48 THE SCOTTISH ANGLER. 



CHAPTER VI. 

 BAIT FISHING. 



WE borrow some of our notes on this method of 

 angling from tried craftsmen of our acquaintance, whose 

 experience leaves our own in some measure behind. 

 Looking to the success of their practice, we are inclined 

 to believe that much skill is required in order to be- 

 come a first-rate bait fisher, and yet it is true that the 

 veriest bungler may hit upon good sport with worm 

 and minnow, while, with the fly, he is unable to cap- 

 ture a single trout. The reason of this is plain. A 

 beginner in fly fishing is apt rather to frighten than al- 

 lure with his clumsy throwing ; he knows nothing of 

 the likeliest places nothing of insects or their move- 

 ments ; while, in worm angling, the bait is only to be 

 appended, dropped, carried forward by the stream, 

 and, w r hen seized by a fish, drawn up ; and this is ge- 

 nerally done by the beginner in swollen and muddy 

 water, where no concealment is necessary; whereas 

 fly fishing can alone be pursued where all is either 

 tolerably clear, or absolutely transparent. Practised 

 bait fishers, however, we allow, are not so capricious, 

 and handle their rods across the most dwindled and 

 crystal streams, with as much success as over those 

 which are thoroughly heightened and discoloured. 



The first object of the ground angler is to obtain and 

 prepare his worms. These reptiles are to be found in 

 greatest quantities on a rich moist soil. Clay, sand, 

 and peat-moss, afford them in very small numbers. 

 They will generate quickly under all sorts of manure 



