AND HOW TO CATCH THEM. 63 



deep-sea line, "whipcord laid," a heavy sinker, and 

 hooks made expressly for hake fishing, with an extra 

 length of shank, and a ring at the top. Mount them 

 exactly as for " cod," with the small bar. Make the 

 traces of four or five strands of stout water-cord, laid 

 loosely together, and served from end to loop with fine 

 soft brass or copper wire. A small piece of jack chain 

 is sometimes used instead. Some caution is required 

 in unhooking these fish, as their teeth are of the 

 most formidable description, and inflict rather painful 

 wounds. Hakes, though not of high reputation as 

 fish for the table, are infinitely better than they are 

 generally supposed to be by those who have not eaten 

 them, and when in proper season are scarcely to be 

 surpassed in solidity and flavour by any of their more 

 costly finny brethren. According to Mr. Couch, says 

 Tarrell, the hake spawns from January to April. 



Flounders and Plaice. 

 FAM., Pleuronectidce. 



These fish abound in nearly all large tidal rivers, 

 even far beyond the influence of the tide, and in such 

 creeks and estuaries as have rivers discharging them- 

 selves into them. Considerable numbers are to be 

 taken with the rod and line, either with or without a 

 float, using two or three hooks No. 4, Kirby trout 

 pattern, fastened on gut, and either split duck-shot 

 or the light sinker, shown as No. 2 in the woodcut 



