2 
No. 52. 
No. 53. 
No. 54. 
— 8 — 
is easily attracted by light, and the fishermen take lar 
burning torches in their boats. 
The food of the mackerel consists principally of sardines, small 
crustaceans, squids, and pteropods; but it is not very fastidious in 
its taste and takes even salt fish. Spawning takes place in April 
and May. Large specimens often measure about two feet in length 
and weigh about six pounds. 
Map showing Distribution of Scomber colias. 
ge shoals by 
APPARATUS FOR MACKEREL FISHING. 
Mackerel fishing is carried on in all parts of Japan. Both nets 
and lines are used for the purpose; but the latter are by far the 
more effective means. 
Basket of Long Mackerel Line (with barrel buoy). 
This line is used at Misaki in the province of Sagami. 
350 feet long bearing 85 snoods of about two feet. 
baskets of this line are usually worked by a boat of six or s 
When being used, the line is kept floating at some in 
depth by means of five barrel buoys attached to the pri 
by means of ropes 300-350 feet long. As ballast a sm 
tied to the lower end of each hanging rope. 
smaller stones are attached at intervals to the W 
Mackerel Hand Line (local name bisht), 
This line is used at Misaki in the province of Sagami. It 
consists of a piece of brass wire bent in t 
he middle so as to form a 
loop the two ends of which diverge from each other. The wire is 
then attached by the loop to a line consisting of three strands 
coiled together, and measuring about 250 feet in length. Each end 
of the wire bears a snood of silk-worm gut, and to the loop 
are attached a conical piece of lead and a bag containing bait. 
This line is worked by night and at a depth of 10-50 fathoms 
with good tidal currents; large shoals being made to gather by 
torch- or lamp-light. 
For bait sardines and mackerel are chiefly used. When these 
can not be obtained fresh, salt sardines or salt mackerel are used 
the small bag attached to the loop contains minced flesh of these 
fish, which acts as a toll bait. 
The mackerel is caught in considerable numbers in the spring 
and autumn, but also more or less throughout the year. 
It is about 
Fourteen 
even men. 
termediate 
ncipal line 
all stone is 
Beside these, nine 
hole line. 
