In a previous paper1), we reported that the angling curve obtained in the angling for skipjack can be classified into three types. In the other paper2), we reported that the process of angling is composed of two periods, namely, the time taken for the fish to be hooked and the time required to pull the fish up. In this paper, the relation between the time required to pull the fish up and the technical skill of the angler is discussed. It is important that the fisherman angles for the fish, as much as possible in the restricted period, because the period the fishing boat keeps in contact with the shoal may be short. Therefore, it is advisable that the time required to pull the fish up is as short as possible.
There are three methods in the angling for skipjack, namely, live bait fishing and two types of the lure fishing. In one of the types of lure fishing, called “Bakezuri” or “Kakaezuri”, the fisherman holds a fish under his left arm, when he detaches the fish from the lure. In the other type called “Tatakizuri”, the fisherman detaches the fish from the lure without holding. Mean values of the time required to pull the fish up by means of live bait fishing, “Kakaezuri” and “Tatakizuri” were 16.1 sec., 5.99 sec., and 1.96 sec. respectively. The live bait fishing is composed of six operations, while the lure fishing is composed of five operations. An operation to bait a fishhook is not contained in the latter. Therefore, the time required to bait a fishhook was about 10 seconds. Although “Tatakizuri” has the shortest time required to fish, this method is employed for only a little while, because it requires great skill and heavy labor. There were some differences in the time required to fish among the crews of three fishing boats (Table 2). The time required to fish is affected with differences in the fishing tackles, too. The dimensions of the various types of the fishing tackles for skipjack and albacore were shown in Table 3 and Fig. 2. It can be considered that the time required to fish is a reflex of the technical skill of the fisherman.