204 BT HOOK AND BY CROOK. 



length that the tail-end of the minnow^ when threaded 

 with it, will rest on the upper triangle about half an 

 inch from the bend of the hooks, while only the eye of 

 the swivel protrudes beyond the mouth of the minnow. 



By this method the cast or tippet of gut is protected 

 by the swivel from wear and tear by the minnow, while 

 the latter protects the swivel from a cross strain, which 

 results are not attained should the gut attached to the 

 hooks be longer or shorter. 



A piece of brass wire should be whipped to the gut 

 throughout the entire length of the tackle, and the 

 whole covered with a whipping of the finest brass wire; 

 thus it will be impossible for the triangles to foul each 

 other, and the tackle is defended against wear from the 

 minnow. 



When the minnow is placed firmly on this tackle the 

 whole will revolve together in the water, and the 

 minnow will fly up the line as soon as the fish be 

 hooked, falling back into position as soon as unimpeded. 



The angler should be provided with minnows of 2 

 in., 2^ in., and 3 in. in length of body. 



The gold minnows show best in clear water, while 

 the silver show well in coloured. 



We now come to casting with the Nottingham reel 

 and line ; the former should be provided with an op- 

 tional check, for use in playing a fish or when not in 

 active employment, while the line should be 100 yards 

 or so of plaited silk. Care must be taken to keep the 

 reel free from grit, &c., and a little oil now and again 



