The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1894-03-09
FISHING FOR FLYING FISH.
An Interesting Operation Which Requires
Gentleness and Absolute Silence.


Gentleness and Absolute Silence.
Barbados, situated in the heart of the
northeast trades, is one OF the favorite
haunts of the flying fish. Its steep shore
lines afford the blue depths which the
flying fish loves and permit it to range
very near to land. Thus the fishermen
rarely 60 more than 10 or - miles from
home. When this industry was first
commenced by the Barbadians, or what
led to its establishment, l have been un
able to discover, but it certainly has
been for many years the mainstay Of
large part of the population and the
source whence the most popular food
known on the island is derived. There
are about 900 boats engaged in the fish
cry. They are painted light blue, as
nearly approaching the hue of the sea
as may be, and every care is taken TO
make them noiseless.
The feet leaves the "canash' (harbor)
before daybreak, each skipper taking
his own bearings and making for the
spot which he thinks will furnish the
best results. AS the gorgeous tropical
dawn awakes the boats peaks are droop-
ed, luffs of sails are hauled up, and
the fishermen get to business. The
tackle used is Of the simplest kind. a
wooden hoop feet in diameter, TO
which is attached a shallow net with
inch meshes; bucketful Of-well, not to
put too fine point on it-stinking fish,
a few good lines and hooks and set of
grains form the complete layout. The
fishermen are of all shades. from deep
rich ebony up by fine gradations to the
cadaverOuS white so common on the is
land. Their simple fishing costume Is
usually one sole garment-the humble
-four or potato sack of commerce, with
holes cut in the bottom and sides,
through which to thrust head and arms.
AS soon as the boat is hove to and her
way stopped the usual exuberant spirits
and hilarious laughter are put and kept
under strong restraint, for single
sound will often scare away all fish in
the vicinity, and no more be seen that
day. The fisherman leans far over the
boats side, holding the hoop diagonally
in one hand. The other hand, holding
one of the malOdorOus fish before men
toned, is dipped into the sea and the
bait squeezed into minute fragments.
This answers a double purpOse-it at
tracts the fish, and the exuding oil
forms ''sleek," or glassy, surface all
around, through which one can see to
great depth. Presently sundry black
specks appear far down, they grow lar
ger and more numerous, and the motion
less black man hanging over the gun
vale scarcely breathes. As soon as a
sufficient number are gathered he gen
tly sweeps the net downward and toward
the boat withal, bringing it to the sur
face by drawing it up against the side.
Often it will contain as many fish as
man can lift, but SO quietly and swift
is the operation performed that the
school are not startled, and it very often
happens that a boat is filled-that is,
1000 or 5000 fish-from one school.
More frequently, however, the slightest
noise, passing shadow, will alarm the
school, there is a flash of silvery light,
and the water is clear, not speck to
be seen. Sometimes the fleet will re-
turn with not 200 fish among them.
Chambers Journal.