70 



DIVISION OP PISH AND GAME 



SPOTFIN CROAKER 

 Roncador sfearnsii 



Relationship: A member of the croaker family, Sciaenidae, as ai-e the California 

 corbina, yellowfiu and black croakers, queenfish, kingfish, and white sea bass. 



Distinguishing Characters: The two dorsal fins which are connected bnt have 

 a deep notch l)etween them ; the hick of a barbel on the lower jaw; the two stout spines 

 at the front of the anal fin ; the tip of the snout projoctins beyond the tip of the lower 

 jaw; the first dorsal fin which has less than 12 spines (usually 10) ; the pectoral fin 

 being about as long as the head ; the large black spot at the base of the pectorals, which 

 separates it from our other croakers; the lack of teeth on the vomer. Length to per- 

 haps three feet and weight up to 12 pounds. Color: Grayish silvery with a bluish luster 

 or metallic steel gray above, becoming silvery below; sometimes distinctly golden or 

 brassy. Inconspicuous wavy lines follow the rows of scales upward and backward ; 

 a large black spot at the pectoral base. 



Distribution: Southern California from Point Conception southward; probably 

 ranges into Lower California. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year, but reaching a definite peak in the late 



Importance: Illegal to take with nets since 1909 or to buy or sell since 1915. 

 A very popular sport fish, especially among surf fishermen. 



Fishing Methods: Taken chiefly in the surf, but also in 

 boats and barges, using sand crabs, mussels, clams, etc., as bait. 



Unauthorized Names: Spot, surf fish, golden croaker. 



and from piers, 



