ii6 Big Game Fishes 



former and more attractive, having the general 

 shape of a bass in the water. When hung up 

 and distorted, no idea can be had of its shape. 

 As to its qualities as a food-fish there is the 

 same difference of opinion; the large fishes are 

 dry and coarse, but specimens of one hundred or 

 so pounds, if properly baked, are very good. If 

 a fish is common, it is often despised, and if 

 hideous in appearance, repudiated ; this is exem- 

 plified in eels and sculpins, both fit for the gods 

 if skilfully prepared; but the latter is scorned 

 in the Atlantic, while in California it is esteemed 

 very highly. 



The method of taking the black sea-bass in 

 California waters is to fish from an eighteen-foot 

 launch or a boat light enough for the fish to tow 

 readily, but still large enough to hold from one 

 to three bass of two hundred pounds each, if the 

 angler is so fortunate. The launch is anchored 

 either at the inner or outer kelp beds, the anchor 

 line buoyed so that it can be tossed over the 

 moment the strike comes, as the fish invariably 

 tows the boat until killed. On these grounds 

 albacore bait is the best, three or four pounds 

 being used, while live whitefish or half a barra- 

 cuda are not to be slighted. This great bass 



