WORM FISHING FOR TROUT. 95 



ceed in obtaining a safe anchorage amongst the side mus- 

 cles of the fish's mouth ; but a trio of hooks, the Stewart 

 tackle, for instance, requires no such hesitation. We have 

 frequently known young anglers miss every fish they have 

 succeeded in moving during an extremely favorable 

 period, in which they might have effected much, 

 had they displayed a moderate amount of discretion and 

 aptness. 



Another description of worm fishing in rapid waters, 

 is to run out a long thin line, resembling the usual blow- 

 line, in substance and weight, at the end of which a 

 couple of yards of fine gut is attached, having a worm 

 tackle fixed at its extremity. A stand is then made by 

 some suitable swim, and the bait is allowed to travel with 

 the stream. The line should be kept sufficiently straight 

 to admit of a fish being instantly struck, as the length of 

 line usually out allows amply (sometimes too long) for 

 the proper seizure of the bait. This is a fairly good 

 method upon tolerably open water. The chief feature, 

 indeed we may say the secret of success in worm fishing, 

 in clear water, is keeping, as much as is possible, out of 

 sight. When the attention of fish is attracted by surface 

 food they are scarcely so keen as to the movements upon 

 the banks and sides of their element; but when not pre- 

 occupied in this way, their organs of sight have ample 

 scope and leisure for their full exercise. 



And now we come to the more scientific style of using 

 the worm. This is practised more particularly in the 

 spring and early summer months. The bait is attached 

 to the end of a treble extra-fine fly lash, by means of a 

 worm tackle of three-hook power, when it is thrown as a 

 fly, and worked upon the " cast and draw" system of fly 

 fishing, with this difference, the bait is allowed to sink a 

 few inches after each delivery upon the water. By this 

 means, fish of the heaviest calibre are often taken. The 

 produce of a single rod, when wielded by an adept, will 



