Traditional fishing methods in Sicily

Fishing in Sicily not only has a rich history and traditions but also inspires legendary fishermen. In this section, we will talk about some of the most famous fishing techniques and fishermen who used them. One of the most well-known fishermen in Sicily is Romolo Montanaro, who was born in Messina, a city in the northeast of Sicily. He became famous for his incredible swordfish fishing skills, using a traditional fishing gear called “tonnara”.

How do they catch fish in Sicily?

Note: “tonnara” is a traditional fishing gear for catching tuna in the Mediterranean Sea, which has been used for over 1000 years. This fishing technique uses a whole net placed along the coast that allows catching large schools of tuna. It should be noted that this technique is not for the faint-hearted, and if you are not a professional fisherman, it is better not to watch this video.

He also used a special fishing technique called “la lampara”, which allows catching fish at night.

Another famous fisherman in Sicily was Carlo Rotolo. He was born in Trapani, a city on the west coast of Sicily. Carlo was an expert in lobster fishing and used a special fishing gear called “nasse” to catch them. It was a small trap made of a basket and a net, which was used for catching lobsters, crabs, and other sea creatures. These seafood are included in the most popular gastronomic tours in Sicily.

Some of the most popular fishing techniques in Sicily include using “palamiti” – these are long fishing rods with several hooks, which are often used for catching tuna and salmon, as well as “nasse” – traps for catching small fish and crabs.

These fishing gears usually range from 50 to 150 meters in length and can contain up to several hundred hooks. They are placed along the coast or at depths of up to 100 meters in the sea. The “palamiti” fishing technique involves using small fish or squid as bait, which are threaded onto hooks on the fishing rod. Fishing for “palamiti” is an important seasonal activity for many fishermen in Sicily and often results in significant catches of this delicious fish.

Modern Sicilian fishermen continue to use traditional fishing methods, passing on their experience and knowledge to future generations. It is important to note that many of them belong to local communities and help preserve the traditional way of life and culture of the island.

For those who want to try their hand at fishing in Sicily, there are many fishing charters and tours available, which offer a unique opportunity to experience the island’s rich fishing heritage firsthand.