Advertisement Close

The Modernization Of Ancient Kite Fishing

posted on: Sep 26, 2022

It’s not uncommon to see kites fly over bodies of water in the past. In fact, kids and adults would indulge in the sport to the fanfare of the public. The goal was to catch fish, and whoever caught the most or biggest fish would be treated with praise and held in high regard. 

Indeed, kite fishing is an ancient technique used for centuries. It’s a great way to catch fish and other sea life without harming the ocean or its ecosystem. And you can learn how to do this method of fishing through reliable resources like this post. But what exactly is kite fishing? And how has it changed over time? This post will explore both traditional and modern kite fishing, as well as how they compare.

What Is Kite Fishing?

Kite fishing is a method of fishing that uses a kite to catch fish or other marine animals. The bait is attached to a large kite and flown into the air using a line. The fish are attracted by this bait and swim towards it, only to be caught when they reach the surface of the water, where they can easily be captured by hand. People use this method of fishing when the usual techniques aren’t effective in deep water or far from shore.

Traditional Kite Fishing

There are theories that the practice is more than 2,000 years old and has been used by many different cultures throughout history. The origins of kite fishing can be traced back to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Pacific Islands. During that time, kite fishing was a popular pastime for folks to fly kites.  

You can also find kite fishing in the history of Japan, called ‘Koinobori.’ In Korea, it’s known as ‘Yeonnalligi’ and is often played as a game during winter. In all countries, this fishing technique relies on the same basic principles: a line attached to a hook or lure that runs through the center of the kite.  

While modern-day kites are made from plastic and metal poles and come with aerodynamic designs that allow them to fly higher and faster than traditional models, they’re still essentially the same as their ancestors.

Modern Kite Fishing

Modern kite fishing differs significantly from the old version. It uses much more technology and can be done in water or on land. Instead of bamboo rods, this new way uses an electric reel and line that one can reel in very quickly. 

The first thing you’ll notice when you look at a modern kite is that it’s larger than what was used by ancient fishermen. Modern kites have evolved to include rigid frames, which give them greater power and stability than their predecessors. These firm frames are constructed from high-quality materials, allowing for increased strength without sacrificing flexibility or cost. 

This increased strength is thanks partly to another technological advancement: electric motors. While some traditionalists may be wary of this new development, and any other changes from the past, it provides several benefits for anglers and the environment.

Comparison Of Traditional And Modern Kite Fishing

The traditional method of kite fishing has been around for thousands of years, but it’s not very efficient compared to modern techniques. In fact, the simple design of a traditional kite makes it difficult to control while dragging at the end of a long line. There’s no way to adjust your direction or slow down or speed up when you try using this kind of gear alone.  

By contrast, modern kite fishing is much more versatile than its ancient counterpart. You can use it on windy and calm days, on high and low tides. The new version is also much more efficient. It can pull in your catch for you, no matter how big or small that fish may be. The line used in modern kite fishing is more durable than steel, so you don’t have to worry about reeling in large fish like tuna or marlin. 

Besides, bait-wise, traditional methods require less finesse when catching fish since there’s only one type of bait used: live bait such as squid or shrimp placed on top of hooks attached directly to your kite line (though sometimes these are just tied directly onto hooks). Modern methods allow for much more versatility because there are so much different lures to attach to lines. For example, modern kite anglers can use artificial and natural baits. 

Finally, the modern kite anglers have many additional features available at their command that weren’t possible before technology came along. These include:

  • GPS tracking systems
  • Automatic depth finders
  • Compasses
  • Sonar devices

These features make the kite-fishing job easier and safer. They make the fishing technique one of the best things to do on the water. They also give the fisherman more control over where they’re fishing so they can go where there is plenty of fish without having any problems with navigation.   

Conclusion

Kite fishing is a unique and ancient technique that many cultures worldwide have practiced. It’s exciting to see how kites have been used as tools to catch fish for so long, but they are still used today with advanced and technological features. Hopefully, this article gave you insight into this unique practice and why it’s worth learning about.