spending hooks by
loops, especially when using fine tackle, is almost entirely exploded.
We should have said that previous to use, all gut should be soaked, and
the longer the better. It is a good plan to let it soak over night, and
make up your cast in the morning. When gut is thus thoroughly wet, it is
wonderful how easy it is of manipulation. On the other hand, dry gut is
very brittle, and will break on the slightest provocation. Fix the cast
and silk-and-hair line together, having previously made a single knot on
the end of the latter, as illustrated below--

[Illustration]

It is prudent to have a second cast ready in case of breakage, as
nothing is more annoying than losing time making up one in the boat, and
that most probably when the trout are rising. Experience is a great
teacher; and it is wonderful how soon the angler learns the value of
every moment, and seeks beforehand, so far as human foresight can go, to
provide for all contingencies.

CHAPTER V.

TROLLING-TACKLE AND LURES.

Do not troll at all if you can get fishing with the fly; and under no
circumstances troll for trout in the very early part of the season, when
they are more or less in a "kelty" state, and take an artificial or
other minnow very keenly. True, you may catch fish, but it is a most
unsportsmanlike proceeding to take fish not in fair condition; and if
you, sir, who read this book, are not a sportsman, you had better stop
here, for it was compiled by a sportsman for sportsmen. There are some
miserable "pot-hunters" who want to kill anything that swims--be it
clean or unclean; but with them we have nothing whatever to do. But fair
trolling is quite legitimate, and in many cases it is absolutely
imperative to troll if a basket is to be made at all. Some days the fly
is of no use--either owing to a calm, or to a bright sky; and a
well-managed trolling-line or two is then the only resort, unless one
stops fishing altogether. And if big trout and _ferox_ are wanted,
nothing succeeds--indeed nothing _will_ succeed, except very
occasionally--but trolling, either with artificial or natural bait. So
to be complete you must have the requisite tackle, and we will tell you
what is necessary, both for small and large fish, in as few words as we
possibly can. A ROD specially adapted for trolling is almost a
necessity, as it is a great strain upon an ordinary fly-rod to have the
weight of 30 or 40 yards of line upon it: even a good rod is