Basic fishing methods: a comprehensive guide to commercial fishing methods.

Abstract

Basic Fishing Methods provides a wealth of basic knowledge on how wild fish and shellfish are caught using a range of fishing methods. You may be keen to see how different types of gear work, or just interested in the way we catch fish and shellfish around the UK. Either way, this guide will take some of the mystery out of the equipment you will often see piled up at the harbourside, or on the stern of a fishing vessel. We have focused on fisheries in UK waters, with reference to other fisheries throughout the world that supply wild-caught fish and shellfish into the UK. All the gears are described similarly and cover the basic concepts of each fishing method. Regional variations exist on both the generic design and method of operation used around the UK, and in other countries. Also, the dimensions for the various gears covered are based on the average in typical use. You may also find different regional variations, where those fishing have refined their gear to suit local conditions and operate more efficiently outside the general parameters. In these cases, you may wish to dig a bit deeper to understand what operational differences result from these refinements.