ON THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA. 193 



CHAPTER XL 



INDIAN RIVER INLET. 



Post-office at Saint Lucie, on the west bank of the river, formerly 

 called Fort Capron, and "Paines," 242 miles from Jacksonville. 



This inlet is approached by three ' ' cuts ' ' from the river, called 

 Nigger Cut, Garfield Cut, and Blue Hole Cut. Until the past year 

 there was another cut called Fort Pierce Cut, running into it from the 

 river, which has recently closed, near the inlet, thus destroying it 

 and its tributary cuts as fishing ground. 



Season here same as at other points on Indian River. Fishes : 

 Besouga, Bluefish, Carvalle, Channel Bass, Croaker, Drum, Flounders, 

 Groupers, Gulf-fish, Jewfish, Kingfish, Ladyfish, Mullet, Moon-fish, 

 Pigfish, Pompano, Saw Fish, Sheepshead, Sailor's Choice, Sergeant- 

 fish, Snappers (Mangrove, Gray, and Rabirubia), Spadefish, Spanish 

 Mackerel, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Tripple Tail, Whiting, Catfish, Sharks, 

 Toadfish, and all other foul fishes. 



Large Channel Bass are caught in the river, about one-fourth mile 

 from the east shore, and about the same distance south of the entrance 

 from the river into Nigger Cut, called " Quays Canal." 



I have caught a great many here during the past three years and 

 often before, weighing from six to thirty-seven pounds, fishing with 

 light tackle, No. 6 line, and small reel. The Snappers and Groupers 

 are caught along in the channels of the cuts, in the deep water near 

 the shores, near the mangrove bushes or trees, as also in deep water 

 where there are no trees. The other fishes are caught all through 

 the cuts. Sheepshead are especially plenty, are caught with Fiddlers, 

 Oyster Crabs, or Sea Crab bait, along the deep shores, usually within 

 a few feet. Strong rods, reels and lines are necessary, with Virginia 

 hooks. 



From about March 15th till May 1st to 15th, the Spanish Mackerel 

 come in schools outside the inlet, and the trolling with hand line, or 

 rod and reel, with three-inch Mackerel squid is grand ; of course, 

 sailboat or launch is necessary for this sport. Usually a few Bluefish 

 will also be taken. 



