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CHAPTER IX, 
WORM-FISHING. 
Modern and old systems contrasted. Appropriate times and places for 
worm-fishing. Existing tackles ; the theory of a perfect worm tackle. 
New tackle described—Suitable for river-bottom fishing generally ? 
Trace. Best worms: management of bait, &c. 
For the present scientific method of worm-fishing for 
Trout we are chiefiy indebted to Mr. Stoddart and Mr. 
Stewart. This branch of the art was, until late years, 
principally confined to rivers in a state of partial flood— 
rising or falling. The performer, armed with a short stiff 
rod and extra coarse tackle, walked down the river or 
stream, fishing the pools and likely runs in front of him, 
and hoisting out bodily any unlucky fish which the 
purblinding condition of its own element was mainly 
instrumental in transferring to ours. Now all this is 
changed, and worm-fishing for Trout is a branch of 
the gentle art requiring much nicety and skill in its 
successful performance, and rapidly becoming second 
only to fly-fishing and spinning in the estimation of 
anglers, 
We have learnt that the real time for the use of the 
