34 HALIBUT FISHING GROUNDS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



In the early part of the evening an anchorage was made in 

 Zaikof Bay, situated on the northern end of Montague Sound. A 

 test of the ground was made on the south side of the bay in 39 

 fathoms of water, rocky bottom. The trawl was baited with fresh 

 salmon and remained set 16 hours, at the end of which time 5 

 halibut averaging 40 pounds, 9 skates, 3 sharks, and 1 cod were 

 captured. One individual weighed 140 pounds, which is consid- 

 erably greater than the average size of halibut on this coast. 

 Attached to one hook was the head of a halibut, and here, as at 

 MacLeod Harbor, it is very probable that a number of halibut had 

 been eaten by sharks. The bottom in this bay, or at least that por- 

 tion of it covered by the trawl, was composed of small rocks, pebbles, 

 and gravel; the marine growth brought up on some of the hooks 

 consisted of ascidians and specimens of pennatula, either one of 

 which forms of life, wherever found on fishing grounds, implies that 

 bottom fish, such as cod and halibut, may be expected in more or less 

 abundance. 



This trial demonstrated excellent possibilities and that a large body 

 of halibut inhabit this section of the island. It is quite evident that 

 a small fleet of halibut fishermen in a short time would locate the 

 best grounds in this vicinity and soon learn to take advantage of the 

 local conditions in these waters. 



Zaikof Harbor is well sheltered from northwest and east winds, 

 but somewhat exposed to north and northeast winds. Port Etches 

 on the mainland, 12 miles distant, is said to be a good harbor and 

 well protected from easterly gales. 



It is very probable that herring, in their season, may be obtained 

 for bait purposes in various parts of Prince William Sound. Salmon 

 fishermen at Orca have stated that while in search of salmon they 

 have frequently encountered large bodies of herring off Smith Island, 

 Peak Island, and in Herring Bay, Knight Island. Bait being a very 

 important factor in the halibut fishery, it is necessary to have the 

 base of supply as near the fishing ground as possible. 



Caye Einchinhrooh. — From Zaikof Harbor a course was shaped 

 which took us across Hinchinbrook Entrance, thence eastward 8^ 

 miles, where a trial was made in 33 fathoms on muddy bottom, Cape 

 Hinchinbrook bearing SW. by W., and Hook Point N. ^ E., 6 miles. 

 The species captured were such as might be expected on soft muddy 

 bottom. This trial was made while waiting for the fog to clear be- 

 fore going offshore. Several whales were present ; also a few gulls. 



It may be stated that from the western end of Hinchinbrook Island 

 to Kayak Island and a distance of 10 miles from the coast the bottom 

 is a deposit of soft mud discharged from the Copper Eiver. On 

 this ground there is an absence of commercial fishes or sessile marine 

 growth. 



