To the Editor of the Illustrated London News.
The eel has a long smooth body, moistened all over with & viscous liquor, which renders him very slippery. He is found in most temperate latitudes in the world; is very tenacious of life, and will live longer out of the water than any other fish. There has been great difference of opinion expressed by writers on the subject of the breeding of eels; however, this appears now to be better understood, and it is acknowledged that they produce their young like other true bony fishes. They are migratory, and appear to have the power of going into the salt or fresh water without any inconvenience. There are four sorts of eels—the silver eel, the greenish or grey eel, the red-finned, and the blackish eel; this last has a broader, flatter, and larger head than the rest, and is reckoned to be the worst. But whether these distinctions are essential, or accidental, will admit of a doubt. The colour of the belly depends on the nature of the water, some being of a golden yellow and others of the most silvery whiteness, in which case they are called “silver eels.” This fish is very susceptible of cold, and is said to bury himself during the winter in mud; but although eels like to lurk in the mud, yet they are averse to muddy water, because they are liable to be suffocated by it. They are caught in nets, in the time of a flood, at mill dams and such like places; in the daytime they skulk among weeds, under stones, or the roots of trees, or among the planks, piles, or boards of weirs, bridges, or mills; the best time to angle for them is on a rainy or gloomy day, especially after thunder. Your rod must be strong; your line the same as for trolling, with an armed hook, and your bait must lie ledger.
Sniggling or broggling for eels is a remarkable method of taking them, and is only to be practised on a warm day, when the waters are low. This requires a strong line and a small hook, baited with a lob worm. Put the line into the cleft of a stick about a font and a half from the bait, and then thrust it into such holes and places before-mentioned, where be is supposed to lurk; and if there be one there, it is a great chance but he will take your bait. Some put that part of the line next the hook into the cleft of the stick: but however that may be, it must be so contrived that the line may be disengaged as soon as the fish takes the bait, without checking him. When he has swallowed it he is not to be drawn out hastily, but after he is tired with pulling, then you may make him more secure.
But by far the best method of taking eels is by laying night lines, which are to be fastened to the bank or a tree, in such a manner that it may not be drawn away with the fish, and the other end cast across the stream with a large plummet of lead or a stone, which will keep it in a proper situation. These lines are made of links, which may be bought at the fishing-tackle shops, and noosed at a proper distance from each other (about thirty inches) to a piece or cord or eight or ten yards long: these hooks may be baited with worms, dace, gudgeons, or minnows. These lines must be taken up early in the morning. Dark nights in the autumn are the best for this kind of fishing.
Trimmers baited as directed for pike are often taken by eels; and you will often take them when barbel fishing, and baiting with a worm; in this case get him out as soon as possible, as be will so twist and twine about that he will soon spoil, and most likely break or bite in two, your fine gut, with which you must fish for barbel; or at any rate, he will tie it into so many knots, that you will be some time getting it straight again.
—A Disciple Of Izaak Walton
The Illustrated London News, London, England, Week Ending July 30, 1842
