158 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



the sun when lifted from the water; all contribute to 

 render this an exciting and agreeable sport; as far supe- 

 rior to blobbing about in garbage-baited holes for filthy 

 bream, and fish of that description, as comeliness and 

 beauty are to ugliness and deformity. 



This fish is not a good bait for trout ; and the pike will 

 always prefer a beautiful bright roach. The eel will eat 

 anything; yet even he has his likes and dislikes, and 

 infinitely prefers other baits. But the bleak is good in 

 the frying pan ; better still on the breakfast-table, served 

 up as suggested for gudgeon; and best of all, at least in 

 the angler's estimation, when sparkling in the sun, or 

 dashing in the bright rushing stream. 



33att for 



This fish is no great favourite with the angler. On the 

 table he is delicious, but is not a very eligible affair with 

 the rod and line. Luckily, he seldom bites freely till the 

 evening or night, so that the angler has not much chance 

 of being perplexed with a large one during the day. 



Those who like angling for eels must use very strong 

 tackle. A stiff rod, a strong line, and large hook are 

 indispensable; a large, red dew-worm will complete the 

 equipment; and then, if the angler succeed in catching 

 eels, and has very good luck, he may, perhaps, carry 

 home his tackle uninjured. 



The eel requires some considerable indulgence when he 

 bites; but as everybody who can brandish a rod, knows 

 how to fish for him, we have only to suggest, that, as 

 soon as the angler pulls out an eel, big or little, he should 

 instantly stamp his foot across its body, hold his line tight 

 with one hand, and cut off its head with the other. This is 

 the only way to prevent the slippery rascal from tying the 



