Fishing Crafts And Gears – Definition, Types, Examples

Fishing crafts and gears are integral components of the fishing industry, facilitating the capture of aquatic species across various environments. Fishing crafts, which include boats, skiffs, and canoes, are specifically designed to navigate diverse water bodies, ranging from freshwater lakes to expansive ocean waters. These vessels vary in size, shape, and construction materials, reflecting the specific needs of different fishing methods and local conditions.

Meanwhile, fishing gears encompass a wide array of tools and equipment used to catch fish, including nets, lines, traps, and harpoons. Each type of gear is tailored to target particular species and habitats, employing diverse techniques such as trawling, gillnetting, and longlining. The choice of both craft and gear is influenced by factors such as fishing practices, species targeted, and environmental considerations. As technology evolves, innovations in materials and design enhance the efficiency and sustainability of fishing operations.

Overall, the synergy between fishing crafts and gears is essential for optimizing catch while also promoting responsible fishing practices that protect aquatic ecosystems.

Fishing craft

Fishing craft are essential vessels employed in the capture of fish across various aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. These crafts play a pivotal role in both inland and marine fishing activities, functioning not only as fishing implements but also as transport systems for fish and fishing gear. The diversity of fishing craft reflects the different types of fishing practices and environmental conditions. Below is a detailed examination of fishing crafts, categorized into inland and marine types, along with their characteristics and operational details.

Fishing crafts are generally divided into two primary categories: inland fishing crafts and marine fishing crafts.

1. Inland Fishing Crafts
   These crafts are primarily utilized in freshwater bodies such as rivers, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Examples include:
   • Raft
     • Defined as a simple and primitive craft, typically made from buoyant materials.
     • Construction Materials:
       • Banana Stem Raft: Utilizes parallel banana stems tied together.
       • Log Raft: Composed of dry logs arranged parallel and secured with rope.
       • Buffalo Skin Raft: Inflated skins are tied together to create buoyancy.
       • Chatty: An earthen pot raft comprising nine pots arranged in rows, providing stability and support.
       • Coracle: A circular, shallow craft made of woven cane and cowhide, primarily used in southern Indian rivers.
       • Bamboo Raft: Constructed from bamboo poles, used commonly in Bihar.
       • Inflated Tyre Tube Raft: Serves as a floating device in rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
       • Cucurbit Raft: Made from dried cucurbit plants, used in the Narmada river.
     • Operation: Typically operated by two to four fishermen using oars, suitable for slow-moving waters.
     • Merits: Easy to construct, cost-effective, and constructed from locally sourced materials.
     • Demerits: Vulnerable to strong currents, rendering them unsuitable for use in open seas.
2. Marine Fishing Crafts
   These crafts are specifically designed for use in the ocean and larger water bodies. Examples include:
   • Catamaran
     • A primitive yet crucial fishing craft found along the east coast.
     • Construction: Formed by tying multiple logs together, resulting in a keel-less design.
     • Dimensions: Typically ranges from 4 to 7 feet in length and 0.7 to 1.4 meters in width.
     • Types of Catamarans:
       • Raft Catamaran: Made from 4-5 logs, used in Kerala.
       • Boat Catamaran: Boat-shaped, constructed from three logs, popular in Madapam and Tuticorin.
       • Coromandal Type: Consists of 3-5 logs, utilized in Chennai.
       • Orissa Type: Pegged wood structure, similar boat shape.
       • Andhra Type: Composed of heavy wood, extending 5-7 meters in length.
     • Operation: Typically paddled with oars, sometimes utilizing sails for propulsion. Employed for deploying drift nets and other fishing gear.
     • Merits: Cost-effective, easily maintained with locally available materials.
     • Demerits: Requires regular maintenance.
   • Canoes
     • Canoes are boat-shaped crafts used extensively in fishing, categorized based on size and design.
     • Types of Canoes:
       • Dugout Canoe: Carved from a single large log, featuring a hollowed-out section for buoyancy and balance. Popular along the Kerala and Kokan coasts.
       • Plank-built Canoe: An expansion of the dugout, constructed with additional planks for enhanced stability. Commonly used in Kerala and North Mumbai.
       • Outrigger Canoe: Features a framework extending from the side to enhance stability, known locally as ‘Uldandi.’ This craft often employs two curved bamboo poles connected to a log of wood.
     • Operation: Utilized for gill netting, seine netting, and drift netting, varying in size according to fishing needs.
   • Machwa
     • A robust sea fishing craft developed for deep-sea fishing along the Saurashtra coast.
     • Construction: Made of planks, with glue-soaked cotton between layers to ensure waterproofing.
     • Characteristics:
       • Constructed from planks with cotton glued between them for waterproofing.
       • Features a broad hull, pointed bow, and compartments for nets, fish storage, and engine room.
     • Operation: Operated by 2 to 10 fishermen, utilizing sails for open-sea navigation and fitted with engines for enhanced propulsion.
   • Trawler
     • A fishing vessel designed to pull trawl nets through water, suited for deep-sea fishing.
     • Variability: Ranges from small boats to large ships, equipped with powerful towing capabilities and mechanical hauling systems.
     • Types of Trawlers: Include otter trawlers, side trawlers, stern trawlers, shrimp trawlers, and beam trawlers, each designed for specific fishing techniques.
     • Characteristics:
       • Available in various sizes, from small boats to large ships.
       • Equipped with powerful towing capabilities and mechanical hauling systems.
       • Different types include otter trawlers, side trawlers, and shrimp trawlers.

