SEA-FISHING. 469 
It cannot be said, that there is any great skill or 
science in the taking of these fish ; as there is, for instance, 
in fly-fishing, trolling or spinning with the dead bait; but 
it cannot be denied that there is much amusement, a good 
deal of excitement, and that this sort of fishing is, with an 
agreeable party, a pleasant way of passing a hot summer 
or sultry autumn day. 
The best varieties of fish taken in the bays and estua- 
ries of our rivers, are, of those above named especially; 
the weak fish, the king fish, the black fish, and the sheep’s- 
head ; the latter being the American epicure’s prime boast, 
and the rival of the European turbot. 
The weak fish is abundant in the vicinity of New 
York, and is angled for with much success in the inner 
bay. It is said to derive its name from the weakness of 
its mouth, which is so soft that it is often torn by the 
hook, so that the fish escapes. I have my doubts, how- 
ever, whether this is not a misnomer for wheat fish, by 
which also itis known. It pulls fairly upon the hook, and, 
when struck of a considerable size, gives considerable play 
to the angler before it can be secured. 
The best rod is a moderately stiff general fishing rod, 
with a reel, and from one hundred to one hundred and 
fifty yards of flax or hemp line; a No. 1 Kirby hook will 
probably be found, on the whole, the most successful; and 
the most killing baits are shrimp, shedder crabs, or clams. 
The weak fish occasionally runs up to eight or nine 
pounds, but the general average does not probably exceed 
two. When fresh out of the water, it is a good fish, 
somewhat resembling the trout in flavor, but it soon 
