692 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 



Fykes. Fykes are double bag-nets, the large open-mouthed net in front leading by a narrow 

 opening at its apex into a smaller one, termed the "pocket," from which, as from a weir, fish 

 escape with difficulty. The fish are taken out by drawing up the " pocket," through a separate 

 hole in the ice, and unlacing an opening at the bottom, the main part of the fyke remaining under 

 water for weeks or mouths. The fyke has beeu used in various parts of the State, but does not 

 appear to have given entire satisfaction. There is complaint of its being more difficult to clear ot 

 rubbish, anchor ice, &c., than the plain bag-net, which has in some cases superseded it. 



The various forms of bag-nets have been iu use on the Kenuebec since 1852, and in the 

 Penobscot for a shorter period. 



Gill-nets. The only form of gill-net known to have been used for the capture of smelts iu 

 Maine was in use iu the Kennebec before the introduction of bag-nets. It was a smal! affair, 

 stretched on a frame about C feet square, and set through a hole in the ice. A great many of 

 these were used in su^all tributaries of Merrymeetiug Bay, and were quite effective while smelts 

 were plenty and large. 



Dip-nets. Dip-nets are only used iu the spring, in brooks where the smelts spawn, or at points 

 \v here their ascent of the rivers is obstructed. The product of this fishery is of small amount, and 

 contributes very little to the supply of the markets. 



Hook and lint. The hook and line fishery has always been the most important mode of taking 

 smelts, whether we regard the gross product or the number of persons employed, though when 

 it is brought into direct competition with bag-net fishing on the same ground, it is found less 

 productive. Smelts can be taken with hook and line during the autumn months, but it is not 

 until winter that any considerable numbers are thus taken. As soon as the ice forms on brackish 

 and fresh tidal waters the line fishermen begin to ply their vocation. Through December and 

 January the work is generally brisk, but in February the catch begins to slacken, and very few 

 fishermen continue their efforts in March. Smelts can be caught through the ice as far up the 

 fresh rivers as they ascend, but the most productive fisheries are located on brackish estuaries 

 and bays, as Nequasset Bay in Woolwich, Damariscotta Bay, theMedomak River in Waldoborough, 

 and Bagaduce River in Brooksville. 



The outfit of a hook fisherman for smelts formerly embraced only a hook and line, an ax or 

 ice-chisel for cutting holes, and perhaps a pail for bait and a few boughs to stand on. A thrifty 

 fisherman would, after finding a good location, protect himself from the cold winds by means of a 

 clump of evergreen bushes, and a progressive development iu the direction of comfort produced 

 finally the present smelt fisher's house with its dry board floor and stove. 



In the Damariscotta fishery (which has been selected for description as representing the 

 prevailing style), the smelt houses were at first built of heavy boards, then with wooden frames 

 and walls of clapboards, and finally a few years ago other coverings gave place generally to cloth. 

 They are commonly 5 feet long and 4 wide, cost about $5 all complete, with stove, and can be 

 easily moved about on a hand-sled. Each house is occupied by one man, who uses two lines with 

 one hook, or sometimes two, on each line. The lines are of cotton, either plain or laid in oil, and 

 Kinsey hooks, Nos. 13 to 16 are used. For bait they employ generally pieces of marsh minnows, 

 which are caught in the fall and kept alive until used. When minnows cannot be had they cut up 

 smelts for bait. In old times the fishing was always in shoal water, but it is now found that the 

 smelts can be taken in water of any depth from 2 to 20 feet and on either ebb or flood tide. The 

 fishermen do not agree as to what part of the bay is best nor do the smelts appear to be constant 

 in frequenting any particular spots ; in searching for them the houses move about a great deal, 

 ofteu changing location several times a day. 



