566 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 
shore of the North Carolina coast range from 150 to 200 fatboms in length, and are from 12 to 18 
feet deep. The mesh varies somewhat, the bar averaging about 13 inches. Nets of this size cost 
from $150 to $200, from 15 to 20 men being required to handle them. ‘Those used in the inner 
waters on the Carolina coast are a trifle smaller, averaging perhaps 100 fathoms in length, being 
manned by 8 to 12 men, according to circumstances. 
Some of the nets used along the gulf coast, according to Mr. Stearns, are made in Boston and 
New York of strong cotton twine, and shipped by freight to merchants living in the vicinity of 
the fishing grounds. Each fisherman prefers to hang his own net, the manner of mounting and 
forms of floats and leads being similar to those in use along the Atlantic coast. These seines are 
from 100 to 120 fathoms long and 16 to 20 feet deep at the bunt, the wings at their extremities 
being, of course, much shoaler. One of these nets, when complete, costs about $1.20 per fathom, 
and if properly cared for will last from three to four seasons. 
Seine-boats are sometimes made expressly for the mullet fishery, though ordinarily any 
boat large enough to hold the seine answers the purpose well enough for fishing in sheltered bayss 
Along the outer coast, however, a strong and seaworthy boat is necessary. But even here the 
size and shape varies considerably. The style having the preference in the Carolinas is known as 
the “pilot skiff,” which may have either a square or sharp stern. These skiffs are round-bottomed, 
lap-streaked keeled boats, from 25 to 28 feet long, 4 to 6 feet beam, and 20 inches deep, costing 
from $100 to $150. ‘They are steered by means of oars rather than rudders, as they can by this 
means be more readily handled in the surf. The men engaging regularly in the fishery become 
very expert in the use of these boats, and are among the best surf-men along the entire coast. 
On the Gulf coast the boats differ greatly according to locality. In some places excellent 
boats made of light but very durable material are used. These are about 26 feet long and 7 or 8 
feet wide, and though still retaining the form of round-bottomed boats, they are quite flat, in order 
that they may not ground in shoal water. The bow is, as a rule, very sharp, while the stern is 
wide and overhanging, the shape being calculated to give great carrying capacity, making them 
especially adapted for the work for which they are intended. In other localities the boats are 
of inferior quality, somewhat smaller, and so roughly built that they last but one or two seasons. 
These are usually made of pine or spruce boards and are neither calked nor painted, a coating of 
tar taking the place of both. They cost, when new, from $10 to $12. 
Another class of boats is used by the Apalachicola fishermen for marketing the fish after they 
have been properly salted. These, according to Mr. Stearns, are similar to the dinghy boat used 
in the sponge fisheries, but are much larger, being often 20 to 22 feet long, with 6 or 7 feet beam. 
The forward part is decked over, and washboards are run aft to the stern on either side to keep out 
the water. These boats are propelled by oars or sails, as is most convenient. The sail used is a 
triangular one of the lateen pattern, arranged with a long yard and a very short, stubby mast. 
Rigged in this manner the boats are very fast sailers and are easily managed. 
Small vessels also are employed, to a limited extent, in the Gulf fishery, these enabling the 
fishermen to visit the more distant grounds and affording shelter to the crews during the fishing 
season. They are, however, more frequently used as freighting vessels, to carry the salt fish to 
market. Quite a number of fair-sized vessels are employed in this way, some of them running to 
the larger markets of Florida, while others go directly to Havana and other points in the West 
Indies. 
The catch for the season, which usually lasts during two or three months, ranges from a hundred 
to a thousand barrels. In some localities the fish usually move in small schools, and consequently 
only a few barrels are taken at a time. In others the schools are often of enormous size, and the 
