438 MODERN SEA FISHING 



reef, where the bottom is sandy, there the rod can always be 

 brought into play with advantage. In any case have out a 

 hand line with a big hook and big bait e.g. a whole squid 

 for any chance monster which is passing ; but on the rod use 

 somewhat finer tackle and smaller hooks and baits, and it 

 will be found, I think, that nearly double as many conger will 

 fall to the rod as to the hand line, for congers are shy, cautious 

 fish, and, particularly if there is much moonlight, are prone to 

 observe coarse tackle. 



One of the most important items of tackle which should 

 never be omitted is a strong swivel. In the hand line it 

 should be placed immediately below the lead ; with the rod it 

 will come at the end of the hook link. I am assuming that 

 paternoster tackle is used, such as is illustrated on p. 239, the 

 upper hook being omitted. The main length of the paternoster 

 should consist of three strands of the stoutest salmon gut 

 twisted ; and the hook links should be of plaited line or of gimp, 

 attached to eyed hooks in the manner already described. 



Obviously, if fishing over rocks, great care should be taken 

 not to let the conger get into any nook or cranny, or on the 

 bottom. Once there, it will be very difficult to dislodge him. 

 The only way of doing this is to keep a strong and continuous 

 strain on his mouth. Jerks and irregular pulls are of little avail ; 

 they doubtless give him sudden pangs akin to toothache, which 

 cause him at the end of each to retire deeper still into his fast- 

 ness. But keep a steady strain on his mouth, and, sooner or 

 later, he loses heart and yields. It is, however, very difficult to 

 do this when there is a little lop on. 



On sandy or other clear bottom the conger will play, for 

 the most part, like any other fish ; but both he and the fresh- 

 water eel have a nasty habit, when all other schemes for their 

 deliverance have failed, of twisting round and round in the sea 

 like the propeller of a steamboat ; then it is that the swivel is 



