20 HALIBUT FISHING GROUNDS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



in the vicinity of Amak Islands, close inshore off Black Hill, and in 

 various localities on Baird Bank, in some instances so numerous, ac- 

 cording to one fishermen, as to be considered a nuisance. There is 

 tio report of large halibut having been taken on the above-mentioned 

 grounds. It is estimated that few will exceed 25 pounds in weight. 

 They are used by the hand-line cod fishermen for bait. Individuals 

 weighing upward of 100 pounds have been reported caught on local 

 grounds off the Pribilof Islands. Owing to unfavorable wind and 

 weather no further trials were made in Bering Sea. 



Davidson Bank. — Our next trial was made July 7 off Tigalda 

 Island, the southeast end bearing north, distance 3 miles; depth of 

 water 42 fathoms; character of bottom, gray sand. This ground may 

 be termed the western end of Davidson Bank. 



In a set (1 skate) lasting 40 minutes 11 cod, 1 flounder, and 7 

 sculpins were caught. A strong tide was running against the wind. 

 On this ground strong tides may be expected, it being near Unimak 

 Pass. Immediately following this set one was made on the southern 

 and western edge of the bank 21 miles southeast by east from the 

 last station occupied, in 62 fathoms of water; bottom, fine gray sand; 

 latitude 53° 45' N., longitude 164° 30' W. The length of the trial 

 was one hour, resulting in 12 good-sized cod and 1 skate. Had there 

 been halibut in any considerable quantity it is very probable that at 

 least a single individual would have been captured. In localities 

 where halibut are fairly plentiful a skate of trawl in one hour's 

 time usually captures several. 



The results of the investigation in the vicinity of Tigalda Island 

 and that portion of Davidson Bank covered would indicate a scarcity 

 of halibut. It is possible, however, that at an earlier or later period 

 they may be found in paying quantities. A diligent search length- 

 ened into an entire season would be required to determine the 

 richness of the ground ; but inasmuch as no halibut were caught at 

 the stations occupied we are of the opinion that at this season nega- 

 tive results would have followed a much longer trial. 



Sannak Bank. — At 8 o'clock on the morning of July 8 a trawl was 

 set in 50 fathoms; bottom composed of pebbles and rocks; latitude 

 54° 13' N., longitude 162° 10' W., or Seal Eock, off Sannak Island, 

 bearing W. by N. I N., 16^ miles distant. The usual time was de- 

 voted to this trial, 28 cod, 3 halibut, 1 rockfish, and 1 large octopus 

 being taken. A second dory made a set a short distance from the 

 first, in 43 fathoms of water, and in 30 minutes caught 63 large cod 

 and 2 octopi. The halibut averaged 10 pounds and 30 inches. The 

 cod were extra large, those which were brought on board ranging in 

 weight from 32 to 35 pounds and in length from 29 to 41 inches. 



Two large stones came up on one of the trawls, to which was at- 

 tached a considerable growth of crinoids, a very good indication 



