76 ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT FISHERIES 



trolling I have invariably found the shores of Belle 

 Isle and " between the islands " the best and most 

 successful ground. I have also taken some good 

 fish on the east shore of the lake from Parsonage 

 Bay to Storrs Hall. Personally I have not tried 

 experiments with a variety of baits, having in- 

 variably used a natural bait on one rod, an arti- 

 ficial on the other and the results have been 

 peculiarly constant, viz., for every trout taken on 

 the artificial I have had two on the natural bait. 

 I have heard a great deal as to the deadliness 

 of the pearl minnow, but have had no experi- 

 ence of it. In trolling for trout one is not much 

 bothered with other fish taking the bait, but 

 every now and then there comes a night when 

 the catch consists of pike, and nothing but pike. 

 This is a great nuisance, but the pike taken in this 

 way are splendidly fed fish. 



Trolling (trailing would be more accurate) is, 

 of course, done from a boat, and two rods are 

 used. Whilst these should be fairly stiff they 

 should at the same time have a good deal of 

 play in them, and 14 feet- is a convenient length. 

 A fine, strong, well-dressed line is necessary, and 

 from 35 to 40 yards is played out. No leads are 

 used, the weight of the line being sufficient to sink 

 it. The trace has three swivels, and is made up of 

 stout, round gut. The seven-hook pattern flight 

 answers well, and all the parts should be of the 

 best material. Passing over the actual baiting of 

 the flight let me say a word as to the minnows. 

 Always select the biggest and brightest, avoiding 

 those with dark backs and red bellies. This is a 

 point it is well to note, as the biggest trout are 

 invariably taken with a large minnow. Before 



