116 Big Game Fishes 
former and more attractive, having the general 
shape of a bass in the water. When hung up 
and distorted, no idea can be had of its shape. 
As to its qualities as a food-fish there is the 
same difference of opinion; the large fishes are 
dry and coarse, but specimens of one hundred or 
so pounds, if properly baked, are very good. If 
a fish is common, it is often despised, and if 
hideous in appearance, repudiated ; this is exem- 
plified in eels and sculpins, both fit for the gods 
if skilfully prepared; but the latter is scorned 
in the Atlantic, while in California it is esteemed 
very highly. 
The method of taking the black sea-bass in 
California waters is to fish from an eighteen foot 
launch or a boat light enough for the fish to:tow 
readily, but still large enough to hold from one 
to three bass of two hundred pounds each, if the 
angler is so fortunate. The launch is anchored 
either at the inner or outer kelp beds, the anchor 
line buoyed so that it can be tossed over the 
moment the strike comes, as the fish invariably 
tows the boat until killed. On these grounds 
albacore bait is the best, three or four pounds — 
being used, while live whitefish or half a barra- 
cuda are not to be slighted. This great bass 
