PACIFIC SALMON FISHERIES 489 



There are a large number of power-boat trollers in this region. 

 These trollers generally use one pole on a side and one at the stern. 

 The rowboat trollers use but one line, which is attached to a thwart 

 in the boat, handy to their reach when rowing, and trailing out from 

 the stern of the boat. 



The trollers usually have temporary camps where they congregate 

 while the fish are to be found in that section, moving on to some more 

 favorable spot when the fish begin to get scarce. 



Reports from the trollers of southeast Alaska prove that all species 

 of salmon will take the hook at some time or other in the salt waters 

 of this region, an examination of their stomachs generally showing 

 that they are either feeding or in a condition to feed. 



A small commercial fishery is carried on in this region for coho 

 salmon, mainly in August and September, in the neighborhood of 

 Turnabout Island, in Frederick Sound. A Stewart spoon with two 

 hooks on one ring is used, baited with herring in such a way that the 

 fish is straightened out and faced toward the spoon. The sportsmen 

 of Ketchikan also fish with rod and reel for this species in the neigh- 

 borhood of Gravina Island, using a Hendryx spoon (kidney bait 

 No. 6), which is silvery in color on one side and red on the other. 

 Although much smaller than the king, the coho salmon is more gamey. 



During the latter part of March the Gulf of Georgia, in British 

 Columbia, is invaded by large schools of young coho salmon, locally 

 called "bluebacks." They evidently come in from the sea by way 

 of the Straits of Fuca, as their presence is at first apparent in the 

 lower gulf, especially among the reefs and islands off Gabriola Pass. 

 On their arrival these fish are only about a couple of pounds weight, 

 but increase in size very rapidly, with correspondingly voracious 

 appetites. They are to be found in the gulf throughout the spring 

 and summer. By May the fish generally average close to three 

 pounds each when dressed, while in July they are between four and 

 six pounds in weight. 



A number of fishermen with power and row boats engage in this 

 fishery, the fish being either sold to the fresh markets or to the 

 canneries. 



Trolling lines and spoon baits of one form or another are used. In 

 fishing from power boats the outer lines are attached to fish poles 

 15 to 18 feet long, rigged out on either side. Those poles are usually 

 hinged at the foot of a short mast and lowered outboard by a halyard 

 running through a block at the masthead, wdth the additional brace 

 of a forward guy, which, with the drag of the lines aft, holds them in 

 position. It has been customary to use from five to seven Unes from 

 each launch, the two outer lines leading from the ends of the poles; 

 the next pair are attached to intermediate tips fastened halfway out 

 on the main pole, while inboard lines are attached to smaller upright 

 rods on either quarter. 



The outer trolls are brought within reach (the poles being practically 

 fixtures) by means of a short piece attached to each fishing hne 15 or 

 20 feet from the point where it is fastened to the pole and leading 

 inboard. 



Recently, however, the Dominion authorities have decreed that a 

 troller shall not use more than three lines from a boat when trolUng 

 for salmon. Should a man be alone in the boat three lines will keep 

 him very busy if the fish are biting at all well. 



