THE LAST THE MACKEREL. 63 



THE "LAST." 



The " last" is a slice cut from the narrow part 

 of the mackerel, near the tail, about two and a 

 half inches long, and so managed as to be half 

 blue from the upper part of the fish and half 

 white from the under side. When used, this piece 

 of skin is simply hooked through one end and 

 thrown overboard, to be towed after the boat, and 

 as it passes rapidly through the water resembles 

 a small fish struggling to escape ; it is very tough, 

 and lasts a long time when kept in the water. I 

 have taken half a dozen fish with the same bait, 

 and then it has not been much the worse for 

 wear. 



THE MACKEREL. 



The mackerel itself is an excellent bait for the 

 conger, ray, ling, or large cod. It is chiefly used 

 in bultoe or else in deep-sea line fishing, and 



