60 THE FISHING-ROD ; 



gates, weirs, deep pools, and rapid but deep 

 currents. 



The largest fish often rise to the silvery 

 minnow, as it turns and glitters in the water, 

 under the skilful hands of an accomplished 

 minnow spinner : and though the fly-fisher, 

 with all his skill, may sometimes fail to get 

 a rise, a well-spun minnow will often draw 

 the biggest fish out of the deepest holes. 



Artificial minnows are now so beautifully 

 made by some of the fishing-tackle makers, 

 that they are sometimes, and in some waters, 

 as tempting a bait as the live fish. I have 

 used various kinds with complete success. 



The angler should always be provided with 

 them, particularly where there is a difficulty 

 in procuring the live baits. 



Perch and jack take the artificial bait 

 greedily: these should be allowed time to 

 swallow it before striking; but trout must 

 be struck the moment they seize it. 



The artificial bait called the devil-bait is 

 eagerly snapped at by trout; but it must be 

 well made and cleverly spun. 



When live minnows are used as baits, they 

 should be taken out of the bait-kettle one at a 



