THE DACE. 



Dace are handsome fish, and delight in fast runs 

 of clear water, affording excellent sport to the fly- 

 fisher, though they are a nuisance when trout- 

 fishing. Small chub are frequently taken for large 

 dace ; but a little examination shows the difference 

 between the two fish, dace being more finely pro- 

 portioned than chub, the mouth smaller and the fins 

 not so dark. Dace are among the best baits 

 possible for pike ; I have also killed Thames trout 

 with small dace ; as a bait they are much tougher 

 than bleak, and are also much stronger for live- 

 baiting. 



The tackle for roach is suitable for dace-fishing, 

 _ , . but only light rods should be used. The 



and best dace are caught in very swift water ; 



''^"^ and I may mention that there are splendid 

 dace in the water around Penton Hook, and that 

 many swims there may easily be fished from the 

 bank. It is little good, however, when boats are 

 about, for the dace do not draw into the swims in 

 presence of any disturbance. Always fish as fine 

 as possible; when hair is used, care must be taken 

 in striking, or the tackle will be broken. Perhaps 

 the best bait is the red worm, or the tail of a lob- 



