820 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
The dip nets used in connection with the reef net are 97 feet long, 
including the handle; net part or bow, 44 inches long by 28 inches 
wide, tapering where it joins on to the handle. The bow is made of 
withes, the net of cocoanut thread, and the handle of koa wood. The 
material of which the net is made is very light, which makes it easy 
to handle. It differs in style from most dip nets in having a deep bag 
varying from 18 inches to 2 feet. The extra length of bag is for 
carrying fish while wading in the water over the reef. 
Considerable success is obtained with a wing-shaped hand net 3 to 4 
feet in length and 18 to 22 inches in width, the greatest width being 
next the handle, tapering toward the outer end. In fishing on the reef, 
in pools, or in streams they take the place of dip nets, and are more 
effective, being easier to handle on account of their lightness and 
shape. The material of which they are made (pandanus) is strong; 
size of mesh, 2 inches. These nets are used to advantage among 
bowlders on the reef and in streams where fallen limbs and snags are 
numerous. Women and young girls operate them mostly, although 




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Wing-shaped Hand Net, Kusaie. 
boys sometimes take part. In the lagoon or on the reef fishing is per- 
formed some little distance from the beach, gradually working in 
shore. By wading out from the shore and working toward it double 
the amount of fish are taken than otherwise would be, because when a 
fish is startled from its hiding or feeding place its natural tendency is 
to escape into deeper water. In doing so it immediately comes in con- 
tact with the barricade of nets. Each person carries two nets, one in 
each hand. As the fish dart out from behind rocks or other places of 
concealment a net is dropped in front of them and they are captured. 
Sometimes the net in one hand is used and sometimes the other, it 
depending on the movements of the fish. In addition to the nets each 
person carries a short stick with which to beat the water and turn over 
stones. Frequently small boys are pressed into service, they standing 
at the water’s edge, turning over stones, and keeping up a splashing of 
the water, the fisherwomen on the alert with their nets to capture fish 
that may come their way. When a dozen or more people are in line 
along the beach it is quite difficult for all the fish to make their escape. 
