This document provides descriptions of various fishing grounds located off the coast of Maine. It summarizes the key details about each fishing ground, including its location, size, depth, bottom composition, species caught, fishing methods used, and seasons when different species are present. In total, over 20 individual fishing grounds are described in the Gulf of Maine region, which represent important areas for both commercial fishing vessels and smaller boats to catch species like cod, haddock, pollock, hake and lobster.

1. Fishing Grounds of the Gulf 1 04
The fish of these shore grounds, due probably to the greater great quantity of food right here, are
thought to be distinctly superior in high quality to those of the same types taken on the offshore
banks. The cod and the haddock, especially, of the Gulf of Maine are notably well conditioned sea
food and are noted for their excellence.
The stats presented in Kitchen table 2 show only a fraction of the capture from the Inner Grounds,
since they deal fully with the fares of fishing vessels of 5 net lots and over. There are huge amounts
of the so-called "licensed" or "under-tonned" boats, mainly gill-netters, that take countless pounds
from these waters annually, principally cod and haddock.
Around the Maine coast and across the line in New Brunswick there are more than 300 weirs which
furnished to American smokers and canners during the year 1923 (whose figures are already chosen
as representing an average season) 77,000,000 weight of herring. In the coast of Massachusetts
there are 50 or even more fish and weirs traps, and from your Isle of Shoals to Pemaquid Part of
Maine there are more than 50 floating traps in the various bays, on the points of offshore islands, or
even in the open seas, and all these have a rich harvest from all of these waters. , there is the lobster
fishery, more important from the Gulf of Maine than anywhere else in the United States.too and
Then
Of the various branches of the fisheries industries few statistics are available, however we may say
that the figures of the 1919 census showed that the "under-ton" watercraft mentioned landed
5,324,426 pounds of fish at the port of Boston, mostly of haddock and cod, which the same type of
art in 1923 landed at Portland, Me., more than 3,000,000 pounds, primarily of ground sea food. We
also know that each town, island, town and hamlet and city together this nearly 4,000 'miles of coast
line usually takes its toll from your sea.
Lukes Rock and roll. This rock is S. by E. 3 miles from Moosabec Light, round in shape, and about 1
mile in diameter. Depths are from 25 to 35 fathoms; the bottom isrocks and gravel, and mud. This is
primarily a small-motorboat fishing ground, but there is however some vessel minn kota endura.
Hake are taken here from June to September, inclusive; cod are present concerning the rocks the
year all around. Pollock are within fall and spring season, and haddock from December to February,
inclusive. Fishing is simply by hand and trawl line.
Newfound Terrain. A small rocky area about 1/4 mile all over with an automatic buoy in the center
for guidance into the Bay of Fundy. This can be a small-vessel ground having depths averaging 18
fathoms. It lies about 3 miles S. by W. from Moosabec Light. Varieties and seasons are as on Lukes
Rock. Minn Kota Endura is as simple as trawl and fingers line.
Henrys Rock and roll. Five miles SW. by S. from Moosabec Light. 1/4 mile in diameter, and 30
fathoms more than a level bottom. Sport fishing is done by hand series and trawl. Cod are present
the year all around, a few haddock from the fall, hake during the summer but not in the drop, and
pollock in spring and drop.
Handspike Ground. 8 miles SW. by S. from Moosabec Light, nearly circular in form, and ? mile
across. It possesses a bottom of depths and rocks of from 35 to 40 fathoms. conditions and Species
are exactly the same as on Lukes Rock, but mostly cod and pollock are taken here by trawl and hand
line.

2. European Egg Rock. This is certainly SW. from Moosabec Light, 8 a long way distant, lying in the
NE. and SW. direction, 3 mls long by 1 mile wide. The base issharp and irregular, and rocky and has
25 to 30 fathoms. Minn Kota Endura here is mostly manually line, the ground getting said to be too
difficult for trawling. This can be a small-vessel ground, and minn kota endura is done mainly during
the summer season. Cod and pollock are consumed thesummertime and spring, and fall; haddock
are present in spring and fall; and cusk in 35 to 40 fathoms in spring and drop. This is not a hake
ground.
