Fishing in Hawkes Bay Forward
Long gill nets of various sizes and configurations are set in areas along the coast. The type of net and the fishing grounds vary in accordance to season and type of fish that is being caught.
Slides by William R. Belcher, participant in HARP (Harappa Archaeological Research Project)
Bagarius Bagarius Catfish, Family Sisoridae
While this fish is common in the archaeological deposits, Wallago attu and Rita rita are the most common. However, this fish, locally known as Goonch is one of the largest catfish known in Asia.
Young fisherman
Fishing usually begins early in the morning. Fisherfolk often leave well before the sun rises and return in the early afternoon.
Spiny Eels, Family Mastacembelidae
Spiny eels are relatively uncommon in the archaeological record and within the general diet of the Punjabi folk. These fish also can survive in extremely environments in soft mud with little water.
Drawing nets
Nets are drawn up by hand along the side of the boat. It is very strenuous and tiring work that can take up to 60 to 90 minutes per net.
Cast Nets
One of the main methods of catching fish is using casting or throw nets. The mesh size (or “eye”) is currently controlled by fisheries laws by the Punjab Province. However, mesh size will vary depending on the target species of fish.
Sting Ray being pulled aboard
Fish, like this large sting ray, are pulled on board and then removed from the nets. Prior to removing the sting rays, the stinger had to be snapped off. Otherwise, the flailing tail could impale unlucky fishermen.
Seine Nets
Seine nets are the dominant net used to harvest fish in the oxbows. Again, the “eye” or mesh size of the net is controlled by the Punjabi government, but allow the oxbows to be harvested through a series of sweeps across the entire body of water.
Fish below deck
Fish are stowed beneath the floor boards of the boat's deck to protect them from the sun. The traditional vessels do not carry ice and it is important to keep these fish out of the sun so that they do not spoil.
Clay Net Weights
The older nets that were observed in the Punjab had net weights that were made of fired clay, while the modern ones used standard lead net weights.