The inheritance of civilization between the lifting and falling of the pole: the Chinese cultural heritage in Taiwanese fishing and traditional fishing methods
The fun of fishing has existed since ancient times.
Today, at the waterside, many people come to fish and gather together. Under the situation where the pole shadows are intertwined, it is actually a vibrant and lively presentation of two completely different fishing philosophies and cultural forms.
One is the Taiwanese fishing method that emphasizes quick movements and quick reactions, and the other is the traditional fishing method that is based on calmness, quietness, simplicity and simplicity.
At first glance, it seems that there is only a difference in technique between the two. However, upon further exploration, it is found that the humanistic spirit of Chinese culture at different historical stages and nurtured in different social environments is deeply imprinted in it, as well as that kind of philosophical speculation, which is like a brief history of civilization on the other side of the water.
Differences in Fishing Gear: The "Rituals" and "Contingencies" Carried by the Utensils
The equipment that represents traditional fishing is typically a long pole with a short line. The length of the pole often exceeds six meters, which is why it is called "gun pole". Its shape itself will reveal a kind of majesty, poise and prudentness.
This long pole is an extension of the fisherman’s arm and an externalization of his character .
People who are fishing choose one of the grass nests or holes and send the pole line smoothly to the distance. This kind of "delivery" and "keeping" secretly conforms to the survival wisdom of traditional farming civilization to settle down and relocate and wait for the weather.
The act of choosing a position, making a nest, and the process of waiting quietly are like a ceremony with a solemn atmosphere, focusing on respecting and adapting to the natural rhythm.
But for the Taiwan fishing method, the length of the rod is mostly in the range of 3.6 meters to 4.5 meters. It is short but has the characteristics of compactness, which is convenient for frequent swing operations.
The emphasis on "beating frequency" and quick fish luring reflect people's pursuit of efficiency and precision in the context of industrial civilization, just like the emphasis on procedures and norms in modern etiquette. It is a brand-new "contingency" etiquette.
Floating Thoughts: The Philosophical Evolution from "Advocating Crudeness" to "Advocating Skills"
The float is the "eyes" of the fisherman. Its shape and usage deeply reflect two different ways of understanding the world.
The seven-star float used for traditional fishing is commonly used. Its floats are distributed on the water surface like stars arranged in a row of chess pieces. It does not require precise adjustment. The hook will naturally sink to the bottom of the water. This is the so-called "blunt fishing".
This method seems simple and clumsy, but in fact it contains the Taoist philosophical thought of "great skill is like clumsiness", relying on the same to cope with changes, and feeling the gentle peck of the big fish in silence. What we pursue is a harmonious state of integration with nature.
For the vertical float used in Taiwan fishing, precise techniques such as "Adjusting Four and Fishing Two" are used to accurately neutralize the force between the lead pendant and the float, thereby making the hook and bait state extremely sensitive. Even any extremely small "mouth movement" can be amplified into a significant signal of the float.
This kind of culture with the characteristics of "shangqiao" shows the Confucian spirit of seeking knowledge and excellence based on refined control that strives to understand the subtle changes in the underwater world. It is a manifestation of people's desire to explore and a deepening of people's understanding of nature.
The Change of Hook and Bait: The Living Inheritance of Folklore Core and Humanistic Spirit
The choice of hooks and baits most directly reflects the folklore core and humanistic spirit of fishing activities.
Single hooks are mostly used in traditional fishing, and are matched with natural baits such as corn kernels, wheat kernels, and earthworms. Special attention is paid to the use of insect bait in winter and grains in summer that can reflect seasonal changes.
Putting a single hook into the grass hole reduces the possibility of the fish running away due to hanging on the grass. It is the result of wisdom formed through thousands of years of wild fishing experience, and it is a simple choice made by folk wisdom in the face of a complex natural environment.
The original ecological bait retains the aftertaste of the ancient "eating is never too fine". It pursues the original taste of the ingredients and uses the simplest method to attract fish.
In contrast, Taiwan fishing adopts the method of using double hooks at the same time. The bait is mostly crushed plant essence parts, and ingredients such as shrimp powder and food attractants are also added. Its purpose is to combine trapping and fishing, and use the effect of atomization to build a three-dimensional fish luring area.
There is a refined division of labor in modern commercial society, and the knowledge of chemistry and biology has also been popularized. The influence of the two is projected behind the scenes. Bait has become a designed "composite carrier", and its "humanistic spirit" has changed. It originally relied solely on nature, but now it turns to relying on technology and knowledge to actively transform and utilize nature.
Conclusion
The rise and fall of the pole, the ups and downs, are flowing with the Chinese culture that has lasted for thousands of years.
Today, those who are anglers, whether they are in love with the calm and simple characteristics of traditional fishing, or they personally prefer the agile and precise characteristics of Taiwanese fishing, have actually inadvertently touched some of the core characteristics of what is called Chinese civilization.
What is protected by the traditional fishing method is the cultural root that means "remaining humble and returning to the truth", and what demonstrates the innovative spirit of "keeping pace with the times" is Taiwan fishing.
The two do not present a state of complete and complete opposition, but in the process of modern fishing practice, they gradually tend to merge with each other. This is just like the "harmony without difference" advocated by Chinese culture.
Knowing their respective origins and characteristics makes it possible to not only enjoy the fun of fishing when holding a fishing rod and facing the water, but also to appreciate the numerous cultural and historical accumulations and the ever-growing and never-ending national wisdom behind it, which is as vast as the sea. Finally, in the realm of harmony and unity between man and nature, we can find the quiet joy and cultural confidence in the mountains and rivers that are exclusive to the Chinese.
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