96 Fisninc Is Amertcan Warers. 
color of the fish is gray, with irregnlar marks nearly black. 
It is covered with fine, rigid scales, which extend over the 
head. The first dorsal is spinous, and all the other fins are 
soft-rayed. The fish possesses great propulsive power, as in- 
dicated by its fins, so that a three-pounder at the remote end 
of a line, with delicate bass rod, generally induces the novice 
to beheve the strength, speed, and endurance of the fish un- 
der-estimated. “ Gently, but firmly,” are the words in play- 
ing a kingfish, which some denominate “barb,” because a 
short adipose barb shoots out beneath its lower jaw; but it 
bears no resemblance to the barbel family. It spawns in 
spring-time, as most white-meated fishes do; and, though 
rather solitary in its habits, it remains in our estuaries and 
small bays along the coast from May until November. Au- 
gust and September are the best months to angle for it; and 
as the tackle required should be adapted to its size of mouth 
and great propulsive power, the following cut may assist the 
angler who would enjoy the sport of taking the fish, which— 
for his inches—is eminently the king of game fishes. 
The rod is the common three-jointed bass-rod, from eight 
to ten fect in length. Pivot, multiplying reel of German sil- 
ver or brass, large enough to carry from four to six hundred 
fect of fine linen line. 
The play of a kingfish is peculiar, though like the striped 
bass he takes the bait without hesitation and starts away, 
and when he feels the prick of the hook, accelerates his speed, 
swimming low, and making a very long and strong run, If 
you have never taken one you will be puzzled with his invet- 
erate persistence in keeping down and running deep, and 
your surprise will not be diminished when he finally breaks 
water a hundred yards from the boat; and you will wonder, 
after landing a fish which has taken you nearly half an hour 
to kill, that it weighs scarcely three pounds. The vital spark 
of the king fish is very brilliant, and he is very tenacious of it; 
but, once landed, he exhibits a vanquished look, and his or- 
ange-colored eyes and scaly head turn downward, as if both 
