Then during a period just before and during World War II Russell Clarke of Mount Stewart bought at Covehead and these fish were packed at Savage Harbour; this lasted till 1946; and for the year 1947 Peters and Gallant of North Rustico bought at Covehead. In 1948 Harry MacLauchlan started buying at the harbour, continuing for 22 years until 1969, and he was the main buyer during this period. National Sea Products have been the chief buyers since then, with smaller buyers being: Landrys, North Shore Packers and North Rustico Co-op.

During all these years, some degree of ground fishing was done after the lobster season, which lasted only for a two-month period, from May 1st. to July 1st. Fishermen with no farm land would then try the cod and mackerel fishing. In the 1890 s a couple of boats tried the mackerel seines; in those days there were all kinds of mackerel (Le. a great many). One boat, McCabe and Douglas, had one seine, and Brown and Beattie owned the other.

In the early days of fishing, small sail boats were used, about 25 feet long, and sloop rigged; that is, one spar with main sail and jib. Some larger boats would have two spars, with main sail, fore sail, and jib. Fishermen of those days became very skilled in the art of sailing a boat; but then in 1910 the first gasoline engine came to Covehead, owned by Allie Mutch. Gradually over the years everyone had one; some used both sail and engine, until sail disappeared and the boats got larger, as we know them today.

Wharves in the early days were nil; the only ones they had then were the stages the fishermen built themselves. The first wharf of any importance built at the habour was in 1955. In 1963 while a larger wharf was being built, a bad storm in December wrecked both the first wharf and also the first Covehead Bridge, built of wood around 1957.

Covehead Harbour 1977 photo by Carol Horgan-MacMillan

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