112 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



no means clear, however, that this tackle will not be 

 found equally advantageous in all kinds of worm-fishing, 

 either with a float, as for Barbel, Bream, Perch, &c., and 

 especially in running water. If Trout, which are in 

 many respects a very shy fish, will take it readily in the 

 finest and brightest water, there seems to be no reason 

 why other and bolder fish should not do so ; and if they 

 will, I cannot but think, for the reasons above mentioned, 

 that it must entirely supersede the present single-hook 

 system." 



The trace for worm tackle should consist of about two 

 yards of the finest stained gut ; one or two shot, ac- 

 cording to the depth and rapidity of the stream, being 

 placed on the line some 14 inches above the hooks. 

 The object of this is to weight the bait, so as to bring it 

 close to or touching the bottom without checking or 

 sticking fast ; but in broad shalloiv water no sinkers at 

 all will be found necessary. A longish rod is most 

 convenient for the purpose. 



With regard to baits, any well-scoured worms which 

 are not much larger nor smaller than that represented 

 in the woodcut will do ; but for worm-fishing for Trout, 

 as for most other species of fresh-water fish, the brand- 

 ling, or dunghill worm, is distinctly the best, — probably 

 owing to its peculiar pungent smell and red colour. P'or 

 the purpose of rapid baiting the most convenient manner 

 of carrying the worms is in a wide-mouthed bag attached 

 to the button-hole. A worm that is disfigured or dead 



