THE HUMP-BACK SALMON(Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)This is another small species, rarely exceeding six pounds in weight but more commonly from three to four. Its range is from the Sacramento river, where it appears in limited numbers, north to Alaska.Body, slim, scales very small; back, blue and sides silvery white. Profusely spotted on the after part of the back, with large oval spots on the tail. Gills, 11 to 13.THE DOG SALMON(Oncorhynchus keta)The dog salmon rarely exceeds ten pounds in weightIts range is from the Sacramento river north, and its spawning-grounds the small streams up which it never extends any great distance from the salt water.Head, quite pike-like in shape and therefore much longer and slimmer than the chinook. Back, dirty brown, with the sides of much the same color, but of a lighter tint; fins, very dark; very few distinct spots, with those showing very small; gills, 13 or 14.Tackle and Lure—The Pacific salmon are only caught by trolling. They will take a spoon, or any live bait. The most successful lure, however, is a sardine, or other small fish of six to eight inches in length. Pass the hook through both eyes, take a half hitch around the head, insert the point of the hook in the gill and by bending the fish in the shape of the hook bring the point out about an inch and a half or two inches from the tail. This allows the fish to remain curved, and gives it a revolving motion while trolling, resembling a live, though disabled fish.A salmon rod should consist of a butt 14 to 16 inches in length, with a hand piece in front of the reel; tip, 6 feet long and not to weigh more than 7 ounces; line not to exceed standard 12-thread. With fishes weighing from 40 pounds and upward, 300 feet of line can be used to advantage.[Pg 135]RAINBOW TROUT (Salmo irideusTHE RAINBOW TROUT(Salmo irideus)There are at least four distinct species of trout; that is, trout proper and chars, now common to the coast. One of these, the Eastern brook trout, is the result of artificial hatching and distribution. These, as well as the rainbow, and to lesser extent the cutthroat, have been so widely distributed by the state fish commission and private hatcheries that to attempt to give the present habitat of the several species would be sure to result in many errors which might be confounding. The Eastern brook trout has taken kindly to our waters and seem to be doing well in all suitable streams. Several other foreign species of trout have been introduced into our waters as well as these, among which are the Loch Leven, the German brown trout and the Mackinaw, but the success of their acclimatization has yet to be fully determined, though the Loch Leven and German brown seem to be doing well in the higher streams.The Eastern brook trout and the native species, known as dolly varden, are chars and belong to thegenusSalvelinus, but the rainbow and the cutthroat are true trout belonging to the genusSalmo. The rainbow and the cutthroat present a variety of forms in different localities and these have been given separate specific names by the naturalist. With many of these species(?) the only difference seems to be too slight to entitle them to specific or even sub-specific separation; the variation being no more than that found in the color and markings of the same fishes in the same stream, caused by the depth of the water, the food, or other local conditions.The rainbow trout is now a resident, either through natural or artificial distribution, of nearly all the streams of the Coast from Washington to Lower California. They vary in size, color and number of scales in different localities and have been given distinct specific names in the various sections, those of the Coast streams of California being used as the typical form. These several varieties, even in their natural condition, showed very little, if any positive line of demarkation, but since the establishment of the many hatcheries on the Coast and the wide distribution of the fry hatched from the spawn of the rainbow of the Sacramento and its tributaries, of the steelhead of the Eel river, and of the typical form of the Coast streams, there seems but one course now left, and that is to group them all as one species under the original name of rainbow.The rainbow is a very handsome trout, varying in size from adults of but a few inches in the smaller Coast streams, to 25 and 30 inches long in the larger rivers and lakes. Its dark spotted back and silvery sides with the rich metallic colors of the rainbow streak gives it a coloration that is at once brilliant and pleasing. As a game fish it has no superior, if indeed an equal. It takes the fly with a rush, often leaping out of the water to seize it as it is descending. Then it fights with a determination, often breaking three or four feet into the air, shaking its head to free the hook like a terrier shakes a rat. It seldom sounds and never sulks. The rainbow trout goes to the sea at varying ages, the same as all other trout that can get there without passing through long stretches of warm and sluggish water. In the salt water it attains a greater size, changes its color in accordance with the length of time it has been there, but on returning again to the stream it soon assumes its original plan of coloring.Head, about one-fourth of the whole length from thesnout to the base of the caudal fin, varying much with age and size. Generally the greatest depth is about one fourth of the length of the fish, but this also varies very much with the character of the waters it inhabits. In rapid running streams the fish are always slimmer than in more sluggish ones. I have known them 20 inches or more in length, when confined in large reservoirs, to become so heavy that they would weigh one pound to every two inches in length. The lateral line, or rainbow varies, in intensity of color, but always showing in varying shades of red, pink, and sometimes blue of a metallic luster. The vertical black blotches seen on the sides are the marks of immature fish.The snout of the rainbow is considerably more rounding than that of the salmon, and the head larger in proportion. The eye also is much larger and fuller. The shape and position of the fins are almost identical with those of the salmon, but a little larger in proportion to the size of the fish. The tail, however, varies considerably, being more rounded, and showing only a slight indentation in the center.THE GOLDEN TROUT(Salmo irideus agua bonita)If there is any variety of the rainbow trout found on the Coast that is entitled to a sub-specific name it is the golden trout of Mt. Whitney. They were originally found in only a short portion of two little streams fed by the snows of Mt. Whitney, and vary but little from each other. In one stream they have been given the name ofSalmo irideus agua bonita, and in the other that ofSalmo irideus rooseveltii, after ex-president Roosevelt. They are of a beautiful color with scarlet markings at the base of the fins and with a lateral stripe of bright scarlet blending into a rich orange. One peculiarity of these fish is that the par marks or vertical blotches on the sides of other young fish still show on the adults of these. This form of the rainbow has changed its color through the process of natural selection, caused no doubt, by the color of the rocks in the shallow streams it inhabits. Below on these same streams where the rocks are of a darker color the fish assume the natural color of the rainbow.The writer is possibly the first white man to ever catch one of the golden trout. They were taken in 1865 with a small piece of the flank of a deer skin slipped over the hook, with the hair clipped to about half an inch in length. No sooner was this improvisedfly cast upon the water than it was eagerly seized by one of these beautiful fish. When it was landed the color astonished me, and knowing that it was a trout, I thought it must be a diseased one and threw it back. Making another cast I secured another one as promptly as the first, and it being the same objectionable color and of the same size—about eight inches—I concluded that it was the same fish and this time threw it on the bank. As fast as my deer skin fly would strike the water it would be eagerly seized by one of these game little fellows and all of the same size and color. I was puzzled and called to my companion, who was cooking our supper but a few yards away, to "come and see what was the matter with these fish." Professing some scientific knowledge, he cut one of them open, examined the meat and the intestines and finally pronounced it in a healthy condition, finishing with:"The coffee is boiling and the bacon is fried; hurry up, and as soon as you get a mess I'll fry them and take all chances."I soon had a mess for supper and while he was frying them I caught enough for breakfast, for the game little fellows would race for the fly as fast as it struck the water. We ate them with a relish, for we had had nothing but bacon, venison