180 
THE BLACK-PISH 
quently tempt him when he refuses to taste the other. Aiul 
he snaps very readily at the large finny worm of the suit 
water beaches, (nereis,) when used on a hook for him. 
“Some persons, who live contiguous to the shores where 
arc situated the rocks frequented by tautog, invito the fish 
there by baiting. By this is meant the throwing overboard 
broken clams or crabs, to induce the black-fish to renew 
their visits, and fine sport is procured. 
“Rocky shores and bottoms are the haunts of black-fish. 
Long experience is required to find all these places of resort 
Nice observations on the land-marks, in different directions, 
are requisite to enable a fishing party to anchor on the proper 
spot. When, for example, a certain rock and tree range one 
way, with a barn window appearing over a headland the 
other way, the boat being at the point where two such lines 
intersect each other, is exactly over some famous rendezvous. 
To insure success on such expectation, it is proper to have 
a pilot along, well versed in all the local and minute know- 
ledge. According to the number and distance of the rocks 
and reefs visited, will be the time consumed, from the dura- 
tion of a few hours to a long summer’s day. An opinion pre- 
vails, that the black-fish can hear very well ; and, for fear of 
scaring them away, the greatest stillness is observed. He is 
a strong fish, and pulls well for one of his weight and size. 
“At some places black-fish bite best upon the Hood: in 
others, they are voracious during the ebb. Thunder accom- 
panying a shower, is an indication that no more of them can 
be caught. The appearance of a porpoise infallibly puts an 
end to sport. Curious stories are told of fish in the wells 
and ponds, floating in their native element, having been 
found dead, after sharp and repeated flashes of lightning. 
Dull weather, with an easterly wind, is generally the omen 
of ill luck. 1 he exploits performed in fishing for tautog, are 
recounted occasionally, with remarkable glee, and they afford 
