

 taut, in order to enable a fish to be struck with the 

 necessary quickness and precision. 



Should the fisher have an eye towards the frying- 

 pan, as well as the sport, I should recommend him to 

 attach a fly-hook whipped upon a fine bristle to his line 

 about eighteen inches above the end hook. If the latter 

 is baited with worms, and the second one with a maggot, 

 caddie, caterpillar, etc., the fish will have a variety from 

 which to choose, and there will be two chances for one. 

 A bristle will stand erect from the line, and display the 

 bait to much better advantage than gut, which soon 

 becomes soft, and gets entangled with the main line. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOAT IN WATER. 

 All being now in readiness, the baited line must be 



