Halibut Hooks Wooden hooks like these were used by northwestern Natives from the coast of Washington to the Alaska Panhandle. Natives carved the hooks, usually in two pieces from yellow cedar and yew wood.These woods were easy to carve, and would not soak up water easily.Most hooks had carvings of a spirit helper, and the power from that spirit would ensure a successful fisherman. Early natives used bone for barbs, but when the white explorers came, they were introduced to steel.Fishing line was made of dried kelp and buoys were made of the stomach of the seal.A stronger line would be made of spruce root, twisted together.Great care was taken with the hooks and line, since it was time-consuming and difficult to replace.
