FISH! THEIR HABITS AND HAUNTS. , 13 



the winter it is taken through the ice in 

 the river mouths. 



The tautog and perch are found near 

 rocks, upon the muscles,, attached to which 

 they are accustomed to feed. They may be 

 caught with hand lines from a boat an- 

 chored near the spot, or with a long rod 

 and line from the shore. The tautog is a 

 strong fish ; he takes his bait boldly, and 

 starts for the bottom with it, and if of good 

 size he gives some excitement and pleasure 

 in the taking. Perch are usually plenty, 

 and are easily taken. As they have small 

 mouths, small hooks should be used. 



Bluefish, formerly very plenty during the 

 summer months, are not at present often 

 found this side of Cape Cod ; but the pleas- 

 ure of taking them will well repay a jour- 

 ney to the south side, or even to Nantucket 

 and Martha's Vineyard. The best method 

 of taking them is from a sail-boat. Two 

 or even four can fish at once. Fifty yards 



