112 SALMON FISHING 



that stout triangle hooks, at say 20 yards distance, 

 require a fairly good pull to get them home. 



In spinning shallow water, there is always a 

 chance of catching the rocks or bottom, particu- 

 larly if in casting your bait falls at right angles 

 to you, in which case the stream bags the line, 

 and carries the bait quickly down. Should the 

 bait pitch too far back, it is better to snatch the 

 line, and draw it back with the hand; then reel 

 up and make a fresh cast. 



In case of " touching " as the bait sweeps round, 

 feel it gently with the hand, and if it is not a fish, 

 shake the rod point a little, when it will generally 

 clear. Should it be fast, however, get below as 

 far as you can and pull. If this does not suc- 

 ceed, make a ring round the line with a hazel or 

 other twig, and throw it out beyond where you 

 think the bait is caught. When this has drifted 

 down stream below where it is fast, snatch 

 vigorously. 



Spinning may be practised in almost all places 

 where fish are known to lie, and in almost any 

 height of water, provided the size of the bait is 

 altered to suit the varying circumstances. A 

 moderately high water is most suitable ; spring 

 and autumn, the most killing times. In late spring 

 and early summer the baits should be small, as 

 salmon do not take large baits well except in the 

 early spring when the temperature is low. 



