Tuna poling pad

Datebefore 1988

Object number00006191

NamePoling pad

MediumLeather, metal studs and buckle

DimensionsOverall: 72 x 275 x 250 mm, 1.6 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tuna Boat Owners' Association of Australia

Terms

DescriptionThis tuna poling (butt) pad consists of a green leather apron and black leather belt to tie around the waist. The pad forms a support base in which the tuna pole sits. Catching tuna with bamboo or fibreglass poles is back-breaking word conducted at a furious pace. The butt pad protects the groin as heavy fish are swung inboard.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 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 pad is a good example of the types of fishing technology and equipment used in the tuna fishing industry.