WORM-FISHING 35 



expelled it, or have swallowed it, without any 

 perceptible stoppage of the line. Of course in the 

 latter case the fish cannot escape, but if the take 

 is on, much valuable time is wasted in cutting 

 out the hooks. We therefore once more impress 

 on our readers the advantages of keeping little 

 line in the water. Although often overlooked, it 

 is one of the most important rules to remember, 

 and it makes all the difference between an average 

 and a first-class worm-fisher. 



TIME OF YEAR. Trout take the worm through- 

 out the whole fishing season, but it is only during 

 June and July that it forms their principal food. 

 We only advocate its use after the May fly-fish- 

 ing is over, when trout, glutted with insect food, 

 betake themselves to bottom feeding. Splendid 

 sport may then be enjoyed, which can be de- 

 pended on if the rivers are small and clear, and 

 the weather settled. 



Before worm-fishing properly commences good 

 takes may sometimes be made during May in the 

 early morning, if mild. Trout are then feeding 

 on the creeper, and will occasionally take a worm 

 quite as readily. The angler, however, should be 

 provided with both lures. 



When June has run for a week or two, worm- 

 fishing may be pursued at such quarters as 

 St. Boswell's on the Tweed, and Chirnside 

 on the lower Whitadder. At both these 



