FISHES OF CHESAPEAKE BAY 
249 
June 23. In July fisli ranging from 45 to 53 millimeters (l^ to 2j? inches) were taken, and in 
August large numbers, measuring 50 to 70 millimeters (2 to 2% inches), were collected. After this 
date the sizes vary so greatly that in some cases it is difficult to determine whether a fish is in its 
first or second year. Specimens taken by the Fish Hawlc during the winter months appear to give no 
clue to the rate of growth. Eleven fish taken in April and May range quite gradually from 3jh£ to 
inches in length, and it seems probable that they are fish about 1-year old. 
The striped bass, or rockfish, is one of the most valuable and esteemed fish caught in Chesa- 
peake Bay. During 1920 it ranked fifth, both in quantity and value, the catch being 1,410,630 
pounds, worth $261,918. In Maryland it ranked fourth in quantity and second in value, the catch 
being 1,040,274 pounds, worth $193,295. Of this amount, 45 per cent was caught in pound nets, 
27 per cent in gill nets, 21 per cent in haul seines, 4 per cent in purse seines, and 3 per cent with other 
apparatus. The counties taking the largest quantities were Kent, 459,475 pounds; St. Marys, 
101,645 pounds; Cecil, 85,105 pounds; and Dorchester, 83,151 pounds. 
In Virginia it ranked eighth in quantity and fifth in value, the catch being 370,356 pounds, 
worth $68,623. Of this amount, 55 per cent was caught in pound nets, 18 per cent in fyke nets, 
18 per cent with haul seines, 7 per cent with gill nets, and 2 per cent with lines. The counties 
with the largest quantities were Northumberland, 49,330 pounds; Westmoreland, 45,355, pounds; 
Richmond, 35,200 pounds, Warwick, 33,500 pounds; and Lancaster, 33,025 pounds. 
This fish is caught in all parts of Chesapeake Bay and its larger tributaries during the entire 
year, but it is taken in greatest numbers in the spring and fall. During the winter a special fishery 
is pursued by means of drift nets, which are gill nets that fish the bottom and drift with the tide. 
This winter fishery is confined to the region between Swan Point and Bloody Point, Md., where 
large numbers of striped bass apparently are present in the deeper channels during the winter 
months. 
In certain localities this fish assumes first rank, and because of the prolonged season during which 
it may be caught it affords various fishermen a constant source of income. In many parts of the 
bay, notably the lower York, Rappahannock, and Potomac Rivers, this fish is taken in small pound 
nets, which may be operated by one man. A small catch taken in this manner often is profitable. 
Haul seining is carried on during the late summer and fall and is confined principally to the 
lower parts of the larger rivers. The haul-seine fishermen usually operate at night and select locali- 
ties where the bottom is free of debris and that have a proper depth and a good landing place for 
the seine. Such places are known as “hauls.” The striped bass is a very elusive fish and great 
care must be exercised in selecting the “haul” and in operating and landing the net in order to 
make a profitable catch. The quantity caught fluctuates greatly; it is not unusual for a fishing 
crew to catch only 2 or 3 fish during one night and as many as 500 or even more during the following 
night. 
The striped bass commands a good price in the markets, the fishermen receiving from 16 to 
24 cents a pound during 1922. Four trade names are used in the Baltimore wholesale market. 
“Shinie rock” are small fish; “hank rock” are fish weighing 3 pounds; “boilers,” 3 to 6 pounds; 
“big rock” 6 pounds or more. “Big rock” command a slightly lower price than the other sizes, 
and very large fish, 20 pounds or more in weight, are worth considerably less. The great majority 
of the fish sent to market weigh less than 15 pounds, but large ones, weighing 50 pounds or more, 
are sometimes seen. The maximum weight recorded for this species appears to be 125 pounds. 
The striped bass is always in demand. It bears shipment well and is considered one of the best 
of all the salt-water fishes. The names most used in the Chesapeake for this species are “rock” 
and “rockfish.” 
Habitat . — Atlantic and Gulf seaboards, ascending streams from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to 
Alabama; most numerous between Massachusetts and North Carolina. Introduced on the Pacific; 
now common and an important food fish in California. 
Chesapeake localities. — (a) Previous records: Many localities, from Chesapeake Bay and 
streams tributary to it. (b) Specimens in collection: From many localities in fresh, brackish, and 
salt water, from Havre de Grace, Md., to Cape Charles and Cape Henry, Va. Many small fish 
were taken during the winter by the Fish Hawk with the beam trawl in water having a depth as 
great as 138 feet. 
