FISHING GEAR AND METHODS 



47 



when dropped into the water it will come to rest on the bottom. The 

 Alaska king crab pots may be similar in design, only much larger, and 

 they are also made rectangular. Lobster pots used off the East Coast of 

 the United States are made of either wood or metal. The frames are often 

 formed so that the top is domed or crescent-shaped. Wood lath or wire 

 mesh is used to cover the frames. 



When fishing, the position of the pot is marked with a float to which 

 a line leading to the pot is attached. To keep the hauling line from fouHng 

 or chafing on the bottom, or against the pot, a small float is placed 

 several feet above the pot on the haul line. 



Fish traps have been used in the United States for many generations, 

 and are still used to fish sardine, salmon, and other species. In a large 

 fish trap a long lead is used to guide the fish through a series of pro- 

 gressively smaller tunnels and compartments. The basic design of fish 

 traps (Figure 4.3) is similar in most areas of the United States, having 

 a lead of webbing, wire mesh, poles, or laths to guide the fish into the 

 outer heart chamber and finally into a pocket or bag from which the 

 fish are removed. The fish may be brailed or seined from the trap pocket. 



Double heart trap with anchors 



Figure 4.3 (cont'd) 



