fish v
   1 Also: of a fish-net, trap, etc, placed or operated in a manner appropriate for the catching of fish.
   [1833] 1984 BAYFIELD i, 261 Before the french came [Wm. Birge] fished the river (as it is termed) for a Mr. Gange also a Brittish subject. [1894] 1977 WHITELEY 52 [We saw] fishermen fishing their traps near them. 1982 MCDOOLING 102 Those fishermen who do still have licenses may only fish the number of nets stated on the license. 1984 Evening Telegram 22 Mar, p. 5A The cod trap, once set, can be left to fish on its own while the fishermen pursue other tasks. 1987 POOLE 12 The company had a crew of men fishing salmon nets for them. 1988 Nfld Qtly lxxxiii (4), 19 They decided to drive to Western Bay in the pick-up to see if the nets were afloat and fishing.
   2 Phr to fish on the fly: in the Bank schooner fishery, to fish by dropping dories in rapid succession and setting and hauling trawl-lines; see FLYING SET, SET.
   1987 FIZZARD 129 'When you were fishing on the fly, you'd have one set a day. You wouldn't have as much gear when you're setting from the schooner as you would when you were fishing on the fly.'
   to fish for stamps.
   [1963] 1988 Evening Telegram 4 June, p. 6 'The day will come when Newfoundland fishermen may have to stop fishing for stamps and work at their trade all year round,' [he said]. 1986 ibid 23 Oct, p. 6 One of the largest fishing settlements turned to 'fishing for stamps,' which became something like a major industry.

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