SPINNING FOR SALMON. 325 



in the same manner as in trout-fishing, only not 

 with so quick a motion. It is not necessary to 

 use more than two hooks, namely, the large hook 

 that passes through the minnow, and the lip-hook. 

 Shot should be put on the casting-line, about a 

 foot and a half from the bait, fewer or more, ac- 

 cording to the strength of the stream. What is 

 called the parr's tail is a pretty liberal allowance 

 of the said little fish, consisting of a diagonal cut 

 from the shoulder to the anal fin, so that, in fact, 

 you have all the firm part of the fish, discarding 

 the head and the stomach. In full water I think 

 this bait is preferable to the minnow ; and it has 

 the advantage of a much firmer hold of the hook, 

 not breaking like the soft parts of the minnow. 

 Clean salmon will take this bait whenever the 

 river is in order for the fly, or perhaps a little be- 

 fore it is so, even when the water is slightly dis- 

 coloured. But foul fish, including kelts, never 

 take it well in the upper parts of the Tweed, 

 unless the water is clear, though they will take it 

 in a drumly (slightly discoloured) water in the 

 Tay ; nor can any sport be expected with it in 

 very warm weather. The best state of the water 

 and the most convenient time, is between the fly 

 and bait fishing, that is, when it is rather too low 

 for the one, but not low enough for the other. 

 The best weather is a fresh day, with wind to act 

 upon the surface of deep pools. In summer th^ 



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