Trolling and longlining are two popular fishing methods used to catch a variety of fish species. Trolling involves towing baited lines behind a moving boat, while longlining uses a main line with multiple baited hooks. Both techniques allow fishermen to cover large areas and target specific depths.
These methods have significant economic and environmental impacts. While they contribute to global seafood production, they also raise concerns about bycatch and . Regulations and technological advancements aim to balance fishing efficiency with conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
Trolling basics
Trolling involves towing baited fishing lines behind a moving boat to catch fish
This method targets predatory fish species that actively pursue prey in open water
Trolling allows anglers to cover large areas efficiently and locate productive fishing spots
Definition and purpose
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Top images from around the web for Definition and purpose
Category:Longlines fishing - Wikimedia Commons View original
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Fisherman Longlining | Credit: Green Fire Productions. Capti… | Flickr View original
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Fishing technique where lures or baited hooks are drawn through water behind a moving vessel
Designed to mimic the movement of prey fish and attract predatory species
Enables fishermen to target specific depths and cover extensive areas of water
Particularly effective for catching fast-swimming pelagic fish (, salmon, mackerel)
Equipment for trolling
Trolling rods designed to withstand the stress of dragging lures through water
Specialized reels with line counters to measure depth and distance of lures
used to maintain precise depth control of fishing lines
Outriggers extend fishing lines away from the boat to cover a wider area
Variety of artificial lures and natural baits used to attract different fish species
Trolling techniques
Varying boat speed affects lure action and target species (2-7 knots typical range)
Zigzag patterns help cover more water and present lures at different angles
Trolling with multiple lines at different depths increases chances of success
Using planers or diving devices to achieve desired lure depth without downriggers
Trolling along underwater structures or temperature breaks to find concentrations of fish
Longlining fundamentals
Longlining involves setting a main line with multiple baited hooks to catch fish
This method can target both pelagic and demersal fish species depending on setup
Longlining allows for large-scale commercial fishing operations in deep waters
Longline structure
Main line (backbone) extends horizontally in water, can be several miles long
Branch lines (gangions) attached to main line at intervals, each with a baited hook
Floats and weights used to maintain desired depth and position of the longline
Radio beacons and marker help locate and retrieve the gear
Mainline materials include monofilament, multifilament, or steel wire depending on target species
Bait and hook types
Natural baits (squid, mackerel, sardines) commonly used to attract target species
Artificial baits and lures sometimes employed for specific fisheries
Circle hooks increasingly used to reduce bycatch and improve survival of released fish
J-hooks still utilized in some fisheries but may cause higher mortality rates
Hook sizes and styles vary based on target species and regulatory requirements
Deployment methods
Surface longlining targets pelagic species in upper water column
Bottom longlining set on or near seafloor for demersal fish
Vertical longlining uses weighted mainline with multiple hooks at different depths
Automated longline systems deploy and retrieve gear more efficiently
Manual deployment still common in smaller-scale operations and artisanal fisheries
Target species
Understanding target species behavior and habitat preferences crucial for successful fishing
Different species require specific gear configurations and fishing strategies
Conservation status of target species influences management decisions and fishing practices
Pelagic vs demersal fish
Pelagic fish live in open water columns (tuna, , mahi-mahi)
Demersal fish inhabit areas near the seafloor (cod, halibut, grouper)
Pelagic species often targeted by surface longlining and trolling methods
Demersal fish typically caught using bottom longlines or specialized trolling techniques
Gear modifications necessary to target different depth ranges effectively
Seasonal considerations
affect availability and distribution of target species
Spawning seasons may lead to fishing restrictions or closures to protect breeding populations
Water temperature changes influence fish behavior and feeding patterns
Seasonal weather patterns impact fishing conditions and gear deployment strategies
Adjusting fishing efforts to align with peak seasons for target species improves efficiency
Environmental impacts
Trolling and longlining can have significant effects on marine ecosystems
Understanding and mitigating these impacts essential for sustainable fisheries management
Balancing economic needs with environmental conservation remains an ongoing challenge
Bycatch issues
Unintended capture of non-target species major concern in longline fisheries
Seabirds, sea turtles, and sharks particularly vulnerable to longline bycatch
Trolling generally more selective but can still result in bycatch of undersized fish
devices (BRDs) and modified gear designs help minimize unintended catches
Proper handling and release techniques crucial for improving survival rates of bycatch species