84 TROUT-FISHING FOR THE BEGINNER 



up towards the tip of the rod, and the cast 

 is made overhand, underhand, or sideways 

 from left to right or vice versa. As the bait 

 flies out, the reel lever is pressed, allowing 

 the drum to run free, and when the lure 

 strikes the water, the lever is released, the 

 reel then being in check, and the line under 

 control. When there is a fair volume of 

 water, it is usual to spin downstream. The 

 bait is cast into all likely places, being usually 

 swung out and across the stream, and allowed 

 to go round and down until it arrives close 

 under the angler's bank, when it may be 

 drawn close up to his feet. Trout are fond 

 of seizing the minnow just before it is lifted 

 from the water, and also when going round 

 and down from the farther bank, so the 

 angler should be expectant of a " pluck " 

 at such a moment. If you see a trout follow 

 the bait, do not jerk it or increase its speed, 

 but continue to spin at the same even pace, 

 and ten chances to one he will take it. A 

 trout seizes a minnow with great dash, and 

 it is an exciting moment when a big fish 

 rushes at the lure. The minnow being armed 

 with one or more triangles of hooks, a fish 

 is usually held pretty firmly, and does not 

 fight so strongly as if hooked on the fly. 

 The motion of the minnow in the water 



