Pitiusas

Various fishing techniques are used, in general, corresponding to those found along other Mediterranean coasts. We should first cite the fishing string and hook, rarely using a fishing pole; the string generally consists of a simple liña (thin strip of fabric) which the fishermen simply drop over the sides. If the aim is to capture larger fish, in contrast, a larger hook is used with a small fish as bait, dragging it behind the boat as it moves along. Other fishing techniques include volantí (two small crossed sticks with four hooks total), curricán (trolling), palangre grande ( longline fishing) and palangre pequeña ( shortline). Truly profitable fishing is produced by using nansas (fish traps) and the various types of nets in use. The latter are prepared by the fishermen themselves with help from their wives. For these nets to last longer, they are impregnated with a colorant extracted from the bark of certain trees and left to dry in the sun; the most common species of trees used for this purpose are the sumac, but especially Holm oak; pine trees are used to a much lesser extent. Nets have different names depending on their size: bolitxa, gambera, solta, xarxa and tonyinaire. The latter is actually the only one used to capture tuna. Up until approximately thirteen years ago, the almadraves (nets within a maze) or madrague (in French) were used; this technique is still used in Mallorca. This practice was abandoned on the Pityuses after the mercantile company created for this commercial fishing practice suffered considerable losses.

(…) Lastly is the net called rail. It is shaped like a bell, with lead weights attached around the edge. It is thrown overboard in the presence of fish shoaling and in not very deep waters. The aim is to trap the fish in the bag that is formed when the lead weights are joined together after pulling in the net to retrieve the catch. This variety is used normally at night given that, with the help of large lights, it’s possible to near the blinded fish.

It is also quite common to use a squid-jig with hooks that sink in with pressure when fishing at night. It is used primarily to fish grey octopi which are blinded by the light of the torches. It is not uncommon to see rows of boats dedicated to this task while their lights wink at each other a thousand and one times in the silent dark.

Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria. Las Baleares por la palabra y el grabado. Primera parte: Las Antiguas Pitiusas. Ed. Sa Nostra, Caja de Baleares. Palma de Mallorca. 1982