168 
THE STRIPED BASSE. 
common kill fish, or, as it is usually called, killey fish, and 
the spearing in October, are decidedly the best baits, espe- 
cially in running waters, such as the streams at Macomb's 
Dam, Pelham Bridge, &c.; while in some of our fresh water 
fishing grounds, such as Hackensack river and English Neigh- 
borhood croek, the white opened soft-clam is found by far the 
best bait in October and November, especially for large fish. 
“Another mode of fishing for striped bas3 is practiced by 
fishermen and amateurs, by which very large fish are often 
taken. It is by trolling with a strong hand line, with a real 
squid for bait, or an artificial bait made in various ways: 
sometimes of the white leg bone of a sheep, or of bright 
metal, such as block tiu, pewter, &c.: these can bo had at 
the fishing tackle shops. The boat is gently rowed along by 
a skilful oarsman, who rests on his oars the moment a fish is 
struck, giving the angler full opportunity to play his fish with 
skill and care, both of which are highly requisite, for the fish 
thus taken are sometimes very large. Those weighing 20, 
30, and even 40 pouuds have often been taken in the East 
river, in the neighborhood of Hellgate, and in Harlem river, 
little Hellgate, which is the arm of the stream which passes 
between Ward’s and Randall’s islands, and in Morrisania 
creek. This is all fine trolling ground, but as the best suc- 
cess is usually met with at night, this precludes any but the 
most robust from enjoying this kind of sport — though fre- 
quently fine fish are taken during the day. 
“The fishermen who supply our market with these fine 
fish, have lately been very successful in the use of set lines 
late in the fall. In the neighborhood of Piermont, on the 
Hudson, this mode has been employed to groat advantage: 
a strong lino is extended from one stake or anchor to another 
at given distances, and to this cord are attached short lines 
with strong hooks, baited with a small tomcod or other live 
fish : at the proper time of tide the fishermen raise one end 
