52 DRIFT- LINES ON THE WHITING-GROUND. 



only through one end, in order that the baits may have as 

 much freedom of action in the water as possible, which renders 

 them all the more attractive. Some fishermen use two hooks 

 on one snood, one a foot above the other. 



To this line you should fasten an old tin pot, a piece of 

 wood or other object ; this will make a noise and attract your 

 attention (if engaged with your Whiting lines) by the violent 

 struggles of the fish to escape. 



N.B. Half the side of a Pilchard is a most excellent bait, 

 or a quarter of one added to a bait of a piece of Bream or 

 Mackerel. 



In Cornwall it is the custom to have several spare leads on 

 board, and to attach one to these lines, and place it on the 

 gunwale. This retains the line from running out, but on a fish 

 seizing the bait, the lead falls overboard, and calls the attention 

 of the fisherman by the splash. 



It is also well to keep out a fine line with a small hook, 

 baited with a strip of any bright shining fish, which will fre- 

 quently catch you a Long-Nose or Snipe-Eel, very useful when 

 the other bait runs short, and the Whiting are well on the feed. 



Note. In taking the Whiting off the hook, be careful of 

 your fingers, as the teeth of this fish are very numerous and 

 sharp ; and should the blue Dog-fish pay you a visit, you must 

 handle them with circumspection, as they are furnished with 

 two sharp spurs close to each dorsal fin, very similar to those 

 of a cock, and with which in their struggles they are capable 

 of inflicting a severe wound. As a precautionary measure I 

 usually set both feet firmly on the head and back of the fish, 

 and divide the vertebrae at the neck before attempting to un- 

 hook them. 



Whiting bite best in the early morning or just before and 

 after sunset, but do not ordinarily feed in the night, unless 

 occasionally when the moon shines brightly. 



In calm weather, during the full blaze of a noon-tide sun, 

 they usually cease feeding, but in cloudy weather and a fresh 

 breeze may be often taken whilst the sun is high. On some 

 parts of the coast it is the custom to set trots or long-lines for 

 Whiting. 



