Fishing is a way of life

By Aruna Lolani 26 June 2017, 12:00AM

Fishing is not just a hobby. It’s a way of life.

That’s according to Nu’u Smith; a 26-year-old fisherman from the village of Vailele and Malaela.

Speaking to the Village Voice, Nu’u said that he learned the ropes of fishing from his uncle when he was little and he fell in love with it ever since.

“Right now I’m taking a break for a few days from fishing but when I go out to the ocean, I go for three days and within that three days, I catch lots of yellow fins.

“I’m always accompanied by two other fishermen so that’s our own little family when we’re out there.

“Every time we come back, we sell it at the Savalalo fish market.

“Sometimes we try to make time for a break when arrive on land but it all depends on how good the weather is for fishing because if it’s good weather for fishing, no fisherman wants to stay behind and rest.

Nu’u explained to the Village Voice team what it is like to be out there in the sea; away from everyone and everything.

“You know, fishing requires a lot more efforts, commitment and courage because you will be spending how many nights away from home.

“Mind you, being on a boat; sleeping in a fishing boat is not something comfortable because it’s always an unsteady and rocky ride everyday, everynight.

“All you will see is the ocean and the sky.

“When we face bad weather, we get worried because you don’t know what’s going to happen.

“Fishing is actually one of those jobs where everytime you’re about to leave the shores, you say a little prayer because you don’t know if you’re coming back, you know anything can happen right? 

“It’s a completely different way of life and that’s why I’m saying there’s more to fishing than just something that you do.

“It’s risky but I still do it because it’s something that I love doing, something I have passion for.”

By Aruna Lolani 26 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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