TACKLE NECESSARY. 135 



so simple as to be quite unworthy of their atten- 

 tion, would quickly discover their mistake if brought 

 to a small clear water on a warm sunny day in June 

 or July. 



As a lure for trout, worm unquestionably ranks 

 next to artificial fly. It also comes in at a very 

 suitable time being the very season in which the 

 fly-fisher meets with least encouragement. . One 

 advantage it possesses over fly is the superior size 

 of the trout caught ; in general they will average 

 a half more in weight. If any angler is limited 

 to one week's fishing in the year, he should choose 

 bright weather and clear water in the beginning 

 of July ; if skilled in the use of the worm, he may 

 depend upon killing more trout then than any 

 other week in the year. 



The first subject which naturally suggests itself 

 is the tackle necessary for this mode of fishing. 

 The rod should be at least four feet longer than 

 that used for fly. 



A double-handed rod. should be used. on all 

 occasions, and in all waters, whether small or large. 

 A single-handed rod is most suitable for fly-fishing, 

 where quick striking is necessary, and where a line 

 several times the length of the rod can be thrown 

 with ease; but in worm-fishing, quick striking ^is 

 not necessary, and throwing a long line is highly 

 reprehensible, as the force required to cast it muti- 

 lates the worm sadly. For this reason also, the rod 

 for worm-fishing should be rather more pliant, as it 



