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The first manifestation of the annual visit is the arrival of

enormous schools of caplin, a little silvery fish some seven

inches long that invades the bays and the open sea. Close upon

them follow the cod, feeding as they come. The caplin last six

weeks and disappear, to be superseded in August by the squid, of

which the cod are very fond.

Up until fifty years ago mackerel were caught on the Banks, and

large quantities of halibut, but the mackerel disappeared

suddenly, never to return, and the halibut became constantly more

rare, until at last only the cod remained.

Aboard the Charming Lass the squid "jigging" went on for a couple

of hours. Then suddenly the school passed and the sport ended

abruptly.

But the deck of the schooner was a mass of the bait, and the tubs

of salt clams brought from Freekirk Head could be saved until

later.