OiH-ida Lake I-islics 4^j 



Straiialian ('12, p. 183) considers the Iiliie|,'ill sunfish comparatively free from 

 disease. 



Economic Relations. There can be no dnuht that this is a desirable >pecies 

 of fish for Oneida I^ke, where cfTorts should be made to increase it. Suitable 

 habitat is plentiful. Since the species is so jjuorly represented in the lake, planting 

 should be undertaken. If planted fish fail to thrive, it will probably be because 

 of enemies. In fact it is possible that enemies are the cause of the scarcity of 

 Blucgills there now, and the question should Ik: looked into. Jordan and Evermann 

 ('03, p. 349) recognize its valuable qualities when they say: "As a food-fish the 

 Uluegill is of much importance, and of all the species it is the one most often 

 sent to market, where it always brings a good price. ... Its flesh is firm and 

 flaky, and possesses a delicious flavor." Johnson and Stapleton ('15, p. 18) 

 stale that this sjK'cies is believed to be the finest pond fish available for private 

 culture, and is adapted to practically all conditions, is prolific and of unsurpassefl 

 tabic qualities. .According to these writers, it is easily propagated in connection 

 with HIack Bass. Crappie (Poino.vis annularis). Calico Bass {P. sparoidcs), Rock 

 Bass i.Unbloplitcs rupcslris), and W'armouth Bass {Chacnobryttus gulosus). 

 fiuode ('03, p. 67) says that its habits adapt it especially to cultivation in ponds. 

 Stranahan ('12, p. 183) says on this point: "The sunfish, Lcpomis pallidus, lends 

 himself to domestication most graciously. In fact he seems and acts as if he 

 wanted to be civilized whether we like it or not. He is comparatively free from 

 disease, makes rapid growth when given a little care and proper food and, l>est of 

 .ill. is of most excellent flavor and <iuality with only just lioncs enough to make us 

 relish the two sides of delicious food that his anatomy carries with a minimum 

 of waste. His rapid growth in popularity, taxing the fish-cultural stations to their 

 utmost limit, attests the truth of this seemingly rather enthusiastic statement." 

 Brown ('2ft, p. 208) advocates (ilanting Bluegills in ponds that are too small for 

 Mack l)ass — p<inds of five acres or less. 



.'higlitig Xotes. The Bluegill is undoubtedly the best of all of our sinifishes 

 for angling purposes and it is easily caught by the novice as well as by the exi>crt, 

 and with siini)le equipment. It g<x-s in schiH)ls. so when one is caught there is 

 possibility of catching more. Jordan and Kvermann ('03, p. 340) say that among 

 all the sunfishes it holds the highest rank as a g.tnje fish and, "It can Ik? taken at 

 any time in the year, even through the ice in the winter. It bites well during the 

 spring and early summer, while from early July until .SeptemU-r it is |>articularly 

 voracious, ami fine catches can then Ik- made. It will take any sort of kiit. and 

 can Ik: taken with any sort of tackle. .\ngIeworms are prolxably the Ust lait, 

 lither in still-fishing or trolling, but grassho|)|K-rs are also excellent. White grubs. 

 >.mall minnows, small pieces nf fish or nutssel are goo<l ; and they can \k taken on 

 the artificial fly, or small trolling sjxion. 



"Most of those who fish for Bluegills ijo so at anchor am! with two long 

 cane jwiles projecting over cillur side of the stern of the lK»at. The line always 

 has a rti>at uiH>n it, its distance from the hook regulatcil liy the depth of the water, 

 and the hook is thrown as far from the boat as possible. 



