The “skapouloi” or free fishermen of the open sea in the wider area of Messolonghi exploit the resources of the lagoon using family-owned boats (mono-hulled boats without a sail, small sailing boats and larger versions). Different techniques, than those used in the ivaria, are used, such as harpooning, night-fishing with a light, trolling, longlining or using the stafnokari.
Traditional fishing boats typically do not have a keel due to the shallow waters. The smallest ones are of the all-of-a-piece type, i.e. narrow, small boats with pointed ends, which are very light and require careful handling to avoid capsizing. Originally they were made of hollowed-out tree trunks, whereas today they are made of planks. Until the 1960s, in particular, they were not moved by oars but by a staliki (pole. like in a punt), i.e. a long, cylindrical piece of wood, thicker at one end by which the boat was pushed forward. When there was wind, a sail was also used, but nowadays an engine is also employed.
The stafnokari is a tool unique to Greece, especially made for fishing in the quiet waters of a lagoon, which today unfortunately is gradually disappearing. It has been used since the beginning of the 20th century. It was listed in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. The fishing technique is used mainly in murky waters and from the bridges of Tourlida. It consists of a square net between 4-8 m long, hung in front of the prow of the fishing boat, manipulated on a frame of one long and arched component and two supporting poles, so as to form an umbrella-like structure. Depending on the season, a smaller meshed net is used for small fish (in summer) or a coarser one for larger fish (in winter). Fishermen sink the net (stretched out taut) for a few minutes in the water by means of a hoist-and-tackle and throw various bait into the water to attract the fish above the net.
