H4 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



and three tail ones, the distances between the last 

 as before, to be tied similarly but with larger 

 hooks, say No. n (old scale). I cannot pro- 

 nounce with any certainty as to which of the two 

 Devons recommended is the better killer, possibly 

 the bright one for a coloured water. The dull- 

 looking lead one I have found deadly at times, 

 and a slight scrape of the knife on one side will 

 give it a touch of brilliancy if desired. A couple 

 of these baits carried in the tackle-book, mounted 

 and ready for use, often come in very handily. 

 For instance, when part of a brook has been 

 exploited upstream with fly or worm, the same 

 may be fished down with a Devon, and not 

 unprofitably. Devons are also cast across stream 

 like natural minnows, or they may be thrown 

 directly down, as the particular place appears to 

 favour. They should not be cast upstream, but 

 will work well in dead water if quickly drawn. 

 As to the parts of a brook for their trial, this has 

 already been sufficiently indicated, but such 

 small depressions or nooks where a natural 

 minnow might have a chance of seizure would not 

 for obvious reasons be suitable for an artificial. 



In casting both natural and artificial baits for 

 spinning, it is advisable to make the underhand 

 swings with a much shorter line than is necessary 



