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60 American Seashells
the only satisfactory methods of collecting deep-water species. In many
instances larger and more perfect specimens of normally shallow-water spe-
cies are found in moderately deep waters just offshore.
Dredging, like fishing, is a science as M-ell 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 expen-
sive operation in which costs increase geometrically the deeper one dredges.
Those who are financially willing to spend several hundred dollars in elabo-
rate 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 loo 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 fishino- net is sewn to the
o o
frame. The free end of the net is not sew^n 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 %" or
%" 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 dredcre is cutting^ into mud or