SALT-WATER FISH AND FISHING. 296 



This is one of the most active and unyielding fish that 

 swims. To use the words of Nimrod Wildfire, " he can jump 

 higher and come down quicker, dive deeper and stay under 

 longer," than any other salt-water fish of its size. Look at 

 his clean build, and it is accounted for ; his narrow waist and 

 depth of hull falling off sharply as it approaches the keel, 

 enabling him to keep well to windward, as if he had his 

 centre-board always down. See his immense propeller behind ! 

 No fish of its size is more wicked or wild when hooked. I 

 have sometimes struck a three-pound Bluefish, and thought I 

 had a six-pound Weakfish on, until he commenced jumping, 

 and after giving him considerable play, have at last (with full 

 confidence in my tackle) drawn him in by sheer force, with 

 his pluck not the least abated. 



Though the Bluefish is seldom angled for "per se" (as 

 President Tyler used to say), with rod and line, he frequently 

 comes into the swim of the salt-water fisher when he is angling 

 for Weakfish or Barb. Then look out for your snood ! one 

 nip with his sharp incisors, and it is cut off "clean as a 

 whistle." On such occasions, brass wire or gimp snoods are 

 your only security. 



SQUIDDING FOR BLUEFISH. The usual mode of taking this 

 fish is by squidding. The squid is generally a white bone with 

 a hook at the end, or a piece of pewter, which is kept bright 

 by scraping it occasionally ; the line is of strong hemp or 

 cotton. With a good breeze when crossing a school of these 

 fish, the sport is highly exciting, and great numbers of them 

 are sometimes taken. 



The Bluefish is not esteemed as food. It is extremely 

 predatory in its habits, swimming in schools, and causing 

 great havoc amongst Mossbunkers. Barb and Weakfish, 

 even, are not secure against the attacks of the larger ones. 



