34 THE REPORT OF THE No. 31 



The trolling for pike was never known to be so good in the history of the 

 Bay. One man caught 46 good-sized pike in one day, and thousands were 

 taken out weekly during August and September. 



The cause of this unusual catch is hard to explain. Some say the carp 

 destroyed the feeding grounds of the pike, others say the shad were scarce 

 (pike food), and they took the spoon instead, but he believes the carp chased 

 them off their usual haunts. 



Overseer Sargant, Bronte, reports that the herring have been more 

 plentiful than in 1904. During January and February the fishermen 

 lost a large number of their nets, and consequently had very little 

 net to begin their fall fishing. If they had had the same amount as in 

 former years, the industry would have shown an increase. He says there 

 have been some very fine specimens of ciscoes taken, much the same as were 

 caught in former years. He is strongly of opinion that they will be as num- 

 erous as ever in a few years, if they increase as they have the last two years. 



He still holds the same view with regard to the close seasons during the 

 months of January and February. 



He is pleased to report that the trout are still increasing, and had the 

 fishermen fished with the same vigor as for herring the report would have 

 shown an increase. They use nothing but six and seven inch mesh, finding 

 it pays much better than the smaller mesh. 



Angling has been very good in the Twelve and Sixteen Mile Creek, and 

 all fish were disposed of in the home market. 



The laws and regulations have all been well observed. 



Overseer Walker, Port Credit, reports that the law has been well 

 observed amongs the fishermen. The whitefish and trout have not increased 

 in quantity, but the price per pound was firmer. In the angling bass has 

 fallen off, but the rest remained about normal and he thinks there should 

 be some way or means whereby the carp could be got rid of, and would 

 recommend a trap net, so that in case any other fish got caught it could be 

 returned alive and uninjured to the water 



Overseer Willis, Port Whitby, reports that during the year 1905, only 

 two licenses were applied for in his district, and as they were issued late in 

 the season the quantity of fish caught is far below last season. Both of 

 these fishermen's reports show white fish to have been more plentiful than 

 last season, and herring about the same, while pike in Whitby and Picker- 

 ing Harbours were much more plentiful than they have been for years, as 

 much as 100 lbs. being taken by one angler in an afternoon. Perch and 

 other small fish were scarce owing it is generally believed to the presence of 

 carp in the bays, through carp were not caught in as large numbers as last 

 year. The close seasons were well kept, and the law very well obeyed. 



Overseer Wood, Toronto, reports that the conditions in this district 

 remain much the same as last year, the catch continuing poor. It would 

 not, however, be safe to assume that the quantity of fish taken shows the 

 condition of the lake here. The season opened with a short catch, and as 

 other employment was easy to get, fishermen did not feel like taking the risk 

 of setting nets when good wages could be obtained without chance of loss. 

 And again, olthough eighteen licenses were issued here, only a few devote 

 their whole time to fishing, the majority leaving it as a "side line." The 

 herring catch towards the end of the season was good, and if heavy weather 

 had not set in the whole catch would have been much better. 



The close season was thoroughly observed, the fishermen devoting this 

 time to repairing their nets. The only violations of the law were by men 

 and boys setting nets in prohibited waters. Four nets were seized for this 



8a F. 



