Towed gear

The gear is towed through the water, either on or off the seabed, to overrun the target species or herd them into the net.

All fishing gear has been developed to target specific species of fish and shellfish in particular areas depending on the depth of water, the type of seabed and tidal conditions that prevail there.

There are many different types of towed gear. This section covers beam trawls, demersal trawls, pelagic trawls, pair trawls, pair seine, twin rig trawl, multi rig trawl, dredges and trolling. 

Seafish gear technology note - towed gear

For further information on beam trawls see: 

• A demonstration of 'Outrigger Trawling' in the SW of England on MFV Admiral Gordon
• Conversion of Side Trawlers to Double Beam Trawlers
• Twin-Rig Beam Trawing Information
• Project 50% - CEFAS trials to reduce discards among Devon beam trawlers
• Double Rig Trawl Fishing for Nephrops Norvegicus

For further information on demersal trawls see:

• The Seafish Guide to Bottom Trawling
• Off-bottom' trawling techniques
• French Fork Rig
• Bridle angle and wing end spread calculations
• Bridle angle and wing end spread how to guide
• Calculating the spread of trawl doors
• Landings Declaration Ready Reckoner
• Codend weigher trials
• Trawl door rigging
• Twin rig centre warp calculator
• Twin Rig centre warp shortening chart 1
• Twin Rig centre warp shortening chart 2
• Multi Rig trawling - how it developed

For further information please contact:

Mike Montgomerie
Gear Technologist
e: m_montgomerie@seafish.co.uk
t: 01472 252327