82 FISHES OF THE PACIFIC COAST 



they will take sardine at times. Any rocky bottom 

 in fairly shallow water abounds in these highly col- 

 ored fishes. 



BLUE-EYE PERCH 



With the sheepshead are found a number of small 

 fishes which, when approached with proper tackle, af- 

 ford excellent sport. One is the blue-eye perch, Figs. 

 34, 35, of five or six pounds; a very attractive little 

 fish adapted to an eighteen-ounce split bamboo with 

 abalone bait. 



THE BLACKSMITH 



Another small fish, but a hard fighter on the same 

 tackle, is the bluefish of two or three pounds, known 

 as the blacksmith. 



The boatman who knows the game will anchor at 

 White Rock or some point near shore, and, after judi- 

 cious chumming to collect them, can provide his 

 patron with a delightful change from the big and hard 

 fighting game with which all the islands abound. 



These and many of the fishes described are of espe- 

 cial interest, as they are peculiar or indigenous to this 

 region. With them is seen the brilliant orange-colored 

 angel-fish, or golden perch, which sometimes takes 

 a small hook. Its young are called electric fish 

 by the amateur savants of the glass-bottom boat, as 

 they are a vivid blue, almost iridescent, color, seeming 

 to flash and sparkle like gems. When very young they 

 are entirely blue, but gradually change to yellow as 

 they grow older, until, in the adult stage, they are 

 entirely yellow or a reddish-yellow. 



