234 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



induce some ol our citizens to try their luck on black cod during the 

 coming summer. 



The season for black cod. — I very nearly omitted an important 

 point, and that is, the best season of the year for taking black cod. 

 I find that in the spring, when the eulachon run up the inlets and 

 streams, where they spawn, the black cod follow them, and can be taken 

 in quantities; but I am informed by both Haidah and Makah Indians 

 that the black cod can be taken in the deep water at any season of the 

 year when the weather will permit fishing. There are undoubtedly 

 certain seasons which are better than others for taking this fish, but as 

 yet no one has made a study of their habits. 



Port Townsend, Wash., January 9, 1884. - 



57.— UNUSUAL ABUNDANCE OF COD ON BROWN'S BANK. 



By €apt. J. W. COLLINS. 



The hand-line cod-fishermen who have arrived recently report fish un- 

 usually abundant on Brown's Bank, though they are scarce on George's, 

 as is generally the case at this season. 



Capt. William Dempsey, master of schooner Clara F. Friend, who has 

 had upwards of twenty-five years' experience in the George's cod-fishery, 

 arrived last Monday — May 25 — from a trip to Brown's Bank. He was 

 absent from home eighteen days, seven days of which were spent at 

 anchor on the Bank. In this time, with a crew of 10 men, a fare of 

 37,000 pounds of fish was caught, 1,400 pounds of which were fresh 

 halibut, the remainder being salt cod. The schooner lay in 45 fathoms, 

 about south-southeast from the " Shoal-water," in north latitude 42° 46'. 



Captain Dempsey sayshe never before saw codso abundant onBrown's 

 Bank, at this season, in all his experience. Not only were They plenti- 

 ful near the bottom, but they appeared to be numerous nearly to the sur- 

 face of the water. Many fish were caught " up in the water," and on 

 one occasion Captain Dempsey hooked a pair of fine cod not over 10 

 fathoms from the surface. " High-course " tides prevailed while the 

 vessel was on the ground, and they ran so strong that much difficulty 

 was experienced in making the gear " tend " bottom. After a little 

 while, however, it was found more profitable not to veer out any more line 

 after once getting bottom, for, as the swift-running current gradually 

 lifted the leaden sinkers from the ground, fishermen were more liable to 

 catch pairs of fish than if they exerted themselves to pay out their lines 

 at intervals, which is the usual method when fishing in a tide-way. 

 These cod were in spawning condition, according to Captain Dempsey, 

 who tells me that the milt ran freely from the fish after they had been 

 landed on deck. Before he left the Bank, several schooners came there 

 from George's, where they reported finding fish very scarce. 



Gloucester, Mass., May 30, 1885.- 



