Salmon gillnetting in the turbulent waters of the Fraser River at the turn of the last century was dangerous, back-breaking work.
Their only shelter was a partial tent over.
Once towed to the grounds by a cannery tug, the fishermen were on their own for at least twelve hours, casting their 400-metre long nets out and pulling them back by hand.
Skiffs were equipped with a single sail, but most maneuvering had to be accomplished by oars, an almost impossible task against any current or tide.
Salmon gillnetting in the turbulent waters of the Fraser River at the turn of the last century was dangerous, back-breaking work