Stone Fishing in French Polynesia 2025
Experience this centuries-old Polynesian tradition of catching fish
Best time: November
The gist of stone fishing is in “herding” fish. Locals beat water surface with heavy stones tied to ropes made of coconut fibre. The frightened fish head towards the shore. Meanwhile, fishermen in canoes drop a net and catch fish in woven baskets or sometimes with spears.
The old fishing technique is still practiced nowadays on the island of Taha'a. A stone fishing tournament is usually set to take place in November. Another small island Maupiti situated near Bora Bora takes part in a traditional stone fishing event once every ten years (the next one will be in 2020). This ancient fishing ritual involves around 200 canoes and all 1200 residents of the island.
