THE STRIPED BASSE. 
169 
of the line and proceed to take the fish from the hooks. In 
one night several hundred weight of these excellent fish have 
been taken from two or three of these set lines, to be seen 
alive on the stands in Washington market late in December. 
Some of the finest the writer has ever eaten were bought at 
the stand of Mr. Hiscox in that market.” 
On the subject of the different baits for the basse, it is 
proper to remark that, like the trout, the rock is very par- 
ticular about the quality of his food: in some places at some 
seasons he will jump readily at clam bait, and at other places 
he will take nothing but shrimp or crab. At Macomb’s Dam, 
Harlem river, at particular periods, the best bait is a small, 
beautiful fish called the spearing, which sometimes he will 
take and nothing else, and other times nothing but shedder 
crabs will satisfy his dainty palate. At many places hi the 
Hudson river, and in the bay, the clam bait is sufficient to 
hook him in largo quantities. At the former place he is 
rather epicurean, and as long as Astor House fare is offered 
him by the peculiarity of the ground, he will not be content 
to take small dishes, and rejects everytliing for his favorite 
fancy at the time. 
In the striking and running of the basse, equally as much 
pleasure is given as with the trout and salmon, and is 
to be treated in the same manner as directed for those 
fishes. Care should always be taken, after having hooked 
him, to keep him well up from the bottom, with the line well 
stretched ; and if the angler be not so fortunate as to have a 
cast in his eyes, os so elegantly described on former pages, from 
the “ Angler’s Souvenir,” let him be watchful of every move- 
ment, have faith in his tackle , (which should always bo 
examined for that purpose previous to wetting his line,) 
courage, patienco and perseverance, and there will bo no 
difficulty in taking the largest run of fish with little trouble. 
