Ingenious Fishing Method in Havana: Cubans Use Condoms as Floats

In a captivating video from the iconic Malecón in Havana, the resourcefulness of Cubans amidst pervasive shortages is once again spotlighted. The footage showcases a fisherman employing inflated condoms as makeshift floats to carry fishing hooks out to sea, an innovative technique that has taken social media by storm.

Shared on Facebook by content creator Camila Carballo, the video has amassed nearly 260,000 views, sparking over 10,000 reactions and countless comments blending admiration, humor, and concern over the country's hardships.

The central figure in the clip is a fisherman locally known as "Javier el de la Timba" or "el Chino," recognized by many as a seasoned expert along the Havana coast.

"Most times I come here, I catch a decent fish. The guys can back me up on that," Javier states before unveiling the secret of his approach: "We fish with condoms."

Crafting a Makeshift Fishing Float

This unique method involves inflating several condoms, tying them together to create an impromptu buoy, and attaching them to a fishing line with baited hooks.

When the wind blows from land towards the sea, the condoms act like a tiny sail, pulling the line hundreds of meters offshore. This allows fishermen to reach areas where catching fish like snappers and cuberas is possible without a boat.

"Once it gets out there, I tug the line, it goes to the balloon, and the bait stays down," Javier elaborates in the video.

While this method might surprise some, it's not entirely new. International outlets like CBS News first reported on this practice in 2016 when it became a viral sensation. Inflated condoms were noted to carry fishing lines up to 300 meters from the shore.

Some local fishermen claim to have been using this technique for decades, with one recounting fishing this way over 40 years ago near the 1830 restaurant in Vedado.

A Scarcity Amidst Innovation

This video gains particular attention now as condoms have virtually vanished from Cuban state-run pharmacies. Recent reports from independent media highlight the widespread scarcity, forcing many to turn to the black market where a single condom can exceed 100 Cuban pesos.

Online commentators couldn't ignore this irony. "You won't be able to fish anymore since there are no condoms left," one user remarked.

Another joked, "With condoms being so pricey, you might as well buy a drone."

The shortage of condoms in Cuba is not a new issue. For years, organizations and specialized media have warned about the lack of supply, linking it to increased risks of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Beyond the jokes, most reactions highlight the Cuban people's creative resilience in the face of daily challenges.

"The Cuban drone," one user summarized in a widely shared comment.

Another added, "Cuban creativity is unmatched worldwide. That's how we survive any situation; we know what it's like to hit rock bottom."

Fishing off the Malecón has been a part of Havana's landscape for over a century. For some, it remains a tradition and social gathering space; for others, amidst the country's economic crisis, it's become a way to put food on the table.

However, some users expressed environmental concerns about the practice, noting that condoms used as floats could end up in the sea. A commenter pointed out that this technique is banned in Puerto Rico due to the marine litter it creates.