Fishing Lore of Tobi. Peter W. Black 1968, 2017


Night Fishing Method 14: Tur

Esobio

This is flying fish fishing.
Use Net #4b, Cheu mangah
Palm frond torch.

Go in the Spring, all around the island.
If there is a moon, wait until it is 45 ° from the Western horizon.
If there is no moon, go at 8:00 p.m.

Catch: Mangah, Hon, Mahi

You need at least four men in the canoe—

In the bow stands Haichoho with the net
Next stands Haihasutur with the torch
Next sits Haichomwich who paddles
Next sits Haimaturi fatur who paddles and bails
In the stern sits Haimihimihi who steers

If two canoes go out, the first one out should be the one that raises its lamp first. If not there will be a fight.

It is against tradition to raise the torch when you are headed into the wind.

The whole crew should be naked.

Haihasutur, or torch man, can only eat a small fish-less meal at noon before they go. After that he cannot swallow anything, nor can he smoke or play with women. About 4:00 p.m. he takes a bath after which he cannot get dirty. The crew observes the same restraints after 7:00 p.m.

Haihasutur, or torch man, cannot sing or talk once the canoe is launched.

If either Haihasutur or Haichoho have to spit, they should let it dribble down their paddles.

Back to Fishing Lore: Contents

FOTI Home
Updated: January 19, 2017