90 MODERN SEA FISHING 



The bait board is a very important portion of the sea- 

 fisherman's impedimenta ; for when fishing from the shore it is 

 impossible to prepare fish baits properly without having a piece 

 of wood on which to lay and slice them. In a boat, too, 

 if a bait board is not provided, the thwarts get into a filthy 

 condition, and sooner or later someone sits down in the 

 odious mess. Perhaps some who read this will laugh and say 

 I must be a fair-weather sailor indeed if I object to a little 

 mussel juice or a piece of mackerel being squashed over my 

 clothes. Most of us can put up with these things if neces- 

 sary ; but in a boat, of all places, any dirt or general untidi- 

 ness should as far as possible be avoided. If a quantity of 



bait gets knocked off a 

 seat on to the floor of 

 the boat, it is as likely 

 as not to cause one of 

 those on board to slip 

 and fall, and perhaps 

 bring about a serious 



BAIT BOARD -j 



accident. 



A convenient size 



for a bait board is eighteen inches in length and eight inches 

 in width, with a small combing round the back and two sides. 

 The floor of it should be made of oak or any hard wood, 

 about an inch thick. The combing, which should be fixed on 

 with brass screws or copper nails, may be of deal for lightness. 

 The knife should have a long, flat, thin blade of the very 

 best quality. A very good edge indeed is required to cut fish- 

 skin and other baits. This knife should not be used for 

 opening mussels, for which something stouter with a strong 

 edge is necessary. When mackerel fishing the knife may want 

 sharpening three or four times during the day, and therefore a 

 hone is necessary. 



