How to Choose the Right Trawl Net for Commercial Fishing
1. What Is a Trawl Net?
A trawl net is a large fishing net designed to be towed through the water by a fishing vessel. As the vessel moves forward, the net captures fish and other marine species within its opening.
A typical trawl net consists of several sections, including the mouth, body, and codend. Each section has a different function.
The net wings and other components help maintain the opening, while the codend collects and retains the catch.
The complete trawl system may also include trawl doors, towing wires, bridles, sweeps, and other accessories.
2. Common Types of Trawl Nets
Bottom Trawl Nets
Bottom trawl nets are designed to operate close to or along the seabed. They are commonly used to catch demersal species such as cod, haddock, and flatfish.
Their construction needs to withstand demanding working conditions, including contact with the seabed depending on the fishing method.
Midwater Trawl Nets
Midwater trawl nets operate within the water column, away from direct seabed contact.
They are commonly used for catching schooling fish such as mackerel, herring, and other pelagic species.
Their design must consider net opening, towing speed, and the required fishing depth.
Pelagic Trawl Nets
Pelagic trawl nets are designed for catching fish that live and swim in open water rather than near the seabed.
Net dimensions, mesh distribution, and towing conditions are important factors in determining their performance.
3. Important Trawl Net Specifications
Several technical specifications influence the design and performance of a trawl net.
Mesh size: Different sections of a trawl net may use different mesh sizes. The mesh specification affects water flow and catch retention.
Twine diameter: Twine thickness influences strength, weight, and water resistance.
Net dimensions: Length, circumference, and opening dimensions should match the vessel and intended fishing operation.
Net material: PE and nylon are commonly used materials, while UHMWPE may be considered for specialized high-strength applications.
Net construction: Knotted and knotless constructions have different structural characteristics and should be selected according to the application.
4. What Factors Affect Trawl Net Design?
A trawl net should be designed around the complete fishing system.
Vessel size and engine power determine the towing capacity available for the fishing gear. Target species and fishing depth influence the required net shape and dimensions.
Towing speed, seabed conditions, and the characteristics of the trawl doors also affect how the net operates.
For this reason, selecting a trawl net based only on its length or mesh size is not sufficient. The interaction between the net, vessel, and other fishing equipment must also be considered.
5. How to Choose the Right Trawl Net
Before requesting a quotation, buyers should prepare the following information:
Target fish species
Bottom, midwater, or pelagic fishing method
Vessel length and engine power
Required net dimensions
Mesh sizes for different sections
Twine material and diameter
Knotted or knotless construction
Normal towing speed
Existing trawl net drawings or photographs
If an existing net is available, providing its drawings and specifications can help the manufacturer understand the required construction more accurately.
6. Why Customized Trawl Nets Matter
Commercial fishing operations vary significantly between vessels and fishing areas. A net that works well for one vessel may not be suitable for another.
Customized trawl net production allows dimensions, mesh sizes, twine specifications, and construction details to be adjusted according to actual operating requirements.
Experienced technical support is particularly important for large trawl systems, where different sections must work together as a complete structure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right trawl net requires a clear understanding of the fishing method, target species, vessel capacity, net specifications, and operating conditions.
A properly designed trawl net should match the vessel and the complete fishing system rather than relying on individual specifications alone.
QinHo provides customized trawl nets for different commercial fishing applications. Through cooperation with experienced fishing-industry partners, we can work with customers to evaluate net designs and specifications according to their fishing requirements.