Discover the Secrets Behind the Seas: What Are Fishing Vessels Called? Unveiling the Ultimate 2024 Guide

What are fishing vessels called? Fishing vessels can simply be defined as a boat or ship that is used to catch aquatic creature which are valuable for us such as fish, crabs, sea snail and shrimp in the sea, river or on lake. I will briefly explain about fishing vessels. Human use different types of fishing vessels which play vital role in the world of fishing industry mostly in providing seafood to human beings.

From nets to decks what are fishing vessels called?

Any boat or tool use to catch a fish is considered as fishing vessel. Fishing vessel can vary in size. It can be small as traditional boat to large modern trawler design to catch different species. Type of these boats depend upon method of catching and the kind of species we want to catch. Fishing boats include raft, dugout canoes, sail boat, motor boat, catamarans and super yacht ETC.

Before 1950 people were not familiar with fishing vessels. But now more than 4.1 million fishing vessels are present all over the world. World’s largest number of fishing vessel are present in China. There are about 564 000 vessels present in China. China is considered to be the world’s largest seafood producer in 2022 by providing 67.5 metric ton seafood. Best fishing vessel present in China is TAI HONG NO. 1 which was built in 1993 over 30 years ago.

What is the main purpose of fishing vessels?

Main purpose of fishing vessels is to catch fish and other aquatic animals which are essential for human beings. Fisherman can catch fish and keep them alive in the fishing vessels. They use different kinds of vessels ranging from small 5 meters Bay boat or skiff to large The Atlantic Dawn that is 144 meters long and is one of the largest fishing vessels in the world.  

Depending upon the size, fishing vessel can be divided into three types.

• Small size fishing vessel
• Medium size fishing vessel
• Larger size fishing vessel

Small size fishing vessel:

This type of fishing vessel operates in freshwater bodies. These boats do not have any cabin or pilothouse. Small fishing boats are approximately 12 to 16 feet in length.

Such as little fisher, Baby skipper and Minnow boats.

Medium size fishing vessel:

This type of fishing vessel operates in exclusive economic zone. They are 16 to 20 feet in length.

For example, Center console, Pontoon boat, catamaran and cuddy cabin.

Larger size fishing vessel:

This type of fishing vessel operates on ocean. These boats are larger than 28 feet. Such as Flying bridge sports fishing boat, convertible and Trawler.

Fishing vessel can be divided into three types on the bases of their purpose.

• Artisanal fishing vessel
• Commercial fishing vessel
• Recreational fishing vessel

Artisanal fishing vessel:

Artisanal vessel also known as traditional fishing vessel. Fishermen use simple rods and tackle, small boats, fishing arrows, cast nets and harpoons to catch fish. This is small scaled low technology fishing practice and is used for whole sale to local market.

Traditional fishing practice is somehow important because it is less stressful on fish population. In this Era when the world has invented amazing fishing vessel like super trawler, Artisanal boats have their own importance and millions of people are using this technique all around the world.

Commercial fishing vessel:

Commercial fishing vessel are also known as industrial fishing vessel. They are used to catch large quantity of fish and are mainly responsible to provide seafood all over the globe.

Recreational fishing vessel:

As name describe, recreational boats are not just used for fishing instead people use these boats for recreational activities. These are also called sport boats and used for pleasure and competition by people.

Common fishing vessels:

Following are important fishing vessel:

Trawler:

Trawler are most commonly used fishing vessel now a day. They are use to catch large variety of fish at a time. They consist of net equipped under the water. Trawler are also called dragged gear. Trawlers vary in size. They can be as small as open boat with 30ph engine to large as 10,000ph. Trawlers can be divided into two types.

• Mid water trawlers.
• Bottom trawler

Mid water trawlers are in cone shape and are designed to catch fish from middle of the water. They consist of four panels. Mid water trawlers are larger than bottom trawler.

Bottom water trawlers are design to catch species that are present at the bottom of the water bodies. They are specially design to catch shrimp, crabs and dogfish. Bottom trawlers are mostly used in regions like pacific islands, southeast and west coast.

