BIOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY 257 



phenomena, no figures can give more than a general picture of the situation. 

 The establishment of an information center or centers would be helpful. 



Menhaden boats, winter trawlers, and deep sea draggers are not suitable 

 for angling use. The majority of North Carolina shrimpers — which might 

 be used for angling — follow the shrimp run the year round. They may fish 

 any day but Sunday between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m., and in any place. Some of 

 them even go out of the State in the slow season, although this may be 

 changed by possible future laws regarding the taxation of out-of-state boats. 



Boats used in oyster dredging are fully in use from October through March. 

 The smaller oyster boats are unsuitable for many oft'shore grounds. Large 

 boats used for flounder fishing are chiefly from out of the State. 



The supply of skiffs and small motor boats is at present large enough to 

 supply both commercial and angling needs for them. 



The terms "charter boat" and "party boat" are used arbitrarily in this 

 discussion. The charter boat, a very important feature in sports fishing, here 

 indicates a boat used only for angling and equipped for outside, offshore, 

 and Gulf Stream fishing. Such a boat should be at least 38 feet long, 

 equipped with twin engines and with ship-to-shore radio. It should have a 

 fishing chair with rod holders, adjustable foot-rest and movable gimbal for 

 rod butt, or at least a stool to which rod sockets have been attached. Various 

 other luxuries adding to its value to anglers would be sleeping accommoda- 

 tions for at least four people, steering from more than one place, double 

 rudders, and Diesel motors. Just as important as the boat is the fishing 

 guide, who must know how to handle the boat, care for the tackle and equip- 

 ment, rig baits, and instruct the inexperienced angler. 



Some of the finest pioneer fishing for the largest game fishes, such as tuna 

 and swordfish, has been done from dories which are equipped with an out- 

 board motor and into which seats and supports have been built, or from 

 launches seemingly more suitable for harbor fishing. However, I must add 

 that such fishing was done by expert big game anglers accompanied by 

 equally expert guide captains. 



The expense of owning a charter boat is often prohibitive unless there 

 can be a more than fair assurance of both charter and a sufficient number 

 of fishing days. Because of the uncertainty of weather for the offshore fish- 

 ing for which such a boat would ordinarily be chartered, it might be more 

 practical for such boats in North Carolina to be owned by a guides associa- 

 tion instead of by individuals. Charter boats seldom take more than four 

 anglers and usually carry a guide captain and mate. 



The term "party boat" is here used to indicate boats other than charter 

 boats taking more than one or two anglers, but it does not include small 

 motor boats or skiffs. Some party boats are anchored for still fishing; some 

 take out thirty or more anglers; some provide overnight sleeping arrange- 



