SPINNING. 69 



then with a gentle but accelerated swing of the 

 rod, as the '"heft" or strain on the line is felt we 

 release it, and the bait should reach the spot 

 wished, and drop into the water with scarcely a 

 splash. Frequent practice will induce skill ; then 

 the distance covered may be increased, and the 

 angler will become proficient. It is not of much 

 use spinning water exceeding six feet in depth ; 

 choose quiet streams and glides adjacent to sedges 

 and spear-grass, between weed growths, or near 

 beds of water-lilies, whose leaves and stems have 

 been cut off and destroyed by winter frosts. 

 Shallows, near deep holes and weirs, are excellent 

 for spinning, and likely to yield good fish. 



Lower the rod point to within a couple of feet of 

 the surface, and holding it at an angle to the bait, 

 begin by drawing the line in at a moderate speed 

 with the left hand ; and if a very small sweep or 

 stroke of the rod top is given between the intervals 

 of drawing in the line, it adds to the attractiveness 

 of the spin. The draws or pulls and movement of 

 the rod -top must be varied in quickness and length 

 according to the depth of water ; the left hand 

 making a draw about every two seconds or a 

 trifle less, each length of line drawn in being 

 usually about four feet : and a cast should be 

 made over every two yards fished. 



The bait should not be lifted from the water 

 until close up to the bank or boat ; pike frequently 

 lurk under the nearest bank, especially if sedges or 

 reeds grow in and fringe the water ; sometimes 

 pike follow a spinning bait all across the water to 

 the boat or bank, making a desperate dash at the 

 last moment as if afraid to lose it. I have known 

 them to leap out and seize the bait savagely a 



