124 THE angler's guide. 



twisted small cord, and use a bank runner instead, of 

 a winch, for cheapness. 



Note.- — For all kinds of Eel fishing, many expe- 

 rienced Anglers tie their hooks to a very fine gimp, 

 to prevent the Eels from biting off the hook, which 

 they are enabled to do, if tied to gut or hair, by their 

 numerous sharp teeth, especially the larger Eels. The 

 hardness of the gimp makes them soon desist ; the 

 gimp also is much less likely to kink or tangle : the 

 vexation and loss of time caused by breaking and 

 entangling of the line, while Eel-fishing, every expe- 

 rienced Angler must have felt. 



When ledger-fishing, at night, you must carry with 

 you a small portable lantern, to enable you to bait 

 your hook, &c. — Note, while so fishing at night, it is 

 advisable to bait with a small live Fish instead of a 

 worm, if the Eels are large, or the place contains 

 Jack 3 if more than one line is used, bait with dif- 

 ferent baits, or with such baits as you find most kill- 

 ing. Trout, Barbel, Carp, and Chub, are caught by 

 this mode of fishing, both by night and day, using 

 proper baits and tackle fit for the purpose, (for which 

 see Barbel, Trout, &c.) — ^Note, when short of small 

 Fish, for baits, I cut Bleak into three pieces to bait 

 for Eels : observe, when fishing for Eels with a ledger 

 line, as well as a floated line, do not be in too much 

 haste to strike when you see a bite, for Eels generally 

 gorge the bait, and, consequently, hook themselves, if 

 you give them time (say a few moments) 3 but if you 



