Commercial Fishing Equipment Basics

Learn commercial fishing equipment basics to purchase essential gear

Learning commercial fishing equipment basics before purchasing the gear ensures you're buying the most essential commercial fishing gear for your operation. Some commercial fishing equipment, such as knives, is for every commercial fishing operation, while other gear, such as traps, are only for catching a specific type of fish or crab.

Knowing the basics of commercial fishing gear allows you to make informed decisions when outfitting your boat. For commercial fishermen on a tight budget, it's helpful to know what equipment is absolutely necessary, such as survival suits when fishing in northern waters, and what equipment you can buy after the boat turns a profit. When learning commercial fishing equipment basics, consider the following:

1. Know the difference between a gaff, a harpoon and a gaff-harpoon combo.

2. Cutlery is a broad term used for fish-specific and general purpose knives.

3. Know that both fishermen and retailers also call a crab or shrimp trap a pot.

 

Know that gaffs are a critical piece of commercial fishing gear

A gaff is essentially a large fish hook that has either a handle or a long spear. These tools pull heavy game fish into the boat as well as maneuver the fish once it's aboard. Gaffs are a safety device and keep hands clear of snapping teeth.
Try: Visit Blue Ocean Tackle to see photographs of different styles of gaffs. Compare the "T" shaped gaffs, ideal for handling the fish once it's on board, to the gaffs with long shafts, which grab the fish as it's pulled from the water. FishReports.net discusses the various uses of different styles of gaffs.

Review different styles of commercial fishing equipment cutlery

Cutlery is a commercial fishing equipment key term that refers to cutting instruments used in the fishing industry. Knives and other cutting tools are in use throughout the entire fishing process, from cutting the bait to processing the catch. These knives are often fish-specific. For example, processing halibut requires a knife designed for that type of fish.
Try: Read through the list of tools and knives commonly used in the commercial fishing industry at TackleDirect. Click on the individual links to see photographs of the cutlery and read about their specific functions. Visit Go2marine to see photographs of cutlery frequently found in a commercial fishing supply. The photographs have a brief description of each knife's purpose.

See examples of harpoons found in commercial fishing supplies

Equipment for commercial fishing often includes a harpoon. This tool is for catching large game fish such as swordfish, blue fin tuna and sharks. For safety reasons, harpoons are typically disassembled and stored until needed. Although gaffs and harpoons are two different tools, gaff and harpoon hybrids are also available.
Try: To see a photograph of a harpoon in action as well as detailed photos of a disassembled harpoon, visit BlueMarlinChronicles. Click on "How to Rig the Poon" for directions and a diagram for assembling the harpoon. To see photos of various harpoons, including gaff and harpoon combos, visit South Chatham Tackle.

Study how fishing industry equipment traps function

Perhaps some of the most recognized supplies for the fishing industry are crab and shrimp traps. Thanks to popular television shows and documentaries on Alaskan crab fishing, nearly everyone knows what a crap trap, or pot as they are commonly called, looks like. Few people outside of the commercial fishing industry understand exactly how they work, though.
Try: Read a detailed explanation of how crab traps work at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Click on the links to read more basics about crab fishing. Learn more about how crab traps work when catching specific species of crab at Neptune Marine Products.

 

• On-board commercial fishing products should always include the necessary commercial fishing apparel designed for increasing the chances of survival, including survival suits in cold climates and life jackets for every person on board, which are required by law.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---