182 SCIENCE OF FISHING. 



Contrary to the rule of sea-going fish the eel breeds in 

 salt water and sojourns in the fresh streams in summer. 

 They frequently go up stream 500 miles from the sea, 

 perhaps farther. When found in clear streams they are 

 excellent food fish. 



Eels are voracious and eat all kinds of small fish, 

 crustaceans, worms, etc. They are shy and are seldom seen 

 by day as they retire under the stones or bore into the 

 muddy bottom as soon as daylight appears, and do not 

 as a rule come out again until nightfall, unless the day is 

 dark or rainy and the water muddy, when they may be 

 caught all day long. 



The tackle mentioned for suckers is good for the eel, 

 but only one hook, and that a larger one, about No. 1, 

 should be used. It may be baited with a worm or a piece of 

 fish, or any kind of raw meat, for the eel is not particular 

 what he eats. He even eats carrion when it can be found 

 in the streams, and for this reason many people will not 

 eat eels. Fish for them on the bottom in deep water. 

 You can also catch them at night if it is dark, but not when 

 it lightnings, and you must not build a fire. They are also 

 taken on trot lines or short rods set from the bank, with 

 short strong twine lines and large hooks, baited with pieces 

 of fish. When caught the eel puts up a desperate struggle, 

 and for his size he possesses greater strength than any other 

 fish. It is almost impossible for a strong man to hold in 

 his bare hands an eel weighing but a pound and a half, for 

 he squirms, winds his body about your wrists, and kicks as 

 no other fish can. It is best to wear a woolen or canvas 

 glove when handling them, as they are more easily held 

 then. 



When eek return to salt water in late summer they may 

 be taken in fish baskets built in the streams, if the laws allow 

 it. The basket consists of a number of sloping shelves of 



