JULY 117 



mackerel for summer and sprat and herring for winter 

 being the most generally popular. These baits must 

 be fresh. 



In conclusion, a word about lights. Two lamps are 

 necessary ; three are useful. One to signal with, one 

 under the after thwart to light the gaffing area, and one 

 beside the anglers to facilitate finding tackle, repairing, 

 baiting, &c. 



The best number to fish is two, with one boatman, 

 who should sit in the stern sheets with the gaff, and the 

 anglers midships. When the conger is played dead (a 

 period of from five to twenty-five minutes, according to 

 size and ferocity), it should be steadily brought along- 

 side, and the boatman (armed with a short stout gaff) 

 should, with an overhand draw, gaff the fish about the 

 shoulder, and haul it into the boat with one action. It 

 may here be remarked that the gaff should be lashed, 

 not screwed, into the handle, as the struggle of the 

 conger is apt to make the hook turn in the handle, and 

 the fish may escape, as happened to the best fish on 

 this very occasion. 



A fourth hint is about sleep. If possible get an hour 

 before leaving, and should any of the party feel sleepy 

 in the boat let an arrangement be come to that one 

 shall keep on watch, more fishing boats being run 

 down through all hands going to sleep than from any 

 other cause. In conclusion, it may very safely be said 

 that night fishing is grand sport and safe, if one has a 

 good boat, a clever fisherman, good tackle, warm 

 clothes, and bright lights. 



