114 TROLLING. 



had but just quitted without one, in consequence of 

 having given too rapid a motion to their bait. A little 

 habit will enable the angler to vary his methods of 

 throwing the bait, according to the nature and extent 

 of his water. Where there are large weed-beds, inter- 

 sected by open water between their waving masses, or 

 where large aquatic plants rise up in patches, there the 

 bait must be carefully dipped directly down, to avoid 

 entanglement, and then the angler must be prepared not 

 to mistake the check given by the weeds for a real bite, 

 which it often very nearly resembles. When such a 

 check occurs, pause a second, and if all continues quiet, 

 draw the bait gently towards you, when, if the resistance 

 is obstinate, and yet tremulous, a jack is at it, and your 

 moving it will most probably induce him to drop it, or 

 otherwise gorge it. Do the same if the bait moves 

 slightly forward, with a renewed check, for there is 

 then more certainty that something is at it. After 

 this, if it remain a dead weight on the hand, it is 

 probable that the jack has quitted it, and left the hooks 

 entangled in the weeds, which is by no means uncommon 

 in these cases. You may now, therefore, draw at it 

 with a little more force, which will certainly inform 

 you of the nature of the resistance, and yet allow you 

 time to retrace your steps, if a jack be there in earnest." 



SPINNING is the most successfulmode of taking trout, 

 and it is scarcely less so for pike and perch, in heavy 

 or rapid streams. 



The minnow spinning-rod, as Mr. Blain observes, 

 requires length and strength, combined with lightness, 

 which requisites appear to be best obtained by having 

 it made of cane, except the last joint. It must be 



