CHAPTER IV. 



MINNOW-FISHING. 



MINNOW-FISHING is certainly one of the most 

 fascinating methods of angling. Requiring a 

 little less dexterity than fly-fishing, and some- 

 what less intimate knowledge of the haunts of 

 trout than clear-water worm, it surpasses both in 

 excitement. For it appeals to the appetites of 

 the largest trout, and these fish, when pursuing a 

 minnow, do so with a most wonderful mixture of 

 caution and dash, following the lure until they 

 imagine that it seems likely to escape, and then 

 making such a rush at it as is apt to send the 

 angler's heart into his mouth, and the minnow 

 into theirs if allowed. 



The rod which we prefer is an unsplit bamboo 

 with greenheart top, moderately stiff, and of 

 between 13 and 16 feet in length. We prefer a 

 longish rod because it allows the minnow to be 

 swung, not flopped into the water; besides, it 

 gives greater command both over the spinning 

 and hooking departments. 



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