THE PERCH FAMILY. 83 



much anno3'^ance to the fishermen by tearing their nets, and 

 allowing the shad and herring to escape. 



An erroneous opinion prevails, that Eockfish ascend fresh 

 rivers above the head of tide to spawn ; but food is their only 

 object. They generally spawn in tidal creeks and rivers, 

 where smaller streams of fresh water enter. When they 

 are taken in the Delaware and Hudson above tide, they are 

 generally of large size, and are caught mostly on set lines 

 and in fish-traps. 



Rock-Fishing. — The first dash of a Eockfish is- terrific to a 

 novice. Thirty yards are frequently spun off the reel before 

 a large fish can be checked. At the Falls of the Potomac, or 

 in the rapids of the Susquehanna, his play is not less vigor- 

 ous than a Salmon's ; his runs are much longer, and he 

 frequently escapes by chafing or cutting the line or leader 

 against the sharp edges of rocks, being assisted in his 

 desperate struggles by the strong current. Still, though 

 sturdy, he is a fair fighter, and where there are no such 

 obstructions, a gentle hand, a taut line, and a steady piill 

 secures him. 



You must not be too anxious when playing him, to get a 

 first sight of your prize, or be too familiar by bringing him 

 close to the boat or shore, until he is well tired out. When 

 he gives in at last, and lies exhausted on his broad side, you 

 may, in absence of a gaff or landing-net, put your thumb in 

 his open mouth, and your fingers under his chin, and lift him 

 in — being careful at the same time of the sharp flat spine on 

 his gill-cover. 



Eods of various lengths are used in angling for Eockfish. 

 In bottom-fishing in a tideway, one of twelve feet with a 

 stiff tip is necessary. When using a float, one of greater 

 length and more pliability affords better sport; but in 

 casting a minnow over a bold, rocky stream, which is the 



