14

During the fishing season different types of gear were used at different times. The season started out with the cod traps, and this could prove to be very successful for the fishermen. It was common to see boats coming into the harbour "full to the gunnels". There was the occasional time when nature's power gave you a quick reminder about who was in control, with boats returning empty, showing nothing but patience for a hard days work. Remaining positive and accepting days such as these was all that a fishermen could do.

15

''Returning Home To Fleur De Lys With A Good Days Catch!''
1990
Fleur-de-Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

16

''Sailors Warning!''
1993
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

17

All families participated in the fishery during the early years in Fleur de Lys. However, the most prominent fishing families were the Silvey's, Walsh's, Lewis's, Shea's, and Shelley's. Historically these families were well known for their contribution to fishing and their determination to succeed.

They all had large families numbering from 12 to 17 children. Some of the children have continued the tradition of fishing, while others have left to work outside the province. With the exception of the Silvey family, the other families have at least one or two persons involved in the present day fishery.

18

The Days Of Old.
September, 1963
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

19

On Their Way To The Fishing Grounds!
1960
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

20

Skipper Leo Shea
1981
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

21

Cod was the primary fish species that was caught and in the early days it was simply salted and dried. The drying took place on flakes with some families having as many as three large flakes to fill. The work involved was arduous and involved the whole family. Good weather was a necessity as signs of rain meant that all the spread fish had to be removed, placed into piles, and covered. This may have been repeated a couple of times a day. Sometimes a good trap season could bring a catch of 300 to 500 barrels of fish.

Spreading fish onto the flakes evolved into a rhythmic fashion with everyone knowing their place and doing what was necessary to ensure that the task was completed. There was happiness during work and it was common to hear someone singing an old shanty or children laughing. A good trap season meant that winter would be more bearable without the need of securing extra provisions and that you might be able to share with your neighbor. Sharing was a way of life, innated in Fleur de Lys and generally a way of life in outport Newfoundland and Labrador.

22

We're Rich, We're Rich!
September, 1963
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

23

''Looks Like A Great Catch After All!''
1984
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

24

The Lone Catch Of The Day!
1980
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

25

Getting Ready To Salt!
1972
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada

26

Usually from September until late October fishing was continued with the use of hooks and lines or trawls. This was also hard work and it was common for trawls to be baited several times during the day.

It was later in the fishery years that species such as caplin, squid, mackerel, and herring became valuable. Few families fished for herring and mackerel in the early fishery. Mackerel and herring was seined or caught in gill nets. Working at herring and mackerel involved long nights in the stage, working under the light of oil lanterns. This fish had to be cleaned and salted in barrels. Sometimes men would get just a couple of hours sleep and then have to board their boats to start all over again. As time progressed in the fishery, these pelagic's became of great importance, especially in light of declining cod stocks.

27

''Back Breaking Work!''
2002
Fleur De Lys, Newfoundland, Canada