90 Artificial Minnows. 



comes in, they wantonly forsake them, and turn more 

 readily to other food. Moreover, windy weather causes a 

 scarcity of flies, and a consequent dearth in this supply 

 at the latter end of the season, when a more than ordi- 

 nary appetite is raised, and they then once more take to the 

 Minnow. The best season, then, for Minnow-fishing is 

 considered to be from the middle of March to the middle 

 of April, and again in September, in a west or south- 

 west wind. 



As a general rule, when trolling keep the point of your 

 rod below your elbow. Remember, as I said before, that 

 the chief consideration and cause of success in trolling is 

 undoubtedly the rapid spinning of the Minnow ; there- 

 fore, if your bait be deficient in this qualification, remedy 

 it immediately, either by curving it more or putting on a 

 fresh one. You should not, at the same time, pass over 

 any place likely to hold a fish, directions for which have 

 been given in the chapter on Fly-fishing. 



Artificial Minnows of greatly improved make may be 

 procured of any respectable dealer. They vary much in 

 shape, size, and material, but none are so effective as the 

 natural bait ; though when going to a distance, and where 

 baits are not to be had, they may give some little sport. 

 The spoon also, another representation of a spinning 

 Minnow, is deemed by some very effective, though I cannot 

 say much from experience in favour of any of these after 

 having tried them all in the Wear. Doubtless where 

 pike abound they might be found serviceable ; but I speak 

 only from experience, and that in very fine water and 

 where few large fish are to be found. As to their taking 

 salmon I cannot answer ; I have risen bull-trout with 

 the spoon, but was never so fortunate as to take one 

 with it. 



To fix shot on your gut line : Take a B shot, and, 

 placing it on a piece of board with a little hollow in it, 



