60 THE MACKEREL. 



earnest, and lie is so readily taken. In hand line 

 fishing, many sportsmen have a brass ring at the end 

 of their line, and to it they fasten two or three lead- 

 ers, of different lengths, sometimes catching two fisb 

 at a time by this means. 



The black fish begins to bite early in April, and is 

 then easily taken. As the hot weather comes on he 

 is not very fierce for a bait, but yet he is taken all 

 the season through, until the cold weather benumbs 

 him, and he refuses to eat. He never runs into fresh 

 water, but remains in his haunts the year through. 

 It is an excellent table fish, whether stewed or fried, 

 though it is very difficult to dress. 



The Mackerel. 



This fish is seldom sought after by amateur an- 

 glers, for the reason that he does not frequent bays 

 or inlets, but is found only in the broad ocean. He 

 is nevertheless a game fish, and his capture affords a 

 great deal of sport. The professional fishermen 

 describe the mackerel as the handsomest fish that 

 swims, and the most active on the hook. The season 

 to fish mackerel commences about the first of May. 

 A fishing smack, which can cruise with safety " out 

 at sea," must be procured, and an experienced fish- 

 erman who knows the haunts of mackerel, should be 

 engaged. The hook used is called the mackerel 

 hook. It is about the size of No. Limerick salmon, 

 but shaped a little different. The necessary bait is 

 only a piece of red flannel, or red cloth. They cai? 