and frying-pan bread for a month. As we found ourselves alive in the morning we increased the prescription to a good alapathic dose for breakfast.The golden trout are small, rarely reaching a length of more than fifteen inches. The back is olive, sides and belly light orange or golden yellow with a scarlet stripe along the center of the belly and at the base of the pectoral, ventral and anal fins, which are of themselves more or less of a golden color. Tail, olive, grading into orange on the lower part. Few spots in front of the dorsal fin but abundant behind it.While the rainbow trout of the Coast have been given several sub-specific names, such asmasonifor the Coast streams of Oregon and Washington,shastaandstoneifor those of the upper Sacramento basin, andgilbertifor those of Kern river, there seems to be so very little reason for this distinction beyond the usual variations of color in all trout, spots and size with the changing conditions of water and feed, that I shall make no mention of the very slight variations upon which the ichthyologist has based the claim to a sub-specific nomenclature.THE STEELHEAD TROUT(Salmo rivularis)The history of the so-called steelhead trout and the efforts to class these sea-run fishes as a species separate from the rainbow and the cutthroat, is interesting, if not amusing. No one questioned that they were other than the sea-run of the rainbow or the cutthroat, according to the locality, until Dr. Richardson, mistaking a young blue-back salmon for a so-called steelhead gave it the scientific name ofSalmo gairdneri, and the description of this young salmon was recognized as that of the steelhead for years, and under this name it appears in the statutes of California, with a separate season for its protection. In other words theSalmo gairdneriof the laws of California is a young blue-back salmon and not a sea-run trout of any kind. Recently Dr. Ayers to correct the mistake, examined a fish taken from the Sacramento river and said to be a steelhead, gave it the name ofSalmo rivularis, and this now stands as the scientific name of the so-called steelhead. Dr. Jordan, in an article recently published in the Pacific Monthly, says: "There has been much discussion as to whether the steelhead is a species really distinct from the rainbow trout, and on this subject the writer (Jordan) has at different times held different opinions."If one authority bases his reasons for a belief in a specific difference between the rainbow and the steelhead on the fact that he did find a difference between a blue-back salmon and a rainbow, and another authority finds so little difference that he holds different opinions at different times, can there be any wonder that the practical angler, who catches these sea-run fish at the mouths of our rivers in every stage of transition, or gradation, if you please, from the typical rainbow to the Simon pure steelhead, refuses to believe that there is a specific difference?Then again, Messrs. Jordan and Evermann in bulletin 47 of the United States National Museum, "The Fishes of North and Middle America," say: "In the lower course of the Columbia they (the steelhead) are entirely distinct from the cutthroat or clarki series, and no one would question the validity of the two species. In the lower Snake river and other waters east of the Cascade range, the two forms or species are indistinguishable, being either undifferentiated or else inextricably mixed."From this it would seem clear that the steelhead of the Columbia, where the cutthroat abounds, are cutthroatsthat have gone to the sea, grown larger in the larger body of water—a natural condition of all fishes—and changed in color and appearance. That while they are yet in the lower Columbia and only recently from the salt water, they still maintain a sufficient difference to be easily distinguished from the cutthroat; but by the time that they have reached the "Snake river and other waters east of the Cascade range," their long residence in the fresh water has again restored them to their former appearance. The same changes are found with the rainbow and the steelhead of farther south. All trout are anadromous to greater or less extent, unless actually landlocked or living in streams so distant from the sea that they would be compelled to pass through long stretches of warm and sluggish water to reach it. The small trout of the coast streams are compelled to go to the ocean quite early in the season by the falling of the water to such an extent that in many cases the streams go dry before the beginning of the winter rains, and in the larger body of water they rapidly increase in size. The steelhead of the Columbia river always retains the cutthroat sing-manual, to greater or less extent, while the steelhead of the lower coast has no red on the jaw. The claim that the smaller head of the steelhead is a distinguishing mark, fails in effect, for it is an undisputable fact that the older and larger the trout the smaller becomes the relative size of the head. The other claim that the larger scales of the rainbow is a distinguishing feature from the steelhead is not founded on facts. For while the scales of the rainbow counted along the lateral line vary from as low as 120 in the coast streams, they run as high as 150 in the same streams, as high as 160 in the McCloud and 185 in the Kern. The average being 135 in the smaller coast streams, 150 in the Sacramento basin, and 170 in the Kern. The steelhead's scales run from 130 to 155. An average of 145; or exactly an average of those of the coast streams and the Sacramento. Were it possible for the Kern river trout to enter the ocean no doubt we would find steelhead running as high as 185 to the section.Whatever may be the origin of the large sea-running trout called steelheads, the fact remains that it is a grand fish both in size and fighting qualities. In the ocean it eagerly takes the spoon and fights with a vigor not even surpassed by the rainbow of the streams. After a short sojourn in the fresh waters it rises to a fly just as readily.Since the above was written Dr. Jordan has made thestatement publicly, that he is thoroughly convinced that the rainbow trout and the so-called steelhead are one and the same fish; the only difference being that the latter has grown larger and changed its color during its life in the salt water, this variation of color returning again after a short sojourn in the fresh water streams, giving it all the original appearance of the rainbow, or of the cutthroat, as the case may be.THE CUTTHROAT TROUT(Salmo clarki)The cutthroat trout very largely take the place of the rainbow in the waters of northern California and in Washington and Oregon, and its various forms are more common to the lakes. Like the rainbow they have been artificially distributed to such an extent that they are now found in many of the streams of California and nearly all of Washington and Oregon. As a general rule they are not as keen fighters as the rainbow, but in the cold streams of Oregon and Washington they put up a fight worthy of the most gamy fish. In the lakes of Washington and Oregon, and such as Tahoe, Donner and other large bodies of water in California, they reach a large size; fishes of ten and twelve pounds being not uncommon. When not landlocked they go to the sea the same as the rainbow and return as the steelhead of the Columbia and other northern streams. Like the rainbow the cutthroat has been divided into several subspecies.General appearance like that of the rainbow. The color on the back is a lighter olive or dark steel color. The upper parts are generally thickly covered with dark spots, varying in color and shape, and the lower fins are also spotted with smaller spots. The inner edge of the lower jaw is strongly marked with deep red and it is from this red mark on the throat that the species takes its name. The sides are generally of a marked pinkish hue or coppery brown. The red mark of the throat will always prove a distinguishing feature.SILVER TROUT(Salmo tahoensis)In Lake Tahoe there are two varieties of trout that have been given separate specific names. They both belong to the cutthroat series, but vary considerable from the typical form. The one commonly called silver trout is a resident of the deep waters of the lake andgrows to a large size, specimens having been taken fully 30 inches long.Back, dark green; side and sides of head, coppery; lower jaw, yellow. The spots are so profuse that many of them run into each other and form long blotches in many instances. All of the fins are spotted, those on the dorsal and the tail being oblong in shape. The belly also is covered with many small spots.LAKE TAHOE TROUT(Salmo henshawi)The other variety of trout found in Lake Tahoe, and the most common one, is a very handsome fish. Its native habitat is the lakes of Tahoe, Donner, Independence, Webber, Pyramid and others of the high mountains, and the Truckee, Carson and Humboldt rivers. Specimens of this