UNDER-WATER FISHING

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 15, 23 April 1952, Page 3

UNDER-WATER FISHING

NEW POPULAR SPORT Underwater fishing is being popularized by American war vete ans whose first contact with the sport took place in the islands of South Pacific. The sport was not entireiy unknown in the United States before World War II, but its participation was limited' to a few well-to-do sportsmen who had a whimsical interest in trying something different. Participation by the general public was practically non-existent. During the war American soldiers stationed on the Pacific Islands were intrigued by natives diving into the sea to speer fish. The natives were fishing for food and subsistence; however, the Americans, with some spare time on their hands soon began fishing for relaxation from their duties. As they learned little tricks and age-tested techniques of underwater fishing, they beeame more and more thrilled with the sport. Along the U.S. Southern California coastline, manufacturing concerns^ are beginning to include Che sport in their employee - recreation programmes. "The Skin Diving Club" of the Northrup Aircraft Company, for instance, has ninety members. Many of them are women. Equipment for underwater fishing is relatively inexpensive compared with most other sports. Only gear necessary are webbed rubber flippers for the feet to increase the diver^s speed and maneuverability, a glass face mask to free the eyes of water, and a spear, knife or rubber gloves depending upon the game sought. The first two items are innovations pushed by commereial manufacturing companies, Veterans point out island natives have been fishing underwater for centuries without benefit of the face mask or foot propeller. Without diving equipment submariners can search for prey as far as 25 feet under water without iil effects. Some venture below 30 feet but they risk the danger of suffering cramps and bends due to sudden pressure changes. A pretty fair diver can remain under the sutface approximately one minute. The most adept divers chase moving game with spears. Many types of spears have been developed; single, three or five pronged. The kind used depends on the size and fighting quality of the fish sought. Other spears have heads that become detached when the shaft is withdrawn. The "Hawaiian" spear is really a mechanical sling which propels a steel shaft through an aluminum tube.