IO8 WORM FISHING FOR TROUT. 



lob-worm, so long as it is lively and vigorous, instead 

 of being limp, pale, and apparently lifeless. An ex- 

 cellent way of making really durable bottom tackle is 

 to whip a minute scrap of roach, or any other fine 

 line, upon the bare shank of the end hook, so as to 

 form a small and well-nigh invisible loop, which will 

 be found of great utility in general bottom fishing. 

 The very finest gut may be attached by means of a 

 slip knot, without even a chance of its " knocking off" 

 at the head, as is the usual result of a small amount 

 of heavy wear. When baiting, the worm should be 

 carefully threaded up the gut, a small portion of each 

 extremity of the bait being left free, to have as 

 natural an effect as possible. Whenever a small or a 

 solitary hook is employed, the rodster will allow a 

 moment's breathing time ere he gently strikes. By 

 this means it is more than probable that he will suc- 

 ceed in obtaining a safe anchorage amongst the side 

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

 Stewart tackle, for instance, requires no such hesita- 

 tion. We have frequently known young anglers miss 

 every fish they have succeeded in moving during an 

 extremely favourable period, during 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 



