The four main types of gear are explored below:

Towed gears –  include all forms of nets that are towed behind a fishing boat, or in the case of pair trawling, two fishing boats working in partnership.

Encircling gears –  are usually deployed from a fishing boat are are used to surround and capture fish.

Static gears –  include nets and pots that are left in the water for a while to capture those fish and shellfish that are attracted to them or encounter them in their travels.

The final category is anything with a fish hook and line.

There is overlap between these categories, fly dragging is a towed activity that has evolved from a static one.  Trolling for game fish – is that hook and line or towed?  Long lining – is this static or hook and line?

For more information please use the links below or visit the much more comprehensive information available in our learning package on fishing skills including fishing gears available here:  Introduction to Fishing Methods