378 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



white. The upper half of the body has numerous 

 black spots, as large as the pupil of the eye, with 

 smaller ones on the soft dorsal and anal fins ; the 

 other fins are plainer, and the anal fin is dusky. 



The spotted weakfish is a better food-fish, and 

 also a better game-fish, than its northern cousin. 

 It is abundant in the bays of Florida during the 

 entire year, often ascending the streams to fresh 

 water. Its usual weight is from two to four 

 pounds, often of six to eight, and sometimes of 

 even ten pounds or more. It appears in schools 

 in March and April, often in company with the 

 Spanish mackerel, and runs into brackish water 

 for the purpose of spawning. It spawns in the 

 spring ; the eggs are buoyant, quite small, about 

 thirty to the inch, and hatch in two days. It 

 feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. 



All things considered, it is one of the best 

 game-fishes of Florida. It is a surface feeder 

 and takes the artificial fly eagerly, as well as 

 natural bait, or the artificial squid and trolling- 

 spoon. With light tackle it affords good sport, 

 being a strong and determined fighter. It is a 

 great favorite with all anglers who are acquainted 

 with its merits. 



When of the usual weight of from two to four 



