Pole-and-line [PL]
Pole‑and‑line
A fishing technique used to catch tuna, also known as “baitboat”. When a school of target fish is located, live baitfish are scattered onto the surface of the water, creating a feeding frenzy during which target fish will bite anything they see (“chumming”). The fishing area is sprayed with water to obscure the fishing line and further excite tuna. Fishers line up along the boat with a hand‑held wooden or fiberglass pole, with a short line and barbless hook attached. Once a fish is hooked, it is flicked up and over the head of the fisher, and placed on the deck.