Old Egg Rock. This rock and roll is WSW. from Moosabec Light, 6 miles distant, and running in a
NE. and SW. path. It is 3 mls long by 1 mile wide; has a rocky bottom and depths of 25 to 30
fathoms. Trawls also are hired, even though this is also a modest-boat floor, where fishing is carried
out mainly by hand collections. This ground is fished by the larger vessels in the drop months when
the weather conditions are too rough for minn kota endura on the outside grounds. , and a few
pollock are taken in fall and spring; hake in fair number inside the fall months.haddock and Cod
Center Ridge This is W. by S. from Moosabec Light 3 miles. It depends on a NE. and SW. direction
and is about 1 distance long by ? distance wide. The depths are from 18 to 25 fathoms and also the
bottom is difficult and rough. It really is a small-motorboat ground mostly and also of little
importance as a minn kota endura ground. Cod are present the year all around haddock in late
summer and spring season with a smaller quantity in the fall. Cusk are here the season around. A
few pollock are here in the fall and spring season.
Broken Ground. This lies S by E from Moosabec light, 15 mls, whence the ground stretches WSW to
inside of 4 miles of Mount Desert Rock with an average breadth of 1 mile. The depths manage from
15 to 100 fathoms. The shallows are distinct and rocky; the gravel, deeps and clay. There are places
? mile long and others 3 miles long experiencing depths of 70 fathoms. Several of these areas have
special names: Crawley's Rocks, Puzzling Rock, The Ridges. The grounds described here and those
earlier mentioned are known to the fishermen as the Moosabec Ridges. All these seem to be angling
spots cropping out upon the 50 fathom curve. Around the Broken Ground the fishing season is from
June 1 through September. Herring normally are abundant on this page from May to September.
Cod are taken outside of the reasons in fall and spring. Pollock and small cod are taken on the shoals
in fall and summer, and hake on the mud bottom in summer and fall and hake on the mud base in
summer and fall.
Tibbetts' Ledge. This lies eastern from Petit Manan 4 or 5 miles. The marks are Schoodic Island over
Environmentally friendly Island of Petit Manan and the Ladle over Nash's Island. This ledge includes
two rocky shoals with depths of 3 to 3? fathoms, about one acre apiece in level and 1/4 mile aside
lying SE and NW from the other. To the westward of these is broken ground nearly to Petit Manan.
These are favored small-motorboat grounds. The eastern ledge drops suddenly into the mud. In May
large cod are caught on the muddy bottom just E of the ledge in 27 to 30 fathoms. Hake and
haddock are taken in late early spring (May) and fall. Minn Kota Endura is by hand trawl and series.
Ben's Ground. Lies ESE from Petit Manan 4 or 5 mls. The marks are Petit Manan Gentle to
northward of Middle Hill of Mount Desert and Humpback Mountain in the west side of Trafton's
Island or Pond Island Light to the eastward of Jordan's Delight. The earth is circular fit and healthy,
about 3/4 mile over, having 14 to 30 fathoms water. The bottom is of mud and stones. This ground is
of little significance except as a little-boat ground in summer for cod and haddock. Hake are adopted
the muddy bottom part near it, It is actually a winter haddock terrain in calm climate, these fish
leaving behind it in the hard storms, the water being considerably too shallow to enable them to
"ride out a blow" in comfort, This kind of at least is the explanation the fishermen give for the
sudden cessation of their taking on shoal grounds after a time period of heavy weather.

3. Southeast Rock. This is a ledge, nearly uncovered at low tide on its shoalest area, SSE from Petit
Manan and 4? miles distant, The shoal portions slope toward the NE a distance of 4 miles above an
irregular underside, Depths vary from 17 to 30 fathoms, The shoals are rocky, and the deeps are
haddock, dirty and Cod are taken here in May and June, hake from July to September, It really is a
good lobster soil, also, Minn Kota Endura is by handline and trawl operated from vessels and little
boats from near-by Maine ports.
Broken Ridges aka Joe Roy Ground. This is placed SSE from Petit Manan 7 kilometers to the center.
