BAIT-FISHING. 429 



The baits for trout used in bottom-fishing are chiefly 

 worms and minnows, the latter either natural or artificial. 

 Caddises, however, and caterpillars, with gentles and 

 salmon-roe, are in some localities much prized. The 

 worms which are the best for trout-fishing are the marsh- 

 worm, the button-worm, and the brandling ; the last being 

 chiefly adapted to the smaller sizes of fish. They should 

 be well scoured, and applied as follows : Six or eight 

 dozen worms will in all probability be required in a good 

 day's fishing, and should be carried in some damp moss in 

 an appropriate bait-box, or canvas bag. In putting the 

 worms on the hook, take the latter in the right hand, 

 between the finger and thumb, then taking a worm in 

 the left finger and thumb, insert the point of the hook 

 near the head of the worm, and run it along its body 

 until the whole of the hook is concealed, and also a very 

 short portion of the gut ; in doing this, great care should 

 be taken not to expose any part of the hook, and espe- 

 cially the barb, which should not on any account penetrate 

 the side of the worm. If the worm is too small to con- 

 ceal this quantity of the hook and line, and also to leave 

 a portion, at least an inch long, hanging free from the end, 

 two may be applied ; and if, on the other hand, it is too long, 

 the barbed end may be brought through and re-entered an 

 inch or so lower down, so as to pucker up a coil of the 

 worm's length, which adds to its allurement, and at the 

 same time prevents too long a free portion from hanging 

 from the end. The worm is thus injured as little as possi- 

 ble, and will live a considerable time if not roughly used 

 in the water. It should be examined every now and 



