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How to classify and describe the common fishing gears used in the fishery industry

 

(Cast net)

HOW TO CLASSIFY AND DESCRIBE THE COMMON FISHING GEARS USED IN THE FISHERY INDUSTRY

Introduction

From ancient days up to this present day, fishing has constantly been accomplished by way of using gear. Other than using bare fingers to capture fish, most fishermen have used gear and those are usually referred to as fishing gears. As the science of fishing developed, so have the equipment employed become increasingly more sophisticated. The form of fishing tools hired by means of a fisherman is generally determined by the type of fishing one is engaged in, whether or not one is actively or passively fishing determines what equipment to employ. Active fishing refers to the situation in which the fisherman does not wait for the fish to come to the bait, he actively seeks for and captures them. Passive fishing is the direct opposite of active fishing. It does not involve actively chasing the fish. The fisherman just waits the fish to approach a fishing line or a trap already set. In this text, we will provide the diverse fishing equipment on the market these days, and additionally describe them for easy identification.

TYPES OF FISHING GEAR USED IN ACTIVE FISHING

Cast net

Cast nets are a few of the equipment for active fishing.  This net is often used by one person, typically in shallow waters. To cast the net successfully, the fisherman needs to release the bait while standing in the water. He holds the net in his dominant hand. He swings and releases the net directly to a desired spot. Cast nets are a common piece of fishing gadget, but gifted handlers of the net are able to successfully use it.

Trawl net

Another type of fishing gear used for fishing is called trawl. The trawl uses a large net which is dragged through the water. As the trawl is dragged, the fish collects into the net. The trawl is used to catch different types of fish species. Some of the species include herring, mackerel, tuna, shrimp, squid, shrimp, and others. A trawl consists of two large bags which are connected by a frame. In the front is a funnel-shaped opening. It is fixed behind a boat and as the boat moves, the trawl is dragged along the ocean floor and collects the different types of fish from along its path in the water. The trawl is equipped with a “codend”. This “codend” is a device that collects the fish but prevents them from escaping.

Dredge net

A dredge is a type of fishing gear used by commercial fishing vessels. They are typically employed in the harvesting of seafood from the ocean floor. Some of the seafood captured with a dredge include scallops, shrimp, oysters, clams, and crabs. The dredge is a large, metal frame with heavy chain mesh as an attachment. The dredge is dragged along the seafloor and the mesh bags collect the organisms living on the seafloor. The dredge is typically towed behind a boat and the organisms are collected and brought up to the surface. This gear is commonly used for harvesting shrimp, oysters, clams, and crabs. Dredging is an effective way to gather large amounts of fish in a short amount of time.

Seine net

Another fishing gear used in the industry is called seine net. It is a type of fishing net that is vertically hanged in the water. In order to keep it floating, weights are attached to the bottom edges. It is the type of fishing gear mostly used in shallow waters to capture fish. Seine nets can be used in rivers, oceans and at the shorelines of lakes. This is how the seine net is employed; Two groups of people, holding either side of the net, pull the net in a circular motion. The aim is to encircle the fish. Once the net is encircled, it is drawn to the shore. It is here that the catch is collected. The net is then drawn to the shore, where the catch can be collected. Some types of fish the seine net can catch include herring, smelts, mackerel, and salmon. One very good thing about the use of seine net is that, it can be used to harvest very large quantities of fish at a go.

Scoop net

Scoop nets are a type of fishing gear typically used for catching bait fish. They are typically made from a wire mesh or plastic mesh and have a handle with a long hoop at one end. The hoop is used to scoop up the fish from the water. The mesh of the net ensures that the fish can't escape while they are being scooped up. The size of the net determines what kind of fish it can catch, with larger ones being able to catch bigger fish. Scoop nets are usually used in shallow water, and they are often used by recreational anglers.

TYPES OF FISHING GEAR USED IN PASSIVE FISHING 

Hooking devices

Hooking devices are one of the most common and effective forms of fishing gear, used by passive fisher folks. They consist of a line attached to a hook, which is used to catch fish. Hooks come in a variety of sizes and styles, depending on the type of fish being targeted. They are typically used with bait, lures, and jigs to attract and catch fish. Hooks come in both barbed and barbless varieties, with barbed hooks more commonly used for larger fish and barbless hooks ideal for smaller species. Hooks can also be weighted to help with casting and to keep them in the water for longer. Hooking devices are an essential piece of fishing gear for any angler.

(Hooking device)

Stationary nets

Stationary nets are a type of fishing gear that are set in a specific area and left in place for a period of time. These nets are typically made from a strong, lightweight material such as nylon and are usually weighted down with rocks or other heavy objects. Stationary nets are used to catch a variety of fish, including salmon, herring, cod, and mackerel. They can be set in rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. In some cases, stationary nets are used with other fishing gear such as traps, seines, and trawls. Stationary nets are effective because they are easy to set up and can be left in place for long periods of time, allowing the fishermen to return to the same location and harvest their catch. Stationary nets are an important part of commercial fishing.

Tangle nets

Tangle nets are a type of fishing gear that involves a horizontal line with a series of vertical lines attached to it. The vertical lines are connected to the horizontal line by means of a series of knots which form an intricate web-like pattern. This web-like pattern is designed to trap and hold a variety of fish, including shrimp, crabs, and even small fish. The tangle net is typically constructed from a strong, durable material such as nylon or polyester and is often weighted down near the bottom of the net to help keep it in place. The net is typically placed in shallow water and then is left to drift through the current, allowing the net to become entangled with any fish that may be swimming nearby. Once the net is full, it is retrieved and the fish that were caught are removed. Tangle nets are an effective way to catch baitfish, shrimp, and other small aquatic organisms, and are commonly used by commercial fishermen and recreational anglers.

(Fishing Trap

Fishing Traps

Traps are a type of fishing gear that is used to capture fish and other aquatic creatures. They are designed to create a contained location that lets in fish but prevents them from leaving. Traps are commonly set in areas where there may be a concentration of fish, near a reef, in a shallow region, or near a shape. They can be baited with a selection of various styles of bait, or left without a bait. The type of bait used will depend on the type of fish being targeted. Traps come in a variety of sizes and styles, and can be constructed from different of materials which includes plastic, wire mesh, or timber. They are commonly set in place with a weight or line, and left to sit for a period of time. Once the fish gathers into the trap, it is removed from the water and the catch is emptied.

Conclusion

We can conclude that the absence of fishing gears in the fishing industry can spell doom for the industry, they are a vital check list of the industry. The categorization and description of fishing gear is important if we want to understand how complex and varied fishing is. If fishing gears are properly classified and described, fishermen can better understand the types of fishing gear available. Such information can enable them to make informed decisions on which fishing gears to use, subject to what type of fishing they want to engage in. It will also ensure that they settle for the best equipment for a successful fishing trip.

 Also Read:

Some harmful fishing practices and how they affect fish habitat

What are the effects of aquatic invasive alien species on fishery habitats, fishery organisms and fishermen/women.

How can a nation prevent and control alien invasive species like water hyacinths, water lettuce, hornwort and others?


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