HOW AND WHERE TO SPIN. 99 



the same pace using the rod only, and it will be found that 

 whilst a rapid spin is gained by the one, the effect of the other 

 is little better than a ' wobble.' 



These are the obvious theoretical objections to the Not- 

 tingham style as a system, which must occur to anyone accus- 

 tomed to the Thames method of spinning. It is much to be 

 doubted, however, whether practically it would be found even 

 feasible with the very small baits and very light leads and traces 

 constantly used on the Thames and other fine waters. 



When fishing in the Avon some year ago with the late Mr. 

 Frank Buckland, we came upon a party picnicing on the then 

 dry eel- stage at the head of the pool above Braemore Mills. 

 Whilst watching the performance for a few seconds we suddenly 

 noticed a pike feeding upon the far side of the pool opposite 

 the eel-stage. This distance appeared to be hopelessly great, 

 the more so as there was no wind and my spinning-rod had 

 been reduced to about eleven feet and a half, owing to its being 

 fitted with a short top. However, at Mr. Buckland's instigation, 

 and, perhaps as much to amuse the picnicing party as for any- 

 thing else, I determined to make the attempt. As good luck 

 would have it, at the very first cast the bait fell almost into the 

 pike's mouth, and, after an exciting and amusing struggle the 

 whole way across the mill-pond, we had him up, with the assist- 

 ance of a gaff, on to the eel-stage, where he was duly admired. 

 His weight was seven pounds. 



The bait, lead, and trace were weighed, and together were 

 found to be one ounce and two scruples, and the spot where 

 the pike was hooked, which could be easily identified, almost 

 touching the weeds right on the opposite bank of the pool, was 

 subsequently measured by Mr. Buckland, who mentioned in 

 one of his writings the fact that it was forty-two yards. 



With such a bait and trace, such a cast would, I opine, be 

 entirely out of the question if the bait were thrown from a reel 

 in the Nottingham style. Mr. Baily's own bait and trace, 

 which he furnished to me as patterns, weighed 3^- ozs , nearly 

 three times as much. 



