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Photo: Ranger
Waiting for the wind...
One thing I enjoy about my job as an oysterman, I see the old boats drifting around with the sails set as they have for hundreds of years, then I realise they are looking at Alf Smythers, with her sails set just the same
Photo: Terry Tempest
Jonathan Bailey culling out aboard Katrina
You may have noticed the staysail is on the deck, this is to reduce the speed. We usually have the jib backed over, 'hove too' and set the sails so the lines to the dredges are beam on.
Photo: Terry Tempest
Dave rowing out for a morning 'haul towing'
At the choosen spot, drop an anchor over the bow, row astern and lower the dredge over the stern and haul yourself forward using the handle. Once at the bouy, haul in the dredge and cull out on the cultch board. Shovel the unwanted cultch or shells and start again
The fishing method uses dredges which are towed across the sea bed. Following historic and traditional methods the dredges are towed by sailing or rowing boats and there is no motor power used to harvest the oysters. Considerable skill is required in sailing the vessel at the same time as working the dredges.
This method is unique to the region and is not repeated anywhere else in the country. After the dredges are towed across the sea bed they are hauled aboard and emptied on deck. The dredges are hauled up by hand or hand winch. The oysters to be sold are put in mesh bags and these are different for each fisherman.