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There are many ways to rig an eel, but the method described here is one of the most popular and produces a rigged eel which stands up well. The first step is to tie about 18 inches of the heavy line to the eye of the needle, and tie one of the hooks to the other end. See Fig. 108. Next, insert the needle into the underside of the eel at the vent (the small opening about 4 or 5 in. from the end of the eel's tail) and push the needle through the eel inside of the body until it emerges from the mouth. Then pull the needle until the line also comes out of the eel's mouth. See Fig. 109. The hook shank is then buried inside the eel by pulling on the line. Now, double back the needle and push the point into the eel's mouth and force it out at the neck or about two inches from the nose. Pull the needle out through the hole the needle has made (see Fig. 110) and untie the line from the needle. This leaves a loop of line protruding from the mouth and the end of the line emerging from the eel's neck. Tie another hook to the end of this line and pull on the loop to bring the hook shank inside the eel. See Fig. 111. Figure 108. Needle, line, and hook. Figure 109. Needle inserted in vent and pulled out of mouth. Figure 110. Needle reinserted in mouth and pulled out at neck.
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