MINNOW-FISHING 107 



as correctly illustrated in the excellent catalogue 

 of Mr. Cummins, of Bishop Auckland. The large 

 hook is entered at the mouth of the bait, which is 

 humoured up the shank until the hook-point is 

 brought out close to the tail, and at one side, thus 

 giving the curve of the hook to the tail-end of 

 the minnow which causes it to spin ; the lip-hook 

 is then run through both lips. The trace, 

 mounted with two small swivels, is shotted about 

 9 in. above the hook-tackle just sufficiently to 

 keep the bait a little under water. 



All being ready, the modus operandi is as 

 follows: Always keeping the left hand on the 

 line to regulate length of casts, as well as to help 

 in working the minnow, the last is swung much in 

 the worming style, but with considerably more 

 force in the swings, across stream to the exact spot 

 desired, and its fall should be as light as is prac- 

 ticable. It should be aimed at a point a little 

 over where it is to drop, and light casting may be 

 aided by a slight draw-in or push-out of the rod- 

 top just as the bait is falling and close to the 

 water. The instant it enters the water it is 

 brought across stream, a little below the fisher- 

 man's position, and, if anything, rather against 

 the current, until near the angler's side, working 

 with both the rod and the line, which last is being 



