134 MACKEREL-FISHING AT ANCHOR. 



how it manages in so short a time to compass all the ins and 

 outs is certainly a puzzle. However, there is, of course, only 

 one thing to be done that is, to draw largely on your stock of 

 patience, and endeavour to clear away with all speed. The 

 task was at length accomplished, and the lines again put out, 

 with immediate success, and the unlucky Mackerel all this time 

 towing on the bobber-line hauled on board in a semi-drowned 

 state. 



The basket was long since filled with the dead fish, and 

 the midship part of the boat being likewise covered with Macke- 

 rel, they invaded the stern sheets, beating thereon in their 

 struggles a lively tattoo with quivering tails. We had there- 

 fore taken a large number of fish, and it was now 4.30 P.M. 

 The wind was failing fast, and as I had no inclination to pull 

 back after the day's fishing, we boomed out our sails, and made 

 the best of our way home, when we beached the little craft, 

 hooked on the capstan chain, and hove her up, after a wash, 

 preliminary to the regular scour she had next morning, which 

 she certainly required after such a capture. 



Old John had a large basket (as much as he could carry) 

 for his share ; and sending a servant for the garden wheel- 

 barrow, it was piled full, after which another basket placed 

 between its shafts received the rest, and being driven up the 

 street, distribution was made right and left to all comers until 

 the load was considerably lightened. The fish were counted 

 into the baskets and the barrow, and the number amounted to 

 412. We took our first fish about 11.30 A.M. and ceased 

 fishing at 4.30 P.M., and better sport with Mackerel I never 

 had. My late old friend Joseph Gibbs was at it all day, and, 

 delivering his first catch at noon, went out until evening, his 

 day's work (assisted by his partner) yielding 920 Mackerel. I 

 have known much larger numbers taken, even up to 1,400 or 

 1,500 a boat ; but anything over a hundred may be looked 

 on as a good day's fishing. 



MACKEREL-FISHING AT ANCHOR. 



In August, September, and October, these fish may be 

 taken at anchor with the same pipe-lead hair-lines as are used 



