SPINNING. 183 
few moments (according to the depth of the water) for the 
bait to sink, he lowers the point of the rod to within a 
foot or so of the surface, and holding it at about right 
angles to the bait, begins drawing in the line with his left 
hand, making with his right a corresponding backward 
movement of the rod, between each “draw.” The object 
of this movement of the rod, which to the spinner soon 
becomes a sort of mechanical see-saw, is to prevent the 
bait being stationary whilst the left hand is preparing 
for a fresh “ draw” ; and in order to accomplish it satis- 
factorily the best plan, as well as that most convenient 
for casting, is to hold the rod firmly with the right 
hand just below the lowest ring, letting the line pass 
between the upper joints of the middle and fore- 
finger, and resting the butt of the rod firmly against 
the hip. In spinning from a punt an agreeable 
change of posture is obtained by standing with the 
right foot on the side or well of the boat, and par- 
tially supporting the elbow and rod on the knee. 
The “draws” or pulls, and the corresponding move- 
ments of the rod, must of course be varied in length and 
rapidity according to the depth of water, size of bait, 
and other circumstances, but a good medium speed, 
when the left hand is carried well back, is about forty 
“draws” per minute; and a cast for every two yards of 
stream fished is the allowance which on the whole will 
generally be found the most advantageous. In spinning 
for Salmon a slower and gentler movement is necessary. 
