56 THE SCOTTISH ANGLER. 



Were it properly preserved, we have no doubt consi- 

 derable profits might be made by the sale of it. 



We now come to treat of minnow fishing, by far the 

 pleasantest method of capturing trout, next to angling 

 with the fly. Provide your minnows by means of a 

 small* drag-net or hook. Select those of a moderate 

 size, and which shine whitest. Such as have been 

 taken from a different water, have, it is worthy of re- 

 mark, always been found more killing than those pecu- 

 liar to the one fished in. They may be salted, but are 

 best perfectly fresh. The tail of a small trout or par 

 is no bad substitute, if minnows cannot be had. In 

 fact, it is believed by some worthy anglers that the 

 par-tail has a virtue of its own, and is not taken merely 

 on account of its similarity to the minnow ; be this as 

 it may, we have often found it a deadly and effective 

 bait, although somewhat ill to manage. Our only rea- 

 son for preferring the fresh to the salted minnow is, 

 that by its silvery appearance and more rational form, 

 it better attracts the fish ; at the same time, it is well 

 known that a trout loves a salt bait, and will repeat its 

 attack upon a minnow of that description, while it re- 

 fuses to do so upon one newly taken. [For manner of 

 baiting with minnows, and description of tackles, see 

 pages 21 and 22.] Fish in rapid streams, also in deep dis- 

 coloured pools, and during a smart curl. Manage the 

 minnow as you would your fly, throwing it down, and 

 across, as far as you are able ; bring it towards you 

 about six inches or more below the surface, spinning 

 rapidly by the aid of several swivels. When a fish 

 rises, give him time before you strike ; let him turn 

 and gorge the bait, then strike sharply, and he is yours : 

 all fly fishers are apt to strike too soon, and miss the 

 fish. 



Trout seize a minnow by the middle or near the 



