poleandline

Pole-and-line fishing is a traditional fishing method that uses handheld rods and lines to catch pelagic fish. In this system, each fish is sought and fought individually, typically with baited hooks, rather than catching many fish at once with nets or longlines. The approach is widely used for species such as tuna, swordfish, marlin, and other large oceanic fish.

Gear and technique are simple and labor-intensive. A vessel carries one or more rods (poles) with individual lines and baited hooks. When a fish takes the bait, the line is kept taut and the angler reels in to land the catch, often bringing the fish on deck one by one. Live or fresh bait—such as small fish or squid—is commonly used to entice target species. The method emphasizes careful handling to minimize injury to the fish and reduce bycatch.

Pole-and-line fisheries are practiced around the world, particularly in artisanal and small-scale fleets. Regions with a long heritage in this method include parts of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and Indian Ocean basins, and coastal Japan and several Pacific and Caribbean communities. The technique is valued for producing high-quality fillets and for its potential to minimize habitat damage and bycatch when properly managed.

Sustainability and economics are often linked to this method. Pole-and-line fisheries generally have lower bycatch and ghost fishing risk than some other large-scale gears, and they can support livelihoods in coastal communities. However, stock status and management need to be considered, as with any fishery, to ensure long-term viability. Some pole-and-line fisheries pursue third-party certifications to verify responsible practices.