174 



With Rod and Gun in Nezu Enpland 



Tautog Fishing. 



are run from New York and Philadelphia for the accommodation of those 

 who wish to participate in the recreation of "bassing." 



On several occasions, in the summer of 1S95, 1 joined one of the fish- 

 ing parties on the Philadelphia steamer, the trip being down the Delaware 

 river and bay and out to the "banks," about twelve miles east of the 

 breakwater, and I found the excursion enjoyable in every way. 



On arriving at the desired locality the anchor was dropped, the hooks 

 baited and cast out into the water from the main deck, and for several hours 

 the anglers had all the sport they could desire. The bass were quite large, 

 many of them weighing three or four pounds, and as they took the bait in 

 the most lively manner, the sixty or seventy fishermen on the boat made it 

 quite an exciting occasion. 



In addition to the bass, quite a number of deep-sea flounders were 

 taken, and a great many good-sized scup, fish fully twice as large as those 

 that are caught in Buzzard's bay, were also added to the catch. 



I was a little surprised to see this familiar species so far out at sea, but 

 learned that it is abundant all along the coast, even as far south as Georgia. 



In the opinion of many epicures, the sea-bass is the best chowder-fish 

 that our waters afford. Its meat is dryer than that of the cod, lies in firm, 

 compact flakes, and is generally of a fine flavor. 



It is a standard market fish in New York and Philadelphia, but is not 

 so commonly sold in Boston, although if its good qualities were better 

 known, it would undoubtedly become as great a favorite as it is in other 

 localities. 



