2Si9 



where there is a strong current, but often out in the 

 ocean itself. Menhaden, otherwise called mossbunkers 

 or bony-fish are used for bait. A number of these fish 

 are cut in pieces and cast into the water to make what 

 is called a " slick " — the oil trom them floating on the 

 surface. This is continued until the blue fish are 

 attracted and are tolled in to take the food. The angler 

 then baiting his hook with mossbunker commences his 

 work. Casting into the strong current his bait is carried 

 off as far as he cares to let it go, and amid the " chum " 

 as the chopped fish is called. As it oft'ers a more attrac- 

 tive morsel than the smaller pieces around it, a blue 

 fish is sure to give it the preference, and 



Darting upon it with hungry maw, 

 He sinks the hook in. his upper jaw. 



Then comes " a terrible rush of fear and dread with a 

 force by rage made double," and away goes the fish and 

 out runs the line till the reel sings " sweetest music to 

 attendant ears," and the fisherman has all he can do to 

 control and conquer his powerful prey. Blue fish are 

 game from the tips of their noses to the ends of their 

 caudal tins, and have back bone for anything. They are 

 worthy relatives of the dolphin, of antique and lyric 

 fame. They fight to the last, and in their dying gasps 

 do not disdain to bite off the finger or thumb of their 

 victor if he comes " fooling around " their jaws too heed- 

 lessly. Such sport as this is not to be despised, and 

 compares fairly with that had with a " wet sheet and a 

 flowing sea." It is followed at Fire Island inlet on 

 Long Island and elsewhere, and will be successful in any 

 water inhabited by blue fish, where there is a current 

 and where bait can be obtained. Formerly a weak 

 imitation of it was indulged in by Miss Nancy flshermen 

 who regarded trolling with a hand line as coarse work, 



