ancient fishing techniques

Ancient fishing techniques relied on natural materials and environmental knowledge. Fish traps were often made from stones, branches, or reeds to guide fish into enclosures. Nets woven from plant fibers, like flax or yucca, were used to catch schools of fish. Spears and harpoons allowed hunters to target individual fish directly, sometimes from boats or the shore. Fish weirs, submerged barriers, funneled fish into confined areas. Some cultures employed fishing lines with baited hooks, attaching to their boats or land-based stations. These methods demonstrate resourcefulness and an understanding of aquatic ecosystems, enabling communities to secure food sustainably for generations.