SEA-BASS AND OTHER FISHES. 307 



prevent the loss of many fish, in boating them, and the 

 novice had better beware of the sharp and strong fin-rays, 

 and let his boatman unhook the fish. 



As to its table qualities, it is among the best of sea-fishes, 

 firm, rich, and well flavored; either boiled, if large, or fried 

 if small. It lives upon crabs and mollusks, which is the food 

 of oar choicest fishes — like the Pompano of the salt-water, 

 and the White-fish of the Great Lakes. During the spawn- 

 ing season, the Sheep's-head becomes unfit for food; this is in 

 the spring months, when it is usually taken by northern 

 anglers, who at once declare the southern fish to be inferior 

 to those of the North. When taken in the fall or winter, 

 there is little difference in quality. The Sheep's-head is also 

 known to feed upon salt grass, and other vegetable matter 

 along the flats. The natives usually fish with a hand-line, 

 and drag in the fish by main strength; more can be taken in 

 this way in a given time, but the only sporting method is 

 with rod and reel. 



The bottom being generally foul, many hooks and sinkers are 

 lost, so that a good supply should be taken along. A taut 

 line should be kept, for the bite of this fish is usually very 

 light, and you will find the bait often gone without notice 

 given; so raise the hooks often, and you catch the fish in 

 the act of robbing you. 



If feeding at all, the Sheep's-head will take a fiddler; next in 

 value is a large crab, cut in pieces; then the hard-shell clam, 

 like those in northern waters, but larger. At half-tide, either 

 flood or ebb, these fish bite most freely; at slack water they 

 often stop feeding. 



It must not be supposed that even in Florida waters 

 Sheep's-head can be taken abundantly every day. In cold 

 raw weather, better smoke the pipe of peace by the fireside. 

 On such days if mine host of Ponce Park wants a mess of 

 fish, he goes with his cast-net to some deep hole in the 

 river, and with one throw he gets a back load. At the Hal- 



