Spinning the Minnow. 205 



as the minnow is spinning through an easy part of 

 the stream, or through one more rapid. 



The cast may be considered spent when the bait 

 has been brought close to the side, or parallel with 

 the stream. The angler must be specially care- 

 ful not to lift it until it has gained this position, 

 for the last movement is sometimes the most deadly 

 of the whole cast. Trout most frequently make a 

 dash at the minnow at the second or third move- 

 ment ; but they occasionally follow it across to the 

 side, whether channel or bank, closely eyeing its 

 motions all the while, as though watching for a 

 more favourable opportunity for pouncing on their 

 wounded prey, and then, when it has reached 

 the quieter water, and seems likely to elude their 

 grasp, they end the chase by a determined gulp. 

 And if the last section of the cast be in deep water 

 close to the bank, the minnow will be brought 

 within range and reach of the large trout which 

 generally lurk there, like spiders watching for the 

 flies which chance or fate may send. If, during 

 the working of the cast, a fish make a rush at the 

 minnow, but fail to seize it, the angler must spin 

 steadily on, as though it had not done so, and he 

 may allure it again. To alter the spinning, or 

 interrupt the cast in mid- water, or even to with- 

 draw it suddenly when it has reached the side, is 

 to frighten off and lose many a good trout, which, 



