174 TROUT FISHING. 



action indeed it may be called if properly done. I should 

 observe, that a new gut seldom spins the minnow so well 

 as one that is half worn out (by reason of the stiffness 

 which encircles the minnow's gill). Therefore ten mi- 

 nutes soaking in water, and sometimes a little hard fric- 

 tion of the gut, just above the large hook, may at first 

 be required ; besides the working it with Indian rubber. 

 So much for this plan ; there may be many better ; but 

 all I can say is, that I have not yet seen one fit to be 

 named with it. 



The rod for trolling should be from eighteen to 

 twenty feet long, and made as light as possible, though 

 neither too pliable nor top-heavy: except just the top 

 and bottom, a minnow rod is best when made of cane. 

 This rod of course requires two hands : no matter 

 therefore where the reel is placed. If the top is too 

 stiff, you strain a fish's mouth so much as to run the 

 risk of breaking out his hold, which is nine times in ten 

 on one of the three small fly-hooks. But, if the top is 

 too pliant, the fish will frequently make his escape on 

 first being pricked. Here therefore, as in all things, 

 the medium is best. A minnow must of course be 

 thrown underhanded, and the line got well on the swing 

 before it is sent out. You should throw it till it comes 

 to its end, and then, by drawing in the hand, give it a 

 little check, so that it should be laid delicately in the 

 water, and not thrown in with a splash. The very 

 instant your minnow is in the water begin drawing it 

 at one unvaried pace, down stream, and then towards 

 you, till near enough to require a fresh throw ; and in 

 this, as well as fly fishing, never keep trying too long 

 in the same place. If a fish comes after your minnow, 

 never stop it, or in any way alter the pace, or he will 



