420 THE TAUTOG, OR BLACK FISH. 



''Rocky shores and bottoms are the haunts of Black Fish. 

 Long experience is required to find all these places of resort. 

 Nice observations ou the landmarks, in diflFerent directions, are 

 requisite to enable a fishing party to anchor on the proper spot. 

 When, for example, a certain rock and tree range one way, 

 with g, barn window appearing over a headland the other way, 

 the boat being at the point where tAvo such lines intersect each 

 other, is exactly over some famous rendezvous. To instire 

 success on such expectation, it is proper to have a pilot along, 

 well versed in all tLe local and minute knowledge. According 

 to the number and distance of the rocks and reefs visited, will 

 be the time consumed, from the duration of a few hours to 

 a long summer^s day. An opinion prevails, that the Black 

 Fish can hear very Avell ; and, for fear of scaring them away, 

 the greatest stillness is observed. He is a strong fish, and pulls 

 well for one of his weight and size. 



" At some places Black Fish bite best upon the flood ; in 

 others, they are voracious during the ebb. Thunder accom- 

 panying a shower, is an indication that no more of them can be 

 caught. The appearance of a porpoise infallibly puts an end to 

 sport. Curious stories are told of fish in the wells and ponds, 

 floating in their native element, having been found dead, after 

 sharp and repeated flashes of lightning. Dull weather, with an 

 easterly vnnd, is generally the omen of ill luck. The exploits 

 performed in fishing for Tautog are recounted, occasionally, 

 with remarkable glee ; and they afi^ord a never-failing theme of 

 entertainment to those who are engaged in that sort of adven- 

 ture. Though the hand-line is generally used, the rod is 

 sometimes employed to great advantage. The Black Fish is 