trout have been taken that weighed fully six pounds.Back, green, varying in depth of color with the water; sides, light, with a strong coppery tinge. The spots on this variety are generally quite large above, but growing smaller below and reaching well onto the belly. Its coppery sides and larger spots should prove a distinguishing feature. Like all the cutthroats it has the red markings below the jaws.LAKE SOUTHERLAND TROUT(Salmo jordani)Another peculiar variety of the cutthroat trout is found in Lake Southerland of Eastern Washington. Its distinguishing features are its orange-red fins and intensely black spots which are very profuse. It is a gamy fish and full of fight to the finish.In several of the lakes of Washington there are varieties of trout differing in coloration and location of their spots that have been given specific names by the naturalist, such as crescent trout, beardslee trout and bathaecetor trout, all residents of Crescent lake. But as they all belong to the cutthroats and vary each from the other but little, further mention is unnecessary.RIO GRANDE TROUT(Salmo spilurus)The Rio Grande trout, which is also a cutthroat, has a very limited distribution within the territorial scope of this work. It is found in the streams of the eastern slope of the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chihuahua,Mexico. Its head is shorter and more rounded than the other species of the cutthroat, with a mouth also very large. The spots are principally confined to the latter half of the body and most profuse on the tail.COLORADO RIVER TROUT(Salmo pleuriticus)The Colorado river trout, also a cutthroat, is the common trout of Arizona, where it is found in nearly all the mountain streams of the territory which flow to the Colorado river. It differs only from the typical cutthroat by having its spots mostly on that part of the body behind the dorsal fin; and the lower fins strongly marked with red.DOLLY VARDEN TROUT(Salvelinus parki)The dolly varden is the only char native to the Pacific Coast, and like the Eastern brook trout is not properly a trout. They both are chars and belong to the genusSalvelinus—not to theSalmo. The dolly varden often reaches a length of thirty to thirty-six inches, and a weight of twelve pounds. It is a more slender fish than the rainbow and not so rounded on the back. It is very largely a bottom feeder and, therefore, rather of a sluggish nature. It rises but little to the fly and makes a poor fight.Back, olive green but without the marble markings of the Eastern brook trout. Spots on the back and sides are red, not very close together and about the size of three-fourths of the diameter of the eye. The lower fins have a reddish tinge, of varying hue in different waters. It is a native of the McCloud river and has been little distributed.[Pg 145]EASTERN BROOK TROUT (Salvalinus fontinalis)EASTERN BROOK TROUT(Salvelinus fontinalis)The Eastern brook trout—properly a char—was introduced into the coast waters several years ago and found our waters so congenial that it must now be considered a resident species, for it is to be met with in many of our streams, and thrives well in any of the higher localities. The brook trout is a handsome fish with its brown and olive marbled back, scarlet spots and salmon-colored sides. Its beauty has challenged the cunning of the painter, and been immortalized by the genius of the poet. Its gamy qualities stood forcenturies as beyond comparison until the bended rod and singing reel announced the impalement of the native of the Golden West, with its mad rushes and terrier-like fights; then the rosy beauty of the East had to yield the palm to the rainbow-colored, fighting pirate of the Pacific.The brook trout may easily be distinguished from any of the other trout of the coast by its marbled back and red spotted sides. Besides this the whole fish is more of a pinkish color. It varies in size like the others of the family, according to the waters it inhabits, attaining about the same size as the rainbow in the same waters.Tackle and Lure—On account of over fishing the streams, and the very bad habit of killing so many small fish, the majority of the trout caught on the Pacific Coast are small. If there were more sportsmen and less fishermen on our streams this condition would not exist. For the sportsman will throw back all the little babies that are not over six inches in length and allow them another year to grow. And in this connection I want to say to the young boys and girls: be true sportsmen and sportswomen and never fish for trout with anything but artificial flies. You may not catch as many fish while you are learning, but you will soon find that you are having ten times more sport. As to the rod and line, you will never get it too light. The longer you have been a flycaster, the lighter you will want them; and the lighter they are the more sport you will have.THE SALMON AND TROUTOrder, ISOSPONDYLIFamily, SALMONIDAE Subfamily, SALMONINAEGenusSpeciesCommon NamesRange and Breeding GroundsOncorhynchusleft bracetschawytschaleft braceQuinantChinookleft braceFrom Monterey Bay north.nerkaleft braceBlue-backRedfishleft braceSacramento river north.kisutchleft braceSilver salmonleft braceFrom Monterey Bay north. Sacramento river north.ketagorbuschaDog salmonHump-back salmonFrom Sacramento river north.From Sacramento river north.Salmoleft braceirideusRainbow troutFrom Lower California north.irideus augabonitoleft braceGolden troutWestern slope of Mt. Whitney.irideus rooseveltileft braceGolden troutWestern slope of Mt. Whitney.rivularisSteel-head troutFrom Ventura river north.clarkiCutthroat troutCentral California north.tahoensisSilver troutLake Tahoe.henshawiTahoe troutleft braceLakes Tahoe, Donner, Independence, Webber; Truckee and Carson rivers.jordaniLake SoutherlandLake Southerland, Oregon.spilurusRio Grande troutTributaries of the Rio Grande river.plueriticusColorado troutTributaries of the Colorado river.Salvelinusleft braceparkiDolly Varden troutMcCloud river north.fontinalisEastern brook troutleft braceAcclimatized in many streams of the coast.[Pg 149]SMALL-MOUTHED BLACK BASS (Micropterus dolomieu)SMALL-MOUTHED BLACK BASS(Micropterus dolomieu)The black bass is not a native of the coast, but both species are now so well established in our waters that they must now be classed as permanent residents, for whether it is the crystal lake, the flowing stream, the little pond, the artesian-fed reservoir or the brackish slough, they thrive equally well and take any lure from the artificial fly to the plebeian angleworm.Black bass are prolific breeders and rapid growers. A case is on record where eight males and seven females were planted in a pond in May and during the November following over 37,000 young fish were taken from the same pond, each from three to four inches long.The black bass is a short, deep fish with a double dorsal fin; the front half being stiff and spiney and the latter half soft and rayed. The color is variable, but always dark and from a dirty green to a blackish brown on the back, shading to a dirty white on the belly. The gill covers are pointed at the back, with a darker spot on the point. In the small-mouthed variety the end of the upper bone of the mouth does not quite reach to the back edge of the eye, this with the scales on the cheek numbering from 16 to 18, can always be relied upon as a distinguishing diagnosis from the large-mouthed variety.LARGE-MOUTHED BLACK BASS(Micropterus salmoides)There is but little difference in the habits of the large and small-mouthed black bass, and but little difference in their appearance, but the distinguishing features may easily be known. The end of the upper bone of the mouth of the large-mouthed variety extends behind the eye, and the rows of scales on the cheek number only 10 or 12.While both species seem to do well any place, the large-mouthed are better adapted to muddy bottomed ponds and sloughs and brackish waters. The average weight of the adults of either species is about three pounds, though individuals are often taken weighing from six to seven. It is reported that specimens have been taken in the state of California that have weighed eight and three-quarters and nine pounds.Tackle and Lure—The black bass will take any lure from the artificial fly to the plebeian angleworm. Introlling, a medium sized, Kewell spoon is to be preferred. I have always found, however, that the best sport is to be had by casting with a large trout fly—the color varying with the season—close to the edge of lily pads or tules. The tackle for fly-fishing should be the same as for trout. For trolling the rod should be shorter and stiffer.SACRAMENTO PIKE(Ptychocheilus oregonensis)The Sacramento pike, known also by the names chappaul and squawfish, and as lake trout in the San Joaquin Valley, while but little sought after by the angler, can rightfully be classed as a game fish, for it rises to the fly as readily as a trout and often gets cursed for doing so. It is a very common fish in many of the lakes and streams from Washington south to the San Joaquin Valley. Like nearly all fish its size depends very much upon the waters in which it is found. In Washington it has been known to reach a length of four feet, but it is more commonly met with from eight to twenty inches. In shape it resembles a trout, but with a slimmer and more pointed head. The dorsal fin is large and located about midway between the snout and the end of the tail; ventral fins, slightly in front of the dorsal and not as large as the anal which is set about its length from the ventrals; tail, strongly forked.