SOUTHERN COAST FISHES. 397 



and makes its appearance on the Carolina coast in May, but it 

 only becomes common in shallow water in June and July, and is 

 most abundant and of largest size in October and November. It 

 is of a dusky silvery color above ; belly white ; fins yellowish. 



Bullhead. — Larimus fasciatus . Holbrook. 



This fish resembles the Lafayette fish at first sight. The body 

 is of a pale silver grey, the sides marked with seven vertical dusky 

 bars ; fins yellowish. Though a rare fish, it is sometimes found in 

 company with the weakfish, or sea trout, and is caught with the 

 same bait. From Hatteras to South Carolina. 



SPARID^. 



Sheepshead. — Archosargus probatocephalus . Gill- 



This fish is of a semi-oval form, head large, body a silver grey 

 color, marked by seven transverse bluish-black bars. The old fish 

 become more dusky. They weigh as high as seventeen pounds 

 (that weight taken at Homosassa, Florida) and are found in all 

 Florida waters, and as far north as Massachusetts. It is taken in 

 Florida throughout the winter. The best fishing is usually in the 

 channels which run along the banks, upon which is a thick grove 

 of mangrove bushes ; the roots of these are in the water, and are 

 covered with barnacles, which attract the sheepshead. From half- 

 flood to high water they usually bite most eagerly, though here, as 

 elsewhere, there sometimes comes a day on which fish do not feed 

 — affected probably by the wind or weather. 



In April they become heavy with spawn, and lose their fine 

 flavor. They spawn in May. They are often taken quite small, 

 only a few ounces in weight. Most fishermen use a hand line, with 

 two hooks resting on the bottom, but anglers find more sport in the 

 use of rod and reel. A four pound sheepshead will make a strong 

 fight, and a pair of them will try the angler's skill to save both. 

 Owing to the hard pavement of enamelled teeth in the mouth, it is 

 difficult to hook this fish, and when hooked his jaws are so strong 

 that few hooks can resist their power. The best hooks are those 

 known as the Virginia and Chestertown hooks. The barb has a 

 sharp cutting edge, which penetrates better. The baits generally 



