USE of lightsticks in pelagic longlining for swordfish and tunas has significantly increased the fishing power of this gear.

Submerged lightsticks are as indispensable as hooks and bait, so several US manufacturers displayed products at last November's Fish Expo '97 in Seattle.

They included Northern Products Inc. of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; Omniglow Corporation of West Springfield, Massachusetts; and Prolight of Johnston, Rhode Island.

Captain Walter P. Flanagan and Edward Gaw of Hi-Liner Fishing Gear and Tackle Inc., Lighthouse Point, Florida, say that there has been "explosive" lightstick sales growth.

Chemical lightsticks are said to have been pioneered by American Cyanamid Inc. to meet industrial and military needs for a low heat, non-flammable, light source.

US