LANDFALL AND ISLAND SURVIVAL 
4F 
Hints on Fishing and Preparing Fish 
Fish are one of the most abundant types of food available on 
the reefs, in the lagoons, and in the sea. At night some species 
of fish come close inshore and swim along the surface. By re- 
maining still, a person can hit them with sticks or spear them 
with a sharpened pole as they surface. 
The outer margins of reefs usually contain channels, while on 
the surfaces of reefs are pools among the rocks and coral blocks. 
Fish frequently swim into these places at high tide, leaving as 
the water recedes. It is possible to trap them at such times by 
blocking the opening with rocks, sticks, or leaves from palm 
trees. Stones also may be built into low walls extending out 
into the water and forming an angle with the shore. Fish can 
be driven into this neck or narrow channel and into a pool at its 
inner end, and there be confined in the manner mentioned above. 
In many cases, it may be advantageous to keep them alive until 
needed, a fresh supply without danger of spoilage thus being 
provided. In addition, the usual methods of hook and line fish- 
ing should be used. If you do not have regular equipment try 
making your own as suggested in the section on Food at Sea, 
page 10. 
When more fish are caught than are required to satisfy im- 
mediate needs, it is possible to preserve them for a time by cut- 
ting the flesh into small thin strips, washing with clean water, 
then hanging in the wind and sunlight to dry. Another method 
after the fish is properly cleaned, is to cut diagonal slits from 
one-half to one inch apart across the sides of the fish. The fish 
is then hung in the sun or placed on the surface of a rock with 
cuts exposed for drying. Such fish may also be salted or smoked. 
