The angler's vade mecum, or, A compendious, yet full, discourse of angling discovering the aptest methods and ways ... for the catching all manner of fresh-water fish ... : together with a brief discourse of fish ponds, and not only the easiest but most palatable ways of dressing all sorts of fish ... / by a lover of angling.

CHAP. XX. Observations on the Roch, Dace or Dare.

Haunts.

THey like Gravel and Sand, and the deepest part of the River, under shades of Trees; are Fish of no great esteem, very simple; be∣come in Season within 3 weeks after Spawning; the Dace or Dare Spawn about the middle of March, and the Roch about the middle of May; he's called the Fresh Water Sheep for his Simplicity, and is caught in Ponds within 2 foot or less of the top; but the Dace should have his bait within 6 inches of the bottom, and sometimes to touch the bottom, best baits for them are the Earth bob, Gentles, Cod-bait, Clap-bait, Oak worm, and the Fly, especial∣ly the Ant Fly but within the water; and any Worm bred on Herbs or Trees, as Hawthorn-worm, Colewort and Cabbage-worm, Paste. Sheeps-blood, Lip-berries, Grain, Wasps, and small white Snails, &c. Angle for them in Ponds under water Dock leaves; they will likewise take Giltails and Brandlings, especial∣ly if the water be discoloured with Rain.