20 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



and cut from the pin, a method of waxing which 

 saves constant breaking of the silk. The first 

 lap is put round the extreme top of the hook- 

 shank, bare, which with the ends of gut are then 

 laid together and lapped as evenly and tightly 

 as possible. After a few laps, it helps security 

 to lap once or twice over the bare hook-shank 

 under the gut, then the lapping is continued 

 to the end of the straight part of the hook-shank 

 where the silk is fastened by two slip-knots and 

 snipped off. The second hook is then similarly 

 tied, but reversely. A touch of varnish to the 

 tying completes it. No. 16 size of the model- 

 perfect hook corresponds to No. 13 old scale. I 

 find this size equally useful for both worm-fishing 

 and dapping tackle. It is open to question 

 whether shot is required for worming in low water. 

 There are certainly places where it is not, but, 

 speaking generally, it is most advisable. It slows 

 the bait in strong currents, and is invaluable for 

 placing it accurately, especially in wind. It can 

 be removed at fishing-spots I shall refer to later, 

 but as a general rule I consider it indispensable. 

 For worm tackle I always have one pellet of 

 No. 4 shot pinched on 5 in. above the hooks. Shot 

 is also necessary in some modes of dapping, which 

 will be referred to. A tiny box of mixed split 



