BOTTOM-FISHING FOR TROUT. 73 



of the river tribes. In deep pools, under the shade of 

 bushes and trees, they are used instead of natural flies by 

 the bush-fisher. The tackle necessary for worm fishing 

 for trout is similar to that used by ordinary bottom-fishers. 

 The rod should be long, flexible, and pliant one seventeen 

 or eighteen feet will not be found too long, if not unwieldly 

 and beyond the strength of the angler. The running tackle 

 may be the same as before described. The foot line of fine 

 gut, with the hook whipped on with red silk. The worm 

 must be placed on the hook as before described, or by the 

 excellent method recommended by Mr Stewart, who suggests 

 that three or four small hooks should be tied on one thread 

 of gut, one above another, and the worm hitched on them 

 in a serpentine form, like the serpent in the Laocoou, leav- 

 ing the head and tail loose to play. This is no doubt an 

 effective and attractive bait with large fish, but it scarcely 

 compensates the angler for his extra tnrable and risk of the 

 worm breaking away when casting. Baiting with the 

 double worm (page 45) will be found nearly as effective 

 and less troublesome. Different authorities argue in 

 different ways with respect to shotting the line. Unless 

 the worm is a large one, sinkers will be found necessary, 

 particularly if there is much wind. Plenty of worms are 

 indispensable ; they are best kept in a flannel bag, which 

 may be fitted with a loop to hang on a button. The 

 casting of the bait is of great importance. I have had 

 equal sport when fishing down-stream, as up stream. The 

 angler in this must suit his convenience and the state of 

 the water. Tliere must be no jerking of the bait ; it may 

 be sent forward, so as to fall lightly and athwart the 

 stream, and be drawn gradually to the side. The line 

 must be kept out of tlie water as much .a possible. This 



