THE EEL FISHERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21344, 19 November 1932, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE EEL FISHERS

A short time ago father and I went eel fishing, accompanied by my little cousin. We set out directly after tea, and arrived at the riverside at about seven o'clock, just as dusk was closing in. The spot we selected was a triangular rock jutting out into the water, where the Weiti met one of its tributaries. Along the middle of this miniature cape was a thick " back-bone" of rushes, which were very dry—dry enough to burn. We baited our lines, and for some time sat in silence. Suddenly dad jumped up and began to haul frantically at his line for a minute, then sighed, " Got away! ' lb was at this juncture that our two lines got tangled, and the knots were so intricate that we had to leave them and sit down and watch my cousin, who appeared to be " taking it easy," for he was almost, lying down. Then, " Let's fire the rushes!" said dad enthusiastically. It was a .brainwave, and we watched interestedly as ho dropped lighted matches here and there. Soon there was a good blaze—which, fortunately, could do no harm —which dad believed would attract the eels. And here the chapter of accidents commenced. My apron caught fire and half of it was burned before we could extinguish the flame. Then my cousin yelled, " Got one!" and hauled furiously at his line. Now, the rock is little more than a yard wide at its broadest part, but I forgot that in my excitement. I took three quick steps forward, then stopped short, without allowing for the slipperiness of the rock. The result was disastrous. I* collapsed and slid forward at express speed right over the edge into the water, which, luckily, was only up to my knees at the edge. However, my stockings and shoes were soaking wet, so I had to take them off. Meanwhile, my cousin had landed his eel, which was only about nine inches long, to our great disgust. Leaving the fire to die a natural death, we " hit" the homeward trail. It was rough going through hush and over taut, barbed-wire fences, and I felt it particularly, with my bare feet. When we were nearly " out of the wood " I ran into a pine tree and, besides smashing the glass on my watch, I wrenched a hand off and cracked the dial. What a Jonah day ! —From GWEN GRAHAM. Silverdnle.