CHAPTER IX 



MINNOW AND PARR-TAIL FISHING 



THIS is a very inviting branch of the art. No 

 method of trout-fishing exercises a more lively in- 

 fluence over the angler's hopes and fears, or requires 

 the exercise of so much presence of mind, as trouting 

 with the minnow or parr-tail ; a large trout makes a 

 glorious rush at a minnow, and it requires both skill 

 and coolness in order to secure it. Like other 

 methods of angling, minnow-fishing in discoloured 

 water is comparatively easy, and in such circum- 

 stances it is better understood by those who practise 

 it than any other branch of the art; but when 

 the streams are clear, to fish successfully with the 

 minnow, particularly in small waters, requires great 

 dexterity, and is one of the most difficult operations 

 of angling. 



One great inducement to use the minnow is the 

 large size of the trout captured. The largest trout 

 taken by the rod are usually caught with it, but the 

 average is not equal in size and still less in condition 

 to those captured with the May-fly. Trout accus- 

 tomed to prey upon their neighbours usually attain 