It is 2 miles extended NE and SW and one mile wide and from 27 to 33 fathoms, and the bottom of
soil and rocks is very uneven, The shoalest portion is nearby the center. It is said as a good haddock
and cod ground, and it is mainly a small fishing boat ground, although some vessel fishing is
maintained here in the spring.
Black Ledges Ground. This terrain lies between Jordan's Delight and the Halibut Ledges, or Black
color Ledges. It is a good haddock ground to get a brief season in the spring and early summer time
when the fish are following the herring educational institutions. In general it is a tiny-boat soil on
which chiefly hand lines and trawls are operated, A couple of cod and cusk are taken here in the fall,
in fact it is a good lobster floor.
Bakers Island Ridge. This is a narrow ledge making out from Bakers Island E, by N. The eastern part
bears S. by E. from Schoodic Island 3/4 distance distant The ridge is much broken, its average width
becoming ? mile, and it has depths of from 20 to 25 fathoms over a rocky and gravelly bottom. In 30
to 35 fathoms, over a muddy bottom, hake are abundant from http://www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing.aspx
July to October, inclusive, although it is not necessarily much fished around the shoaler spots. Cod
and cusk are found here in the slip and spring; haddock from October to January, inclusive. Minn
Kota Endura here is done by little boats and small vessels mainly from Bass Southwest and Harbor
Harbor by trawl and hand line. It is a excellent lobster ground.
Martins Ground; Hillards Reef. The
center bears WSW. from Schoodic Point,
distant 3 miles. It is a rocky patch of 4
to 5 acres and has depths of from 15 to
25 fathoms. It is not important apart
from its hand-lining for cod and
haddock from the spring and fall months
and for hake in the fall. It is a good
lobster ground.
Egg Rock Damaged Ground. This is a
difficult ridge making out S. by W. from
Egg Rock and roll Ledges and is about 2
miles long by 14 miles vast. It has an
abnormal bottom, with depths from 9 to 15 fathoms. This ridge, with Martins and Seaveys Grounds,
divides the western or Bakers Isle mud channel from Schoodic mud station. Both these were
previously considered very good hake grounds but, although still good, usually are not as profitable
for hake fishing as with past years. Haddock are taken on the ridge in the spring and also inOctober
and Nov, and December. A few cod are consumed in the fall and spring. Fishing is by trawl and
hands line. It is a good lobster ground.

4. Interior Schoodic Ridge. This ridge bears SE. by S. from Bakers Island, the center distant 12 miles.
This ground is nearly circular in form, about 4 miles in size, and has depths jogging from 18 to 60
fathoms. The bottom is ofstones and gravel, and mud; the shoaler portions are rocky and sharp.
Vessels from Maine ports use this ground, angling by hand line and trawl. haddock and Cod are
numerous here in fall and spring, and hake minn kota endura is good through the summer. It is a
great lobster ground.
Exterior Schoodic Ridge. The northwest part of this soil bears SE. from Bakers Island, from where it
is distant 22 miles. It is placed 7 miles outside Inner Schoodic, has been considered one of the best
shoreline fishing grounds from the Maine coast, and still seems to deserve the reputation. The ridge
is about 8 mls long in a NE. and SW. direction, lying nearly parallel with the adjacent coast. Its
greatest breadth is 6 miles. The bottom is broken and irregular and contains depths from 22 to 80
fathoms over gravel and rocks on the shoaler parts and dirt on the deeps. Primarily Maine vessels
sea food this ground, utilizing hand line and trawl. cusk, haddock, pollock and Cod and hake are
present here from June to October, and a few large halibut, up to 300 kilos in weight, are taken here
in July and June.
Position Desert Outer Ridge. This ridge is placed SE. by E. from the Big Hill of Mount Desert Island.
From Schoodic Island to the core of this ground is around 25 miles. Its length E. by N. and W. by S,
is 2 miles; its breadth 3/4 mile. Depths are from 45 to 60 fathoms; the shoals are difficult, but on the
ends sand and clay-based predominate. This is a comparatively tiny ground, but it furnishes good
cod sport fishing in the spring (April to July) and fall. Cusk are consumed the spring and fall.
