Traditional fishing (for fishes like the skipjack, tuna and bonito) is the lifeline of the Maldives. For centuries it has been the biggest part of the livelihood of Maldivian people. It has - and still does - determine the rhythm of life in the Maldives.

With over 99 percent of the total area of the Maldives consisting of water, the country boasts some of the best fishing grounds in the world. The fish stock of the Maldives include over a thousand species, some of which are indigenous to the Maldives.

Fishermen spend virtually the whole day at sea starting at dawn in the morning, catching baitfish with nets, which are kept alive in water inside the boat’s hull. After catching baitfish they travel for a few hours, or for how long it takes to detect a school of fish, usually indicated by birds circling in the sky. Earlier fishermen never lost sight of their island to ensure a safe return, now modern navigational aids allow them to go far beyond.

The bait is squeezed and thrown into the water by hand, pumps spray water towards the wriggling baitfish thus tricking the tuna into a feeding frenzy. Poles and lines with a smooth hook resembling a baitfish are quickly cast into the sea and with a strong pull and twist the fish is thrown into the dhoni. It is not rare to see keyolhus (dhoni captains), juggling three fish at the same time with his pole.