142 



THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



attractiveness of the bait. Close by the bait, and also 18 inches 

 above it, you should have a swivel, and above the top swivel a lead 

 of the shape shown in the following cut. 



The object of the swivels (which should be oiled after using) is 

 to permit the bait to turn without twisting the line, and the lead is 

 of the shape shown, in order that it may always remain with the 

 heavier side downwards, and so force the swivels to act. Above 

 the lead should be at least a yard of gut. The bait is cast in the 

 streams and eddies as far as it can be thrown, and worked home 

 again with short " lifts," and you strike directly you feel a touch. 



When fresh minnows cannot be procured, salted ones will do. 



Another form of minnow tackle is the " plodge," or drop-minnow, 

 shown in the following cut. It is baited by means of a baiting- 

 needle thrust in at the mouth and out at the tail, so that the lead 



is hidden in the fish. It is used after the fashion of a gorge bait 

 (see pike fishing), but you strike at once. It is most useful in small 

 streams where there are many obstructions. 



When the natural bait cannot be procured, artificial minnows 