[Pg 151]STRIPED BASS (Roccus lineatus)STRIPED BASS(Roccus lineatus)The striped bass, like many people who have crossed the continent to California, readily appreciated the many advantages of a life on the Pacific Coast. From a couple of shipments brought from the East in 1879 and 1882 they have grown to be one of the most important food fishes of the state, about 3,000,000 pounds being annually marketed. They were at first liberated in the Bay of San Francisco, but later some effort has been made to distribute them, with the result that they are now found in small quantities along the coast from Los Angeles to Humboldt.From their fine size—three to forty pounds—they stand well with the angler as a game fish and furnish good sport if the tackle is light enough. Their rushes are not equal to those of the steelhead or the salmon or the yellow-tail, nor do they fight with the same vigor or with the same persistency.The striped bass is unlike any other coast fish. Itsback is light olive; sides, nearly white with seven or eight longitudinal stripes running the whole length of the body, the dorsal fin is double, but not joined like that of the black bass. The first half is spiny with the after division rayed and soft. It is a salt water fish, making its habitat in and near the mouths of rivers, and often running up them for 100 miles or more. Use the same rod and line as for salmon.THE GAME FISH OF THE SEAThere certainly is no better sport to be had any place with the trout, salmon and bass than that furnished by the rivers, lakes and bays of the Pacific Coast. To this excellent sport must be added another of the most exciting character, and one distinctly Californian, and that is the capture with rod and reel of the large sea fishes found in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, and more especially of Catalina Island. The great variety, gamy qualities and massive size of these fishes furnish a sport at once exciting and exhilarating, and challenging the keenest exercise of the ability of the sportsman.The world-wide fame of these waters, and the grand sport they furnish have resulted in the establishment on Catalina Island of one of the finest, if not the most perfect and best equipped angler's resort in the world, from its launches and boatmen to its clubhouses and hotels, and made it the Mecca of the expert anglers of the civilized nations of the earth.[Pg 153]LEAPING TUNA (Thunnus thynnus)THE TUNA(Thunnus thynnus)The leaping tuna is the largest of the great game fishes of the Pacific. It ranges from Monterey Bay, where it is sparingly met with, south to Mexico. About Catalina Island they are found in great numbers and of great size. The excellent sport their capture with rod and reel furnishes, has drawn to the island the expert anglers of the world, and resulted in the formation of the now famous "Tuna Club of Catalina," with its members residing in all parts of the world; and of which no one can become a member until he has landed a tuna of 100 pounds or more with rod and reel and with a line not larger than a 24-thread Cuttyhunk.Professor Charles F. Holder, an expert angler with a national reputation, and who has angled for all fishes and in all waters, says, "The most sensational fish of these waters is the leaping tuna. It is the tiger of the California seas, a living meteor, which strikes like awhirlwind, and played with a rod that is not a billiard cue or a club in stiffness, will give the average man the contest of his life."The record for the largest tuna caught with a rod and reel is held at this writing by Col. C. P. Morehouse of Pasadena, who brought to gaff a 251 pound tuna after a six-and-a-half-hours' fight, during which it had towed his boat over ten miles. But even a greater fight than this is recorded, but the fish was not landed. This fish fought for seventeen hours and thirty minutes before its wonderful endurance and splendid courage mastered the skill of the angler. Mr. C. B. Stockton has to his credit a fight which not only shows the great endurance of this angler but the remarkable vitality of these fish. This fight lasted for sixteen hours and fifty-five minutes before the fish was brought to gaff. It weighed 170 pounds and was taken on the regulation tackle.Body, round and sloping rapidly from the middle to the caudal fin, and very small and round at the base of the tail; tail divided into two long forks; two dorsal fins, the first beginning just behind the gill-covers with the pectoral and ventral fins a trifle farther back; second dorsal fin smaller than the first and located nearly half way between it and the caudal; anal fin midway between the ventral and the caudal; bony, saw-like projections from the second dorsal fin, and from the anal fin to the tail; color, blue on the back and silvery white on the sides.Tackle and Lure—The flyingfish is about the only bait with which the tuna can be caught. The hook, which must be attached to about 31/2or 4 inches or light chain and with a wire snell, is passed into the mouth and down the belly of the flyingfish, the barb projecting about midway of the fish. A small string is passed through the nose and under lip and tied through a link of the chain to keep the mouth shut. The speed of the boat should be from two to four miles an hour. In the middle of the day, when the tunas are feeding in schools, the sinker should be removed, and the lure skipped along the surface of the water. This effect can be helped by the motion of the rod.The Catalina Tuna Club has adopted the following tackle specifications:For Tuna and Swordfish—Rod to be of wood, consisting of a butt and tip, and to be not shorter than 6 feet, 9 inches over all. Tip not less than 5 feet in length, and to weigh not more than 16 ounces. Line not to exceed standard 24-thread.[Pg 155]ALBACORE (Germo alalunga)THE ALBACORE(Germo alalunga)The albacore is another genus of the same family, and reaches a weight of 40 to 80 pounds; averaging 25 pounds. It is seldom seen as far north as San Francisco, but is abundant from Santa Barbara south to Central America. Like all of the family it is a gamy fish, and affords good sport to the angler. In general shape and appearance it resembles the tuna, but will always be distinguished by its long, sword-like pectoral fins that start from near the gills, and a trifle lower than the eye, and reach beyond the second dorsal fin.Tackle and Lure—The albacore will take almost any lure from a sardine to a white rag. The speed of the boat can also be varied very much. I have known them to be caught on a hand line trolled behind a coast steamer. About three miles an hour, however, will give the best results. The following light tackle specifications of the Tuna Club will be found quite satisfactory for the average albacore:Rod to be of wood, consisting of a butt and tip, and to be not shorter than 6 feet, over all. Butt to be not over 14 inches in length. Tip not less than 5 feet in length, and to weigh not more than 6 ounces. Line not to exceed standard 9-thread.THE YELLOW-FIN ALBACORE(Germo microptera)Another of theScrombridæfamily, and very closely allied to the albacore, is the yellow-fin albacore. This fish has erroneously been called "yellow-fin tuna." It does not belong to the genusThunnusany more than does the albacore or the bonito. It is only a visitor to the California waters, and often does not make its appearance for one or two seasons at a time. They are common to the coasts of Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, and are supposed to migrate with the Japanese current. This species fights altogether on the surface, but lacks the sterling gamy qualities of the tuna.In shape it is built very much on the lines of the albacore, but with its pectoral fins only extending back to about half way between the anal and ventral, the other fins are placed the same as the albacore, and all except the pectoral strongly tinged with bright lemon; pectoral fin is more of a bright brown; eye, large and prominent.A few have been taken weighing as much as 40pounds and one even 65 pounds. The average, however, is about 30 pounds.[Pg 157]
THE HUMP-BACK SALMON
(Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
This is another small species, rarely exceeding six pounds in weight but more commonly from three to four. Its range is from the Sacramento river, where it appears in limited numbers, north to Alaska.
