PRACTICE OF ANGLINO.—Balt-phing—As a rule, bait-fishing is practiced more on sluggish, deep rivers than on swift-running streams, though it answers as well, and, under certain circumstances, even better in the latter than in the former. The fish usually sought for in the slow-running, deep rivers south of the Tweed, are gudgeon, roach, dace, bream, chub, barbel, tench, carp, perch, pike, trout, etc. All are sometimes taken with fly; but worms, gentles, or paste are more generally used.
The first thing the bait-fisher has to learn, is the art of baiting his hooks. Taking the hook in his right hand, and the bait between his lingers in the, left, let him enter the hook at the head of the worm, and carry it through the animal to near the tail, covering the entire hook and its tying. The worm should be broken or mangled as little as possi. ble; and the more life-like it appears, the greater the probability of its proving an effec tual lure. There must not, however, be too much spare worm left dangling from the hook, otherwise the fish will keep nibbling it away without biting at the bait bodily, and taking it into its mouth—the thing which the angler desires.
In throwing the line with bait, take care not to splash the water, but throw forward and upward, so as to let the bait fall gently on the surface, and sink slowly in the water to the required depth. The motion of the line down the stream must then be carefully followed and watched.
Occasionally the angler will feel a nibble, but he must not be in a hurry to strike—that is, to fix the hook in the fish's mouth. Perhaps it is no more than a nibble, and it is well to allow the fish time to bolt the hook. If drawn too quickly, you may actually pull away the hook after it is half gulped. Experience and dexterity are required in this ticklish part of the craft.
In May, the creeper, or stone-fly in its embryo state, is a deadly bait; and in June, when it assumes the winged state, it is the most killing bait that can be used. The creepers are mostly found under large stones in the water, and flies under large stones in the dry channel at the edge of the water. On Tweedside this fly is frequently but erro
neously called the May-fly, and is productive of large takes of trout when other lures are comparatively useless. Minnows and parr-tail arc two important baits; tackle is made on purpose for these, and consists of several hooks tied within an inch or so of each other. These are inserted iu the minnow, so as to give a curving form to the bait, for the purpose of making it spin in the water; swivels are attached to the tackle further up, to prevent the line from twisting with The spinning of the minnow. Stoddart says: "Fish in rapid streams, also in deep discolored pools, and during a smart curl. Manage the minnow as you would your fly, throwing it down and across as far as you are able: bring it towards you about six inches below the surface, spinning rapidly by the aid of several swivels. When a fish rises, give him time before you strike; let hint turn and gorge the bait, then strike sharply, and he is yours." This mode of fishing requires more dexterity and practice than ordinary bait-fishing, and will be best learned by carefully watching the motions of an experienced hand.
Ily-ftshing. —This is the true A., all other kinds being tame in comparison. Trout and salmon are the fly-fisher's chief objects of desire; and here we will quote some remarks of Mr. Stoddart's upon the method of capturing the former of these fish with the lure in question: "Your rod and tackle being ready, the wind in your favor down the river, draw out with your left hand a few yards of line from your reel, dip the top of your rod in the water, and with a rapid jerk you will lengthen as you wish that part you intend for throwing. A 13-foot wand will east from 6 to 7 fathoms of line. With a large double-liandeci rod you may manage a much greater length. Always, if you can, angle from a distance. Trout see you when you least imagine, and skulk off without your notice.