Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-08-11
DEEP SEA FISHING.
BooTHBAY, August s

lines that had been cast IN pleasant places,
where you were able 20 catch tom-cods and
cunners, to deposit them in the dark, deep
and troubled waters where Goldfish do congre-
gate? If you are deficient in the rich cxpe-
rience of deep sea fishing, go with us for a
days voyage down the harbor of Boothbay
and out to sea for fourteen or fifteen miles.
We embark at seven in the morning in the
safe and graceful little yacht Rival COM
manded by Capt. Lewis and we may feel as
safe as in our own homes. Our party con-
sists of five individuals besides the skipper.
| With light hearts and thin coats we leave the
wharf wherein stand the wives of the bold
hearted mariners on board imploring US to
take care of ourselves and leave our wallets
behind. We have taken due care to lay In Il
store Of provisions and some surplus clothing,
for the gallant old tars who have preceded
us in the business have reminded Us that this
delightful breeze, that scarcely lifts the long
sail from the mast will soon change its tone,
as we near the fishing grounds. All on board
are light of heart, gay and festive. The fish
ing lines are overhauled, thoroughly inspect
ed and found to be all right. A sangune fish,
erman wonders ''it that pailful of bait will
last till night" The skipper takes in fresh
cud of tobacco, and replies, knowingly, " GU
bait e The best and most artistic method of
serving up Goldfish for table use is discussed.
1t is agreed that swallowing Goldfish whole
is not a-coding to the rules of health. a Tub
Der of landsman who has not the courage to
venture out with US, has nsulted the whole
crew by asking us at what price we would
furnish him several barrels The sucker !.
He might have known that we were going to
catch fish, and not barrels A button-h hole
descendant of Ethan Allen, on board, is plan
ming to send several large-sized cod to his
friends in Hallowell.
We sail down among the beautiful islands
in the harbor and past the fishing crafts and
coasters whose decks are alive with hearty
men preparing for the days work. There are
other parties out pleasuring, who are drifting
along like ourselves with tapping sail We
soon make eur way out into the broad ocean,
and leave the quiet harbor for the less ven
turesome and those who delight to ''paddle in
shoal water" The storm of the previous day
has left deep under swell outside that has
not subsidized, even under the influence of this
genial summer morning. The boat rises
proudly to the crest of one of these swells,
and sinking gently to its undulating depths,
reminds you of your milky days, when your
mother rocked you in the little red cradle and
ssD -h,b ba
But you are not baby now, but deep sea
fisherman; not perched upon the tree top, as
perhaps you may wish to be before night, but
in this rollickng little craft that is making its
way from wave to wave. But what's the mat
ter with our tall, lank Androscoggin friend,
who has been so enthusiastic and efficient in
making arrangements for the voyage? For
three days he has enjoyed it in contemplation
and sailed down several barrels of imaginary
Goldfish. Has he found a glittering pearl in
the bottom of the boat, that rivets his atten-
ton? He complains of dizziness in the head
the premonitory symptom of sea-sickness,
and thinks he will lie down few moments.
Soon business of urgent Importance causes
our tall friend to lean over the railing of the
boat. His hands are involuntarly raised to
the stomach, and out goes the last breakfast,
followed by several preceding meals, for the
benefit of the fishes. He didn't think he
should be sick. Everyone on board pities
the poor vic i'm, and prays for strength to
keep down their breakfast. We have arrived
on the fishing grounds, and another of our
party-the individual who talked few mo-
ments ago about barrels of codfsh-is seized
with strange dizziness. The craft heayes
to, and our friend heares, too. He has lost
all confidence in his stomach, and vows that
he won't pay his board bill. Our tall friend
is slowed away; the smell of the tempting
bait is nauseating, the thought of catching
fish is disgusting, and he implores his COM
panions to leave him alone. He has appar-
est part of the great world of mind and mat
ter, being willing to be thrown overheard, or
cut up for bait, as the majority might decide.
Now we get out the heavy reels, bait the
hooks, and send the long lines with their heavy
sinkers to the bottom of the ocean, at this
| pOHll lou lSet III uepti. Ced-slch NlStluh No.
2 has the courage to put out a line, but soon
has to abandon it without catching fish, and
crawls to the bottom of the boat to keep COM
pany with victim No /. Three strong hands
now hold the lines and are awaiting patiently
the appearance Of nibble. A heavy bite, a
long and a strong pull, and our Gardiner
companion lands upon the deck large and
quivering cod. "Ah, now, won't we catch
em :" exclaims another of the crew who had
eaten tremendous breakfast and gained a
pound since yesterday; ~ think I've got a
bit" but before the words were out of his
mouth, "Oawah!' came the dismal sound
from his side of the boat, the fishes rose to
the surface, to claim the poor fellows break
fast, and another name was added to the list
of patients. Did you ever see the picture Of
the three graces, or read of the three wor-
thies? The three sick fishermen in the bot.
tom of the rollicking craft should be added as