176 FISHES OF THE EAST ATLANTIC COAST. 



lakes and streams of the central portion of the State, war-mouthed 

 perch from one to three pounds will be found, and for fighting- 

 qualities they can be recommen:led. My only experience in fishing 

 in the western portion of the State was at Apalachicola in 1844, 

 when I captured my first channel bass ; at that time the fishing was 

 excellent. 



To properly enjoy fishing on the southwest coast, a party of 

 from two to four should charter a small sloop or schooner of from, 

 five to six tons burthen at Cedar Keys. The cost of the craft will 

 be from five to six dollars per day; and this will include the cap- 

 tain with man or boy, one small boat, stove, crockery, cooking 

 utensils and bedding. Party chartering boat to provide provisions. 

 If party consisted of four, the expense should not exceed ten dollars 

 per day. 



I cannot refrain from making a few remarks regarding fly fishing 

 in Florida and will quote from my article published in " Fishing with 

 the Fly." 



" The votaries of the rod and reel have overlooked an important 

 field for sport; for, in my opinion no portion of the United States 

 offers such advantages for fly fishing as portions of Florida during 

 the winter months. The health of the State is beyond cavil or dis- 

 pute; the climate is all the most fastidious caTi ask; there is almost 

 a total absence of insect pests, and last though not least, a greater 

 variety of fish that will take the fly, than in any other section of 

 the Union. My friend Dr. Ferber, on his return from the south- 

 west coast in April last visited me, and stated that he had caught 

 on that coast with artificial flies eleven distinct species of fish ;. 

 and I can add five species, making sixteen which can be caiJtured 

 with the feathery lure." 



" Instead of wading icy-cold and over fished brooks, tearing 

 clothes and flesh creeping through briars and brush, and being sub- 

 jected to the sanguinary attentions of the mosquitoes, and black 

 flies, in liringing to creel a few fingerlings, in Florida, the angler 

 can cast his fly from a sandy beach or boat inhale an invigorating 

 atmosphere, bask in the sunshine, and capture specimens of the 



