By nature the channel bass is bold and omnivorous, the smaller spec- 

 imens running in schools and following the angler's lure, frequently, to 

 the side of the boat. The fish vary greatly in size, running from one 

 pound to fifty pounds weight. Striped bass tackle is well adapted to 

 channel bass fishing, and the methods are similar. 



The Halifax River and Indian River Inlet are favorite resorts, and the 

 months of April and May yield excellent sport on the coast of Florida for 

 lovers of rod and reel. The fish run largest, however, in midsummer, 

 when they are caught in quantities by hand-line fishermen. 



THE WEAKFISH. 



" But yet a cruel fate prepares 

 For them its fierce destructive snares ; 

 The fishers with their swarming boats 

 Spread out their mesh seines and their floats ; 

 The yacht sweeps round them with the sail 

 Or stoops the sea-hawk in the gale, 

 While flashing bait and trailing line 

 Drag them reluctant from the brine." 



The weakfish, or squeteague as the Indians call him, is a handsome 

 game fish, symmetrical in outline and rich in colors, its scales shining with 

 the seven cardinal hues. The prevailing tint is blue, and the general ap- 

 pearance of the fish is thus described by ichthyologists : On the back and 

 sides are spots arranged in transverse order. The color of the top of the 

 head is greenish blue; inside of the mouth yellow; gill covers lustrous 

 silver ; on lower jaw a salmon tint; fins of different coloration — dorsals 

 brown ; pectorals yellowish brown; ventral and anal are orange. 



The southern variety of weakfish is known as the salt water trout, and 

 both kinds afford excellent sport for anglers. The summer months, July 

 and August, are best in the North. A fine linen line is used, with a light 

 bamboo rod, a large reel, a good leader, with light swivel sinker, and two 

 hooks of large bend, baited with shedder crab, shrimp, hard clam, or 

 piece of menhaden, to complete the outfit. The weight of the weakfish 

 runs from two poimds to sixteen poiuids. Favorite fishing grounds on the 

 Northern coast are at Atlantic City, Newark Bay, Princess Bay, Long 

 Island Sound, mouth of Delaware River, and the Narrows. 



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