360 GAME FISff OF KORTH AMERICA. 



coast, viz. : (i) ParaJabrax nebulifer, (2) Parcdabrax clathraius, 

 (3) Paralabrax macuJatofasciatus, and (4) Stereolepis gigas 

 They are chiefly Southern fishes, rarely ranging to the northward, 

 of Monterey. The first two are not uncommon about Monterey, 

 and are known under the name of " Bass ; " they are found on 

 rocky bottoms, and are bold biters, taking almost any bait, and are 

 best caught by troUing. The flesh is white and savory. 



Jew Fbh. — Stereole^is ^gas. — ^Ayres. 



This fish attains an enormous size, rivaling, in this respect, the 

 Promicrops quasa of Florida. It is not uncommon fix)m the mouth 

 of Colorado River to Point Conception, and occasionally extends to 

 San Francisco. According to Cooper, " it is in habits a gigantic 

 perch, eating smy fish or other animsil it can master." It firequently 

 rises and bites off a whole string of fish hanging over the side of a 

 boat, and also gives much trouble by breakir^ hooks. Its slender 

 teeth do not, however, sene to bite off a stout line, and if it can 

 not be broken by pulling, the fish may be easily captured, as it very 

 soon becomes exhausted or " drowned." The species is of an inky 

 black color, and sometimes attains a length of over six teet, and a 

 weight of some htmdreds of pounds. 



SPHYR.«NID^. 



Babkacouta. — Sfkyrana argemiea, — Giiard. 



This is a highly-esteemed fish, and occurs along the California!, 

 coast north^vard to San Francisco during the summer and autvunn 

 months. It is a voracious feeder, and Is generaDy caught by trolling 

 just outside the kelp. 



ATHERIXID^. 



Smelt. — Ckirostoima cali/orxii-Hsis. — GilL 



This beautifiil silvery fish, with its silver lateral band extending 

 ftom its shoulders to its tail, is common along the Padfic coast, 

 and is taken in great quantities from February to October. 

 They average nine inches in length, and individuals have been 

 taken that weighed two pounds. A fish of the latter size affords 

 fine play for the angler. They are taken in the ba\^ especially in 



