54 THE EEL. 



apt to find his way out again. The basket is well 

 baited with the entrails of fowls, or of fish, with bits 

 of fish, or meat, shad-roes, or almost any offal. One 

 end comes off to admit this bait. Weights sufficient 

 to sink the basket close to the bottom should first be 

 tied well inside so it will lay flat on its side, and 

 strong cords fastened to it to enable you to lower it 

 to the proper place, as well as to raise it when it is 

 full of eels. Eel-traps like these will sometimes take 

 several dozen at a time. 



Spearing eels is another mode which fishermen 

 employ to advantage. The spears are forced down 

 in the mud where the eels have buried themselves, 

 and in some places eels are taken in great abun- 

 dance in this way. You can spear from a boat, or 

 while wading in the water where it is shallow enough 

 The eel spear has several flat prongs, and takes the 

 eel as described in the engraved representation be- 

 low. These spears can be purchased at the fishing- 

 tackle stores, or an expert blacksmith can make them. 

 The prongs are of steel. 



