AY Honors/Island Fishing/Answer Key

1. Name five native methods that are used for island fishing.

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  Angling (England)

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  Netting (Sri Lanka)

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  Trapping (Viet Nam)

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  Spearfishing (Peru)

Angling

Angling is a method of fishing by means of an "angle" (hook). The hook is usually attached by a line to a fishing rod. A bite indicator such as a float is sometimes used.

Nets

A fishing net or fishnet is a net that is used for fishing. Fishing nets are meshes usually formed by knotting a relatively thin thread. Modern nets are usually made of artificial polyamides like nylon, although nets of organic polyamides such as wool or silk thread were common until recently and are still used.

Trapping

A typical trap might consist of a frame of thick steel wire in the shape of a heart, with chicken wire stretched around it. The mesh wraps around the frame and then tapers into the inside of the trap. When a fish swims inside through this opening, it cannot get out, as the chicken wire opening bends back into its original narrowness. In earlier times, traps were constructed of wood and fibre.

Spearfishing

Spearfishing is an ancient method of fishing that has been used throughout the world for millennia. Early civilizations were familiar with the custom of spearing fish from rivers and streams using sharpened sticks.

Poison

Though not an environmentally sound practice, some island cultures would gather roots known to be toxic to fish, grind them up, and dump them into a river. The fish would be paralyzed (or killed) and float to the surface where great numbers of them could be gathered. This method is not sustainable.

2. Demonstrate your ability to make at least one type of fishing gear out of native material used in your area.

The simplistic traditional fishing gear is make is going to be a spear, just a sharpened stick. The sharper the better.

Traps and nets are going to be more impressive and fun options to build. Research what kind of fishing gear is used in your area and how it is made before starting your project.

3. In your cultural setting identify types of fishing according to tides and phases of the moon.

The position of moon is about 6 times more important than the sun in setting the tides. Other factors include location in relation to the equator and coastal features like depth of water, shape of the coast etc.

The rising and setting of the moon is thought to influence when fish feed and therefore when they are most likely to bite.

To get local information talk to some old time fishermen (every fisherman loves to tell fish stories) and report what you learn to your examiner.

4. Display and label a collection of baits, lures and hooks traditionally used in your area.

While this requirement is vague, in this case your collection should include items you will actually use to complete the practical parts of the Honor. Enjoy learning about and collecting the fishing gear used. Note you do not need to BUY everything to display and label, you may be able to make or borrow some items. Traditional fishing gear is usually fairly easy to make since it is not mass produced but home grown.

5. Participate in a fishing trip and catch two fish using two different traditional methods.

Happy fishing, good luck.

6. a. Collect pictures of ten tropical fish and identify their local names and their habitation.

Ten tropical fish photos is not very many. You could collect the photos off the Internet in a few minutes but it will be more fun to go catch the ten types of fish and photograph them. If you do not live in a tropical area you could visit an aquarium or even a large pet store and photograph ten tropical fish types. Display your collection on poster board or electronically in a blog post or using presentation software.

While you are on the topic of fish, look at the Fishes Honor in the Nature chapter.

6. b. Name ten poisonous or dangerous fish in your area.

This is going to require research locally and can not be answered generically in this guide.

Comments

While this honor was created in the South Pacific and references tropical fish and island fishing almost every culture has historical or current traditional fishing practices. You do not need to live on an island to earn the Island Fishing Honor. In North America we suggest focussing on the traditional fishing practices of local American Indian tribes. Applying the requirements thusly leaves only the tropical fish photo collection requirement seeming out of place, but that is easy to complete anywhere due to the availability of fish in aquariums or pet fish.

While not required in the Honor, Pathfinders are encouraged to consider that Jesus called fishermen as disciples, who later became apostles and lead the early church. Jesus said "follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Consider how you too can follow Jesus as a fisher of men (and women and boys and girls) as you learn about fishing.

While this honor was created in the South Pacific and references tropical fish, almost every culture has historical or current traditional fishing practices. In North America we suggest focusing on the traditional fishing practices of local Native American tribes. Applying the requirements thusly leaves only the tropical fish photo collection requirement seeming out of place, but that is easy to complete anywhere due to the availability of fish in aquariums or pet fish.