Fishing Grounds of the Gulf of MaineRich, Walter H. (Walter Herbert)
History
Fishing Grounds of the Gulf of Maine
Rich, Walter H. (Walter Herbert)
Fisheries -- Maine, Gulf of
Hake Ground. North of Monhegan island lies a patch called the Hake
Ground or Mud Channel, the first name because of the abundance of hake
taken here during June, July, and August. It extends from just outside
White Head to abreast of Monhegan Island on the northern side. The
depths vary from 20 to 45 fathoms, and the ground is still considered
one of the best hake grounds alongshore. It is fished by small boats and
vessels when the dogfish are on the outer grounds. This is a good
haddock ground in December and January, as well as a good lobster
ground.
Southwest Ground. This lies 2 miles SW. from the western head of Isle
au Haute. It is circular in form, 1/2 mile in diameter and has a gravelly
bottom with depths varying from 35 to 40 fathoms. It is a cod ground
from April to June and from September to November, inclusive. A few
pollock and haddock are taken with the cod. Hake are abundant in summer
close to Isle au Haute. Handlines and trawls are used in the fishing. It
is also a good lobster ground.
Barley Hill Ground. This ground lies NNE. from Seal Island and SSW from
the western head of Isle au Haute directly in line between the two,
about 3 1/2 miles distant from each point. It is circular in form, has 28
to 30 fathoms of water, and the bottom is mixed mud and rocks. This is a
ground much resorted to by sloops and larger vessels, and the fishing is
by hand line and trawls. It is a good cod ground in spring and fall and
a hake ground on the mud and rocks in summer. Occasionally a few halibut
are taken here during June and July. It is also a lobster ground.
Gilkey Ground. This bears S. from the western head of Isle au Haute.
4 miles distant. It extends ENE. and WSW about 1 1/2 miles long by 1/3
mile wide. The bottom is rocky on the shoals where depths are about 23
fathoms sloping to 35 fathoms on the southwest part., where the bottom
is gravelly and comparatively smooth.
This is a cod ground in spring and fall, a haddock ground in winter, and
hake are taken on the edges in summer. Vessels fishing here are mostly
from Maine ports. It is also a good lobster ground.
Rock Cod Ledge. This ledge lies NE. of Seal Island 1 mile. It has a
depth of 3 1/2 fathoms on the shoalest part, deepening gradually on all
sides for a considerable distance. The bottom is of sharp rocks and is
broken in places. Rock cod area present in fair numbers in spring and
fall, and this is a mackerel and herring ground in their seasons.
Haddock are abundant in the fall close in to the rocks of Seal Island in
6 to 15 fathoms. This is not a hake ground, although there are a few
cusk to be had here on the deeper parts and an occasional small halibut
is taken in the kelp on the shoal in June and July. It is a good lobster
ground.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account