Catching Flying-Fish
p. 25 · Read in the full issue
Ingenious Method In Papua
THE method used in catching flying fish on the N.E. coast of Papua is said to be unique in the Pacific.
The natives there use a small bell-shaped net, inside of which they place a strong smelling leaf. Then they tie the dried flower of the cocenut inside the net.
When several of these nets are ready, they are tied in bundles of three or four,
and then attached to lines.
They paddle far out to sea, on floats made raftwise by lashing three pieces of timber together, taking the nets with them.
They float about all day on these frail craft, trailing the nets behind them. The flying fish enter the nets to eat the leaf and their wings are caught in the coconut flower.
About 5 p.m. they return with their catch, and all the village people line up on the beach to receive their share.
This season, I have known them to have from 300 to 500 in a catch.
These flying fish, baked in the oven with plenty of butter, are delicious, and make a welcome change in the menu.
F.N.I.
Top: Nets used when catching flying fish. Lower: Native, on one of the floats, or rafts, with his nets.