IMl'I.KMKNTS. 121 



rcnijukuble for rctainin*; life a \ou'^ time after lie is taken out 

 of water. He sometimes swims over even j^rouiul, and is 

 eau«;ht in seans.'' 



A stout trolling-roil, with a strong flaxen line, and a reel, are 

 the best implements. The hooks should i)e those known 

 universally as the lUaek Fish hook, of various sizes, aceording 

 to tlic angler's taste, ranging from three to ten. These should 

 he armed — two being used, whieh is the proper number — on 

 hook links of trebly-twisted gut, respectively, of twelve and 

 fifteen inehes, whieh links should be securely fastened to a small 

 brass ring. The ring is to be hooped to the end of the line to 

 whicli the sinker is appended. 



This is the best arrangement of the hooks for all salt-water 

 shoal bait-fisliing. 



The Black Fish is entirely a bottom fish, and is caught evcry- 

 «herc within his geographical range, in whirls and eddies, in 

 the close vicinity of rocks and reefs. 



Robin's Reef, at the entrance of the Kills, is a favourite 

 feeding ground ; and some years since I had rare sport daily 

 for many weeks, about the hull of the wrecked packet-ship, 

 Henri Quatre, below the Narrows. 



The rocks off the well-known watering house, the Sachem's 

 Head, on the Sound, and many other rocks in the Bays and 

 Sound of L<»ng Island, are of ccpial reputation. 



He must be struck >harply, and pulled up «ithont a 

 moment's quarter. 



He is better in the pan than on the hook, and better <jn tiie 

 table than in the pan. How you may cook him yon shall learn 

 hereafter. 



