CLEAR WATER WORM-FISHING 69 



of the head of the stickle. There five casts may 

 be made, viz., up under the near bank, into the 

 near edge of the main current, into the centre, 

 into the farther edge of the current, and under 

 the opposite bank. Such open stickles will be 

 exceptional, but this procedure indicates the 

 principle referred to. The length of line out (gut 

 and winch-line inclusive) would probably be six 

 or seven feet ; perhaps a little more might be 

 required for opposite side casting. These casts 

 are never made overhead. The bait is simply 

 swung backward, then forward to the full extent 

 of the short line, and dropped lightly upon the 

 desired spot. Now, when the bait drops it is not 

 allowed to sink. The rod-point is raised, partly 

 to keep the worm some six inches under the 

 surface, and partly to accompany it on its down- 

 ward course. The bait coming down with the 

 current quickly becomes vertically under the 

 rod-point, which must maintain that position and 

 keep equal pace with the bait until opposite the 

 fisherman or nearly so. Should the depth of the 

 water appear to vary as from depressions at 

 bottom the worm is less or more raised or sunk 

 on its journey. The rate at which both worm and 

 rod travel will be determined by the strength of 

 the current. On no account should the worm be 



