302 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



The nigger-fish is found in the deeper channels 

 in rocky situations. It feeds on small fishes prin- 

 cipally. It is not very common, and is much 

 prized as a food-fish by the people of Key West. 

 The common varieties are the red and brown 

 nigger-fishes, which differ only in coloration from 

 the yellow ones. It is taken with the other 

 channel fishes, and with the same baits and 

 similar tackle, by the market fishermen ; but the 

 angler should utilize his black-bass rod, with 

 braided linen line, size F, and hooks No. 2-0 

 on gimp snells. As it is a bottom feeder a sinker 

 must be used to keep the bait at the proper 

 depth. For baits, any small fish or sea-crawfish 

 or prawns or shrimps will answer. 



I was once fishing for channel fishes in sight 

 of Key West, and having just landed a nigger- 

 fish, I asked my boatman, a Bahama negro, 

 why it was so called. He answered in the 

 lingo peculiar to both white and black Baha- 

 mians : — 



" Veil, maybe it's along of its yaller and red 

 color, for niggers is right fond of yaller and red ; 

 but vether that's the horigin of its fust name is 

 'ard to tell. Now, Hamericans calls us Bahama 

 people conchs 'cause we eats conchs, but nigger- 



