The Grouper Family 289 



usually taken of from six to ten pounds. It 

 resorts, when large, to the banks and rocky reefs 

 in deep water. Those of less size frequent the 

 inshore waters. It is a fine food-fish, and a very 

 game one on the rod. 



A light striped-bass rod, or the natural bam- 

 boo chum rod, with good multiplying reel and 

 fifty yards of braided linen line, size E, and 

 Sproat or O'Shaughnessy hooks, Nos. 3-0 or 4-0, 

 on gimp snells, with a brass box-swivel for con- 

 necting snell and line, and a sinker adapted to 

 the strength of the tide, make up the tackle for 

 the gag. A large landing-net or a gaff-hook 

 should not be forgotten. 



Rod fishing is done in comparatively deep 

 water on the rocky reefs or shelly banks along 

 the keys, from an anchored boat. Any natural 

 bait, as a small fish, crab, crawfish, or conch, will 

 answer, though a small fish, as the mullet, sar- 

 dine, or anchovy, is the best. When of large 

 size the gag is a very gamy fish, and must be 

 handled very carefully to preserve one's tackle 

 intact. 



It is taken more frequently by trolling with a 

 strong hand-line from a sailing yacht, in the 

 same way as trolling for bluefish. A small 



