Mankind has probably always used worms for catching fish, in particular for game fishing, such as trout, sea trout and salmon. Trout are however are always tempted by a good sized worm.

Fishing with worms is considered by some as easy fishing, even something to be slightly ashamed of. However it is not always as easy as it is made out to be, many of the 'best' fish taken on the Ogmore river each year are taken on the 'worm'. Like many other fishing techniques the attitude and behaviour of the angler are crucial.

Worms have many advantages: they are readily available just about everywhere, all you need to collect them is a spade or fork and they are easy to keep. Trout eat worms regularly as part of thier normal diet especially in the spring when they are washed into streams and rivers by the rain; rising water levels cause the banks to crumble and worms fall into the water. The worm is a choice bait when the water is running coloured. In the clear waters of some rivers it is difficult to catch a trout unless the weather is rainy. Another advantage is that with this bait various methods of fishing can be used in all types of river, from the fast flowing mountain spate rivers to the deep slow flowing rivers on the plain.

Generally the 'worming' technique consists in bringing the worm as naturally as possible to places where the fish may be hiding. A good rig will require a more or less long leader to facilitate the movement of the bait towards the fish. Success will come from the adjustment of the leader! Split shot pinched onto the line or slid along the line without damaging it will facilitate this type of fishing. The main leader is fixed according to the progressive weight: the heaviest weights are close together but about 15 to 30 cm from the hook. The other lighter weights should be placed lower down but the last one should never be further than 10 cm from the hook. In a nutshell: most of the weight is far from the bait whereas the lighter weighted part weighs down the bait and enables it to move along near the bottom. In fast flowing water the weights are placed close together whereas in calmer water they are spread out. Bite indicators (small floats or pieces of wool) should be placed more or less near to the weights and should be very visible.

Trout have many hiding places which should be searched successively. First of all start fishing near the bank as discreetly as possible. Then the runs further out, It's no use casting towards the opposite bank, immediately. It would be better to move down into the water and fish nearer to it. The line is always held in the hand which is not holding the rod and it is this hand which feels the snags on the bottom and the take of the trout. Strike rapidly. If it is a small trout release it immediately. Otherwise you have the choice of keeping it or sparing it!

Tight Lines