THE PLYMOUTH MACKEREL FISHERY OF 1889-90. 5 



On June 21st lie says, that, on an average, the shoal mackerel are 

 mncli smaller than those taken with hook and line. 



Such remarks as these serve to throw some light on the syste- 

 matic movements of the mackerel shoals. Like the herring, they 

 appear at certain parts of the coast at certain seasons, are driven by 

 instinct to approach the land, and penetrate into the arms of the 

 sea. At the same time shoals of younger fish are present, behaving 

 in exactly the same way. The experience of fishermen goes to 

 prove that the shoals of different sized fish do not intermingle ; 

 after a time the fish recede from the land and the shoals break up. 

 But we also notice that there are certain causes which may retard or 

 accelerate this series of movements. Meteorological conditions may 

 affect the fish directly or they may affect their food, but since we 

 have no regular record of the state of the weather, temperature of 

 the sea in which the shoals swim, state of their food or reproductive 

 organs, we are unable to discuss this point. 



In relation to the state of the wind and the actual takes, however, 

 this passing note may be made, that stormy weather seems to be 

 favourable for ''whiffing" (trolling a spinning bait), as the mackerel 

 then seem to come to the surface, but whether the smaller classes of 

 fish may not be taken at the same time by sunken nets is uncertain. 

 As a rule only the largest fish are caught by '' whiffing." 



It is difficult to give, with any degree of accuracy, the total 

 number of mackerel landed, since the record of the number of boats 

 fishing is often incomplete. Such a record is, of course, not easily 

 obtained except through some one regularly in attendance at the 

 fish quays. 



In studying the price column it is necessary to understand that 

 in Plymouth, as in almost every other fishing centre, weights and 

 measures are considerably distorted. In selling mackerel or herring 

 by auction, as landed from the boats, 100 always means six score. 



A few notes as to the methods of catching mackerel in this locality 

 may be of interest. 



In addition to the ordinary sunk or floating net — too well known 

 to require description — what is locally known as " brimming " is 

 much practised, especially by the Cornishmen. 



Brimming is carried on during quiet nights. As the boat sails 

 slowly along, a man in the bows, at short intervals, stamps loudly 

 with his feet, lets the stock of the anchor fall suddenly on the rail, 

 or makes some other noise, keeping at the same time a sharp look- 

 out. The shoals of mackerel, startled by the sound, make one or 

 two darts through the water, and cause quick flashes of phos- 

 phorescence. The suddenness of the flash distinguishes herring or 

 mackerel from other less active fish. This is called the brim, and 