Dredgers:

Dredger are used to remove sediments like trash, rocks, animals and plants matter from the floor of ocean, lakes and other water bodies. Removed material is then deposited by the process called dredging. Main purpose of dredgers is to maintain safe navigation. It is also used to create new harbors and new shipping channels. There are three types of dredgers.

1. Hydraulic dredger
2. Mechanical dredger
3. Miscellaneous dredger.

Seiners:

These are the boats which consist of seine nets. These nets have long wings and toe the lines arranged vertically in the water. Seiners catch fish that swim in mid water zone. Following are Important seiners.

• Tuna purse seiner
• American seines
• Drum seine
• European seine

Trap setters:

Traps or pots are used in these types of fishing vessels to catch fish. Trap setters are used to catch shellfish like ground species. The use of traps has been invented many times. Mostly people use this method because quite easier and affordable by the people.

Following important Trap setter are used for fishing.

• Belisle trap setter
• Conibear safety gripper
• DP trap setter
• Sleepy creek trap setter
• Locking trap setter

Gillnetters:

These types of fishing vessels are used to catch fish with the help of nets. These nets are made of net web, head rope and foot rope. Gillnetters are designed in such a way that only heads of fish go through the nets. When they try to back out of the net their gill caught into the mesh. Fish can’t see these nets and easily trapped in them. These nets are mostly made of monofilament nylon (PA) and many other multifilament or multi monofilament netting.

Longlines:

Longlines are the fishing vessel which have long fishing lines and all of these lines are connected with multiple baited hooks. The lines at which baited hook are connected are known as snoods. Main advantage of this type of fishing method is to get high quality fish. These are used to catch pelagic fish as well as bottom fish. Longlines fishing is also called flag line fishing. There are three types of longlines

• Demersal longline
• Pelagic longline
• Surface longline

Important Fishing vessels:

Canoe:

It is a small fishing vessels which is also called paddle boat. Paddle is used to propel the boat. A person who uses paddle to run the vehicle is known as paddler. Number of paddlers depend upon the size of boat. Canoe mostly used for pleasure and competition. Canoe can be made up of bark of certain tree or skin of animals. Modern canoe is made up of waterproof canvas shell. Canoe boat is used for fishing usually in freshwater bodies such as river, lakes and ponds.

Bay Boat:

As the name indicate bay boats are used for fishing in bay or near shore areas. These fishing vessels are used in open water as well as deeper areas. Bay boats are mostly 20 to 25 feet in length. Main characteristic of this boat is versatility that make it perfect for fishing in shallow or deeper water.

Here are some best bay boats:

• 251 XSS
• 231 XS
• 2220 GTS
• 2220 FISHERMAN.

Bowrider Boat:

Bowrider boat is given the name because of bow section present in it. We can say that it is best family boat because of it many features like passenger space, hull design and seating areas. Hull design can be different in different brands. Many of them have large deck space and some have large steep hull angle.

Best bowrider boats are given below:

• Sea Ray SPX 210
• Sea Ray SPX 210 OB
• Sea Ray SLX  260
•  

Catamarans:

Catamarans have two hulls which are connected with the help of bridge. Due to its two hulls catamaran provide more individual space. These boats have more additional areas for enjoying outdoors. Catamaran have two engines and two rudders, one in each hull and it offers flat even deck and wide passages.

Some of the best catamarans are given below:

• Gemini 105M
• Lagoon 380

Convertible:

These are advanced type of fishing vessels having aft bulkhead. The cabins and all other features make it costly. It consists of cockpit for fishing and very comfortable salon with a gallery. Convertible boats are used for fishing in salt water. It is also used as a sport boat. These boats are specially designed to catch fish such as marlin and sharks. Best convertible boats are given below:

• Ocean 50 super sport
• Viking 48 convertible
• Riviera 47 convertible
• Cabo 40 flying bridge

Express boat:

Express boats are like convertible boats having a gallery, sleeping space and a full head. It is used for fishing in deep sea. These fishing vessels have low center of gravity and are more stable than convertible boats. Important express boats are given below:

• Grady-white express 370
• Jupiter 41 express
• See V 430 express
• World cat 320 EC

Fishing Kayak:

It is an old style of boat used for fishing. Fishing is quite easier as it is single person boat. A kayak is smaller than a boat and is light weight.