Virtually no haddock are taken in this article. Hake are in the deep water in the W. and SW.
insummer time and spring, and fall; trawl outlines principally are used on this page. It is a good
lobster ground but is too distant for existing minn kota endura methods.
Flat Ground. This ground lies between Position Desert and Swan Island, SW. from Long Island. In 50
fathoms, with a hard mud underside, there is good minn kota endura for hake in the summertime.
Minn Kota Endura is by hands line and trawl.
Enoch's Shoal. This shoal lies ENE. 3 miles from Great Duck Tropical island. This is a small
hummock on the outer elements of a ridge extending out to it from Great Duck isle. It has a sharp,
difficult bottom with depths of about 18 fathoms. Hand lining and trawling are the approaches
employed to take a number of cod in early spring; haddock are in small numbers during the summer
time as well as a small amount of hake. It is a very good lobster ground.
Banking companies Ground. The center bears SE. by S. from Wonderful Duck Island, distant about 5
miles. It is about 1? miles long in a NE. and SW. direction by 1/4 mile wide and has a mud bottom
with depths from 35 to 50 fathoms. It is mainly a compact-boat ground, fished mostly during the
summer time, when hake are fairly abundant and there are a few cod and haddock. It is a lobster
ground, also.

5. Casing Ground. This is SE. from Extended
island Head, from which the center of the
ground is distant 6 mls. It is 2 a long way
long, in a NE. and SW. direction and about
? mile vast. In the middle portion is a shoal
of 25 fathoms, its bottom part sharp rocks.
On all sides of this shoal the bottom is
quite unnatural, consisting of pebbles and
mud. The greatest range, near the edge of
the financial institution, is 50 fathoms. It
can be mainly a hake fishing ground for
small boats plus an occasional larger craft,
all using hands line and trawl, even
though haddock and Cod, together with a
number of cusk and pollock, are taken
within June, July, and August and even to
the late fall. This is a good lobster ground.
Abner Ground. This ground is SSE. from Gott's Tropical island, distant 8 mls. It extends 1? miles in a
NE. and SW. course and is about 1/4 mile wide. The bottom is mud, broken and rocks, with depths of
from 25 to 50 fathoms. This is principally a haddock ground, the best year being in July and August,
and is resorted to mostly by small craft.
Grumpy. Extends from SE. 4? miles from Eastern Ear of Isle au Haute to SE. 1/4 E. from the western
go of Isle au Haute, distant 7 miles. This soil is 2? kilometers long by 3/4 distance wide and has a
compact shoal of 14 fathoms on the northeast part. Over all of those other ground the average
depths run from 35 to 40 fathoms over a gravelly bottom part. Though not of great importance of
delayed years, this was formerly considered one of the best inshore grounds for cod for the entire
year and also for haddock in winter. Hake usually are ample just off the southeast edge in summer.
There is sizeable hand-upholster for cod in 25 fathoms in June and July, although this bank is mainly
fished by art from ports of eastern Maine--small vessels as a rule--and the principal way is by
trawling. Marks: Big Camden Mountain over the Eastern Ear of Isle au Haute; Fog Island in Jericho
Bay, touching on the eastern part of Big Table spoon Island; Brimstone between Isle au Haute and
the Western Ears.
Hatchell Ground. This ground lies SE. by E 3/4 E. 9? miles through the western head of Isle au
Haute. Marks are eastern Mount Desert Hillside in the Middle Saddle of Long island, and Little
Spoon Tropical island in the great or center Saddle of Isle au Haute.
Blue Hill Floor. This ground is placed approximately E: by S. ? S in the western head of Isle au
Haute, distant 7 miles. The bottom consists of gravel and pebbles. Spots: Brimstone Island out by the
western go of Isle au Haute and Light blue Hill on the western side side of Marshall Island. These
marks lead to a depth of 25 fathoms about the northeast part of the ground, deepening southwest to
40 fathoms in 1 mile in the shoaler part, which happens to be about ? mile wide, part of the ground,
deepening southwest to 40 fathoms in 1 mile from the shoaler part, which is about ? mile wide. This
is a good ground for cod in the spring and fall but is perfect for haddock during the overall winter.
Hand lines and trawl are used.
