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EASTERN CALICO ASS GLROW LARGE FIELDBORp N J July 25 Grapple or calico bass up to eighteen inches in length and weighing three to four pounds gave state fish and game wardens a big surprise when they netted the fish for restocking purposes in a lake at Ficldsboro Burlington Cpuntyi CpuntyiThese These has were as large as sea flounders and nearly covered the bottom of a half barrel recep ¬ tacle As none of tiiissfze has been catifelVt sfnce the crappie was introduced into Jersey waters several years ago neither wardens nor anglers in that sec ¬ tion had any idea that the species attained such size The game fish were removed by direction of the state fish and ganje commission when the lake was drained by the owners and were distributed in other lakes and ponds in Burlington and Mercer Counties iFlshermen who saw these bass before they were released are still dreaming of some day hooking one of thebig ones iSInce they were introduced from Michigan a few years ago by the New Jersey fish and game com ¬ mission calico bass have each year mounted higher ih pbpularf avor with the anglers lThey seem to thrive in waters where no other game fish will live Even in the Delaware Itiycr from which pollution has driven most of the other food fish they Tire becoming plentiful plentifulThey They are as prolific as sunfish which they some ¬ what resemble in shape and they are a showy fish with sides mottled bronze and black They are easily caught small live minnows proving the best lure although at times they will take a fly Or small spoon or even angleworms Under the direction of the commission calico bass are being planted in new waters each season They seem to live on friendly terms with other game fish For this reason they can be introduced in waters where already there is good fishing without menace to the present sport