Fishing Gear

Fishing gear encompasses various devices utilized for the capture of fish, including hooks and lines, nets, and traps. Understanding these components is essential for both recreational and commercial fishing practices. This exposition aims to clarify the functionalities, types, and operational methods of different fishing gear, providing a comprehensive overview beneficial for students and educators.

1. Hooks and Lines: This traditional fishing technique remains prevalent, especially among small-scale fishermen. It primarily involves two methods:
   1. Pole and Line Method:
      • Rod or Pole: Historically crafted from cane, contemporary poles are constructed from fiberglass or steel, offering superior strength and durability. Fiberglass rods are particularly favored due to their resistance to corrosion. Common lengths range from 3 to 4 meters, featuring rings that guide the fishing line.
      • Line: Various materials, such as silk, braided line, and nylon, are utilized for the fishing line, with nylon being preferred for its durability and low maintenance.
      • Hooks: Made from rust-resistant metals, hooks consist of an eye, shank, bend, and barbs. They are categorized into baited and unbaited types, with numerous sizes and designs available from tackle dealers.
      • Bait: To attract fish, different types of bait are employed:
        • Live Bait: Natural organisms like small fish, worms, and crustaceans.
        • Paste Bait: Typically used for herbivorous species.
        • Artificial Bait: Man-made lures crafted from plastic or wood.
      • Operation: An individual fisherman casts the baited line into the water, waits for a fish to bite, and then retrieves the fish by pulling it from the water.
   2. Long Line Method: Predominantly used in regions like Cuba and Japan, this technique involves a long main line with multiple shorter ganglines attached. The ganglines can be permanently spliced or clipped and are baited with various organic materials.
      • Types:
        • Floating Long Line: Maintained at a specific depth using floats.
        • Bottom Long Line: Positioned on or near the seafloor, held in place by anchors.
      • Operation: The long line is deployed from the stern of a fishing vessel, with a buoy marking one end. After a period, the line is retrieved using a hauler, allowing for the collection of hooked fish.
2. Cast Net:
   • Recognized as an active fishing gear, the cast net is typically used in shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms.
   • The net has a conical shape, measuring approximately 2.5 to 3 meters in radius and made from cotton or nylon twines with mesh sizes between 1 to 2 cm.
   • The operation involves a fisherman swinging the net overhead and dropping it into the water, where it sinks to trap fish.
3. Gill Net:
   • This passive fishing gear is designed to ensnare fish as they attempt to swim through it.
   • Composed of multiple sections (16-25 pieces), each 3 to 5 meters long, the net drifts vertically, utilizing floats and sinkers for stability.
   • Types:
     • Floating Gill Net: Set at the water’s surface or mid-depth.
     • Anchored Gill Net: Fixed in place using anchors in larger bodies of water.
     • Trammel Gill Net: Features three walls for increased catch efficiency.
   • Operation: The net is typically left overnight, with fish becoming entangled as they swim into the mesh.
4. Traps: Various passive traps are employed in both inland and marine settings.A. Inland Fishing Traps:
   • Basket Trap: Two dome-shaped baskets with flexible openings to catch fish.
   • Pot Trap: An earthen pot baited and partially closed to lure fish inside.
   • Konch Trap: A conical bamboo basket placed in shallow water to trap fish.
   B. Marine Fishing Trap Nets:
   • Fyke Net: A cylindrical net with wings to guide fish into its mouth, used in shallow waters.
   • Pound Net: A larger net designed to guide fish into a designated area for easier capture.
   • Dol Net: A conical net with a wide mouth used to filter fish from the water.
5. Rampani Net:
   • A filtering net designed to encompass a section of water, comprised of numerous rectangular pieces.
   • The central mesh size is finer compared to the sides, facilitating the capture of fish as the net is pulled to shore.
6. Trawl Net:
   • A significant gear type, it is conical and typically towed by a trawler.
   • The net measures approximately 30 meters in length, featuring a wide mouth that narrows towards the cod end, facilitating the capture of various fish species.
   • Types:
     • Otter Trawl Net: Equipped with boards to maintain an open mouth during operation.
     • Beam Trawl Net: Supported by a long wooden beam to keep the net open.
   • Operation: The net is dragged through the water, filtering fish as it moves, with special mechanisms preventing escape.

