io8 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



shortened in the hand as the bait approaches 

 that side. In doing this, the minnow is moved 

 in little jerks or a succession of short pulls, as if 

 it were really a disabled fish struggling vainly to 

 stem the current. Upon its approaching the near 

 side, reverse the action of the rod, and bring your 

 minnow upstream close to that bank for a short 

 way, finally drawing it a little across stream in 

 this reversed manner. Do not have too taut a 

 line lest a trout seizing the bait should feel any 

 resistance, for assuredly if it does it will let go if 

 it can. And do not attempt to strike in a flurry 

 on getting a run. Whenever you feel the least 

 touch of a fish, slacken line immediately. Give it 

 four or five seconds' time, and then drive home 

 the steel, but not violently. Before withdrawing 

 the bait for a fresh cast give it one more little 

 quick draw by pulling in line. This often 

 determines a doubtful trout following it to take 

 hold. 



Fishing in this way, the angler commences at 

 the head of a run, trusting for concealment to 

 keeping as far from the edge as may be, and using 

 a fair amount of line as he works downstream. 

 Spinning is rather applicable to a full water than 

 when a brook is run down, but even then there 

 are sure to be many suitable places. Generally 



