SEA FISHING. 163 



and during the night, in from two to seven fathoms of water, 

 with a strong sea-line and a large hook, which puts an 

 ordinary angler's hook entirely in the shade. 



Hake is a common fish on the coast of the United King- 

 dom, though it is seldom seen inland. It partakes some- 

 what of the cod in shape, and they are caught of all weights 

 in the autumn months. They are fished for on a sandy 

 bottom, some mile or two miles from shore, at varying 

 depths, ranging from three to six fathoms. A sinker is first 

 placed at the end of the line, and the depth ascertained and 

 marked by a link on the line. The hook is then baited 

 with a piece of the tail of the fish, rolled round so as the 

 white flesh is seen, and the hook comparatively hid. If 

 fresh fish is not obtainable, salt may be used, but it should 

 be soaked carefully before using ; the bait, sinker, and line 

 is then cast over the side, so that the bait may nearly touch 

 the bottom. The spare end is belayed, or fastened to the 

 boat seat or suitable place. The fisherman holds the line 

 in his hand, and if an adept, he has one in each hand, which 

 he " saws " over the side of the boat, which gives the bait 

 an " up and down" motion. The boat is motionless, save by 

 the heaving of the swell, for it is held by a large stone or 

 grapnel. Suddenly, without previous warning, the fisher- 

 man feels a sharp tug at one of his lines, he lets the other 

 line run to its length, and commences to haul in the fish 

 with both hands, so that the line falls in coils at his feet. 

 The weight of the fish is not so perceptible as might be 

 imagined, until it nears the surface, then its great mouth 

 and eyes are anything but pleasant objects to the timorous 

 angler. Quickness and dexterity is now requisite to lift in 

 the fish, or else he will soon be off the hook. As soon as 



