44 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



JACK SMELT 

 Atherinopsis californiensis 



Relationship: A member of the silverside family, Atherinidae, togetlier with the 

 (op smelt and the grunion. Not a true smelt {see pages 41 and 42). 



Distinguishing Characters: The absence of a lateral line; the silvery stripe 

 along the side ; the two small separate doi-sal fins, the first composed of weak spines, 

 the second of soft rays ; the single spine at the front of the anal fin ; the small unforked 

 teeth set in bands (separating it from the top smelt and grunion) ; the front of the 

 spiny dorsal fin being in front of the vent; the even jaws. Length to about 18 inches. 

 Color: Grayish green to green above, with a bluish tinge; the sides and belly silvery; 

 a metallic band tinged with blue and edged above with bright blue extends the length 

 of the body. 



Distribution: Northern Oregon to central Lower California. Occurs in schools, 

 often with top smelt. Usually found within a few miles of shore. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: The leading commercial species, forming about 70 percent of the 

 State's "smelt" catch. Heaviest landings are made at San Francisco, where it com- 

 prises about 40 percent of the total "smelt" catch, followed by Monterey and Los 

 Angeles where it makes up about three-fourths of the catch. (These percentages are 

 from a survey made in 1935.) Sold entirely in the fresh fish markets. Used in very 

 small quantities as live bait. 



Fishing Gear: Lampara nets, gill nets, circle gill nets. Sport, with baited hooks 

 or with snag lines after chumming heavily. 



Unauthorized Names: Smelt, silverside, California smelt, hor.se smelt, blue 

 smelt. 



