SPINNING WITH ARTIFICIAL MINNOW.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 01, Issue 9, 1 June 1900, Page 39

SPINNING WITH ARTIFICIAL MINNOW.

N deep, moderately slow water one can spin almost anywhere with the chance of taking a trout. In swift water the trout generally feed near the bank, because the small fry, iv ascending the stream, have to take advantage of every bit of slack water and every eddy caused by projectingrock or boulder. Mr. Troutknowsthis,and lies in wait near the bunk, and when the small fish comes struggling against tho current, he is pounced on. The method in this case is to cast well out iv the river, a little down sti'eam, so that the current will spin the bait as soon as it touches the water. Let the minnow swing gradually towards the bank, spinning all the while, then draw gently up stream in a series of jerks, so as to resemble the shooting action of small fish. If a trout rises there is not much occasion to strike, as in this style of fishing, he generally hooks himself. Still, a good upward stroke is very effective, and has the advantage of putting the rod in a good position to withstand a run. It is advisable to give a strong trout the butt as quickly as possible. In the first place it tires him, it lessons the risk of fouling, and it prevents the fish ranging to great lengths and scaring his fellows. As soon as you have hooked your fish, look out for the best place to laud him, aud work him towards that place. It is of course advisable

to work your fish clown Biream if it in very strong; but if you aro fishing 1 down stream, this disturbs too much water. Land tho fish whore you stand, and gait" him uh soon as you get him within reach ; too much ceremony is apt to result in a chafed line, or in the breaking away of hooks.