Commercial Fishing Equipment Key Terms

Learn about commercial fishing equipment to choose the right tools for your operation

By Tai G., Writer

What you need for your commercial fishing business will depend on the type of fishing you intend to do. However, understanding what is available and knowing which choices are right for you requires a deeper knowledge of commercial fishing equipment terms. In any business, learning the terms associated to your niche gives you the upper hand, thus enhancing your productivity.

Buoys

These are floating devices usually used with an anchor so fishermen can mark the spots in the water where set their fishing nets. Buoys come in various shapes, sizes and can be polyform, steel or inflatable, depending on your need.
Try: Globalsecurity.org discusses how commercial fishers use buoys.

Haulers

Haulers are tools that help fishers with hauling fish out of the water. Haulers come in all shapes and sizes, and the one you choose will depend on the volume your boat handles and the method of fishing you use.
Try: J.K. Fabrication features high-end longline haulers, offers detailed specs, and describes how the equipment works.

Gillnet

This type of netting is used to catch a large quantity of fish at one time. It is suspended by floats, which both identify the location of the netting and holds it in place.
Try: Monterey Bay Aquarium explains the gillnetting method of fishing, as well as other techniques that require various commercial fishing equipment, such as dredging and long lining.

Commercial fishing electronics

This describes a wide variety of electronic items including radios, portable finders and beacons. These items help commercial fishers navigate and are often used to ensure the safety of fishermen.
Try: Commercial Fishing introduces a number of electronic items and describes the features and benefits of each.

Harpoons

These are tools shaped sort of like spears. They are used to catch fish by hand, individually. This technique takes great skill.
Try: Blue Ocean Tackle discusses various types of harpoons and how they are best used.