82 ANGLING 



and in clear weatlier this is fatal to success. The hooks 

 ought always to be as small as is compatible with the 

 easy threading on of the worm. 



In a suitable stream, shade or bush fishing is one of 

 the most agreeable and amusing modes of angling for 

 trout. It is the only method which gives you an 

 insight into the instincts and habits of the fish. In 

 the months of July and August, when the weather is 

 dry and hot, and the sun shines finely overhead, and 

 the streams are nearly dried up, and ordinary anglers 

 smile in derision that anyone should be fool enough 

 to take a rod in hand, go out vnth some small red- 

 worms to a shady part of the stream, where there is a 

 fine stony or gravelly bottom, and as great a depth of 

 water as you can find. Here worm your way into the 

 very thickest part of the bushes, taking care to have 

 the sun in your face ; for if you get with your back to 

 the luminary of day, the shadow of yourself and rod 

 falling on the water will entirely defeat your object. 

 Your rod must be short and stiff, and the rings rather 

 large, in order that, when you hook a fish, there should 

 be no obstacle in the way to your giving him whatever 

 length of line his size may require. 



When you have taken up the desired position, peep 

 cautiously into the deep water, and you will soon 

 perceive fish. Bait your hook, and let it drop into the 

 water, without any shot, as snugly and lightly as 

 possible ; you will soon see how greedily the bait will 

 be seized. 



Though deep water is of course preferable, still, if 

 the water be only six inches in depth, it will answer 

 your purpose. In such situations, if you perceive trout, 

 you will observe that almost every fish has a certain 

 space of water to himself, about which he takes his 

 regular rounds, always returning to the exact spot from 

 whence he set out. Watch when he starts from this 

 position, and then throw your bait behind him, in the 

 spot he has just left, so that when he returns it may 

 be lying still at the bottom. He will gaze at it for a 

 moment, hold it in doubt as if startled ; and, when he 