Body, slim, scales very small; back, blue and sides silvery white. Profusely spotted on the after part of the back, with large oval spots on the tail. Gills, 11 to 13.
THE DOG SALMON
(Oncorhynchus keta)
The dog salmon rarely exceeds ten pounds in weightIts range is from the Sacramento river north, and its spawning-grounds the small streams up which it never extends any great distance from the salt water.
Head, quite pike-like in shape and therefore much longer and slimmer than the chinook. Back, dirty brown, with the sides of much the same color, but of a lighter tint; fins, very dark; very few distinct spots, with those showing very small; gills, 13 or 14.
Tackle and Lure—The Pacific salmon are only caught by trolling. They will take a spoon, or any live bait. The most successful lure, however, is a sardine, or other small fish of six to eight inches in length. Pass the hook through both eyes, take a half hitch around the head, insert the point of the hook in the gill and by bending the fish in the shape of the hook bring the point out about an inch and a half or two inches from the tail. This allows the fish to remain curved, and gives it a revolving motion while trolling, resembling a live, though disabled fish.
A salmon rod should consist of a butt 14 to 16 inches in length, with a hand piece in front of the reel; tip, 6 feet long and not to weigh more than 7 ounces; line not to exceed standard 12-thread. With fishes weighing from 40 pounds and upward, 300 feet of line can be used to advantage.
[Pg 135]
RAINBOW TROUT (Salmo irideus
THE RAINBOW TROUT
(Salmo irideus)
There are at least four distinct species of trout; that is, trout proper and chars, now common to the coast. One of these, the Eastern brook trout, is the result of artificial hatching and distribution. These, as well as the rainbow, and to lesser extent the cutthroat, have been so widely distributed by the state fish commission and private hatcheries that to attempt to give the present habitat of the several species would be sure to result in many errors which might be confounding. The Eastern brook trout has taken kindly to our waters and seem to be doing well in all suitable streams. Several other foreign species of trout have been introduced into our waters as well as these, among which are the Loch Leven, the German brown trout and the Mackinaw, but the success of their acclimatization has yet to be fully determined, though the Loch Leven and German brown seem to be doing well in the higher streams.
The Eastern brook trout and the native species, known as dolly varden, are chars and belong to thegenusSalvelinus, but the rainbow and the cutthroat are true trout belonging to the genusSalmo. The rainbow and the cutthroat present a variety of forms in different localities and these have been given separate specific names by the naturalist. With many of these species(?) the only difference seems to be too slight to entitle them to specific or even sub-specific separation; the variation being no more than that found in the color and markings of the same fishes in the same stream, caused by the depth of the water, the food, or other local conditions.
The rainbow trout is now a resident, either through natural or artificial distribution, of nearly all the streams of the Coast from Washington to Lower California. They vary in size, color and number of scales in different localities and have been given distinct specific names in the various sections, those of the Coast streams of California being used as the typical form. These several varieties, even in their natural condition, showed very little, if any positive line of demarkation, but since the establishment of the many hatcheries on the Coast and the wide distribution of the fry hatched from the spawn of the rainbow of the Sacramento and its tributaries, of the steelhead of the Eel river, and of the typical form of the Coast streams, there seems but one course now left, and that is to group them all as one species under the original name of rainbow.
The rainbow is a very handsome trout, varying in size from adults of but a few inches in the smaller Coast streams, to 25 and 30 inches long in the larger rivers and lakes. Its dark spotted back and silvery sides with the rich metallic colors of the rainbow streak gives it a coloration that is at once brilliant and pleasing. As a game fish it has no superior, if indeed an equal. It takes the fly with a rush, often leaping out of the water to seize it as it is descending. Then it fights with a determination, often breaking three or four feet into the air, shaking its head to free the hook like a terrier shakes a rat. It seldom sounds and never sulks. The rainbow trout goes to the sea at varying ages, the same as all other trout that can get there without passing through long stretches of warm and sluggish water. In the salt water it attains a greater size, changes its color in accordance with the length of time it has been there, but on returning again to the stream it soon assumes its original plan of coloring.
Head, about one-fourth of the whole length from thesnout to the base of the caudal fin, varying much with age and size. Generally the greatest depth is about one fourth of the length of the fish, but this also varies very much with the character of the waters it inhabits. In rapid running streams the fish are always slimmer than in more sluggish ones. I have known them 20 inches or more in length, when confined in large reservoirs, to become so heavy that they would weigh one pound to every two inches in length. The lateral line, or rainbow varies, in intensity of color, but always showing in varying shades of red, pink, and sometimes blue of a metallic luster. The vertical black blotches seen on the sides are the marks of immature fish.
The snout of the rainbow is considerably more rounding than that of the salmon, and the head larger in proportion. The eye also is much larger and fuller. The shape and position of the fins are almost identical with those of the salmon, but a little larger in proportion to the size of the fish. The tail, however, varies considerably, being more rounded, and showing only a slight indentation in the center.
THE GOLDEN TROUT
(Salmo irideus agua bonita)
If there is any variety of the rainbow trout found on the Coast that is entitled to a sub-specific name it is the golden trout of Mt. Whitney. They were originally found in only a short portion of two little streams fed by the snows of Mt. Whitney, and vary but little from each other. In one stream they have been given the name ofSalmo irideus agua bonita, and in the other that ofSalmo irideus rooseveltii, after ex-president Roosevelt. They are of a beautiful color with scarlet markings at the base of the fins and with a lateral stripe of bright scarlet blending into a rich orange. One peculiarity of these fish is that the par marks or vertical blotches on the sides of other young fish still show on the adults of these. This form of the rainbow has changed its color through the process of natural selection, caused no doubt, by the color of the rocks in the shallow streams it inhabits. Below on these same streams where the rocks are of a darker color the fish assume the natural color of the rainbow.
The writer is possibly the first white man to ever catch one of the golden trout. They were taken in 1865 with a small piece of the flank of a deer skin slipped over the hook, with the hair clipped to about half an inch in length. No sooner was this improvisedfly cast upon the water than it was eagerly seized by one of these beautiful fish. When it was landed the color astonished me, and knowing that it was a trout, I thought it must be a diseased one and threw it back. Making another cast I secured another one as promptly as the first, and it being the same objectionable color and of the same size—about eight inches—I concluded that it was the same fish and this time threw it on the bank. As fast as my deer skin fly would strike the water it would be eagerly seized by one of these game little fellows and all of the same size and color. I was puzzled and called to my companion, who was cooking our supper but a few yards away, to "come and see what was the matter with these fish." Professing some scientific knowledge, he cut one of them open, examined the meat and the intestines and finally pronounced it in a healthy condition, finishing with:
"The coffee is boiling and the bacon is fried; hurry up, and as soon as you get a mess I'll fry them and take all chances."