Inner Horse Reef. This reef is situated SE. ? E 1? miles from the eastern ear of isle au Haute. There

6. exists a shoal here of 25 fathoms about 1/8 mile in size. From this the water slowly deepens to NE.
for ? mile, in which it drops away from into the mud. Depths on this northeast part are about 35
fathoms. The bottom is of gravel and pebbles. In spring and fall this is an excellent cod ground. Hake
are found close to the edge in summer. Sportfishing is by small craft, generally, using trawl and
handline. It is actually a good lobster ground. Marks: Bring Blue Hill Mountain from the saddle of
White-colored Horse; Brimstone demonstrating between Western Ear canal and Isle au Haute.
Outer Horse Reef. This is a short distance SW. in the Inner Reef, with only a narrow gully between.
The small shoal falls off quickly on all sides. It has a depths of 30 fathoms. Over a space 1/4 mile in
diameter the bottom is gravelly. species and Months are as on Inner Horse Reef.
Hake Ground. North of Monhegan island lies a repair called the Hake Terrain or Mud Station, the
first name due to the abundance of hake taken here during June, July, and August. It extends from
just outside Bright white Head to abreast of Monhegan Island on the upper side. The depths vary
from 20 to 45 fathoms, along with the ground is still considered one of the best hake reasons
alongshore. It is fished by small watercraft and vessels as soon as the dogfish are on the outer
grounds. This is a good haddock ground in December and Jan, as well as a good lobster ground.
Southwest Ground. This lies 2 miles SW. from the western head of Isle au Haute. It is circular in
form, ? mile in diameter and has a gravelly bottom with depths varying from 35 to 40 fathoms. It is a
cod ground from Apr to June and from September to November, inclusive. A number of pollock and
haddock are taken using the cod. Hake are abundant in summertime close to Isle au Haute. trawls
and Handlines are used within the fishing. It is also a good lobster ground.
Barley Hill Ground. This ground lies NNE. from Seal Tropical island and SSW in the western head of
Isle au Haute directly in range between the two, about 3? miles far-away from each stage. It is
circular in form, has 28 to 30 fathoms of water, and the base is mixed dirt and rocks. It is a ground
much resorted to by sloops and larger vessels, and the fishing is simply by hand line and trawls. It is
a excellent cod ground in spring and fall and a hake ground on the mud and rocks in summertime.
Occasionally a few halibut are taken here during July and June. On typical , twenty fire-related
accidents
and injuries occur in boats each as well as every yearIt is also a lobster ground.
Gilkey Ground. This bears S. from the western head of Isle au Haute. 4 miles distant. It extends
ENE. and WSW about 1? miles long by 1/3 mile wide. The bottom is rocky in the shoals where depths
are about 23 fathoms sloping to 35 fathoms about the southwest part., where bottom is gravelly and
comparatively sleek.
Rock Cod Ledge. This ledge is NE. of Close Island 1 distance. It has a depth of three? fathoms on the
shoalest part, deepening steadily on all sides to get a considerable distance. The base is of sharp
rocks and is broken in places. Rock cod area within fair numbers in spring and drop, and this is a
herring and mackerel terrain in their seasons. Haddock are abundant from the fall close in the rocks
of Close Island in 6 to 15 fathoms. This is not a hake ground, although there are a few cusk to be had
on this page on the deeper parts and an occasional small halibut is consumed the kelp in the shoal in
June and July. It is a great lobster ground.

7. Gravel Bottom and Southeast Ground. These lie S. of Seal off Island. forming a comprehensive piece
of fairly stage ground extensive component of fairly level soil. The western that bears a little E. of S.
and the eastern part about ESE. from the tropical isle. It is about 5 or 10 mls in diameter. Although
this is really but one part of ground, the eastern part is called the Southeast Ground and also the
western part, through the nature of its bottom part.
The Gravel Bottom part. The eastern segment is muddy and it has 40 to 60 fathoms. The european
has 35 to 40 fathoms. It is actually a good cod floor in spring and winter. Haddock exist from
November to March, inclusive; hake in summer. Minn Kota Endura is done mainly by trawling by
sloops and vessels.
