Fishing poles
were used in ancient Hawaii and are still in use today.
In Hawaii, fishing is as natural as breathing. Ancient Hawaiians created fishing tools out of plant vines, bones and tree branches to help them in their quest for food. Though the materials in modern fishing gear have changed, the theory behind the various types of Hawaiian fishing tools remains virtually unchanged.
Spears
In Hawaii's past, bone or stone points would be fashioned and then attached to wooden poles. Fishermen would take their canoes out to a reef and then plunge overboard. They dove down to the reef and spear fish that were not quick enough to get away. Spear fishing was also done from the shore, usually by wading out into the water or by standing on a rocky outcrop that had a good view of what was swimming below. Spear fishing is still practiced in modern Hawaii.
Nets
If you ever get the chance to attend a Hawaiian luau, chances are you will be encouraged to participate in the hukilau ceremony. This is the traditional hauling in of the nets to bring in fresh fish for the evening meal. Originally made from twisted fibers of the olona plant, fishermen would paddle offshore in their canoes to set the nets. Villagers would then gather on the shoreline and haul the net in hand over hand. A good haul could weigh hundreds of pounds and required the help of many people.
Lures
Lures of cowry shells would be tied to a line, thrown into the water and then wiggled about to catch the attention of the octopus, an ancient Hawaiian delicacy. Unable to resist, the animal would clamp onto the shell and the fisherman would jerk the line, embedding the hook into the octopus. Then the wriggling mass would be pulled into the canoe. The cowry shells are still in use today. The method for making these shells is taught as part of some Hawaiian native studies courses.
Fishing Poles
Fishing poles are used throughout the Hawaiian Islands for both shore fishing and from boats. The practice started during the reign of King Kamehameha I when pole fishing was considered a sport of the ali'i, or upper classes. Bamboo poles were used, usually with braided olona fibres for lines and carved bone and shells for hooks and lures. Schools of fish were located by watching for birds feeding or flocking over the water. The chief would go out in one canoe that towed a smaller one called a malau. This flat canoe was filled with bait fish and had holes drilled into the bottom so water could slowly seep in. Bait was tossed overboard to lure the fish and also placed on the hooks. The fisherman would shake the line until the bait was taken. The lines weren't very long, so they could just be pulled up rather than have to be reeled in like today's fishing lines. Today fishermen in boats sometimes use fish sounders, radar type devices that can help locate schools of fish. Fishing poles or rods come in fiberglass, wood, bamboo or composite materials.
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