THE ART OF WORMING FOR TROUT

Enlarge Image Image Gallery [1] Shade beneath a bridge often appeals to trout. [2] Camouflage clothing is sometimes helpful.

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There have probably been more words committed to print in praise of trout than have been set down in tribute to all other types of fish combined. And, likely at least in part because of the good press enjoyed by these members of the salmon family, many anglers—novices and old hands alike—avoid trout fishing . . . apparently thinking it's the type of sport that one can't be successful at without years of painstaking indoctrination and study.

That notion is an unfortunate one, too, because not only are trout delicious butand perhaps more important—the experience of fishing for them (especially along streams and small rivers, which is precisely the kind of angling that this article will deal with) can be one of the most relaxing and soul-satisfying forms of outdoor recreation imaginable. Furthermore-although there's no doubt that continual practice, and study of the habits and habitats of these fascinating creatures, will result in ongoing improvements in an angler's skill, success, and enjoyment—there's no reason why a complete novice, using relatively inexpensive equipment and after only a day or two spent learning basic techniques, can't start right in catching trout . . . some of which might well be big enough to inspire the envy of folks who've spent years stalking the same streams!

THE WORM TURNS

Almost anyone who's had even the slightest exposure to the mystique surrounding trout angling probably knows that fly fishing—that is, using artificial lures of fur and feathers that are designed to look like the insects and such that make up a trout's diet—is generally considered the highest form of the art. In fact, some anglers are openly contemptuous of folks who employ such baits as metal spinners, live minnows, grasshoppers, or even (one can almost hear the purists gasp at the very thought) lowly earthworms.

However, although fly fishing is both enjoyable to participate in and beautiful to watch (and should certainly be attempted by anybody who finds pleasure in angling), "worming" can, when done properly, be every bit as challenging as fishing with artificial flies (and often a dang sight more productive). The key word here, of course, is "properly". You see, all too many worm anglers show little or no consideration for either the demands of the water in which they're fishing or the fears and appetites of the trout they're trying to catch. Typically, the technique used consists of little more than dropping a large night crawler—weighted with a hefty sinker—to the bottom of a spring-roiled river . . . and sitting back to wait for a trout to discover the offering.

That doesn't have to be the case, though. In fact, by simply being conscious of the sensitivity and skittishness of most trout—and trying to do whatever is necessary to minimize the chances of spooking them—the person who chooses to fish with worms can open a door to a world of angling that offers not only quick reinforcement, but also a lifetime's worth of room to learn and to improve his or her ability. To put it simply, this method can be reduced to choosing appropriate tackle, mastering the techniques necessary to use it with some precision, and developing "stream sense".

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