Deep sea fishing boats are specially designed vessels that are equipped to venture out into the open ocean to catch large game fish. These boats are built to withstand the rough conditions of the sea and are equipped with the necessary gear and equipment to reel in big catches.
There are several types of deep sea fishing boats that are used for different purposes. Some popular types include sport fishing boats, charter boats, and commercial fishing boats. Each type has its own unique features and capabilities that make them well-suited for deep sea fishing.
Whether you are an avid fisherman looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a commercial fisherman looking to make a living off the sea, understanding the different types of deep sea fishing boats and what they are called is essential. In this article, we will explore the various types of deep sea fishing boats and their characteristics.
Trawlers
Trawlers are a type of deep sea fishing boat that are specifically designed for trawling, which involves dragging a fishing net through the water behind the boat in order to catch fish. These boats are typically larger in size and have powerful engines to support long journeys out at sea. Trawlers often have a large storage capacity for caught fish, as well as processing facilities on board to prepare the catch for sale. They are commonly used in commercial fishing operations to catch a variety of fish species, such as cod, haddock, and shrimp.
| Key Features of Trawlers: |
|---|
| Large size |
| Powerful engines |
| Storage capacity for caught fish |
| Onboard processing facilities |
Longliners
Longliners are a type of deep sea fishing boats that are specifically designed for using longlines to catch fish. Longlines are fishing lines that can be several miles long and have hundreds or even thousands of hooks attached to them.
Key Features:
- Longliners are equipped with specialized equipment for handling longlines, such as hydraulic systems for setting and hauling the lines.
- These boats often have a large freezer capacity to store the catch for extended periods of time.
- Longliners typically have a crew of skilled fishermen who are experienced in handling longline fishing gear.
Longliners are commonly used to catch species like tuna, swordfish, and halibut, which are often found at great depths in the ocean. These boats play a crucial role in the commercial fishing industry and help supply seafood to markets around the world.
Gillnetters
Gillnetters are a type of fishing boat specifically designed for the method of gillnetting. Gillnets are vertical panels of netting that are suspended in the water to catch fish by their gills. Gillnetters are equipped with a winch system to deploy and retrieve the nets, making it easier for fishermen to haul in their catch.
Characteristics of Gillnetters
Gillnetters typically have a low profile and a spacious deck to accommodate the nets and the catch. They also have a strong, powerful engine to navigate the waters effectively. Many gillnetters have a cabin where the crew can rest during long fishing trips.
Usage of Gillnetters
Gillnetters are commonly used in commercial fishing operations to catch a variety of fish species, including salmon, cod, and tuna. They are especially popular in regions where gillnetting is a common and effective method of fishing. Gillnetters are essential vessels in the fishing industry, contributing to the supply of fresh seafood to markets worldwide.
Purse Seiners
Purse seiners are a type of fishing vessel specifically designed for catching fish in large quantities. These boats are equipped with a large purse seine net, which is used to encircle a school of fish and then draw the bottom closed like a purse to trap the fish inside.
Purse seiners are commonly used in commercial fishing operations, especially for catching pelagic fish such as tuna, mackerel, and herring. These boats can range in size from small coastal vessels to large industrial ships equipped with state-of-the-art technology for efficient fishing.
The purse seiner fishing method is highly effective for targeting schools of fish that swim close to the surface, making it a popular choice for commercial fishing fleets around the world. These boats play a crucial role in supplying seafood to markets and consumers globally.
Pot Boats
Pot boats are small, specialized vessels used for catching crab and lobster in deep sea waters. These boats are equipped with large holding tanks, known as “pots,” where the catch is stored until the boat returns to port.
Design
- Pot boats are typically smaller in size compared to traditional fishing boats, allowing them to navigate through tight spaces and access hard-to-reach areas where crab and lobster are plentiful.
- These boats are equipped with hydraulic systems that lower and retrieve the pots from the ocean floor, making the process of catching and storing the crustaceans more efficient.
Usage
Pot boats are commonly used in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska for crab fishing, as well as in the Northeastern United States and Canada for lobster fishing. These vessels play a crucial role in the sustainable harvesting of these valuable seafood resources.
Drifters
Drifters are a type of deep sea fishing boat that uses a passive fishing method. These boats drift along with the currents, allowing the fishing gear to trail behind them and catch fish as they move. Drifters are often used to catch species that swim close to the surface or in mid-water, such as tuna or mackerel.
Features of Drifters:
- Passive Fishing Method: Drifters do not actively pursue fish but rely on the movement of the currents to catch them.
- Fishing Gear: Drifters typically use long lines, nets, or other floating gear to capture fish as they drift.
- Navigation: Drifters need to carefully monitor the currents and weather conditions to ensure they are drifting in the right direction for optimal fishing success.
Jiggers
Jiggers are specialized deep sea fishing boats designed for jigging, a fishing technique that involves dropping a lure or bait up and down in the water to attract predatory fish. These boats are typically smaller in size compared to other deep sea fishing vessels, allowing for more maneuverability in the water.
Equipped with powerful motors and advanced sonar equipment, jiggers are able to locate schools of fish more effectively and target them with precision. The compact size of jiggers also enables them to navigate through narrow spaces in the sea, reaching fishing spots that larger boats cannot.
Jiggers are popular among professional fishermen for their agility and efficiency in catching a wide variety of fish species in deep waters.
Prawn Trawlers
Prawn trawlers are specialized fishing vessels designed for catching prawns, also known as shrimp, in deep sea waters. These boats are equipped with large nets, known as trawls, which are dragged along the seafloor to collect prawns in commercial quantities. The nets are specifically designed with small openings to prevent the escape of prawns while allowing other marine life to swim free.
These vessels are equipped with advanced technology, such as sonar systems and GPS navigation, to locate prawn populations and navigate the vast ocean waters efficiently. Prawn trawlers are often crewed by skilled fishermen who have experience in operating the specialized equipment required for successful prawn fishing.
Due to the delicate nature of prawns and the competitive nature of the fishing industry, prawn trawlers must adhere to strict regulations and sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term viability of prawn populations and the marine ecosystem as a whole.
Crabbers
Crabbers are a type of deep sea fishing boat specifically designed for catching crabs. These boats are equipped with special traps, known as crab pots, that are used to lure crabs in and capture them for harvesting.
Features of Crabbers:
Crabbers are typically smaller in size compared to other deep sea fishing boats, but they are sturdy and built to withstand rough seas. They often have a high railing around the deck to prevent crabs from escaping once they are caught in the traps.
Types of Crabbers: There are different types of crabbers, including traditional crab boats and modern crab vessels equipped with advanced technology such as sonar and GPS systems to locate crab populations more effectively.
Tuna Boats
Tuna boats are specifically designed vessels used for commercial fishing of tuna. These boats are equipped with specialized equipment such as fish finders, longlines, and tuna tubes to facilitate the catching and storing of tuna.
| Characteristics: | Tuna boats are typically large in size, ranging from 50 to 100 feet in length. They are sturdy and stable to withstand the rough conditions of the open sea. |
| Equipment: | Tuna boats are equipped with refrigeration systems to keep the catch fresh and storage holds to accommodate large quantities of tuna. |
| Usage: | Tuna boats are used by commercial fishermen to catch tuna for sale to markets and restaurants around the world. They may also be used for recreational tuna fishing trips. |