CHAPTER IX. 



MINNOW AND PARR-TAIL 

 FISHING. 



HIS is a very inviting branch of the art. 

 No method of trout-fishing exercises 

 a more lively influence over the ang- 

 ler's hopes and fears, or requires the exer- 

 cise of so much presence of mind, as trouting 

 with the minnow or parr-tail ; a large trout 

 makes a glorious rush at a minnow, and it 

 requires both skill and coolness in order to 

 secure it. Like other methods of angling, minnow- 

 fishing in discoloured water is comparatively easy, 

 and in such circumstances it is, better understood by 

 those who practise it than any other branch of the 

 art ; but when the streams are clear, to fish success- 

 fully with the minnow, particularly in small waters, 

 requires great dexterity, and is one of the most 

 difficult operations of angling. 



One great inducement to use the minnow is the 

 large size of the trout captured. The largest trout 

 taken by the rod are usually caught with it, but the 

 average is not equal in size and still less in condi- 