I soon had a mess for supper and while he was frying them I caught enough for breakfast, for the game little fellows would race for the fly as fast as it struck the water. We ate them with a relish, for we had had nothing but bacon, venison and frying-pan bread for a month. As we found ourselves alive in the morning we increased the prescription to a good alapathic dose for breakfast.
The golden trout are small, rarely reaching a length of more than fifteen inches. The back is olive, sides and belly light orange or golden yellow with a scarlet stripe along the center of the belly and at the base of the pectoral, ventral and anal fins, which are of themselves more or less of a golden color. Tail, olive, grading into orange on the lower part. Few spots in front of the dorsal fin but abundant behind it.
While the rainbow trout of the Coast have been given several sub-specific names, such asmasonifor the Coast streams of Oregon and Washington,shastaandstoneifor those of the upper Sacramento basin, andgilbertifor those of Kern river, there seems to be so very little reason for this distinction beyond the usual variations of color in all trout, spots and size with the changing conditions of water and feed, that I shall make no mention of the very slight variations upon which the ichthyologist has based the claim to a sub-specific nomenclature.
THE STEELHEAD TROUT
(Salmo rivularis)
The history of the so-called steelhead trout and the efforts to class these sea-run fishes as a species separate from the rainbow and the cutthroat, is interesting, if not amusing. No one questioned that they were other than the sea-run of the rainbow or the cutthroat, according to the locality, until Dr. Richardson, mistaking a young blue-back salmon for a so-called steelhead gave it the scientific name ofSalmo gairdneri, and the description of this young salmon was recognized as that of the steelhead for years, and under this name it appears in the statutes of California, with a separate season for its protection. In other words theSalmo gairdneriof the laws of California is a young blue-back salmon and not a sea-run trout of any kind. Recently Dr. Ayers to correct the mistake, examined a fish taken from the Sacramento river and said to be a steelhead, gave it the name ofSalmo rivularis, and this now stands as the scientific name of the so-called steelhead. Dr. Jordan, in an article recently published in the Pacific Monthly, says: "There has been much discussion as to whether the steelhead is a species really distinct from the rainbow trout, and on this subject the writer (Jordan) has at different times held different opinions."
If one authority bases his reasons for a belief in a specific difference between the rainbow and the steelhead on the fact that he did find a difference between a blue-back salmon and a rainbow, and another authority finds so little difference that he holds different opinions at different times, can there be any wonder that the practical angler, who catches these sea-run fish at the mouths of our rivers in every stage of transition, or gradation, if you please, from the typical rainbow to the Simon pure steelhead, refuses to believe that there is a specific difference?
Then again, Messrs. Jordan and Evermann in bulletin 47 of the United States National Museum, "The Fishes of North and Middle America," say: "In the lower course of the Columbia they (the steelhead) are entirely distinct from the cutthroat or clarki series, and no one would question the validity of the two species. In the lower Snake river and other waters east of the Cascade range, the two forms or species are indistinguishable, being either undifferentiated or else inextricably mixed."
From this it would seem clear that the steelhead of the Columbia, where the cutthroat abounds, are cutthroatsthat have gone to the sea, grown larger in the larger body of water—a natural condition of all fishes—and changed in color and appearance. That while they are yet in the lower Columbia and only recently from the salt water, they still maintain a sufficient difference to be easily distinguished from the cutthroat; but by the time that they have reached the "Snake river and other waters east of the Cascade range," their long residence in the fresh water has again restored them to their former appearance. The same changes are found with the rainbow and the steelhead of farther south. All trout are anadromous to greater or less extent, unless actually landlocked or living in streams so distant from the sea that they would be compelled to pass through long stretches of warm and sluggish water to reach it. The small trout of the coast streams are compelled to go to the ocean quite early in the season by the falling of the water to such an extent that in many cases the streams go dry before the beginning of the winter rains, and in the larger body of water they rapidly increase in size. The steelhead of the Columbia river always retains the cutthroat sing-manual, to greater or less extent, while the steelhead of the lower coast has no red on the jaw. The claim that the smaller head of the steelhead is a distinguishing mark, fails in effect, for it is an undisputable fact that the older and larger the trout the smaller becomes the relative size of the head. The other claim that the larger scales of the rainbow is a distinguishing feature from the steelhead is not founded on facts. For while the scales of the rainbow counted along the lateral line vary from as low as 120 in the coast streams, they run as high as 150 in the same streams, as high as 160 in the McCloud and 185 in the Kern. The average being 135 in the smaller coast streams, 150 in the Sacramento basin, and 170 in the Kern. The steelhead's scales run from 130 to 155. An average of 145; or exactly an average of those of the coast streams and the Sacramento. Were it possible for the Kern river trout to enter the ocean no doubt we would find steelhead running as high as 185 to the section.
Whatever may be the origin of the large sea-running trout called steelheads, the fact remains that it is a grand fish both in size and fighting qualities. In the ocean it eagerly takes the spoon and fights with a vigor not even surpassed by the rainbow of the streams. After a short sojourn in the fresh waters it rises to a fly just as readily.
Since the above was written Dr. Jordan has made thestatement publicly, that he is thoroughly convinced that the rainbow trout and the so-called steelhead are one and the same fish; the only difference being that the latter has grown larger and changed its color during its life in the salt water, this variation of color returning again after a short sojourn in the fresh water streams, giving it all the original appearance of the rainbow, or of the cutthroat, as the case may be.
THE CUTTHROAT TROUT
(Salmo clarki)
The cutthroat trout very largely take the place of the rainbow in the waters of northern California and in Washington and Oregon, and its various forms are more common to the lakes. Like the rainbow they have been artificially distributed to such an extent that they are now found in many of the streams of California and nearly all of Washington and Oregon. As a general rule they are not as keen fighters as the rainbow, but in the cold streams of Oregon and Washington they put up a fight worthy of the most gamy fish. In the lakes of Washington and Oregon, and such as Tahoe, Donner and other large bodies of water in California, they reach a large size; fishes of ten and twelve pounds being not uncommon. When not landlocked they go to the sea the same as the rainbow and return as the steelhead of the Columbia and other northern streams. Like the rainbow the cutthroat has been divided into several subspecies.
General appearance like that of the rainbow. The color on the back is a lighter olive or dark steel color. The upper parts are generally thickly covered with dark spots, varying in color and shape, and the lower fins are also spotted with smaller spots. The inner edge of the lower jaw is strongly marked with deep red and it is from this red mark on the throat that the species takes its name. The sides are generally of a marked pinkish hue or coppery brown. The red mark of the throat will always prove a distinguishing feature.
SILVER TROUT
(Salmo tahoensis)
In Lake Tahoe there are two varieties of trout that have been given separate specific names. They both belong to the cutthroat series, but vary considerable from the typical form. The one commonly called silver trout is a resident of the deep waters of the lake andgrows to a large size, specimens having been taken fully 30 inches long.
Back, dark green; side and sides of head, coppery; lower jaw, yellow. The spots are so profuse that many of them run into each other and form long blotches in many instances. All of the fins are spotted, those on the dorsal and the tail being oblong in shape. The belly also is covered with many small spots.
LAKE TAHOE TROUT
(Salmo henshawi)
The other variety of trout found in Lake Tahoe, and the most common one, is a very handsome fish. Its native habitat is the lakes of Tahoe, Donner, Independence, Webber, Pyramid and others of the high mountains, and the Truckee, Carson and Humboldt rivers. Specimens of this trout have been taken that weighed fully six pounds.
