Barkat Ullah, an 83-year-old West Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar resident, is a well-known name in fishing hook making. With over two decades of experience, he has mastered crafting specialized hooks, particularly for deep-sea fishing.
“I have been making various hooks for over twenty years, and I have trained more than fifty people in this craft,” says Barkat Ullah. He recalls a time when these handmade fishing hooks were in high demand. His specialty is iron-made sea fishing hooks, which weigh anywhere between 2 to 3 kilograms each. He produces 100 to 300 kilograms of hooks annually, forging them in fire to achieve the perfect strength and durability.
Humans have been using fishing hooks for centuries, and they remain an essential tool for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Their size, material, and design vary depending on the fishing technique, with common types including bait, fly, and lure hooks.
Despite modern advancements, Barkat Ullah’s handcrafted hooks still hold a special place among local fishermen, keeping an age-old tradition alive in Cox’s Bazar.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Polash Shikdar
