Story: Marine conservation

Fish lure

Fish lure

Lures were made of wood and bone lashed together with flax fibre. Some, like this one, were inlaid with pāua shell, which attracted fish. Māori would troll the lures, which needed no bait. When a school of kahawai was spotted, a canoe would be launched and paddled at full speed through the shoal, pulling a dozen lures. Larger baited hooks were used to attract bigger fish and sharks.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10048522

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching and Carl Walrond, 'Marine conservation - Māori and the sea', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5799/fish-lure (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching and Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006, updated 1 Sep 2015