2O4 Minnow-Fishing. 



one. In a flooded river with a heavy current, the 

 cast, whether from bank or channel, is made some- 

 what down-stream, at an angle of about 60 with 

 the side. Where the stream runs more smoothly 

 and easily, the line is thrown more across than 

 down say at an angle of 75. With the minnow 

 in the water, the point of the rod is held only a 

 short distance above the surface and the more 

 rapid the current the lower it must be so as to 

 keep the bait at a proper depth. What depth that 

 may be will depend on the condition of the water, 

 and is less for up-stream than for down, but if 

 sunk 12 inches at any time it is enough. To work 

 the minnow it must be drawn across stream and 

 down in a series of movements, by which, in down- 

 stream fishing, it spins about 2 feet each time, until 

 it is brought gradually round to the side on which 

 the angler is stationed. Those movements are not 

 always uniform in their rate ; they vary with the 

 depth and strength of the current. But the object 

 aimed at is the same in all, and that is to maintain 

 the bait at the required distance below the surface. 

 In down-stream fishing, the faster and heavier the 

 current, the slower must the minnow be worked ; 

 while, on the other hand, a smooth and gentle 

 current demands a more rapid motion. And even 

 in one given cast there may be, and often is, a 

 difference in the rate of the movements, according 



