TRACE FOR MIWNOW-SPINNING. 71 



and the haunts of trout should be read. By the way, when trout 

 are seen rising in pools or other quiet waters, they will often 

 take a small worm on the finest of tackle, if it is cast lightly 

 just in front of them. A good deal of skill is required to 

 catch trout in this way. 



Spinning the Minnow is a deadly method of trout-fishing 

 when the water is a little high, and slightly coloured. 



Now is the time, 



While yet the dark brown water aids the guile, 

 To tempt the trout. 



The best rod for the purpose is a long, light, bamboo cane, 

 with greenheart top and the fittings shown on page 16, the 

 top-ring, however, being the same as is recommended for 

 salmon-rods in Chapter IX. The line commonly used is an 

 eight-plait, dressed silk one — almost the smallest size made. 

 But if the angler can, or wishes to, cast in the Nottingham 

 fashion, the line should be similar, but undressed. Fifty 

 yards, wound on a Nottingham reel with a check and line 

 guard (see page 19), is an ample length, except for large rivers. 

 Below the reel-line, a trace with swivels, and with or without 

 lead, is required. The lead should always be arranged on 



Fig. 52. Improved Lead for Spinning, with Double Swivel. 



the principle of the one shown in Fig. 52 — i.e., below the level 

 of the line. "With these leads the line never kinks. Small, 

 double, brass swivels should be placed just below the lead. No 

 others are required, unless the lead is not used, when not less 

 than four should be on the trace. The lead illustrated is made 

 by Farlow. One as good for this purpose may be made as 

 follows : Take from four to six shot of different sizes, string 

 them on fine gimp or coarse gut, placing the smallest at 

 each end, and whip the ends of the gimp or gut to the trace just 

 above the swivels. Below the lead should come not less than 

 1yd. of gut — tery fine for bright water, rather stouter if 



