IN THE SUMMER MONTHS 



139 



centre in the last-mentioned method of spinning, 

 which, when used in clear water, in an almost empty 

 stream, and in the blazing sun of a summer month, 

 requires an even greater skill than that required to 

 cast a dry fly with the requisite subtlety and delicacy 

 under similar conditions. 



First as to the rod: The rod as supplied by most 

 makers is, as a rule, of far too stiff a type, for it is 

 as necessary to feel the line and the minnow when 

 spinning as it is to feel the line and the fly when fly 

 fishing. The rod should have an action similar to, 

 or be in fact, a stiff fly rod, and it should, of course, 

 be fitted with the most easy -running rings. 



The reel will depend on the method of casting 

 whether the bait be cast from the reel, or from slack 

 held in the hand. In the former method some form 

 of Nottingham reel is necessary ; in the latter an 

 ordinary fly reel is perfectly suitable ; but for either 

 method a good Nottingham reel will be all that is 

 required. The line should be either a very perfectly 

 dressed one, or (which I prefer) an undressed silk as 

 fine as is consistent with necessary strength. The 

 trace should be 2 or 2J yards long, furnished with at 

 least two double swivels. Spinning flights are supplied 

 in so many different patterns that it is impracticable 

 to describe them all, but the fewer the hooks the 

 better. A lip hook and a triangle at the tail will be 

 sufficient in fine water. 



The minnows should be small, not more than 

 2 inches in length, and as bright and fresh as obtainable. 



