172 With Rod and Gun in New Engla7id 



" They were the hardest fighters imaginable, darting about almost like 

 veritable bluefish and taking out the line until the reel was almost empty ; 

 the steady strain of the rod proved too much for them, however, and they 

 were finally led into a quiet cove, where the landing net, in the hands of a 

 looker-on, soon secured them. They weighed four and one-half and five 

 pounds respectively, and were a handsome pair. 



" The hook used in tautog fishing must be strong and sharp, and with 

 a short bend, a No. B Virginia hook being the favorite with many ; the 

 swivel-sinker is the best, and it should not be heavier than is absolutely 

 necessary to carry the bait down. 



" The average weight of this species is now not over two and one-half 

 pounds, although five or six-pound fish are taken, and larger specimens, 

 even of ten or fifteen pounds' weight, are sometimes caught, though 

 rarely in our waters. The tautog is considered a good table fish, its meat 

 being laid in large, firm flakes, sweet and palatable ; it is always eaten 

 fresh and keeps in good condition longer than almost any other species. 

 It is cooked in various ways, but in the opinion of many is best when 

 boiled. 



"It is one of the staple market fish of the Eastern States, being taken 

 as far south as Delaware bay, where it is called the 'black fish.' On the 

 New Jersey coast it is pretty abundant, the ' bank ' fishermen capturing a 

 great many when fishing for sea-bass." 



"There is another species of salt-water fish," said the Judge, "which 

 is somewhat a favorite with many anglers. I refer to the black or sea-bass 

 which, although not very abundant in our Eastern waters, is a common 

 species farther south." 



" Yes, I replied, " its favorite habitat is south of Cape Cod, although 

 a considerable number is taken every year off Nahant, about Cape Ann, 

 and in the neighborhood of Scituate, Cohasset, and Plymouth." 



f *-A* 



The Black Sea-Bass. 



