CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME 5 



done, the waste material was allowed to form a low dike between the 

 channel and the mud flats. Boats can cross this dike at high, but not 

 at low tide. A fisherman on the wrong side of the dike may easily be 

 caught by an outgoing tide even though there is plenty of water over 

 the flats. 



Another dredged channel parallels the fill which crosses the flats 

 south of Crown Point. The dredging was done to get material for 

 the fill. . 



Grassy islands occupy a considerable part of the western section 

 of the bay. Most of these are awash at extreme high tides but some are 

 not. Since there w^as not enough time to chart them properly, most of 

 these islands have been left off the map accompanying this report. 

 The eastern section of the bay contains a very few small grassy islands. 



SPECIES OF FISH NOW PRESENT IN MISSION BAY 



Fishes Taken hy Anglers 



A number of species of fishes are regularly sought for and often 

 caught by anglers. The most important of these are listed below. 

 Other species than those mentioned occur in the bay but in small 

 numbers. 



1. Bock bass (Paralahrax vehnlifer) . This fish is very common 

 everywhere at all seasons and is taken by anglers in the channels of all 

 parts of the bay. Specimens up to five pounds are to be caught. A 

 desirable species. 



2. Spotted rock bass (Paralabrax macnlaiofasciaius). Less com- 

 mon than the ordinary rock bass. A desirable species. 



3. Spotfin croaker (Roncador stearnsi) . Runs of this species occur 

 throughout the year. Taken in the deep channels and holes in all parts 

 of the bay. Five-pound individuals are not uncommon in the bay. A 

 favorite fish with anglers. 



4. Yellowfin croaker {Umbrina roncador). Occurs with the spotfin. 

 Equally esteemed by anglers although it seldom exceeds three pounds 

 in weight. 



5. California corbina {Menticirrhus undidatus) . Said to enter the 

 bay in occasional runs. Attains a weight of over five pounds. A desir- 

 able species. 



6. Diamond turbot (Hypsopsetta gutfulata). Commonly called 

 "flounder" by local fishermen. Very numerous in all parts of the 

 bay, and taken by anglers at all seasons. The usual length is 6 to 

 10 inches. 



7. California halibut (Pandichthys calif ornic us) . Occasionally 

 taken near the entrance and in the deep channels. The usual weight 

 in Mission Bay is about four pounds. A desirable species. 



8. Smelt (species of family Atherinidae). Caught in various parts 

 of the bay, sometimes in large numbers. 



9. Salt-water perch (species of family Embiotocidae). Taken near 

 the entrance, especially around pilings. 



10. White sea-bass (Cynoscion nohilis) are reported to enter the 

 bay at times. A desirable species. 



11. Round sting ray (Vrolophus hcdleri). Exceedingly abundant, 

 especially on the mud flats. Seldom exceeds 20 inches in total length. 

 Not sought for but often taken, much to the annoyance of anglers. 



