THE RESOURCES OF FLY-FISHING. 265 



brighter ones for dark days or high water, and the 

 lightest ones, e. g., Coachman and White and Ibis, after 

 sundown. 



There are several other inland fishes belonging to the 

 same family (Centrarchidce) as the black bass, which, 

 though generally lightly esteemed, are good pan-fishes, 

 are quite gamy, will rise eagerly to the fly, and in the 

 absence of more desirable fishes, afford good sport to the 

 fly-fisher with light and suitable tackle. 



The ROCK BASS (AmUoplites rupestris}, sometimes 

 called " Red-eye," is well-known west of the Allegha- 

 nies. Its color is olive-green, with dark mottled mark- 

 ings and brassy and coppery reflections. The iris of the 

 eye is scarlet. The dorsal fin has eleven spines and 

 eleven soft rays ; anal fin, six spines and ten soft rays. 

 It has a large mouth, rises well to the fly, and when it 

 attains its maximum weight of a pound or two, fights 

 vigorously on a six-ounce fly-rod and light tackle. Any 

 of the "general " trout flies, tied on Sproat books, Nos. 

 5 to 7, will answer for rock bass. 



The CALICO BASS (Pomoxys sparoides), variously 

 known as 4( Northern Croppie," "Strawberry Bass," 

 "Grass Bass," "Silver Bass," "Chincapin Perch," 

 .etc., is a very handsome fish, bright green and silvery, 

 with purplish reflections, and numerous dark spots or 

 blotches. The fins are also much mottled, especially 

 the anal fin. It has a smaller mouth, and is not quite 

 so gamy as the rock bass, but is, withal, a great fa- 

 vorite with many anglers. The radial formula of its 



