PLACES WHERE TO FISH. 179 



currents, and the comparatively smooth but strong 

 water at the foot of pools, are in general the best 

 places. Unless the trout are taking very readily, 

 we have never met with much sport in deep water 

 of any kind. 



In small streams, when they are clear, it is better 

 to dispense with sinkers, as they make a great splash 

 on alighting, and in shallow water are exceedingly 

 apt to drag the minnow to the bottom. In small 

 streams the main current and strong runs at pool- 

 heads are likely places, but the best casts of all are 

 where the stream runs beneath the bank, even 

 though the water is comparatively quiet. The 

 angler should throw his minnow upon the opposite 

 bank, and drawing it gently off, spin it past the 

 place where he expects the trout is lying, and across 

 to his own side of the water. He may frequently 

 observe the trout come out from the opposite bank, 

 and again and again make a dart at the minnow, 

 and turn back ; if he gives his minnow a jerk, 

 which it requires considerable practice to refrain 

 from doing, ten chances to one but he alarms the 

 trout ' } he should continue playing his minnow in 

 the same manner, and never lift it till it is close to 

 the edge. He must also avoid moving, as the trout, 

 having started from some place where it could not 

 see him, follows the minnow till it comes within 

 sight of him ; so long, however, as he remains sta- 

 tionary there is nothing to alarm it, but if he makes 

 any movement it will bolt off immediately. 



