A Little Bay Fisherman Information
The Bay Fisherman is a good example of the classic open skiff that one person could easily maneuver while dip netting or running a trot-line for crabs. This type of boat was popular on Chesapeake Bay during the last half of the 1800's.
California gold rush miners could stop in San Francisco and stock up on tinned Chesapeake Oysters. This high demand led to ravenous demand for the bay's seafood bounty. By the 1880's, Chesapeake creeks and shallows teemed with open crabbing skiffs. There were at least a half dozen skiff sailing rigs and hull styles.
The lives of many Bay fishermen centered on farming, with fishing being a seasonal affair. In spring, going for eels, shad and herring, crabbing in summer and oystering in winter. Bay Fishermen braved brutal conditions with winter weather forcing crews to work in icy winds that froze the Bay-soaked clothing to their bodies. It was a harsh life but one that earned a hard working man about $11.00 per day.
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