Back, green, varying in depth of color with the water; sides, light, with a strong coppery tinge. The spots on this variety are generally quite large above, but growing smaller below and reaching well onto the belly. Its coppery sides and larger spots should prove a distinguishing feature. Like all the cutthroats it has the red markings below the jaws.
LAKE SOUTHERLAND TROUT
(Salmo jordani)
Another peculiar variety of the cutthroat trout is found in Lake Southerland of Eastern Washington. Its distinguishing features are its orange-red fins and intensely black spots which are very profuse. It is a gamy fish and full of fight to the finish.
In several of the lakes of Washington there are varieties of trout differing in coloration and location of their spots that have been given specific names by the naturalist, such as crescent trout, beardslee trout and bathaecetor trout, all residents of Crescent lake. But as they all belong to the cutthroats and vary each from the other but little, further mention is unnecessary.
RIO GRANDE TROUT
(Salmo spilurus)
The Rio Grande trout, which is also a cutthroat, has a very limited distribution within the territorial scope of this work. It is found in the streams of the eastern slope of the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chihuahua,Mexico. Its head is shorter and more rounded than the other species of the cutthroat, with a mouth also very large. The spots are principally confined to the latter half of the body and most profuse on the tail.
COLORADO RIVER TROUT
(Salmo pleuriticus)
The Colorado river trout, also a cutthroat, is the common trout of Arizona, where it is found in nearly all the mountain streams of the territory which flow to the Colorado river. It differs only from the typical cutthroat by having its spots mostly on that part of the body behind the dorsal fin; and the lower fins strongly marked with red.
DOLLY VARDEN TROUT
(Salvelinus parki)
The dolly varden is the only char native to the Pacific Coast, and like the Eastern brook trout is not properly a trout. They both are chars and belong to the genusSalvelinus—not to theSalmo. The dolly varden often reaches a length of thirty to thirty-six inches, and a weight of twelve pounds. It is a more slender fish than the rainbow and not so rounded on the back. It is very largely a bottom feeder and, therefore, rather of a sluggish nature. It rises but little to the fly and makes a poor fight.
Back, olive green but without the marble markings of the Eastern brook trout. Spots on the back and sides are red, not very close together and about the size of three-fourths of the diameter of the eye. The lower fins have a reddish tinge, of varying hue in different waters. It is a native of the McCloud river and has been little distributed.
[Pg 145]
EASTERN BROOK TROUT (Salvalinus fontinalis)
EASTERN BROOK TROUT
(Salvelinus fontinalis)
The Eastern brook trout—properly a char—was introduced into the coast waters several years ago and found our waters so congenial that it must now be considered a resident species, for it is to be met with in many of our streams, and thrives well in any of the higher localities. The brook trout is a handsome fish with its brown and olive marbled back, scarlet spots and salmon-colored sides. Its beauty has challenged the cunning of the painter, and been immortalized by the genius of the poet. Its gamy qualities stood forcenturies as beyond comparison until the bended rod and singing reel announced the impalement of the native of the Golden West, with its mad rushes and terrier-like fights; then the rosy beauty of the East had to yield the palm to the rainbow-colored, fighting pirate of the Pacific.
The brook trout may easily be distinguished from any of the other trout of the coast by its marbled back and red spotted sides. Besides this the whole fish is more of a pinkish color. It varies in size like the others of the family, according to the waters it inhabits, attaining about the same size as the rainbow in the same waters.
Tackle and Lure—On account of over fishing the streams, and the very bad habit of killing so many small fish, the majority of the trout caught on the Pacific Coast are small. If there were more sportsmen and less fishermen on our streams this condition would not exist. For the sportsman will throw back all the little babies that are not over six inches in length and allow them another year to grow. And in this connection I want to say to the young boys and girls: be true sportsmen and sportswomen and never fish for trout with anything but artificial flies. You may not catch as many fish while you are learning, but you will soon find that you are having ten times more sport. As to the rod and line, you will never get it too light. The longer you have been a flycaster, the lighter you will want them; and the lighter they are the more sport you will have.
THE SALMON AND TROUT
Order, ISOSPONDYLI
Family, SALMONIDAE Subfamily, SALMONINAE
[Pg 149]
SMALL-MOUTHED BLACK BASS (Micropterus dolomieu)
SMALL-MOUTHED BLACK BASS
(Micropterus dolomieu)
The black bass is not a native of the coast, but both species are now so well established in our waters that they must now be classed as permanent residents, for whether it is the crystal lake, the flowing stream, the little pond, the artesian-fed reservoir or the brackish slough, they thrive equally well and take any lure from the artificial fly to the plebeian angleworm.
Black bass are prolific breeders and rapid growers. A case is on record where eight males and seven females were planted in a pond in May and during the November following over 37,000 young fish were taken from the same pond, each from three to four inches long.
The black bass is a short, deep fish with a double dorsal fin; the front half being stiff and spiney and the latter half soft and rayed. The color is variable, but always dark and from a dirty green to a blackish brown on the back, shading to a dirty white on the belly. The gill covers are pointed at the back, with a darker spot on the point. In the small-mouthed variety the end of the upper bone of the mouth does not quite reach to the back edge of the eye, this with the scales on the cheek numbering from 16 to 18, can always be relied upon as a distinguishing diagnosis from the large-mouthed variety.
LARGE-MOUTHED BLACK BASS
(Micropterus salmoides)
There is but little difference in the habits of the large and small-mouthed black bass, and but little difference in their appearance, but the distinguishing features may easily be known. The end of the upper bone of the mouth of the large-mouthed variety extends behind the eye, and the rows of scales on the cheek number only 10 or 12.
While both species seem to do well any place, the large-mouthed are better adapted to muddy bottomed ponds and sloughs and brackish waters. The average weight of the adults of either species is about three pounds, though individuals are often taken weighing from six to seven. It is reported that specimens have been taken in the state of California that have weighed eight and three-quarters and nine pounds.
Tackle and Lure—The black bass will take any lure from the artificial fly to the plebeian angleworm. Introlling, a medium sized, Kewell spoon is to be preferred. I have always found, however, that the best sport is to be had by casting with a large trout fly—the color varying with the season—close to the edge of lily pads or tules. The tackle for fly-fishing should be the same as for trout. For trolling the rod should be shorter and stiffer.
SACRAMENTO PIKE
(Ptychocheilus oregonensis)
The Sacramento pike, known also by the names chappaul and squawfish, and as lake trout in the San Joaquin Valley, while but little sought after by the angler, can rightfully be classed as a game fish, for it rises to the fly as readily as a trout and often gets cursed for doing so. It is a very common fish in many of the lakes and streams from Washington south to the San Joaquin Valley. Like nearly all fish its size depends very much upon the waters in which it is found. In Washington it has been known to reach a length of four feet, but it is more commonly met with from eight to twenty inches. In shape it resembles a trout, but with a slimmer and more pointed head. The dorsal fin is large and located about midway between the snout and the end of the tail; ventral fins, slightly in front of the dorsal and not as large as the anal which is set about its length from the ventrals; tail, strongly forked.
