372 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



yellowish. In life these colors are very bright, 

 but after death they become almost black. 



It feeds on small fishes, mussels, and crustaceans 

 and grows to a length of two or three feet, weigh- 

 ing from ten to fifteen pounds, though its usual 

 size is not more than one-half of this length and 

 weight. Its breeding habits are unknown. It is 

 found in northern waters only during the summer 

 months, but from South Carolina to Florida it is 

 common all the year. 



It is a strong and vigorous fish, but rather 

 slow and sluggish in its movements, and not 

 remarkable for game qualities, though it pulls 

 steadily and strongly when hooked. It will take 

 shrimp, clam, fiddler, or small fishes as bait. 



A light striped-bass chum rod is very suitable 

 for the triple-tail when of good size. A multiply- 

 ing reel and fifty yards of braided linen line, hooks 

 No. i-o or 2-0, on heavy gut snells, and a brass 

 box-swivel, make up the rest of the tackle. A 

 sinker will probably not be needed as it is usually 

 found in quiet coves about sandy shoals or grassy 

 flats. I have taken it on both coasts of Florida, 

 though it is more common on the east coast. I 

 have also caught it in Chesapeake Bay and near 

 Charleston, South Carolina, but never over five 



