SEA-FISHING. 469 



It cannot be said, that there is any great skill or 

 science in the taking of these fish ; as there is, for instance, 

 in fly-fishing, trolling or spinning with the dead bait ; but 

 it cannot be denied that there is much amusement, a good 

 deal of excitement, and that this sort of fishing is, with an 

 agreeable party, a pleasant way of passing a hot summer 

 or sultry autumn day. 



The best varieties of fish taken in the bays and estua- 

 ries of our rivers, are, of those above named especially ; 

 the weak fish, the king fish, the black fish, and the sheep's- 

 head ; the latter being the American epicure's prime boast, 

 and the rival of the European turbot. 



The weak fish is abundant in the vicinity of New 

 York, and is angled for with much success in the inner 

 bay. It is said to derive its name from the weakness of 

 its mouth, which is so soft that it is often torn by the 

 hook, so that the fish escapes. I have my doubts, how- 

 ever, whether this is not a misnomer for wheat fish, by 

 which also it is known. It pulls fairly upon the hook, and, 

 when struck of a considerable size, gives considerable play 

 to the angler before it can be secured. 



The best rod is a moderately stiff general fishing rod, 

 with a reel, and from one hundred to one hundred and 

 fifty yards of flax or hemp line ; a No. 1 Kirby hook will 

 probably be found, on the whole, the most successful ; and 

 the most killing baits are shrimp, shedder crabs, or clams. 

 The weak fish occasionally runs up to eight or nine 

 pounds, but the general average does not probably exceed 

 two. When fresh out of the water, it is a good fish, 

 somewhat resembling the trout in flavor, but it soon 



