H2 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



examination by the trout. Moreover, it is not 

 worked in jerks, but drawn steadily through the 

 water ; at the same time, its pace may often be 

 momentarily accelerated with advantage as in 

 connection with what I have suggested re natural 

 minnow-spinning. No time can be given when 

 the Devon is seized by a trout, but instead of 

 striking and this is important raise the rod 

 and tighten instantly. A Devon is impelled up 

 the trace when attacked, and if the hook tackle is 

 not too stiffly put together there is every chance 

 of a fish getting several hooks into it in its 

 struggles, usually under the throat. I am con- 

 vinced, too, that Devon tackle fastens fish ever 

 so much better than that arbitrarily fixed to so 

 many artificial spinning lures. Now, as to this 

 same tackle, the flights of trebles usually sold are 

 almost always too large for the bait, even to 

 affect its ready spinning, as well as being too 

 conspicuous. An arrangement which I have 

 found particularly effective, but which is not on 

 the market, consists of having three tail trebles, 

 one at the rump of the Devon, the second half an 

 inch beyond that, and the third or final treble 

 half an inch from the second. Two side trebles 

 fit the slot at the shoulder, and all trebles are 

 No. 14 hooks (old scale). This tackle to be tied 



