74 SEA FISH; 



to catch; weight it with a stone and drag until the line 

 is recovered. Numbers of fine eels are taken in some 

 localities by sniggling, which is thus done. Procure a 

 stout needle, such as tailors use, and with waxed silk 

 firmly secure your line, made of about twelve or 

 fourteen yards of round plait line No. 5 or 6, to 

 the centre of the needle ; procure some well-scoured 

 red worms, and bait, by drawing the worms on the 

 needle from its centre so as to completely cover it ; 

 then, with a long light rod, with a fork at the end over 

 which the line is held, carefully insert your baited 

 needle into every hole, cleft, or crevice about piles 

 under large stones, or in the cracks between the 

 foundation of bridges or quays, which will be found 

 favourite lurking-places, and from which the heads of 

 eels will be frequently seen protruding. Allow the 

 worm to be seized and drawn in, wait a short time to 

 allow the bait to be well pouched, and then strike 

 smartly, which will at once fix the needle across the 

 eel's throat, when a little steady tension will seldom 

 fail to bring him to light. Eels will often be taken when 

 fishing with chop-sticks or small bolters for flounders, 

 and when rod-fishing for other fish. Immediately on 

 their being taken, the spine should be divided behind 

 the head, instantly killing them, which renders 

 unhooking easy, and prevents much loss of time and 

 temper, as the Gordian knot must have been originally 

 designed, one would imagine, by an eel in difficulties. 



