A.B. Crosby
Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895
In the late 19th century, the U.S. Fish Commission conducted numerous interviews with fishermen throughout the northeast U.S. including cod and mackerel fishermen from New York, New England and Nova Scotia. Most fishermen interviewed in the 1890s by the commission were over 50 years of age and recollected changes in the marine environment during their lifetimes. These interviews, or oral histories, are an excellent source for observations of Gulf of Maine fisheries. They provide first-hand accounts and observations of fish behavior and fishing activity on specific fishing grounds such as Stellwagen Bank. Most interviewees discuss the migratory patterns and behaviors of mackerel on the east coast. In addition, the fishermen offer descriptions of fish and catch sizes as well as theories for the decline in cod and mackerel in the 19th century.
Captain A. B. Crosby was a seasoned fisherman based in Yarmouth Bar, Yarmouth, N.S.. He was known for his extensive knowledge and experience in mackerel fishing, which typically began in mid-April and ended early in July. Crosby's fishing method involved the use of a net, which was set up in the middle of April and taken down in May. The first catch of Crosby's net varied from year to year, with the first pursing usually taking place in mid-May. The mackerel caught in these traps were reported to enter from the north, and the first run of the season usually consisted of larger fish, measuring sixteen to eighteen inches. Crosby also owned the outer island terminating in Cape Fourchu, which he used for pasturing his sheep. In addition to his fishing activities, he ran a trap in the cove, which belonged to several stockholders, including Mr. J.N. Gardner. This trap consisted of a leader, a heart, and a bowl, all set by means of stakes or poles. The bottom was hard, and the poles were run into holes in stones, which were placed upon the bottom. The netting was hung from a wire and not from the poles, and their leader was 180 fathoms long.
Interview Scope and Content
The interview with Captain A. B. Crosby, conducted by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun on May 25, 1895, provides a detailed account of Crosby's fishing practices, particularly his methods for mackerel fishing. The interview covers the specifics of Crosby's fishing season, including the timing of setting up and taking down the nets, the direction from which the mackerel enter the traps, and the size and quantity of the catch. The interview also delves into the specifics of the trap used by Crosby, which was set in a cove and consisted of a leader, a heart, and a bowl. The trap was set using stakes or poles, which were run into holes in stones placed on the hard bottom. The interview also touches on the types of fish caught in the trap, including salmon, mackerel, and a variety of other species.
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