270 



Of the Halibut. 



1 his fierce fish lays in deep water, and on the commcm 

 fishing banks 3 it is properly a ground fish, but takes a 

 bait either on the ground, or a few feet from it. Your 

 tackle must be very stout, for the halibuts generally 

 weigh from 3O to 70 pounds. 



They seize like the jack : give them a little time, and 

 when they move on again, strike ; bat be ready to give 

 .plenty of line, for it is a very strong fish, and struggles 

 desperately. 



The best baits are, fresh fishes cut into pieces, several 

 nruscles or oysters threaded on yc;u hook, or even large 

 fol'fj or a small eel, or a rasher of lacon cut in form of a 

 fish. 



But if you can ret the atrimak flower, it is peculiarly 

 rg to the hfiiiiut, nnd*is, indeed, the very best of 

 &cn-h:lts ; for all large fishes in particular. I have de- 

 bcribcd this under the head of Sea-Baits. 



Of the Sand Eel. 



This very fine little fish works its way into the loose 

 smds on the sea-beach, and remains concealed while the 

 tide is out ; sometimes it may be seen to put its head out, 

 Lut wriggles under cover on the least alarm. 



Go with a three-pronged fork, just above low-water 

 mark, when, by striking it in once or twice, you will 

 sometimes see the sand agitated ; be quick, and you may 

 fain up a sand eel. It rarely exceeds a foot in length, has 

 a sharp head, and a bright side, the back of a light olive- 

 green, with greenish silvery sides 5 it is remarkably sweet 



eating 



