108 ON FISHING WITH THE WORM FOR TROUT. 



but not whipped over at the joinings with silk-thread, 

 an operation to be confined solely to the upper strands 

 of the line. They ought, moreover, to be of picked 

 material, round, clear, and fine, without flaw or fretting. 



As to the hook itself, I recommend above all others 

 the common round bend, sizes 10, 11, and 12, according 

 to the dimensions of the stream, its condition, and kind 

 of trout inhabiting it. Before attaching, nip or file oft 7 

 a part of the shank, which is generally too long, and 

 apt, in striking, to interfere with the mouth of the fish. 

 This I strongly recommend to be done. An application 

 of the file is necessary also, in order to round off a new 

 head and render the remainder of the shank capable of 

 retaining the wrappings. In attaching worm hooks to 

 the gut or foot-strand, use fine silk thread of a crimson 

 colour, and see that it be well waxed, carefully lapped 

 round and secured, according to the approved mode of 

 fastening I have elsewhere referred to, commonly 

 called the whip knot. A touch of spirit varnish adds 

 greatly to the compactness and durability of the 

 dressing. 



In preparing worm-tackle, the adjustment of the leads 

 or sinkers is a matter of considerable importance. The 

 accommodation of these to the state or nature of the 

 current requires on the part of the angler both tact 

 and nicety. He must always proceed to work, provided 

 with a sufficiency of split shot, Nos. 2 or 3 in his 

 waistcoat pocket, a dozen at the fewest. Through 

 means of these it is, that he has to regulate the pace of 

 his worm through the water, as well as to keep it suffi- 

 ciently near the bottom, close to which, on the outlook, 

 feeding trout lie. As to the pace or rate of travelling 

 in question, it should, I am of opinion, neither be quick 

 nor yet very slow, approaching to that of the current 



