with a long ray. In colors the kingfish is beautiJrW', varying from a 

 silvery red on the back to blueish white on the abdomen, and the fins are 

 brown, olive and yellow. 



In angling for kingfish the tackle is very similar to that used for 

 weakfish, and the favorite baits are sandworms or shedder crabs. Al- 

 though not a large fish — the range in size being from one to five pounds 

 — the kingfish is gamy in nature, taking the bait boldly, and, when 

 hooked, struggling bravely until brought to boat. The incoming tide is 

 best for the sport, and off the Southern coast the localities for fishing are 

 numerous. In the North the best known points for this branch of ang- 

 ling are Long Branch, Barnegat Inlet, Atlantic City and the south shore 

 of Long Island. 



SPANISH MACKEREL. 



" Loveliest of all the tribes that swim 



The ocean's salty tides, 

 The Spanish mackerel sweeps the seas, 



And like a meteor glides; 

 It speeds far off the harbor bar, 



Where tides are cool and deep. 

 Shunning the shoals that skirt the shore, 



Where the swift bluefish leap." 



In delicacy and beauty of color and outline the Spanish mackerel 

 might be found w^orthy the title of the ocean grayling — lacking that dis- 

 tinctive mark, the banner-like dorsal fin. The fish is very symmetrical in 

 form, and the tail or caudal fin is deeply forked, giving an appearance of 

 swiftness which is in keeping with its movements. It is not often taken 

 by anglers off the coast of the Eastern or New England states, as the 

 fish is found usually in deep waters, farther from shore than the bluefish 

 or striped bass, and is therefore more difficult to locate or pursue. Farther 

 south the fish is more frequently caught, the tackle and stj'le being similar 

 to those used in fishing for bluefish. 



Mr. Van Doren, a veteran salt water angler, says of mackerel fishing: 

 *' Though sometimes caught by fishermen while bluefishing, yet when a 

 trip is made especially for mackerel it is best to change the bluefish tackle, 

 substituting a smaller spoon and lighter sinker. The Spanish mackerel 

 takes the bait with a snap, makes a short and gallant fight, and when he 

 yields, gives up thoroughly,^ having no more struggle in him. Off the 

 Southern coast, the capture of Spanish mackerel with hook and line is 

 practiced frequently and with success. The baits used are the same as in 

 bluefishing, and the months when the mackerel appear on the Jersey and 

 New York coast are August and September." 



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