168 THE STRIPED BASSE. 



common kill fish, or, as it is usually called, killey fish, and 

 the spearing in October, are decidedly the best baits, espe- 

 cially in running waters, such as the streams at Macomb's 

 Dam, Pelham Bridge, &c.; while in some of our fresh water 

 fishing grounds, such as Hackensack river and English Neigh- 

 borhood creek, the white opened soft-clam is found by far the 

 best bait in October and November, especially for large fish. 



"Another mode of fishing for striped bass is practiced by 

 fishermen and amateurs, by which very large fish are often 

 taken. It is by trolling with a strong hand line, with a real 

 squid for bait, or an artificial bait made in various ways: 

 sometimes of the white leg bone of a sheep, or of bright 

 metal, such as block tin, pewter, &c.: these can be had at 

 the fishing tackle shops. The boat is gently rowed along by 

 a skilful oarsman, who rests on his oars the moment a fish is 

 struck, giving the angler full opportunity to play his fish with 

 skill and care, both of which are highly requisite, for the fish 

 thus taken are sometimes very large. Those weighing 20, 

 30, and even 40 pounds have often been taken in the East 

 river, in the neighborhood of Hellgate, and in Harlem river, 

 little Hellgate, which is the arm of the stream which passes 

 between Ward's and Randall's islands, and in Morrisania 

 creek. This is all fine trolling ground, but as the best suc- 

 cess is usually met with at night, this precludes any but the 

 most robust from enjoying this kind of sport though fre- 

 qu^ntly fine fish are taken during the day. 



"The fishermen who supply our market with these fine 

 fish, have lately been very successful in the use of set lines 

 late in the fall. In the neighborhood of Piermont, on the 

 Hudson, this mode has been employed to great advantage : 

 a strong line is extended from one stake or anchor to another 

 at given distances, and to this cord are attached short lines 

 with strong hooks, baited with a small tomcod or other live 

 fish : at the proper time of tide the fishermen raise one end 



