14 



FISHES OF THE EAST ATLANTIC COAST. 



most and largest fish. To be successful in any degree the baits 

 must be shot seaward over one hundred feet. 



There are two general methods of casting — the " overhand " and 

 the " underhand." These terms have reference to the way the rod 

 is held in casting, either over or under the level of the ami. 



Before the angler launches his bait on their long trip through the 

 air, the "chummer" has cut up into pieces enough menhaden to fill 

 a bushel basket, and with a long sweep of his arm is scattering the 

 bits of fish over the waves. Besides the menhaden being a favorite 

 side-dish of our friend the bass, the oil of the fish covers the water 

 for some distance out. This film whets the appetite of the striped 

 bass, tempting him further in, till suddenly a great piece of crab or 

 an entire lobster's tail splashes down right in front of his open 

 jaws. It is no strain on any one's imagination even though he has 

 never "been there," to try to picture what a gloriously exciting and 

 Lard-fought struggle there will be before his hungry lordship is 

 brought within the reach of the gaff. The splendid fish, thoroughly 

 game, full of the rush and exhilerating life of the salt waves, his 

 :firm muscles trained by many tussles with the boisterous tides, is 

 able to make a fight for life exceeding in length and fierceness that 

 of any other game fish of our continent. The angler, on his frail 

 platform, barely giving him space for action, out over the combing 

 breakers that now and again drench him with spi-ay, is also spurred 

 by the excitement of the moment and its surroundings to use his ut- 

 most skill and art. The combined result is what the salt water fish- 

 erman claims the right of terming the high water mark of all angling. 

 In order to enjoy this noble sport where the fish has a better 

 chance of escaping than the angler has of catching him, safe from 

 intrusion, and also that they may have some prospect of success, 

 parties of gentlemen have formed clubs and purchased parts of the 

 ■coast line and among these fishermen an earnest rivalry exists for the 

 proud possession of the title of " high-line," given to him who takes 

 the largest fish or the greatest number. 



Perhaps some over-fastidious angler will object that this surf-fish- 

 ing is a mere cont^t between heavy tackle and brute strength, bat 

 the objection will not hold good, for in no branch of the angler's 



