the only satisfactory methods of collecting deep-water species. In many instances larger and more perfect specimens of normally shallow-water species are found in moderately deep waters just offshore.
Dredging, like fishing, is a science as well as an art. It requires a basic knowledge of boats, equipment and bottom conditions. Firsthand experience is a necessity before satisfactory results can be obtained. It is also an expensive operation in which costs increase geometrically the deeper one dredges. Those who are financially willing to spend several hundred dollars in elaborate operations are urged to seek the advice of one of several of the Florida or California shell dredgers. However, very profitable collecting in depths less than 100 feet may be undertaken from a rowboat at relatively little expense.
One of the prime prerequisites of safe dredging is a healthy respect for the ocean and her many moods. Limit rowing operations to calm inlets and bays. Sudden squalls, high winds, swift currents and blistering sun on the open ocean are serious adversaries to even the “saltiest” fisherman. Prepare for each trip with care, and back your operations with a knowledge of local tides, currents, the weather and bottom conditions.
There are many types of dredges, and the larger your boat and engine the more elaborate may be your dredge. For rowboat operations the simplest type consists of a triangular or rectangular iron frame with a pair of iron bridles which are tied together. A fine-meshed fishing net is sewn to the frame. The free end of the net is not sewn but merely tied together, so that the contents can be removed from the back. A net of this sort is apt to be ripped on rough bottom, so that a canvas sleeve or tube open at the back end should be sewn to the frame and allowed to cover the outside of the net. The Burches of California, renowned for their west coast dredging, have had better luck with a triangular dredge and copper screen net. The leading edges of these smaller types, which are rarely more than two feet across, should be sharp and flare a little in order to dig moderately deep into the bottom.
Very remarkable results over mud bottoms may be obtained by using a small trawl. This is a modified dredge whose leading edges are of lead-weighted lines. The mouth of the trawl is kept open by a small, slanting board at each end. This type has the advantage of not digging up large quantities of ooze and mud.
In waters less than 150 feet in depth, the tow line may be of 1⁄2″ or 5⁄8″ manila rope, although the tendency for this to float in deeper waters necessitates the use of lead weights placed at intervals along the line. About 300 feet of line will suffice for hauls not deeper than 100 feet.
Only through trial and error will you learn the many tricks of dredging. The feel of the line will tell you whether the dredge is cutting into mud or
