258 GAME FISH OF NORTH AMERICA. 



and as hooks are usually placed in relation to the end of the squid, 

 the fish are hooked in the edge of the mouth and tear out. To 

 obviate the superficial hooking and tearing out process, so ar- 

 range the hooks that the points clear the end of the squid from 

 one and a quarter to one and a half inches. This arrangement 

 generally hooks the fish deep. 



Hooking bluefish requires no tact or piscatorial experience ; 

 all that is required is to allow the squid to trail behind the boat. 

 When landed the best mode is to throw the fish into the boat. 

 Through their flouncing and head-shaking the squid is generally 

 released. This faiUng, the fisherman seizes the squid and elevates 

 the hook and fish, and a few expert twists of the hand with the 

 struggles of the fish sometimes suffice. This procedure failing, 

 seize the fish by the back of the neck with the left hand, and if a 

 large fish, hold his body between the knees, and with the right 

 hand tightly grasping the squid, wrench the hook from the mouth. 



One mistake made by novices is, in having too many fishing in 

 the same boat. Three lines, one amidships and one on each quar- 

 ter, can be successfully used, but tivo are preferable. Sometimes 

 five and six fish from one boat, and the result is, that a fighting 

 fish will entangle a portion of ail the lines. 



For successful bluefishing an experienced and industrious boat- 

 man is a sine qua non. The expert angler who can cast a fly 

 or artificial minnow, and handle a ,nine ounce rod, may enjoy ex- 

 cellent sport among the bluefish, provided he uses a long shanked 

 hook and gimp snoods. Numbers of these fish may be seen 

 " breaking water " at any time on the banks and shoals ; and by 

 using a small boat, the rod-fisher may enjoy his sport ad infinitum. 

 Within a year or so this has become a favorite method. With 

 hook and line, gimp snood as already suggested, a nine feet one 

 and three-quarter pounds striped bass casting-rod, a strong fine 

 silk line, a heavy reel, and two revolving minnows, (the whole 

 costing about §20,) the tackle is complete. The snood should be 

 loaded sufficiently to keep it beneath the surface of the water. 

 Another excellent lure is made by wrapping a dozen layers of 

 cotton cloth around the leaded snood, and covering with an eel- 

 skin. 



Bluefish, we all know, must have a moving bait. Now wher- 



