SPINNING. 1S5 



few moments (according to the depth of the water) for the 

 bait to sink, he lowers the point of the rod to within a 

 foot or so of the surface, and holding it at about rigJit 

 angles to the bait, begins drawing in the line with his left 

 hand, making with his right a corresponding backward 

 movement of the rod, between each "draw." The object 

 of this movement of the rod, which to the spinner soon 

 becomes a sort of mechanical see-saw, is to prevent the 

 bait being stationary whilst the left hand is preparing 

 for a fresh " draw" ; and in order to accomplish it satis- 

 factorily the best plan, as well as that most convenient 

 for casting, is to hold the rod firmly with the right 

 hand just below the lowest ring, letting the line pass 

 between the upper joints of the middle and fore- 

 finger, and resting the butt of the rod firmly against 

 the hip. In spinning from a punt an agreeable 

 change of posture is obtained by standing with the 

 right foot on the side or well of the boat, and par- 

 tially supporting the elbow and rod on the knee. 

 The "draws" or pulls, and the corresponding move- 

 ments of the rod, must of course be varied in length and 

 rapidity according to the depth of water, size of bait, 

 and other circumstances, but a good medium speed, 

 when the left hand is carried well back, is about forty 

 "draws" per minute ; and a cast for every two yards of 

 stream fished is the allowance which on the whole will 

 generally be found the most advantageous. In spinning 

 for Salmon a slower and gentler movement is necessary. 



