Walton was big on "scoured" worms:
And you are to observe, that he is very seldom observed to bite at a Minnow, (yet sometimes he will) and not oft at a fly, but more usually at a Worm, and then most usually at a Lob or Garden-worm, which should be well scoured, that is to say, seven or eight daies in Moss before you fish with them: and if you double your time of eight into sixteen or more, into twenty or more daies, it is still the better, for the worms will still be clearer, tougher, and more lively, and continue so longer upon your hook, and they may be kept longer by keeping them cool and in fresh Moss.
Note also, that many use to Fish for a Salmon with a ring of wyre on the top of their Rod, through which the Line may run to as great a length as it is needful when he is hookÂ’d. And to that end, some use a wheel about the middle of their Rod, or nearer their hand, which are to be observed either by seeing one of them, or a large demonstration of words.
And now I shall tell you, that which may be called a secret: I have been a fishing with old Oliver Henly (now with God), a noted Fisher, both for Trout and Salmon, and have observed, that he would usually take three or four worms out of his bag, and put them into a little box in his pocket, where he would usually let them continue half an hour or more, before he would bait his hook with them; I have asked him his reason, and he has replyed, He did but pick the best out to be in a readinesse against he baited his hook the next time: But he has been observed both by others, and my self, to catch more fish than I or any other body, that has ever gone a fishing with him could do, and especially Salmons; and I have been told lately by one of his most intimate and secret friends, that the box in which he put those worms, was anointed with a drop, or two, or three, of the Oil of Ivy-berries, made by expression or infusion, and that by the worms remaining in that box an hour, or a like time, they had incorporated a kind of smell that was irresistably attractive enough to force any Fish within the smell of them, to bite. This I heard not long since from a friend, but have not tryed it; yet I grant it probable, and refer my Reader to Sir Francis Bacons Natural History, where he proves fishes may hear: and I am certain Gesner sayes, the Otter can smell in the water, and I know not but that Fish may do so too: Â’tis left for a lover of Angling, or any that desires to improve that Art, to try this conclusion.
now I get it
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