Paumu

Paumu, also known as paumu fishing or paumu net, is a traditional Hawaiian fishing method that utilizes a weighted net. The net is typically made of natural fibers like olonā and features a lead or stone sinker along its edge to help it cast and sink quickly. The method involves the fisherman standing in shallow water or on a reef, casting the net with a circular motion to spread it out over the water. The goal is to encircle fish.

Once the net has settled on the seabed, the fisherman carefully pulls in the edges, trapping any fish within its circumference. The net is then gathered, and the fish are removed. This technique is particularly effective for catching small to medium-sized reef fish. Paumu fishing requires skill and practice to master the casting technique and to understand the behavior of fish in their natural habitat. It is a sustainable fishing practice that has been passed down through generations in Hawaii, contributing to the cultural heritage of the islands. While modern fishing methods are now more prevalent, paumu remains a part of Hawaiian fishing traditions and is sometimes practiced for recreational purposes or as a demonstration of traditional skills.