Catching the mighty ulua (giant trevally) in Hawaiβi remains a sought-after endeavor among local fishermen. There are annual competitions, and fishermen castβwhether by shore or in boatsβevery day to catch one. Others, like Hawaiβi Islandβs Gerald Yoro, do it the harder, more traditional way: by throwing net. A technique requiring nimble steps, throwing net to catch an ulua also implements the element of surprise and a profound connection to the coastline. As hard as this method may be, Yoro still fishes sustainably, throwing back younger, smaller fish with the hope that one day theyβll become what heβor his own daughterβmight be looking for.
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How important is fishing to people in Hawaiβi?
Itβs kind of a lifestyle for me; I grew up around all of that. Itβs just a big part of our lives and connects us with the ocean, and itβs also a way for me to get away from stress.Β I go out on the rocks, walk withΒ my net and haveΒ that time alone. Itβs just me, looking for the fish and enjoyingΒ my walk along on the coastline.
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Whatβs your favorite type of fishing?
Probably throw net, so usually, when I go ulua fishing Iβll do it that way.
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What do you do normally do with the catch?
I feed my family first, and if I have extra, I'll give it away to friends and family. Thatβs a big thing to meβknowing where your food is coming from. Especially with the high prices of food nowadays, itβs aΒ more reliableΒ way to provide food for your family.
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Absolutely. So, what do you love about the technique of throwing net?
To me, itβs almost like being a ninja on the rocks, you know? Youβre hiding from the fish and then you creep up and surprise them with the net. Usually, you try to not get seen by tryΒ hiding behind the rocks and getting low,Β almost in a squat-like stance. You pretty much stay as low as you can until you get up to where you want to throw βem. Sometimes youΒ have toΒ watch the waves; the whitewater can cover your shadow,Β soΒ youβll need to wait for the wave to come and then you throw the net on them.
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Amazing. Have you taught this technique to others?
Definitely. I have a daughter and she loves to fish, asΒ do my friends and family, so I try to pass it on to whoever wants to fish with me. My daughter is 6-years-old and itβs important for her to learn because sheβs part of that younger generation, andΒ I hope that in the future, she can pass it on to her kids. Itβs all part ofΒ our heritage, because that was once how people survivedβoff of fish. Teaching her to fish has been a blessing to me, and I usually get more excited when she catches a fish than when I do, you know? Sheβs pretty fun to go with.