Laisdells Ground. This is a little, rocky spot away from Brandy Ledges. It really is about 1/4 acre in
extent and has a sharp rocky underside with 20 fathoms of water over it. It is the best haddock and
cod soil in Isle au Haute Bay. This is chiefly a small fishing boat ground and is also a lobster ground.
Saddleback Reef. This reef lies S. from Saddle-back again Ledge, 3/4 mile remote. It is about 2/3
mile extended N and S by 1/4 mile wide. Depths are from 15 to 35 fathoms over a broken and rocky
bottom. Cod are taken right here by hand line in June and May; cod and haddock by trawling in
winter months and fall (December to January 1). It is a good lobster ground and chiefly a small-
vessel ground.
Otter Isle Reef; Snipper Shin; Western Reef. They are names applied to various sections of an
abnormal, broken piece of rocky ground about midway between Vinalhaven and Seal Island. Otter
Island Reef is the eastern section, lying down 4 miles W. by S. by 1/4 S. from the western head of
Isle au Haute. Depths here are from 10 to 25 fathoms over a rocky base. The trawl, earlier not much
used on this page, is now in general use. It is best for cod in the winter months and spring and for
haddock in the tumble, from November 1 to January 1, though this is a cod and haddock soil at
seasons when these fish are in shoal water.
Older Ripper. This is situated S. from the Traditional western Ground (Western Reef) and 10 mls
WSW. from Criehaven or Ragged Tropical island. Apparently this is a part of the Western Ground.
Around the deep-h2o mud bottom involving these (Ripper and Western Reef) is good hake minn kota
endura in summer, and cusk are abundant from May to the time when the dogfish hit the ground,
usually about July 5 to 10.
Crie Ridges. These lay 4 miles NW. from Matinicus Rock, 4 miles WSW. from Criehaven or Ragged
Island, and run SE. from Western Ground in the direction of Matinicus, distant 4? to 5 miles. Cod,
pollock, and cusk are here in the spring, and haddock are abundant in the fall.
Bald Ridges. These begin just outside Wooden Golf ball Island and work off in a virtually direct line
for Matinicus Rock. They may be each from 1/4 to ? mile wide, are quite close together, the
distances between them becoming not over ? mile, and they are almost parallel with each other.
Soundings show from 15 to 30 fathoms with them, with a cracked, rocky bottom. The shoalest water
is approximately 1 mile from Wooden Ball Island, the depth raising toward the the southern area of
end.
Henry Marshalls Ground. This floor lies S. by W. from Matinicus Rock about 3 miles; its area is about
2 acres. The shoaler portion has a depth of 35 fathoms as well as a gravelly bottom; around the edge
the level is 45 fathoms and the bottom is of mud and rocks. Cod are taken here in the spring,
haddock in Jan and February, and hake in the summer months. It is a good lobster ground.

8. The Bounties (The Bowdies). This ground bears SE. by S ? S distant 6 a long way from Wooden Golf
ball Island. It is almost circular in develop, about 4 mls across, and has depths from 40 to 60
fathoms. The bottom, of gravel and rocks, is somewhat shattered. It is a good cod and cusk ground in
fall and spring and a haddock ground in winter and it is fished by vessels and sloops, primarily by
trawling but with a certain amount of hand upholster, in May and June. A summer hake ground
extends from 3 miles ESE. of Seal Tropical isle to 4 mls SSE of the Wood made Ball, thus it is around
7? miles lengthy by some 2? miles wide. The depths here are from 35 to 60 fathoms.
Summer Hake Ground. A summer time hake ground extends from 8 kilometers SE. of the eastern
Ear of Isle au Haute to 3 miles SE. of Long Isle in 35 to 60 fathoms with a bottom of challenging
mud. This piece of ground is about 15 miles long by 4 miles large.
Minerva Hub. This. Make positive an individual examine and gaze after the boat’s fuel, gas as
well as electrical techniques upon an everyday basisbears SSE. from Matinicus Rock, distant 6 miles.
This really is a small, gravelly location about 1/4 mile in diameter and with a depth of 35 fathoms,
abounding with cod in early spring and fall. It is a summer ground for hake and cusk. Hand lines and
trawls are used.