RECREATION 



Volume XVIIL JUNE, J903. Number 6 



G. 0. SHIELDS, (COQUINA) Editor and Manager 



AN INDIAN HARPOONER'S CATCH. 



J. P. TODD. 



I often wonder how Eastern an- line ran out with a whiz that made 



glers, who are so delighted when the gunwale smoke. A buoy made 



they catch 10 inch trout or 2 pound of a seal skin, filled with air, was at- 



bass, would feel if they could hook tached to the line near the harpoon, 



a royal chinook salmon, on Puget The whale, soon tired of holding that 



sound. Spring salmon weighing 50 down. He came near the surface, and 



pounds are frequently taken with the headed toward Vancouver at a speed 



rod, and an Indian at Neah bay re- I feared would swamp the canoe, 



cently caught an 81 pounder on a The Indians held on, however, baling 



troll. So far sportsmen seem to have out the water as fast as it was shipped ; 



overlooked the king of all sports, one standing by, knife in hand, ready 



which, in my opinion, is trolling for to cut the line if necessary, 



salmon. A few enthusiasts troll here Twice the whale came up to blow, 



for sport ; while market fishermen each time resuming his course. The 



often catch 50 to 150 fish in one day. third time he rose another canoe suc- 



I spent 2 weeks last August at ceeded in fastening a harpoon and 



Neah bay, and in that time saw over skin buoy to him. After that his 



20,000 salmon sold to the canneries. spurts were shorter and less rapid, 



A white man can stop there only by and the third canoe put a harpoon 



permission of the Indian agent ; and into the unlucky monster. By that 



unless he takes a tent, he will have time he was spouting blood ; but not 



to put up with Indian accommoda- until 20 buoys were attached to him, 



tions. Still, I was treated as well making it impossible for him to dive, 



there as in almost any rural district. could Young Doctor give him a;fin- 



During my stay I saw the Indians ishing blow. This he did with a 



kill a whale. Three canoes, each con- lance. 



taining 8 men, went out about 30 It then remained to get the victim 



miles before finding game. When ashore. Two canoes remained with 



we found our whale he was asleep on the prize, while the third, on which 



the surface of the water. The In- I was, hoisted sail and made for Cap^ 



dians refused to approach until he Flattery to hire a tug. By noon next 



awoke, saying he would smash a canoe day the whale was on the beach in 



if harpooned while sleeping. front of the Indian village at Neah 



We waited 2 hours before he bay. 



stirred. When he began moving his A piece of the whale's back about 



flippers and spouting, the canoe of 8 feet square was donated to the vil- 



Young Doctor, the boss harpooner, lage for a feast. The. remainder was 



drew cautiously behind him. From sold at $1 a square foot, netting the 



a distance of about 12 feet the har- captors $500. The piece given to the 



poon was launched with a force of village was hung up and the 'oil was 



which I would not have believed the allowed to drain from it 4 days. Then 



human arm capable. The whale a grand potlatch dance and feast cele- 



sounded instantly, and the harpoon brated Young Doctor's great catch. 



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