FYKE NETS AND FYKE-NET FISHERIES. 
309 
The variations in this kind of fyke consist in an elongation or shortening of the 
leader and sides of the hearts, in modifications of the shape of the hearts, and in a 
narrowing or widening of the entrances into the latter. The value varies from $20 
to $50, depending on the newness of the twine and other materials employed; the 
average value is about $40. This style of net is set in salt and fresh water and takes 
all the forms of fish occurring in the region, including shad, alewives, striped bass, 
squeteague, flounders, etc. 
DOUBLE AND IRREGULAR FORMS OF FYKE NETS. 
The nets included in this division are, for the most part, elaborated combinations 
and variations of the forms already described. They constitute a numerous and 
important class of fykes, employed chiefly in the Middle Atlantic region, where, in some 
places, they are the principal kinds in use. For convenience they may be considered 
under the head of double or symmetrical fykes and unilateral or irregular forms. 
The double nets, as here regarded, consist of two simple fykes placed opposite 
each other, with a common leader, with or without wings, and connected on one side 
by a short piece of netting. The fykes are, in most types, set at right angles to the 
leader, but in some cases they diverge, forming an obtuse angle with the leader. 
An example of a simple form of double net is shown in plate lxxix, fig. 1 ; it is 
used in the Nanticoke Eiver and elsewhere in Chesapeake Bay, and is there usually 
called a u set of fykes.” It consists of two bags set facing each other, connected on one 
side by a curved piece of netting; from the other side a leader extends from the shore to 
a point opposite the entrances of the nets. The bags are 18 feet long and are separated 
from each other by a distance of 10 or 12 feet. There are 5 or 6 hoops and 2 or 3 
funnels. The first hoop is 5 or 5.] feet in diameter, and each succeeding hoop is 
smaller by about 3 inches. The leader, or hedging, is 75 to 120 feet long, and con- 
sists of netting with a 3J-inch mesh. 
The improvements made in this style of fyke consist in the addition of wings of 
various shapes and sizes, some of which are illustrated in plates lxxix, lxxx and 
lxxxi. The form of net represented in plate lxxx, fig. 1, is a type of several similar 
styles employed in northern FTew Jersey, in Monmouth and Hudson counties, and used 
chiefly in the capture of shad. It is generally known as a shad fyke. Such nets are 
often set in strings containing three, four, or more nets. They are separated by lead- 
ers from 15 to 40 feet in length. The leaders are usually made wholly of twine, but in 
places where along line of nets would interfere with navigation that part of the leader 
which joins the back of a net is often made of brush, over which vessels and boats 
may sail without having their course impeded and without damaging the net. A set 
of three nets thus placed is exhibited in plate lxxxii. These fykes have a bag 15 to 
20 feet long, with 5 hoops and with 2 funnels proceeding from the first and third 
hoops. A similar fyke, constructed on a smaller scale, is employed in the same 
region for striped bass. 
In Baltimore County, Md., a net of this class is in use, which is locally called 
a hedging fyke. The pocket is 5 to 10 feet long and has hoops from 3£ to 6 feet in 
diameter; as many as 9 hoops are sometimes inserted, but the usual number is less. 
The mouth of the bag is sometimes square. It is represented in plate lxxx, fig. 2. 
