THAMES TROUT. 205 



discard the float. It is simply absurd to fish an 

 obstructed weir with very delicate gear ; but, 

 where trout may be allowed to travel practically 

 where they please when hooked, I never fear using 

 very fine gut ; so long as it is undrawn and really 

 good. Each weir requires its own special tackle 

 and system of fishing, that is, to a very great 

 degree ; and the right tackle and right system will 

 kill the most fish. I like a blue cast for fishing the 

 darker water between two runs, or in the open 

 stream ; natural gut, unstained, for the white, foamy 

 water. The spinning-trace should be fitted with 

 three or more swivels, though one is sufficient for 

 livebaiting; indeed, I do not always employ one when 

 fishing in the open stream. The weight on the 

 trace must depend on strength of current, depth of 

 water, direction of wind and the place fished ; in 

 cold, windy weather the bait should be fished deep ; 

 in hot, sunny weather it kills best on or near the 

 surface. Study the positions of the baits (bleak), 

 and fish accordingly. When possible, remove all 

 weight, in fishing the corners of weirs, close up. 

 Some few unlucky trout are caught on tackle that 

 is only fit for pike-fishing, and are hauled out 

 almost by main force ; but there is no play to 

 speak of, and such fish are caught by mere luck. 



For spinning, use fixed lip-hooks and two, three, 

 or four triangles, according to the size of the spin- 

 bait. I prefer to arm the bait thoroughly, °'°e 

 as I have had so many bitten asunder by trout 

 when there are few hooks on the bait. It is best, 

 perhaps, to run fewer fish than to stand the chance 

 of pricking or scratching fish that do not take the 

 bait very greedily ; whatever hooks you employ, 

 however, you will occasionally have a bait well 



