BAITS 97 



jumped to the conclusion that we should have to depend 

 upon the creations of the tackle-maker, for that day at 

 least. 



' What, no bait, Sandy ? ' we said. 



' Oh ! aye,' was the reply, ' I have ferry many baits.' 



' But where are they ? ' 



' Oh, joost here,' and he slapped his trousers pockets with 

 his hand ! And sure enough, in company with some butter- 

 fish, a piece or two of seaweed, and a plug of tobacco which 

 the old man had forgotten, were about a dozen little wriggling 

 eels with which we did great execution that afternoon. 



Large pollack have such capacious mouths that it is not, 

 as a rule, necessary to arm the tail of the eel, which, if placed 

 on a good-sized hook in the manner illustrated on the previous 

 page, will be found killing. If the end of the hook shank is not 

 eyed nor flattened, a large shot must be squeezed on the gut or 

 gimp just above the hook. The eel, which is partly threaded 

 on the hook, is then brought up the shank until the shot enters 

 its mouth. A turn or two of waxed thread round its nose 

 above the shot will keep it in position. This is a most lasting 

 bait, often catching many fish. 



I have not the least doubt that the fish take the so-called 

 red rubber sand eels for small congers, and have noticed that 

 the natural bait invariably secures the largest fish. If no baits 

 of the right size are obtainable, the tail of a larger eel can be 

 used about six or seven inches of it is sufficient. The flesh 

 just at the cut should be removed for half an inch, the hook 

 point inserted, and the tail brought up to the top of the shank, 

 just as if a whole eel were being adjusted, where it may be 

 caught on to a small hook placed half an inch above the large 

 one. This is the method illustrated (p. 98). But the plan 

 recommended for the small eel can be followed ; that is to say, 

 if a flatted or eyed hook is being used, a piece of thread or 



o 



