52 THE SCOTTISH ANGLER. 



ward by the current ; others move it across with a 

 heavy sinker appended, so as to keep it near the bot- 

 tom. And as to the manner in which trout take the 

 bait, it may be noticed, that at the first dart they en- 

 gross the whole hook within their mouths ; wherefore, 

 many, knowing this, strike at the moment : the fish 

 then let the bait go, and commence upon the worm 

 more leisurely, killing it with repeated bites before it is 

 finally swallowed. 



For quick striking, a very short line is necessary, 

 not above the length of the rod ; this ought always to 

 be kept at its full stretch, and moved in a half circle 

 with the angler. It requires some degree of perception 

 to know the exact instant when the fish first seizes 

 your bait ; it does so with such softness, and with no 

 likeness of a tug, as one is apt to imagine ; nay, it 

 merely closes its jaws upon the hook, as a gaping oys- 

 ter would do upon one's finger. Then is your oppor- 

 tunity for striking ; if you neglect it, you allow the trout 

 its more leisurely process of nibbling, and its chances of 

 escape. In striking with the short line, do it sharply, 

 and never against the current, but rather with it, in a 

 diagonal direction, and not too high. The reason of 

 this advice is obvious, for all fish feed with their heads 

 pointing up the stream, kindly giving you the choice of 

 pulling the hook into or out of their mouths ; the latter 

 of which purposes you accomplish, to a dead cer- 

 tainty, by striking against the current. This whip- 

 jack manner of bait-fishing is very deadly with an ex- 

 perienced hand. The long-line anglers make nothing 

 of their method comparatively ; and yet, among clear 

 waters, and where fish are few, or bite shyly, patience 

 and a long line will carry the day. Remarkably fine 

 gut ought to be used by all ground anglers, whatever 

 be the practice. Trout are a suspicious distrustful set, 



