66 THE TROUT 



down and when, though big, the water is beginning to 

 show signs of being again fishable, I have witnessed 

 the capture of large basketsful by the method we are 

 now discussing. Forced from their habitual haunts 

 by the pressure of the mighty waters, the big trout 

 take up their positions nearer the banks, well aware 

 as they are that a ' spate ' brings down much food, 

 swept by the rise of the floods from the river sides, 

 and that these viands are more likely to be found 

 near the shores than in mid-stream. Thus the anglers 

 are enabled to reach fish which under ordinary cir- 

 cumstances would probably be unattainable. With 

 heavy water two or three shot will be required to 

 sink the hook sufficiently. Well do I remember 

 being initiated into this form of fishing by one of the 

 best professional fishermen on the Tay, near Dunkeld, 

 and the wonderful results which he obtained. In fact, 

 any one who knows how to avail himself of the worm 

 as used in this fashion can, when the opportunity 

 arrives, kill trout when no other kind of bait would 

 be of much service. 



What shall be said about a branch of trout fishing 

 in which it is a work of time and experience to 

 attain to real excellence I mean spinning? Shall 

 explanations be attempted as to the best methods 

 of working the natural minnow on spinning tackle ? 



