THE FLOUNDER. 



209 



They are in the best condition in the spring anu fall, the heat 

 of the summer not being favorable to their perfection, at 

 which time their flesh is soft and not as palatable. They are 

 a favorite angle fish at all the bridges near Boston, where 

 fishermen can be seen at almost any time in mild weather, 

 hauling them up or waiting for a bite. They are taken in 

 Harlem river, New-York, in the vicinity of the bridges, and at 

 the numerous black-fish and rock grounds. They do not appear 

 to keep any particular kind of company, but give the more 

 finished basse angler some trouble when seeking a ten-pound 

 rock at the bottom, by nibbling the bait with his small mouth, 

 and sometimes insisting on being hooked. 



The usual mode of taking him is with a small flax drop- 

 line, and small black-fish tackle : to insure success, quite a 

 small hook must be used, say about No. 8 hook. The basse 

 angler often provides himself with small hooks, and when his 

 favorite fish is not on the feed, is content to take, if he can 

 get them, a mess of flounders. They are, when fresh caught, 

 good pan fish, and by some, when in season and perfection, 

 considered an epicurean dish. 



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