Bamboo tuna pole

Datebefore 1988

Object number00006158

NameTuna pole

MediumBamboo, nylon, metal, adhesive tape

DimensionsOverall: 50 x 2440 x 50 mm, 1.45 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionEach fisherman has a tuna pole, such as this bamboo pole, custom built to suit his height. The men stand in racks close to the water and brace their knees against fenders during fishing. Lures are attached to the pole to attract the tuna. This pole was used to fish for southern bluefin tuna.HistoryTuna can be caught using the live bait and pole method. It is an exhausting contest between the fisherman and tuna weighing up to 80kg. A school (patch) is located by a lookout or spotter plane and lured to resemble a shoal of baitfish. Live bait (chum, berley) is thrown to the tuna to start a feeding frenzy. Fresh or frozen bait, even feathers, are jiggled at the end of short lines on poles. Tonnes of tuna can be landed in sessions that might last for hours. Tuna are powerful fast-swimming fish of the open oceans. Five commercially important species are caught off South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia as they pass on their migratory routes. Overfishing has however drastically reduced numbers, particularly of the southern bluefin tuna. To overcome the problem quotas are set which limit the total amount of tuna caught in season. However demand has almost outstripped supply. The canning industry and the export of whole frozen or chilled tuna keep the fishery alive today - but only while the stocks last.SignificanceThis pole is a good example of the types of equipment used in the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishing Industry.