stop n Cp OED ~ sb2 29 (a) ~ net 'a net thrown across a river or tidal channel to intercept fish' (1634-1881), EDD 1 (6) Co.
Comb stop net: part of a net used to catch migrating seals; STOPPER NET. See also SEAL NET.
[1886] LLOYD 53 The [seal] nets are variously named. That which runs parallel with the land is known as the 'barrier,' that on the right side the 'stop-net'; that on the left as the 'heave-up net.' This last-mentioned net is the special feature of the frame. The barrier and the stop-net are always kept floating in a perpendicular position by means of the above-mentioned floats.
stop tide: high tide.
[1774] 1792 CARTWRIGHT ii, 23 Weighing at daylight we worked up the bay, and anchored to stop tide opposite to Atkinson Island.
