276 THE SEAS 



being increased slightly for the larger nets. It stands to 

 reason therefore that an otter-trawl can be used with a 

 far larger opening than any beam-trawl, and for this reason 

 it has largely superseded the beam -trawl. The height of 

 the mouth also is not limited by a frame, and in an efficient 

 otter-trawl it is probable that the upper edge of the mouth 

 or " head-line " may be ten to fifteen feet above the bottom, 

 so that the chances of a fish escaping over the top of the 

 trawls are considerably decreased. These trawls are used 

 nowadays with an opening of anything up to 100 feet in width. 



This bag-shaped net is drawn over the sea bottom by the 

 trawling vessel. The weight of these nets out of water is 

 great and, when this large area of netting is exposed to the 

 friction of the water as it is towed along, the pull is enormous. 

 For hauling these great nets powerful steam winches are 

 required, carrying on their drums wire cable sufficient to 

 withstand a strain of many tons, for when by accident a 

 net comes fast against a rock or submerged wreck the 

 whole weight of the ship is taken by the wire. 



Some skill is required for " shooting " these nets and an 

 inexperienced hand might soon be in difficulties through 

 the net and warp winding round the propeller of the ship, 

 or going down belly upwards. 



The net is hauled by two wire warps, one attached to 

 each " door." These wires run over stout pulley wheels 

 fixed in two heavy frames known as the " gallows," one 

 forward and one aft. By the presence or absence of the 

 " gallows " one can tell at a glance whether a vessel is 

 fitted for trawling. On most trawlers there are two pairs 

 of gallows so that the trawl may be " shot " from either 

 side of the ship. Generally two nets are in use, and as 

 soon as one has been hauled up full of fish on the port side, 

 the starboard net is shot and so there is no waste of time 

 while the catch is being emptied. While the starboard 



