EASTERN COAST FISHES. 259 



ever you have a swift tide, if you anchor your boat and let your 

 lines out it answers the same purpose as if you were sailing-, the 

 water rushing by the line giving the same effect. 



A great deal of sport is enjoyed in catching the summer blue- 

 fish, or snap mackerel, which fill all our bays and estuaries, using 

 a natural bamboo rod with common cork float, and hook baited 

 with shrimp. They are caught from bridges where the current 

 draws swiftly through, and from whar/es when the tide is running 

 rapidly. 



To some fishermen the surf fishing already referred to, is 

 deemed the most exciting method, and it is certainly very enjoy- 

 able in hot mid-summer weather. An ordinary pair of overalls, or 

 a bathing suit is essential to comfort and unrestrained movement. 

 When a large fish has struck the squid, already thrown well out 

 beyond the line of breakers, the fisherman heaves the line over his 

 shoulder, and walks his prize up the beach to dry land by main 

 strength, which is often taxed to the utmost. No exercise can be 

 more healthy or less wearing. 



The bluefish and striped bass are the game fis\\, par excellence, 

 of the brine, just as the salmon and the black bass are of fresh 

 water. 



THE MICROSTOMID^. 



Smelts. — Osmerits jiiordax. — Gill. 



A fish of silvery brightness, with a lateral stripe of silver run- 

 ning from shoulder to tail, much prized for the table, and when 

 fresh having the most perfect cucumber flavor. They afford much 

 sport to the angler, and are taken in tidal currents from New Jer- 

 sey to Maine, with a light rod, hook and line, baited with shrimp. 

 In the creeks of Long Island they are found in perfect condition 

 from February 20th to March 20th. In Massachusetts and Maine 

 it is forbidden to take them between the 15th of March and ist of 

 June. The yearlings are most prized, those older being tough 

 and coarse. They grow to a length of twelve inches, although 

 the average is only five or six inches. They are essentially a win- 

 ter fish, and are caught by thousands through holes cut in the ice, 

 and are then greatly prized. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence they are 

 often taken with a small scarlet fly, while fishing for sea trout. In 



