}52 ON MINNOW AND PARR-TAIL FISHING. 



bank to the angler. What may be termed the bend of 

 a pool, especially if shaded over with wood, is likely 

 ground for this kind of sport. It is, in fact, only a 

 variety of dipping, and may be pursued in places some- 

 what similar. A considerable depth of water is, how- 

 ever, essential. The diving minnow requires to be 

 fished under swivel traces, for, although not intended to 

 spin, but only to dart downwards, yet, on recovery, it is 

 very apt to do so, and in consequence, to perplex the 

 line of the angler. A fish, when seizing this bait, 

 generally does so on its descent, and at the moment it 

 reaches the bottom. It is detected of course by the 

 hand, and requires to be struck without much parleying. 

 This mode of fishing is generally most successful early 

 in spring, before trout have quitted the pools and still 

 places. It is on no occasion, however, even then, very 

 remunerative. 



Akin to it, is a mode of fishing with the dead minnow, 

 in streams and during the' summer season. Here, a 

 simple worm hook, No. 10, is employed, not leaded on 

 the shank like the former, but attached in the usual 

 manner to a thread of fine gut. To bait this tackle, one 

 may either employ, as before detailed, the grooved wire 

 or needle, or in absence of it, let him insert his hook 

 not far from the lower extremity of the minnow, and 

 passing it along as through a worm, bring it out at the 

 mouth. He should then, in order to sustain the bait in 

 its proper position, hitch the gut over the tail, and draw 

 all firm. Thus baited, I fish almost in the same manner 

 as when using the worm, and in a condition of water 

 somewhat similar, the streams being low and clear, the 

 skies bright and warm. 



Of artificial minnows and imitations of small fish, I 

 require to say little. They are not, as far as I am 