[Pg 151]
STRIPED BASS (Roccus lineatus)
STRIPED BASS
(Roccus lineatus)
The striped bass, like many people who have crossed the continent to California, readily appreciated the many advantages of a life on the Pacific Coast. From a couple of shipments brought from the East in 1879 and 1882 they have grown to be one of the most important food fishes of the state, about 3,000,000 pounds being annually marketed. They were at first liberated in the Bay of San Francisco, but later some effort has been made to distribute them, with the result that they are now found in small quantities along the coast from Los Angeles to Humboldt.
From their fine size—three to forty pounds—they stand well with the angler as a game fish and furnish good sport if the tackle is light enough. Their rushes are not equal to those of the steelhead or the salmon or the yellow-tail, nor do they fight with the same vigor or with the same persistency.
The striped bass is unlike any other coast fish. Itsback is light olive; sides, nearly white with seven or eight longitudinal stripes running the whole length of the body, the dorsal fin is double, but not joined like that of the black bass. The first half is spiny with the after division rayed and soft. It is a salt water fish, making its habitat in and near the mouths of rivers, and often running up them for 100 miles or more. Use the same rod and line as for salmon.
THE GAME FISH OF THE SEA
There certainly is no better sport to be had any place with the trout, salmon and bass than that furnished by the rivers, lakes and bays of the Pacific Coast. To this excellent sport must be added another of the most exciting character, and one distinctly Californian, and that is the capture with rod and reel of the large sea fishes found in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, and more especially of Catalina Island. The great variety, gamy qualities and massive size of these fishes furnish a sport at once exciting and exhilarating, and challenging the keenest exercise of the ability of the sportsman.
The world-wide fame of these waters, and the grand sport they furnish have resulted in the establishment on Catalina Island of one of the finest, if not the most perfect and best equipped angler's resort in the world, from its launches and boatmen to its clubhouses and hotels, and made it the Mecca of the expert anglers of the civilized nations of the earth.
[Pg 153]
LEAPING TUNA (Thunnus thynnus)
THE TUNA
(Thunnus thynnus)
The leaping tuna is the largest of the great game fishes of the Pacific. It ranges from Monterey Bay, where it is sparingly met with, south to Mexico. About Catalina Island they are found in great numbers and of great size. The excellent sport their capture with rod and reel furnishes, has drawn to the island the expert anglers of the world, and resulted in the formation of the now famous "Tuna Club of Catalina," with its members residing in all parts of the world; and of which no one can become a member until he has landed a tuna of 100 pounds or more with rod and reel and with a line not larger than a 24-thread Cuttyhunk.
Professor Charles F. Holder, an expert angler with a national reputation, and who has angled for all fishes and in all waters, says, "The most sensational fish of these waters is the leaping tuna. It is the tiger of the California seas, a living meteor, which strikes like awhirlwind, and played with a rod that is not a billiard cue or a club in stiffness, will give the average man the contest of his life."
The record for the largest tuna caught with a rod and reel is held at this writing by Col. C. P. Morehouse of Pasadena, who brought to gaff a 251 pound tuna after a six-and-a-half-hours' fight, during which it had towed his boat over ten miles. But even a greater fight than this is recorded, but the fish was not landed. This fish fought for seventeen hours and thirty minutes before its wonderful endurance and splendid courage mastered the skill of the angler. Mr. C. B. Stockton has to his credit a fight which not only shows the great endurance of this angler but the remarkable vitality of these fish. This fight lasted for sixteen hours and fifty-five minutes before the fish was brought to gaff. It weighed 170 pounds and was taken on the regulation tackle.
Body, round and sloping rapidly from the middle to the caudal fin, and very small and round at the base of the tail; tail divided into two long forks; two dorsal fins, the first beginning just behind the gill-covers with the pectoral and ventral fins a trifle farther back; second dorsal fin smaller than the first and located nearly half way between it and the caudal; anal fin midway between the ventral and the caudal; bony, saw-like projections from the second dorsal fin, and from the anal fin to the tail; color, blue on the back and silvery white on the sides.
Tackle and Lure—The flyingfish is about the only bait with which the tuna can be caught. The hook, which must be attached to about 31/2or 4 inches or light chain and with a wire snell, is passed into the mouth and down the belly of the flyingfish, the barb projecting about midway of the fish. A small string is passed through the nose and under lip and tied through a link of the chain to keep the mouth shut. The speed of the boat should be from two to four miles an hour. In the middle of the day, when the tunas are feeding in schools, the sinker should be removed, and the lure skipped along the surface of the water. This effect can be helped by the motion of the rod.
The Catalina Tuna Club has adopted the following tackle specifications:
For Tuna and Swordfish—Rod to be of wood, consisting of a butt and tip, and to be not shorter than 6 feet, 9 inches over all. Tip not less than 5 feet in length, and to weigh not more than 16 ounces. Line not to exceed standard 24-thread.
For Tuna and Swordfish—Rod to be of wood, consisting of a butt and tip, and to be not shorter than 6 feet, 9 inches over all. Tip not less than 5 feet in length, and to weigh not more than 16 ounces. Line not to exceed standard 24-thread.
[Pg 155]
ALBACORE (Germo alalunga)
THE ALBACORE
(Germo alalunga)
The albacore is another genus of the same family, and reaches a weight of 40 to 80 pounds; averaging 25 pounds. It is seldom seen as far north as San Francisco, but is abundant from Santa Barbara south to Central America. Like all of the family it is a gamy fish, and affords good sport to the angler. In general shape and appearance it resembles the tuna, but will always be distinguished by its long, sword-like pectoral fins that start from near the gills, and a trifle lower than the eye, and reach beyond the second dorsal fin.
Tackle and Lure—The albacore will take almost any lure from a sardine to a white rag. The speed of the boat can also be varied very much. I have known them to be caught on a hand line trolled behind a coast steamer. About three miles an hour, however, will give the best results. The following light tackle specifications of the Tuna Club will be found quite satisfactory for the average albacore:
Rod to be of wood, consisting of a butt and tip, and to be not shorter than 6 feet, over all. Butt to be not over 14 inches in length. Tip not less than 5 feet in length, and to weigh not more than 6 ounces. Line not to exceed standard 9-thread.
Rod to be of wood, consisting of a butt and tip, and to be not shorter than 6 feet, over all. Butt to be not over 14 inches in length. Tip not less than 5 feet in length, and to weigh not more than 6 ounces. Line not to exceed standard 9-thread.
THE YELLOW-FIN ALBACORE
(Germo microptera)
Another of theScrombridæfamily, and very closely allied to the albacore, is the yellow-fin albacore. This fish has erroneously been called "yellow-fin tuna." It does not belong to the genusThunnusany more than does the albacore or the bonito. It is only a visitor to the California waters, and often does not make its appearance for one or two seasons at a time. They are common to the coasts of Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, and are supposed to migrate with the Japanese current. This species fights altogether on the surface, but lacks the sterling gamy qualities of the tuna.
In shape it is built very much on the lines of the albacore, but with its pectoral fins only extending back to about half way between the anal and ventral, the other fins are placed the same as the albacore, and all except the pectoral strongly tinged with bright lemon; pectoral fin is more of a bright brown; eye, large and prominent.
A few have been taken weighing as much as 40pounds and one even 65 pounds. The average, however, is about 30 pounds.
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