230 ELEMENTS OF ANGLING. 



what heavier and stronger than that previously 

 recommended for Thames trout, but with a similar 

 action. The reel may be a Nottingham, or one of 

 the expensive casting-reels specially made for 

 salmon, and it should hold at least 120 yards of 

 line and backing, the line being thoroughly well 

 dressed and not too fine. I use the same line for 

 salmon and pike and the same rod, an lift, split- 

 cane. Dead baits for salmon, dace, gudgeon, 

 bleak, sprats, or large minnows, should be 

 from 3in. to 4-in. long, and are used with least 

 trouble on a fan-spinner, whose hooks should be 

 strong in the wire and mounted on sound twisted 

 gut. 



As a matter of fact, however, all these parapher- 

 nalia are not really necessary, and I very seldom go 

 to the trouble of taking out a spinning-rod. One 

 can do all that is required on most rivers with a fly- 

 rod and light artificial spinning baits which can be 

 thrown like a fly. A 3in. phantom minnow is not 

 much heavier than a large fly, and after a little 

 practice one can cast it without the least difficulty. 

 A spoon-bait of the old-fashioned pattern, copper 

 on one side and silver on the other, and made of 

 light metal, is also a capital lure for salmon. It 

 should be from lin. to if in. long, according to the 

 height and colour of the water Even a Devon > 



