The Bass Family 117 



water, but usually in June. The eggs are quite 

 small, about twenty-five to the inch, and hatch in 

 from four to six days. Its usual weight is from 

 one-half to two or three pounds, occasionally 

 weighing ten or twelve pounds. It is very 

 voracious and will take almost any kind of bait 

 that is offered. It is taken in large numbers by 

 market fishermen on hand-lines and clam bait. 

 It commands a ready sale, being a good food- 

 fish, with firm, flaky flesh of a fine savor, and is 

 highly valued for chowders. It is a hard-pulling 

 fish on the line, boring toward the bottom with 

 vicious tugs. 



A light cane chum rod is very suitable, or 

 perhaps the Little Giant rod is better. It is 

 seven and one-half feet long and weighs eight 

 ounces, and will bear the strain of such sinkers as 

 must be used. The line should be braided linen 

 of small caliber, and a multiplying reel should 

 always be used. A short leader of three or four 

 feet, and Sproat hooks, Nos. i-o to 3-0, on silk- 

 worm fibre and a sinker adapted to the strength 

 of the tide, make up the rest of the tackle. As 

 the fishing is done from an anchored boat a land- 

 ing-net should be provided. With the tackle 

 just mentioned, at slack tide, and with clam, 



