In olden days Pound fishing was a way of fishing in which a fish ‘pound’ was trap or type of net fishing designed to snare a large number of fish. The net has stakes holding it stationery. This type of commercial fishing started along the coast of Massachusetts — first in back bays and then in the Atlantic Ocean — by the big fishing fleets off the Grand Banks.
Fish swimming north or south along the coast line became ensnared in the east – west nets. Starting their days very early with hearty breakfasts, fishermen would row out in 30– 38-foot wooden skiffs daily at dawn to collect their catch. Then fish were sorted into woven baskets by hand and brought into shore. Extra large fish like tuna brought in good money. Tourists flocked to watch this important seasonal occupation along the shore. Pound fishing season lasted from April through November, the most prolific years being the 1920’s and 1930’s, when the fish were plentiful.
After getting boats on the shore fish was iced down at warehouses. Big freezers were standard. Fish went to city markets by train or truck in wooden boxes with company names stenciled on the sides. As with all commercial fishing, there was more to the job than just collecting fish. Nets had to be mended, poles replaced and secured into the sand, and equipment maintenance.
