EELS AND EEL BOBBING 27 



worms are threaded with a needle from end to end upon 

 the yarn in a continuous string until long enough to bunch 

 up sufficiently for the purpose required. This string of 

 worms is about two yards in length and is bunched up and 

 tied so that each loop which hangs downward is equal in 

 length from the top. A lead of pyramid shape, about six 

 ounces in weight, is used as a sinker, and is fixed to the 

 bobbing line, immediately above the worms. This forms the 

 bob, which as a whole much resembles an ordinary tassel in 

 shape. The line consists of good stout cord, its length being 

 regulated by the depth of water in which it is to be used. 

 The length of the bobbing pole (generally a straight rod) 

 is about four or six feet. Should the line be found too long 

 when bobbing, the bobber simply turns the pole round and 

 round in his hand until a sufficient quantity of the line is 

 rolled at the far end of the pole, which shortens it to the 

 required length. 



The way in which lob worms are procured is interesting 

 if not amusing to those who participate in it. On a dark 

 night the worm catcher sets forth with a lantern, throwing a 

 strong light in one particular direction the pattern known 

 as the bull's eye lantern is best fitted for this purpose. With 

 the lantern and a small can in his left hand, in which to place 

 the worms, he goes to the nearest pasture or lawn where 

 lob worms are supposed to frequent. Walking with stealthy 

 steps, he casts the full glare of the lantern upon the ground, 

 which enables him to see the worms lying on the surface of the 

 pasture amongst the roots of the grass. When he sees one he 

 must be exceptionally sharp in catching it before it manages 

 to wriggle back to its hole. Lob worms are very much 

 quicker at this than one at first would imagine, and unless 

 the catcher proceeds in a thoroughly business-like manner he 

 will have to work several hours before he obtains a sufficient 

 number to form an ordinary-sized bob. On the other hand, 

 to the onlooker it appears extraordinary how easily the 

 worms are taken by anyone who is expert at the business. In 

 a very short space of time far more worms are caught than 



