334 MODERN SEA FISHING 



routine of pout and small flat fish. They should be very gently 

 swung in and a landing net used if possible. Sometimes they 

 are hooked in the mouth and break off the point of the hook. 



Crawfish figure in the period called classical. Pliny, who 

 it must be feared was a teller of fish stories, speaks of one four 

 cubits long. The ancient Romans used to eat them in com- 

 pany with asparagus. There is a story told of one of the three 

 notorious gluttons bearing the name of Apicius, that, hearing 

 crawfish of most extraordinary size and exquisite flavour were 

 to be obtained on the coast of Africa, he chartered a ship and 

 proceeded thence. Sad to relate, he found the crawfish of 

 that side of the Mediterranean little better than those of his 

 native land, so in great disgust put about and forthwith returned 

 to Italy. To see crawfish at their best he should have gone to 

 the West Indies, where he would have found most gorgeous 

 members of this particular family. Off South America they 

 are very abundant, particularly round the island of Juan Fer- 

 nandez. 



Those who would join in the delights of crab and lobster 

 catching should provide themselves with a barbless iron hook, 

 either fixed into a wooden handle or with the shank extended 

 to four or five feet and turned into a ring at the end. The 

 hook itself should measure about two and a half inches across, 

 the point turned very slightly outwards, and, for crabs and 

 lobsters, must not be too sharp. For conger eels it cannot be 

 sharp enough ; so, if all three kinds of fish are expected, 

 take two hooks. It is well to be provided with a small file 

 wherewith to sharpen the points, which soon get blunted against 

 the rocks. Other things are wanted beside the hooks ; to wit, 

 youth, health, strength, vigour, good temper, a light hand and 

 sensitive touch. An ordinary fisherman's creel slung on the 

 back to carry the prey in, and either a small round prawn 

 net or a landing net, will be found useful. Also some fine 