Maintenance of fishing crafts

Maintaining fishing crafts is a critical aspect of ensuring their longevity and operational efficiency. Regular maintenance not only preserves the structural integrity of the vessels but also enhances safety and performance during fishing expeditions. Below is a detailed and structured overview of essential maintenance practices for fishing crafts.

• Regular Inspection: The bottoms of fishing boats should be inspected at frequent intervals to identify and address any wear or damage. This proactive approach helps prevent more significant issues from developing.
• Protection of Underwater Components: To shield the underwater sections of the boat from marine growth, copper sheeting and specialized copper paints are employed. These materials inhibit the growth of barnacles and aquatic grasses, which can impede performance. Additionally, the paints serve to block moisture entry into wooden components, thereby preventing deterioration.
• Fungal Prevention: Wood is particularly vulnerable to fungi, which thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause significant rot. Therefore, all areas of the boat must be adequately ventilated. A well-designed drainage system is essential to facilitate moisture removal and minimize fungal proliferation.
• Chemical Treatments: Wooden boats can be treated with chemical preservatives and oil-based preservatives to enhance their durability. The chemical preservative typically consists of:
  • Arsenic Pentoxide: 1 part
  • Copper Sulphate: 3 parts
  • Potassium Dichromate: 4 parts
  • This mixture is dissolved in 10 parts of water to create an effective treatment solution.
• Salt Solution Injections: Another method of protecting timber involves injecting a salt solution into the wood. This treatment can bolster the wood’s resistance to decay and prolong its lifespan.
• Ongoing Maintenance Practices: In addition to the methods outlined above, continuous upkeep is crucial. This includes regular cleaning, monitoring for signs of damage or wear, and applying protective coatings as necessary. Fishermen should also be trained to recognize potential issues early on.
• Storage Considerations: When not in use, fishing crafts should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to reduce exposure to moisture. Covering the vessel can also protect it from environmental elements.
• Safety Checks: Safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, and navigation lights, should be routinely checked to ensure they are in proper working condition. This vigilance is paramount in safeguarding the crew during fishing operations.

Maintenance of fishing gears

Maintaining fishing gear is essential for ensuring its functionality, durability, and effectiveness during fishing operations. Proper care and maintenance practices not only enhance the longevity of the gear but also improve overall fishing success. The following points outline effective maintenance techniques for fishing nets and other gear components.

• Thorough Cleaning: Fishing nets that have been contaminated with algal mats, fish slime, or organic debris must be thoroughly washed. This process should involve running water to effectively remove contaminants. Nets should be cleaned in the shade by either hanging them or spreading them out on beaches to prevent direct sunlight damage.
• Salt Treatment: After cleaning, nets should be treated with a brine solution. This can be accomplished by submerging the nets in saltwater or by sprinkling an adequate amount of salt over them. Salt acts as a natural preservative, inhibiting bacterial growth and helping to prevent degradation.
• Chemical Preservation: To enhance the preservation of nets, various chemicals may be utilized. Commonly used substances include ammonia, coal tar, and copper sulphate. These chemicals not only help in cleaning but also provide protective qualities against deterioration.
• Protection Against Bacterial Action: To further safeguard the nets from bacterial degradation, they can be immersed in tannin solutions or treated with specific chemicals. Vegetable tannins, derived from the bark of certain trees such as Kalasan and Babul, as well as from the nuts of Myrobalan and Panchikka fruits, serve as natural protectants.
• Potassium Dichromate Treatment: Nets can be treated with a 1% potassium dichromate solution. This treatment is effective in providing additional protection against various environmental factors that may contribute to the deterioration of the fibers.
• Waterproofing: The strength and waterproofing of fishing nets can be enhanced by applying hot tar or kerosene-diluted tar. This treatment increases the tensile strength of the fibers, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of fishing activities while also preventing water absorption.
• Regular Inspections: Routine inspections of fishing gear are necessary to identify signs of wear, damage, or contamination. This proactive measure allows for timely repairs or replacements, ensuring that the gear remains in optimal condition for use.
• Storage Considerations: Proper storage of fishing gear when not in use is critical. Gear should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture accumulation and subsequent degradation. Covering the gear can protect it from dust and environmental contaminants.