424 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 
EEL-FISHING. 
The apparatus which is used for taking eels is exceed- 
ingly various, inasmuch as almost every kind of hook is 
occasionally adopted. Some of the different modes and 
tackle have been already described, such ag the ledger-line, 
the common drop-line, the ordinary float-angling, &c. 
These may be used with eel-hooks and strong tackle ; and 
the eel should be landed as quickly as possible after he is 
hooked, for the reason that he is otherwise sure to coil 
himself round some weed or pile, or other fixed object, and 
so set at defiance the efforts of the angler. Usually, how- 
ever, these fish are taken at night, and the ledger-line 
answers very well for that purpose, the hook being mount- 
ed on strong whipcord or on gimp. The regular night 
line consists of a long and tolerably stout cord, to each 
end of which a brick or stone is attached weighing three 
or four pounds. At intervals of two or three feet a piece 
of whipcord or gimp 18 inches long should be firmly tied, 
and armed with an ordinary eel-hook. When all are 
baited, drop one brick or stone gently into the water, then, 