Types of kayaks are given below:

• Economy kayak
• Angler kayak
• Pedal kayak

Fishing kayak are affordable and can reach at water bodies where other boats can’t access.

Deck Boat:

Deck boats have large deck that is designed for recreational use. Some deck boats are made up of fiberglass and some are made of aluminum metals. Deck boats can handle rougher water better than any other boat.

Pontoon Boat:

As name suggested pontoon boats consist of pontoon that is floating device which is used to add buoyancy to structure. These are perfect boats for family by having large rectangular space. Pontoon boats have all facilities for fisherman such as rod holder and cubbies for storing fishing equipment.

Bass Boat:

These are the fishing vessels which are designed for bass fishing. These are used for fishing in freshwater bodies. Bass boats consist of two types of motors, one is outboard motor and other is trolling motor. out board motors are used to steer the boat while trolling motors are used for consistency and slow speed movement of boats. Following are the best bass boats,

• Ranger
• Nitro
• Tracker
• Bass cat

 Flat Skiff:

Flat skiffs are used by inshore fishermen that is easily to built and is inexpensive. It has flat bottom and pointed bow. It is used for fishing in shallow water areas. These boats are usually 20 to 100 feet in length and 12 to 20 feet wide.

Best flat boats are:

• Hewes boats
• Hell’s bay
• Maverick

Center Console boat:

In center console boat the helm is in the center and is single decked with open hull. These fishing vessels are good for fishing because we can change directions easily. These boats are good when you want to enjoy fishing with your family because of their versatility.

Best center console fishing vessels are given below:

• Contender boats
• Pathfinder boats
• Invincible boats
• Regulator boats

Modern Innovations

Here’s how you can present the “Modern Innovations” section in a table format:

Innovation	Description	Impact on the Industry
Advanced Sonar Systems	Use of high-resolution sonar for better fish detection and mapping of seabeds.	Increased efficiency in locating fish, reducing time spent searching and improving catch rates.
Autonomous Fishing Vessels	Vessels equipped with AI and automation for navigation and fishing operations.	Reduced need for crew, enhanced safety, and optimized fishing routes.
Hybrid & Electric Propulsion	Implementation of hybrid engines or fully electric systems in fishing vessels.	Lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Smart Net Technology	Nets equipped with sensors to detect catch size and species before hauling.	Minimizes bycatch, improving sustainability and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Real-Time Data Analytics	Use of cloud-based platforms for real-time data on weather, fish patterns, etc.	Better decision-making, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced catch predictability.
Improved Cold Storage	Advanced refrigeration systems to maintain the quality of the catch.	Prolongs the freshness of the catch, allowing for longer trips and reducing waste.
Energy-Efficient Lighting	Use of LED and other energy-efficient lighting systems on vessels.	Reduced energy consumption, lower operational costs, and compliance with energy standards.
Sustainable Fishing Gear	Development of eco-friendly and biodegradable fishing gear.	Reduces environmental impact, minimizes ghost fishing, and supports sustainable practices.

Conclusion:

Fishing vessels are the most important part of fishing industry in all over the world. It is essential for fisherman to choose a fishing vessel that is best for fishing in their areas. Some fishing vessels are designed for fishing in freshwater areas while some are best for fishing in open water areas like ocean.

If you are thinking for fishing on commercial scale than you have to buy a fishing vessel that can be used to catch fish on large scale at a time. Trawlers are mostly used for catching different variety of fish at a time. Kayak and canoe are old type of boats. These are small boats that can be used for fishing where trawler cannot reach. For best Fishing result we have to choose best boat with all the qualities required for fishing in specific area.