176 



THE KING-FISH, OR BARB. 



is called Caving Channel — a channel running north from Ca- 

 ving Point. Back your boat about ten feet on the hard, and 

 anchor at low water: as the young flood comes in, if there 

 are any of these fish in the harbor you will most probably 

 find them here. I have taken from ten to thirty on this 

 ground, together with basse and weak-fish, in a tide. 



"The best bait for king-fish is shedder crab: the hook 

 should be smaller than for basse, as thoy have not a large 

 mouth. They are fine fish for the rod, being very powerful 

 and active, running deeper than basse or weak fish, and in a 

 way peculiar themselves, so that an experienced angler can 

 always distinguish them on their first run. The largest I 

 have ever taken in this harbor I have found on this ground, 

 weighing up to one and a half pounds. They are sometimes 

 taken of larger size in the south bays of Long Island, but 

 rarely if ever over two pounds. There are many other spots 

 on the extensive oyster beds on these flats, particularly along 

 in front of Communipaw, and along the fyke fences between 

 Jersey City and Ellis' Island. In Jamaica bay I have had 

 many a fine day's sport with these capital fish. 



" The following communication, giving an account of my 

 excursions in that bay, was written by me at the time, and 

 published in the Commercial Advertiser of 6th July, 1827. 

 This I admit was an extraordinary performance, but I have 

 many times taken over one hundred in a tide: but of late 

 years these fish have become scarce in those waters, it being 

 supposed that their enemy the blue-fish, by preying on their 

 young, have caused the scarcity. Poor Bannister, the guide 

 spoken of, has long since slept with his fathers. A pleasanter 

 guide, and a more honest man, could not easily be found. 

 Mrs. Hicks is still " at home " to her friends, and as kind and 

 accommodating as ever. 



" ' Great Fishing. — On Friday last, a gentleman of this 

 city went out from Rockaway, into Jamaica bay, with his 



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