For Angling at Ground, which may be used in all Waters, and at all Seasons, there are various methods in use, every method also requiring different tackle to be used.
First – Angling with the Running Line, which requires, in muddy water, the line to be not above the length of the rod, because the fish is unable to see, you may then come as near the water as you please; keep the line (which must be plumbed according to the swiftness of the stream, and the plummet felt running on the ground at about ten inches from the hook) always straight, and the bait rolling on the ground; and fish always down the stream.
In this way of angling, you need no float of any kind; for keeping your line straight, you will either see the motion of the bite at the top of your rod, or feel it by your hand; likewise in manner, as your line is straight upward, so when you feel the fish bite, you must strike straight up, giving the fish a little time to take it in, and slackening your hand a little that he may not feel you too soon.
When angling in clear water with the running line, your tackle must be fine. The two or three lowest links should be of a single hair, or two hairs at most, especially if you angle for a Trout, and your line only a little shorter than your rod; and as you angle in muddy water down the stream, so in clear water you must reverse the method and angle up the stream. Trout, Grayling, and Salmon Peal are often taken in this way of angling before the bait reaches the bottom.
The second method is Float Angling. As in angling with the running line, your line should be shorter than your rod, for the reasons already mentioned; so in Float Angling it should be longer, by at least five or six feet, that is, in running streams and rivers; the reason is, because in this way of angling, you cast or fling your bait up the stream, as far as the length of both rod and line will permit, and keeping your standing, let the float come down the stream, pass by you, and drive below you, as far as the length of the line and rod will permit, and then pulling it out, do the same again, as long as you think fit to keep your stand.
Angling in clear water, you should make it a rule, never to bait with above one worm at a time; but if the water is white or muddy, you may put on two, three, or more, as you see occasion.
Fish Bait, Worm, or other Bait, is used for Mid-Water Fishing; where the bait lies at the middle, somewhat lower, or within a foot of the surface of the Water, in order to take Trout, Pike, Perch, or Chub.
