Bait Angling for Common Fishes 



this fish varies from one to six pounds, the 

 average being two or three pounds. In surf 

 fishing the best time is the first of the flood 

 tide. In this situation, with plenty of room, 

 the kingfish is seen at his best, swiftly swim- 

 ming long distances, for it possesses great 

 propulsive power, as indicated by its fins, 

 so that a three-pounder at the remote end 

 of the line, with a delicate bass rod, gener- 

 ally induces the novice to believe the 

 strength, speed and endurance of this fish 

 is underestimated. 



" Gently but firmly " is the main point in 

 playing a kingfish, for his ways are quite 

 peculiar; though, like the striped bass, he 

 takes the bait nearly always without hesita- 

 tion. When he does feel the barb he starts 

 away like a shot, accelerates his speed, if 

 that be possible, and, swimming low, near 

 the bottom, after a very long and strong 

 run he stops to jigger and shake. If the an- 

 gler has never taken a kingfish he will be 

 puzzled with the inveterate persistence in 

 keeping below water and running deep, and 

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