Pole and Line (Huhate): Extreme Art of Fishing for Skipjack & Tuna
Pole and Line (Huhate): The Extreme Art of Fishing Skipjack Tuna & Tuna
Pole and Line (known in Indonesia as Huhate) is a technique for catching pelagic fish such as skipjack tuna (skipjack Tuna) and yellowfin tuna (Yellowfin Tuna) using manual pole and line fishing. This is the most environmentally friendly, selective fishing method that produces premium quality tuna (sashimi-grade).
Operational Categories of Pole & Line Vessels
Traditional / Coastal Huhate
- Design: Wooden or fiberglass boats sized 10 - 30 GT with an elongated bow (bow deck) as the fishing area.
- Area: Indonesian waters, eastern coast of Indonesia (Bitung, Maluku, Flores).
- Preservation System: Using block ice / bulk ice in the hold (chilled).
- Crew: Comprising 15-30 tough fishermen lined up along the edge of the boat.
Modern Distant Water Pole & Line
- Design: Steel vessels sized 100 - 500+ GT for long-distance ocean voyages.
- Area: Open sea, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and international waters.
- Preservation System: Rapid freezing hold (Air Blast Freezer / Brine Freezing) at extra low temperatures.
- Technology: Equipped with bird radar, fish finders, and bait automation systems.
3 Key Elements of Pole & Line Technique
1. Water Spray System
Water spray pipes installed along the bow of the vessel. This water spray mimics the ripples of panicked small fish, triggering the predator nature of skipjack tuna for feeding frenzy.
2. Live Bait Tanks
The success of Huhate relies 100% on live bait (anchovies). The vessel has a special seawater circulation tank to keep the bait alive before being thrown.
3. Fiberglass Pole & Barbless Hook
The rod is made of flexible bamboo or fiberglass with barbless hooks. This allows fish to be released immediately once they hit the deck of the vessel.
Why Indonesian Sailors are the Best Pole & Line Crew?
In Pole and Line operations, the human factor is key. Fishing for skipjack tuna at a fast pace requires stamina, balance, and extraordinary reflexes.
Advantages of Indonesian Crew:
- Instinct & Tradition: Growing up in the waters of Bitung and Maluku, Indonesian crew inherit the precise Huhate techniques for a long time.
- Teamwork: Able to work closely together without tangling lines.
- STCW-F 95 Compliance: Through PT Samuel Jaya Maritim, we supply reliable fishermen equipped with Seaman Book, BST, and international medical FIT.
Build a Career on International Huhate Ships
Have experience fishing for skipjack tuna in Bitung, Maluku, or Sorong? PT Samuel Jaya Maritim facilitates legality, insurance, and international standard work contracts.
Dominant Flags of the Pole & Line Fleet
This method is highly valued in the international tuna market. The main countries operating Pole and Line fleets include:
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