LHE GRAYLING, AND BAIT-FISHING FOR. 437 
out about one-eighth inch from the upper portion of the shank; 
weight the tackle with a single swan shot attached to the line about 
12 inches from the hook; the float should be made of cork about 
the size of a marble, with a hole bored through the centre, and 
an adjusting plug of either quill or wood. 
Opinions seem to vary as to the most suitable kind of worms 
to employ, some preferring the brandling, others the small red 
worm found in rotten leaf mould, which is known as the ‘ cockspur’ 
in some districts ; and, as far as my experience goes, I have always 
found the latter prove the more attractive bait of the two. 
Insert the point of the hook into the worm about one-eighth 
inch below the head, and thread it up the shank over the projecting 
piece of bristle, which will keep it in its place, allowing the tail of 
the worm to hang straight down, with the point and bend of the 
hook exposed. As a general rule 18 inches is about the proper 
depth at which to adjust the float, so that the worm may swim 
3 inches or 4 inches from the ground ; but, of course, it all depends 
upon the stream in which you are fishing. 
All being now ready, let us adjourn to the river, and look out 
for a likely spot in which to commence operations. As I write I 
can picture just such a place in my mind’s eye—a stream upon my 
favourite river—the Yore. It is perhaps half-a-mile in length, 
having a uniform depth of about 2 feet, excepting at the tail of it, 
where it runs gradually off into a deep pool. At the head of the 
stream it is rocky, the water running sharply round the moss- 
covered boulders, forming below them those quiet little eddying 
pools that grayling especially affect. Step into the edge of the 
stream and letting out line to about the length and a half of your 
rod, cast your worm lightly just above that rock ; jauntily rides the 
tiny float into the eddying pool below, and just as it is veering 
round a slight stoppage occurs—only for a moment, however, and 
then moves on as before ; pull out and examine your bait. Ah! I 
thought so. The tail of your worm is gone ; that was a grayling, 
my friend, and the next swim I will wager anything that you ‘nail’ 
him. Another cast; once more the float stops in exactly the 
same place, but this time drags as though the hook had caught in 
the bottom. Now, then, strike witha firm turn of the wrist—Aadet! 
a good fish, too, to judge by the resistance that hemakes. Gently, 
gently; do not hurry him. The tackle is fine and his mouth 
tender. There, he turns on his side at last; slip the net under 
him and transfer him to your basket. 
