68 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



itself in this operation, it is formed into a little 

 bend, and the lower hook is inserted in the same 

 way about an inch or so above the tail. The 

 points of the hooks are sunk in the worm, and it 

 does not matter in the least about the shanks 

 showing. Another way is to insert both hooks in 

 the centre of the worm without bending it. 

 Trout often seize a worm about the middle when 

 they mean business. 



And now it is high time to get on to our fishing. 

 The first important matter to be impressed on the 

 novice is to make it a general rule to cast more or 

 less upstream, and to lift the bait when it comes 

 down opposite his own position. There are some 

 exceptions to upstream casting which will be 

 explained later. The second matter of con- 

 sequence I may call the general principle. Let us 

 suppose there to be an open stickle or run, i.e., 

 unencumbered by scrub, etc., of fairly equal 

 depth from bank to bank, a few of which will be 

 found on every brook. The angler takes post a 

 little below the tail-end of such a run, and makes 

 his first cast up into the lower part of the stickle 

 close to his own bank, the next into the centre, 

 and the third under the opposite side. Then, 

 creeping up a yard or so, this process will be 

 repeated, and so on until within casting distance 



