Who needs an ocean, lake or river to fish?
Eliel Santos, a native of Puerto Rico, follows an unorthodox fishing regimen over the grates of New York City with tools like dental floss and mousetrap glue.
On any given day Santos, 38, goes fishing, he can expect a haul of about $150 from various items he can later pawn.
Eliel Santos, who lives in the Bronx, has been fishing above sidewalk grates for over eight years
Recently The New York Post followed Santos as he traveled along Broadway from 23rd to 47th street.
He was able to bring up an iPod Nano, a fake gold necklace and some spare change.
Santos has been 'fishing' for over eight years and knows the grates of the city with precise knowledge.
Areas that are packed with tourists are particularly fruitful for what he can haul in.
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Often what happens is that a tourist will not be paying proper attention when handing over money to street vendors.
'They sit down to get a portrait and their money falls out” he said.
The most expensive Santos item has brought in was a gold and diamond bracelet he was able to take to a pawn shop for $1,800.
Santos got into the fishing gig by luck when he came to the aid of a man who had dropped his keys down a grate in Times Square.
In just one afternoon Santos is able to collect a diverse array of trinkets and change beneath the city's sidewalks
He went to a nearby store and bought a mouse trap and some cheap glue and after channeling his inner 'MacGyver' was able to pull up the keys. The relieved man gave Santos $50 and from there he realized this wasn't a bad gig.
According to Santos the best times for fishing are right after parades, such as the March St. Patrick's Day parade in Manhattan. After just one hour Santos found $73.
The most common items that Santos has been bringing in lately are iPhones. He even found one recently with X-rated photos of the phone's previous owner.
On occasion he has also acted as a good Samaritan. Recently he came to the aid of a man on the verge of tears who had accidentally lost his engagement ring.