32 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
Hoop nets are used to some extent in river mouths. They are funnel-shaped, 6 
feet in depth, of 1-inch-stretch mesh, and the mouth is stretched on a 6 by 1 foot 
hoop of porno, rosa wood. They were seen only in the Bay anion River, where they 
are used at holes or indentations in the banks, against which they are placed and the 
fish frightened into the net. 
Fish weirs or traps are used in the Bay anion River by building a hedge of canes 
across the stream, with a gateway for passing boats. The hedge is made with pockets at 
various places on each side, and the fish, in going up or down stream, enter these 
Natives with Hoop Nets, Bayamou Kiver. 
pockets and are removed with dip nets. In some streams the hedges have no pockets, 
but funnels of bamboo or cane splints are inserted at various places. Fish seeking a 
passage through the hedge enter these cones and become wedged, few escaping. 
Trawl lines are used to some extent, chiefty at Aguadilla and Mayaguez, gener- 
ally where the water is several fathoms deep, and 3 to 10 miles offshore. Each trawl 
has from 75 to 200 hooks fastened singly to snoods 3 feet long and placed 6 feet 
apart. The trawls are baited with sardines and are anchored. For deep-water fishing, 
from 3 to 1 miles offshore, in water from 60 to 600 feet deep, the bow rig is employed, 
chiefly at Aguadilla and Arecibo. This is simply a bow of strong wire, at each end of 
which is attached a short line, having from 1 to 6 hooks; its value is about $3. The 
principal species taken with this apparatus is said to be the “cabrilla” or “red-hind,” 
Epvnephelus guttatus. Trolling lines are used to some extent, chiefly at San Juan, 
Aguadilla, and Mayaguez. Each line has a single hook, baited with sardines, and 
fish of large size are usually taken. 
