36 THE BRITISH ANGLER'S LEXICON. 



and sits on a set of special hooks. When struck, the 

 minnow generally flies up the trace, while the hooks remain 

 in the mouth of the fish. Minnow fishing, at least for trout, 

 comes into play when waters are clearing after a flood, 

 before they are in a fit state to work the artificial fly. 

 When a fish is hooked on an artificial minnow, it is generally 



DEVON MINNOW. 



hooked well, and unless some accident takes place, such as 

 fouling in weeds, the fish is almost sure to be landed. The 

 hooks of the minnow should be well tempered, with clean- 

 cut barbs, and not too large. 



Ash. At one time a very favourite wood for the butts of 

 rods ; when well seasoned and straight in the grain is still 

 useful in medium class trout and salmon rods, and is also 

 suitable for the butts of stiff rods, especially those used for 

 trolling, pike fishing, or for angling for coarse fish. It is 

 not very elastic, nor u lifey " enough for either trout or 

 salmon rods, and is apt to take a set. It makes a very 

 good handle for a gaff or landing net. The best part 

 of the wood is that nearest the bark, and taken from a small 

 tree not more than eight or nine inches in diameter. Ash 

 also makes a good ring for landing net, if it is chosen 

 straight in the grain, and well seasoned; it steams nicely, 

 and so it can he bent to any shape required. 



