68 FISHES OF THE EAST ATLANTIC COAST. 



unwary. They are totally different from " f rostfish," these latter 

 being a very tasteful fish indeed. As for " London trout," that is 

 a very good name to entrap countrymen with. The best time of 

 the year to go fishing for " tomcods " is September, and I know of 

 no better place than along the docks of the North River, from 110th 

 street to Spuyten Duyvel. 



The rig is the same as is used in flounder fishing, and it is best to 

 fish with a gang of hooks fastened above a hollow round sinker, 

 which must be light. Sandworms are the best bait, and the ebb 

 tide I have always found to be the most successful stage of the 

 water. There used to be in Harlem Kills an old float and boat- 

 house kept by " Sandy " Gibson, and from that float, which was 

 anchored directly over the once famous striped bass spot, the 

 "Willows," I enjoyed the most successful pan fishing I have ever 

 had. It was a great place for tomcods and flounders, and off of it 

 I took the big tomcod mentioned above. Tomcods will take the 

 baited hook when they are no bigger than the little finger, and bite 

 from early April to December. The smaller they are the better they 

 are to eat. 



