RIVERS OF THE DISTRICT 19 



scoured black-headed worms. The bait should 

 then be cast slightly down stream, and if fished 

 properly should be as nearly as possible in mid- 

 water ; a split shot, or even two, may be required 

 to effect this. The angler should work his rod 

 slowly up-stream so as to keep the bait in this 

 position, allowing the current to bring it gradually 

 into the side, when a yard or so of line should be 

 let out and the process repeated. Should a feeding 

 fish be about, it will speedily make known its 

 presence by a sharp tug, when the rod top must be 

 immediately released a couple of feet or so, thus 

 allowing the fish a better chance of mouthing the 

 bait ; on feeling another tug, the angler must strike 

 quickly and sharply, so as to drive the large hook 

 home. 



This style of fishing is arduous, owing to the 

 cramped position the angler has to assume in 

 order to enable him to float his bait steadily down 

 stream, but some of the heaviest fish fall victims to 

 it. A dark night, with overcast sky and no moon, 

 is best for bait-fishing. The bait will often be found 

 successful after twilight has gone, and during the 

 interval between that time and the rising of the 

 moon. As before stated the heaviest takes of mort 

 are obtained during the August and September 

 moons, panniers running from 12 Ibs. to 15 Ibs. for 

 a night's fishing being not unfrequently made. 



Next in point of order comes worm-fishing when 

 the river is in flood, panniers from this class of 

 fishing yielding from four to five to a dozen pounds, 

 but an exceptional take of 28|lbs. to a single rod 

 can be recorded. 



The run of morts in the Kent is greatly influenced 

 by the height of the water, also by the June, July, 



C 2 



