A type of artisanal fishing with a long tradition throughout the Mediterranean, but especially on the Catalan coast, is carried out in boats equipped with lights, called “bots de llum” (light boats).

These boats of about 5 meters in length were usually handled by two men and were dedicated to fishing horse mackerel, and mainly sardines, although any other fish or crustacean that was attracted by the light radiated by large gas-powered lanterns was not ruled out. .

A characteristic of its own were its two large stabilizers (squaws) to prevent the swaying of the waves, and the replacement of the rudder by two ropes to maneuver the rudder through the lantern support.