I would guess it would depend on their situation. Remember using a rod, hook and line (or hand-line) is a very inefficiant way to fish.... if it was your main source of food for your family you would probably not eat very well compared to a family using a net.... many traditional peoples used hooks and lines to fish to 'supplement' their already existing food supply gained from domesticated animals and agriculture....Was this done once upon a time? Or were they just netted?