692 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 
Fykes.—F ykes 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 months. The fyke has been 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rubbish, anchor ice, &c., than the plain bag-net, which has in some cases superseded it.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 in use on the Kennebec 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 in 
Maine was in use in the Kennebec before the introduction of bag-nets. It was a small affair, 
stretched on a frame about 6 feet square, and set through a hole in the ice. A great many of 
these were used in small tributaries of Merrymeeting Bay, and were quite effective while smelts 
were plenty and large. 
Dip-nets—Dip-nets are only used in the spring, in brooks where the smelts spawn, or at points 
where 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 line.—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, a8 Nequasset Bay in Woolwich, Damariscotta Bay, the Medomak 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 in 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. Lach 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, 
often changing location several times a day. 
