Effect of bait availability on pole and line fisheries and the impact on the amount of fish consumption

Abstract Pole and line fisheries are highly dependent on bait availability. The problem of bait lies in-stock availability and improper handling methods cause the bait to become stressed and die. This research aimed to analyse the effect of bait on the pole and line fishing process. This research was a survey through field observations. This research used descriptive analysis. Data were collected including on bait, the fishing process, and catch. The results showed that the pole and line process was one-day fishing. The bait volume used was 25 buckets. The pole and line catching process is quite involved and includes the process of transferring the live bait from the hold into the stocking tank using a large hand net with a 32 cm diameter, the chumming process or the process of spreading live bait using a small scoop net with a diameter of 13.5 cm, and the actual fishing process. The total catch was 500 individuals/trip or 2.5 tons, including Katsuwonus pelamis, Euthynnus affinis, Thunnus albacares and Coryphaena hippurus. Fishing was carried out as a one-day fishing process because it was based on the availability of bait. Fish resource utilization is managed by fishermen optimally because it affects fish consumption.