122 SCIENCE OF FISHING. 



be distinguished from others by the absence oi the knot or 

 band on the body; also by its dark color. It is a good bait 

 and tough, so that it lasts longer man any other. A small 

 worm of a bluish color is found under stones, and under wet 

 and decayed leaves in damp, rich soil. It has a light colored 

 band around the body and when kept for some time its color 

 changes to pink. This is called the marsh worm and is very 

 good for certain small fishes. The brantling is found in soil 

 under chip dirt, and manure piles. It is of medium color 

 and banded. It is a good bait but very soft, and does not 

 last well. Another short, thick worm is found in the same 

 kind of places, It is red on the back and paler beneath. It 

 is also good when fresh, but is not a lasting bait. Another 

 objection to worms found under manure piles is their odor, 

 which some fish do not take kindly to, but others do not 

 mind. 



It is a common saying that the big worm will catch the 

 big fish. There appears to be little if anything in this, but a 

 worm that is just the right size to cover the hook when properly 

 impaled, without crowding, is the right size, and as a rule any 

 fish will take it, large or small. But there is a right way and 

 a wrong way of baiting, and the way the hook is baited has 

 much to do with its success. The best way is to stick the 

 point of the hook into the worm about an inch or. a little less 

 from one end, taking enough hold to keep it from being torn 

 out easily, then run the hook through the middle, and into 

 the body near the other end, stripping it over the point of 

 the hook a short distance so that it will stay and cover the 

 hook, but also leave an inch of the end loose to wriggle. 

 The point of the hook must be kept hidden for certain fish, 

 especially for trout, for you will not catch many trout when 

 the point of the hook shows, unless the water is swift, or 

 the bait is kept in rapid motion. For other large mouthed 

 fish, that take the entire bait and hook it may not matter so 

 much. Always use a whole worm for a bait, and never more 



