THE TROUT 



89 



Anglers generally. It should be of small size, and made of 

 light cork, or quills, suited to the weight of your shot and the 

 current of the stream. 



Of Bottom or Worm-Fisking. This is, and has been from 

 the earliest periods, the standard mode of trout angling. It 

 is practised principally at the opening and closing of the sea- 

 son by Anglers generally; but by some of our piscatorial 

 friends, who adjure fly-fishing, from the time the trees bud, 

 until autumn scatters their leaves upon the ground. 



The rod generally used is from 12 to 15 feet in length, fot 

 • small streams, and from 15 to 20 feet (according to circum- 

 stances) for the larger. The reel, and other appurtenances, 

 should be similar to that described for minnow-fishing. 



Holland says : " For worm-fishing, your rod should be of 

 bamboo cane, and from 16 to 20 feet long, and the line gene- 

 rally something shorter than the rod ; but it may be shortened 

 or lengthened, according to circumstances, by your reel. The 

 best worms for a large trout are the lob-worm and the marsh- 

 worm, but with many Anglers the brandling is a great 

 favorite. 



" The method of casting your line will depend upon the 

 nature of the water; but as a general rule I may say, keep 

 the point of your rod, as nearly as possible, perpendicular to 

 your bait, steadily following it, as the bait drags along the bot- 

 tom, with the point of your rod, and when you feel a bite, let 

 the fish turn before you strike. Unless the stream be rapid 

 or deep, a single shot (No. 4) will be sufficient to sink your 

 worm ; but in a deep heavy current, two or three more of 

 the same size will be required. In fishing across a stream 

 with a single hair, and a small red-worm, run, from your 

 reel, line to the length of the rod, and, taking hold of the line 

 about 12 inches above the bait, with your left hand draw it 

 towards you till the line tightens, and the top of the rod 



