The Channel Fishes 333 



Along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts it resorts 

 to sandy shoals in rather shallow water, but along 

 the Florida Keys it is found also about rocky 

 bars, and on the Gulf coast is often on grassy 

 flats, or wherever crabs, shrimp, beach-fleas, and 

 other crustaceans abound, on which it feeds, prin- 

 cipally, though it is also fond of the young fry of 

 other fishes. It is an excellent pan-fish, of deli- 

 cious flavor, and is a favorite wherever its merits 

 are known. It grows to a length of ten inches, 

 sometimes to twelve or fifteen inches in favorable 

 localities, but in Florida is mostly from six to 

 eight inches in length. It spawns in the spring 

 in April and May. 



It is much sought after in Chesapeake Bay, and 

 is a favorite food-fish at Norfolk, Virginia, where 

 it is known as hog-fish. It grows there some- 

 what larq;er, and is also a favorite fish with an- 

 glers. The lightest tackle must be employed for 

 its capture, and hooks Nos. 2 to 3, on gut snells, 

 for it has a small mouth. Sea-crawfish, crab, 

 shrimp, beach-fleas, and other crustaceans are 

 the best baits, thouQ;h cut conch and fish will 

 answer pretty well. It is a bottom feeder, and 

 sinkers must be used to keep the bait near the 

 fish. 



