Inland Fisheries

8.2.3.8 Hooks and lines

Hooks and lines

Among some other devices of minor grade for catching fishes, more popular are (i) pole and line and (ii) hook and long line, (iii) hand line which are used generally in ponds, tanks, rivers and reservoirs.

i. Pole and Line

This simple gear consists of a pole, a line and hook. A suitable bait (e.g. generally the earthworm piece) is fixed to the hook, and the line with hook is dropped at a distance in front, after selecting a prospective fishing site. Fish gets lured in water and bites the bait. Instantly, the indicator vertical float gets drowned and the pole holder pulls the pole by a swing action on the pole.

ii. Hook and long line

The gear consists of a long main line, shorter branch lines tied to the main line, hooks, buoyant or floats and sinkers. A suitable bait (earthworm piece, fish piece, wheat paste) is used depending upon the type of fish to be caught. The line is spread with the help of a boat taking care that the hooks are in proper position. Main catches are Wallago, Mystus, Murrels, major carps. However, cold water fishes (eg. Trouts) are the main catches in cold water lakes.

iii. Hand line

The polyamide monofilament lines have a terminal lead sinker and a hook. The length of the line varies according to the depth of the operating area and various size hooks are in use. Different types of baits are used according to the fish sought for.