The Compleat ^Angler 





part of your line back, so that it shall fasten the head, so that the 

 body of the minnow shall be almost straight on your hook : this 

 done, try how it will turn, by drawing it across the water or against 

 the stream ; and if it do not turn nimbly, then turn the tail a little 

 to the right or left hand, and try again, till it turn quick ; for if 

 not, you are in danger to catch nothing : for know, that it is 

 impossible that it should turn too quick ; and you are yet to 

 know, that in case you want a minnow, then a small loach or a 

 stickle-bag, or any other small fish that will turn quick, will 

 serve as well : and you are yet to know, that you may salt them, and 

 by that means keep them ready and fit for use three or four days or 

 longer ; and that of salt, bay-salt is the best. 



And here let me tell you, what many old anglers know right well, 

 that at some times, and in some waters, a minnow is not to be got ; 

 and therefore let me tell you, I have (which I will show you) an 

 artificial minnow, that will catch a trout as well as an artificial fly, 

 and it was made by a handsome woman that had a fine hand, and a 

 live minnow lying by her : the mould or body of the minnow was 



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