FISBTES OF THE EAST ATLANTIC COAST. 87 



is'just as seiTiceable. The leader is cast out about forty feet, aud 

 while the bait is kept about three feet below the surface is rapidly 

 reeled iu. The snapper makes a dash, and is caught and reeled in as 

 fast as possibla 



The snapper very frequently escapes by his quick movements, often 

 jumping the hook. Although a small fish, rarely exceeding a pound, 

 he resists stoutly and comes toward the boat with a sort of fliu-ry and 

 sjjlash very exhilarating to the fisherman. I have alway taken them 

 most successfully on bright, clear days, and only on the last two 

 hom-s of the flood tide. It is a strange fact that under the operculum 

 of almost every snapper is found a fish louse, generally half an inch 

 long; I have naver seen them m any other fish save the small striped 

 bass. Besides being so gamy and exciting a fish to catch, the snajv- 

 j)ing mackerel is very palatal)le. 



