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-Fishing . 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, for 
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. 
Hofland says : “ For worm-fishing, your rod should be of 
bamboo cane, and from 1G to 20 feet long, and tho 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 tho 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 
tile 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 tho 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 tho top ot the rod 
