568 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 



FISHING WITH GILL-NETS. Owing to iho jumping propensities of the mullet, the drag-seines 

 are little used after the fishing becomes extensive, and are gradually replaced by gill nets, 

 which are much more successfully employed. Gill-nets are extensively used in all localities where 

 the mullet are taken. The local name of the net for the different regions depends largely upon the 

 form and methods of use. In many places ordinary floating gilt-nets, or "drift nets," are used. 

 These are allowed to drift with the current, the fish entering them only when they happen to 

 come in their path. In other regions "stake-nets" are employed, these being set across the prin- 

 cipal channels and held in position by means of poles. 



"Sweep-nets" have been quite generally introduced among the fishermen of the different 

 States. They are in common use among the fishermen of North Carolina, and are found in con- 

 siderable number along the Gulf coast. Those used in Carolina waters are 75 to 100 yards long 

 and 4 to 6 feet deep, with a mesh varying from 2^ to 4 inches. The twine of which they are made 

 is purchased in Norfolk, at $1.20 per pound. The nets, which are tied by the fishermen and their 

 families during their leisure hours, usually cost, when complete, from $12 to $30 apiece. Two 

 men usually own a net in common, going out together in a small boat on their fishing trips. As 

 soon as a school has been surrounded by the net, the fishermen proceed to the inside of the circle 

 and, by pounding on the gunwale, splashing the water with oars, or, when shoal enough, jump- 

 ing overboard and running about within the circle, drive the mullet into the meshes. If left to 

 themselves, many of the fish would see the net and avoid it, but in their effort to escape from the 

 noise and splashing they soon become entangled in the twine. When all have been gilled, the net 

 is hauled into the boat and the fish are secured. 



A common methQd is for three to six crews to join forces, setting their nets together in such a 

 way as to include the largest possible area. This method is found much more profitable for all con- 

 cerned than setting separately, as, owing to the increased number of nets and the greater dispatch 

 in setting them, only a small percentage of the fish escape while they are being inclosed, and 

 much larger schools cau easily be surrounded. When a school of mullet is seen, two of the boats 

 are brought together a short distance in front of them, and the others take their position a net's 

 length apart. At the proper signal a man from each boat jumps into the water, holding the staff 

 of one end, while the net is being shot toward the man who is holding the staff of the adjoining 

 net. They are shot simultaneously, and when all are out they form a large circle, which completely 

 incloses the mullet. The remaining men now get overboard, and after the ends of the adjoining 

 nets have been properly secured the fishermen proceed to the inclosed area to frighten the fish 

 and drive them into the meshes. Frequently the space inclosed is so large that it becomes neces- 

 sary to lessen it, and the men take the ends of their respective nets and draw them toward 

 the center of the circle, care being taken that no opening shall occur through which the fish may 

 escape. In this way loops or pockets are formed, into which the fish are obliged to enter. When thus 

 inclosed, if any are seen swimming about, the area is still further reduced by drawing in the nets 

 until every mullet has been gilled. The nets are then taken into the boats, and after the fish 

 have been removed are at once put in order, and the fishermen start in search of another school, 

 which is surrounded and captured in the same way. At the close of the day they gather and 

 divide equally the catch. The average yield to the net in this locality for the season, which lasts 

 from June to November, is about 20 barrels of salted mullet, though the quantity could be greatly 

 increased by diligence on the part of the fishermen. 



The methods employed in the Gulf of Mexico differ only slightly from those already described. 

 The gill-nets used in this region are said to have been introduced by Northern men about six or 

 eight years ago. They are of Boston or New York manufacture, and are made of hand-laid, six- 



