In the shoal water, in April and May, the fish seem to be feeding on the “lant,” (Ammodytes americanus).  It is said that the fish taken on the bottom close to the island are smaller than those found farther west.  The shoal water of the northern shore of the island is said to have good cod grounds and favorite spots for “dory hand-lining.”  The cod schools seem to arrive on the Northern Peak (Se. from the Northeast Light 40 miles to Se 1/2 S. from same point 28 miles) in late March and the first of April, moving N. and W. to the island.  The cod of Sable Island are said to be fine, firm fish, perhaps due to the abundance of the “red clams” (bank clams) on these grounds.

The cod and haddock fishery is carried on by American and Canadian sailing vessels and otter trawlers, an increasing number of English and French vessels of the latter class engaging in the fishery of this ground each year.

Halibut are found on the Western Bank virtually all the year at depths varying with the seasons.  As a halibut bank, this, with The Gully and Quereau—­in fact, all one piece of ground—­ranks second only to the Grand Bank Itself.  The best fishing here for halibut is found from January to October.  There are numerous places on and about the bank that the halibut seems to prefer, as the Peak of Pike, 85 miles W. by S. from the Northwest Light of Sable Island; S. and SW. of Sable Island from 12 to 38 miles; SW. 20 miles in 60 fathoms in May; thence out into 100 and 150 fathoms in June; in fact, following the 100—­fathom curve along the edge of this bank, past the Northeast Peak (40 miles Se. from the Northeast Light), into the Gully and around the Southern Prong of Quereau to the Middle Prong.  Apparently they leave this piece of bottom in July.  Often the fish are close to the island in the spring, where the water is so shoal that they can be seen taking the bait or playing with the hook before taking.  In April, May, and June a good halibut ground is in 18 fathoms 24 miles WNW. from Sable Island.

The Western Bank seems to be a good feeding ground for both cod and halibut as it abounds in shellfish and crustaceans, and at certain periods there are many smaller species of fish upon it, such as the lant and herring, on which these species and the haddock, also, especially prey.  A considerable amount of swordfish is taken here in August and September, mainly by American vessels.

Banquereau.  Separated from the Western Bank by The Gully, this has a very irregular form—­the main bank roughly rectangular, with a narrow westerly extension of comparatively regular form.  Its length, E. and W., is about 120 miles, its greatest width about 47 miles, and its total area about 2,800 miles.

The main portion of the bank lies between 44 deg. 04’ and 45 deg. 01’ north latitude and 67 deg. 10’ and 59 deg. 00’ west longitude, and the western prolongation lies between 44 deg. 24’ and 44 deg. 42’ north latitude and 69 deg. 00’ and 80 deg. 05’ west longitude.  North of Banquereau lies Artimon, distant 3 miles, and Misaine, distant from 2 to 15 miles according to the places from which measurements are taken.  The currents here are of varying force, much influenced by the wind, so that several days of strong tides may be followed by intervals when there is little if any current.