During summer the most successful baits are well-boiled wheat and paste, red or white, in such clear waters as the Waveney and the upper reaches of Bure, etc. White paste is best on the Yare, the red always kills the best fish. In autumn, gentles, and later on brandlings and gentles, or better still, small red worms, “blood.” There are many other baits used with good success occasionally, but these are by far the most reliable.
9. What kind of rod?
For tight-line fishing in the deep waters of the Yare, the rod should be light, stiff, and from 15 to 18 feet in length. For running tackle a shorter rod will do, and for this I prefer one of hickory. Should recommend cane for the longer kind.
10. Number of hook?
When the fish are of fair size, I use No. 9, at other times Nos. 10 or 12. Those known amongst anglers as “Crystal,” are excellent for roach fishing.
11. Is running tackle advisable?
Running tackle is decidedly preferable for such deep, strong waters as those between Coldham Hall and Reedham. For the slower waters of the Bure and the upper reaches of the Yare, I do not consider that running tackle has any advantages worth naming.
12. Do you use gut or hair, and what kind of line?
For deep-water fishing I always attach nine feet of gut to my line; six feet moderately stout and three feet fine drawn. Line, a fine braided silk. A light, well-shotted line of this kind has many advantages, especially on a windy day.
13. What kind of float?