332 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
G. Methods of Fishing. 
1. General Description of the use of a Beam-Trawl. 
To obtain tbe greatest success in trawling one condition is especially 
desirable — that of having a moderately strong and favorable tide, since 
the trawl is always towed as nearly as practicable wdth the set of the 
current, but somewhat faster, as it will then work to the best advant- 
age, being easily kept on the bottom over which it passes steadily. 
This is necessary, for the net being lighter than the beam (loaded as 
the latter is with the iron heads), would otherwise be liable to drift 
forwards and thus prevent the entrance of fish. A moderate excess 
of speed in the trawl over the tide, varying according to the strength 
of the wind from half a knot to about a knot and a half per hour, keeps ] 
the net expanded and in a proper position on the bottom, so that the 
best results can be secured. 1 
It is, perhaps, most desirable to have the tide setting nearly at right 
angles to the wind, since then the trawl can be towed equally well on 
either tack as the set of the current changes with the ebb or flood. 
As, however, the tides run as frequently to leeward, or to windward, as 
in any other way, much care and skill is necessary to work the trawl 
to the best advantage, so that it will keep the ground, will pass over the 
bottom as fast as is necessary, and also not be upset. It may be ex- 
plained here that, with a weather tide, the vessel is (or should be) put 
on whichever tack will permit her to tow the trawl as nearly as possible 
in the direction the current is going, and the best authorities say the 
warp should be kept well aft. If working with a lee tide, considerable 
care is necessary to prevent the vessel from broaching to so that she 
will u run the tide,” in which event she would be likely to upset the 
trawl. 
“When a vessel has arrived on her fishing ground,” according to 
Holdswortli, “ the first part of the tide is chosen for beginning work in, 
as she can then tow for several hours in the same direction, and the 
usual practice is to keep the trawl down till the tide is done — about 
five or six hours.” 
This is doubtless correct, in a general sense, but in these days of 
sharp competition there are probably few skippers who will not put 
out their gear at half tide if they have reached a favorite fishing ground 
and the conditions are favorable for trawling. 
When the ground is reached the vessel’s head is laid in the direction 
in which she is going to tow — this, as has been explained, depending on 
the direction of the current ; but, whether on the port or starboard tack, 
she lays up by the wind, or nearly so (say within 5 or 0 points), at least 
until the trawl is shot. After the trawl is out she may be kept off, 
nearly before the wind, but as a rule, especially with moderate breezes, 
the vessel’s course is laid nearly at right angles to the wind, so that it 
1 See Plate xv. 
