Fishermen from Portugal, the Basque provinces of France and Spain, Northern France (perhaps Normandy) and West Country England are known to have frequented eastern Newfoundland during the first half of the 1600s, some as early as the first decade of the 16th century.

Instructions to Walter Sykes, Robert Street, Captain William Pyles and Captain Nicholas Redwood from the Council of State, dated June 16, 1652.

An Account of Fishing and Sack Ships in Ferryland and Caplin Bay

A List of ships Fishing in Ferryland and Caplin Bay, 1675

Account of Fishing Ships at Ferryland and Caplin Bay, 1677

The 18th century brought a number of difficulties for the French fisheries at Newfoundland.

From the very beginning of colonization, France was an important participant in the exploration and exploitation of Newfoundland.

An account of all the inhabitants and planters living in Ferryland and Caplin Bay

An Account of the Inhabitants in Ferryland and Caplin Bay, 1682

About Sir David Kirke and how he appropriated the Ferryland plantation after George Calvert allegedly abandoned the location.

A brief overview of the history of the migratory fishery on the east coast of Newfoundland. Ferryland is highlighted as a port.

List of Ships, with their Ladings, trading to Ferryland and Caplin Bay, dated September 27, 1698.

Petition to the Board of Trade from George Strange et al., dated January 21, 1706.

Petition to the Board of Trade from James Benger et al., dated January 10, 1707.

Petition to William III from John Clappe et al., dated 1697, and dealing with France, war, planters, names, boats, and stages.

Petiton to the Council of State from Robert Gybbes, et al., dated 1650, and dealing with planters, cod, fisheries, taxes, wine, and brandy

The fishery remained the mainstay of the St. Pierre and Miquelon economy during the 19th century.

A look at the the economy of Placentia, when it was a French colony in NL from 1662 to 1713.

Information on seasonal fisherman that came to Newfoundland to fish for the summer.

Every fishing property usually included a planter's house, a store with goods and supplies, and cabins for fishing equipment and the crews.